Stiq Figures, January 13 - 19: Weird sequels edition

I can't imagine making sequels is an easy thing to do. Developers are usually expected to surpass the preceding game with a harder better, faster stronger experience that throws in new elements without losing the original's flavor. If it's a long-running series, they're also dealing with the hardcore fans of each game that would love to have a followup in the exact style of their particular favorite. Sometimes instead of going for something predictable though, developers try some radical changes instead.

For the most part, those swerves end up being games I really enjoy. Filling a Zelda game with sidequests for masks, a possessed kid and a countdown for a disturbing moon's gradual descent into a small town? Sounds kinda nuts, but The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is my favorite Zelda because of its weird qualities. Its dark story and twisted take on many of Zelda's established assets struck me as a bizarrely refreshing spin on the series.

Yes, sometimes the oddball installments go wrong – I finished Metroid: Other M before harboring deep disappointment toward it – but I know there are plenty of odd sequels that actually turned out pretty well! I'd like to know which of those you've most enjoyed over the years, though if you really want to warn us against the worst examples you've stumbled into, I wouldn't hate you for it. Share your favorite left-field followups with us, right after you check out this week's Japanese hardware sales after the break!

3DS LL: 32,393 [DOWN] 7,645
Vita: 24,755 [DOWN] 4,739
3DS: 15,045 [DOWN] 5,071
PS3: 13,243 [DOWN] 1,602
Wii U: 11,443 [DOWN] 2,577
PSP: 4,024 [DOWN] 734
Vita TV: 2,208 [DOWN] 314
Xbox 360: 273 [DOWN] 8