If you’ve ever browsed a UK online slot library, you’ll know that sequels are everywhere. From Legacy of Dead following Book of Dead to the countless versions of Big Bass Bonanza, developers love to revisit proven formulas. But the big question is: do these sequels genuinely outperform the originals, or do they simply ride on brand recognition?
Sequels can bring fresh features, improved graphics, or experimental mechanics. Yet, they also face high expectations, as players inevitably compare them with the games that made them famous in the first place. Let’s break down why sequels exist, which ones stand out, and whether they deliver more than nostalgia.
What Makes a Slot Sequel?
In the gaming world, a sequel is any title that builds directly on a previous success. For slots, this often means retaining the core mechanics that players love while adding enough new twists to make the game worth playing.
Familiar Mechanics with a Twist
Slot sequels typically borrow the structure of their predecessors. For example, Book of Dead’s expanding symbol mechanic inspired Legacy of Dead, but the sequel added higher volatility and multipliers. This balance of familiarity and novelty is crucial; it lets developers tap into existing fanbases while keeping the experience fresh.
Rebranded or Iterative Sequels
Not all sequels are revolutionary. Some are more like updates or iterations. For example, many seasonal slots are effectively sequels, Big Bass Bonanza became Big Bass Splash, then Big Bass Xmas Extreme. These games tweak bonus rounds or aesthetics without overhauling the underlying engine.
When Does a Game Qualify as a True Sequel?
A slot earns the “sequel” title when it carries over recognisable features, characters, mechanics, or themes, while offering new incentives to play. If it’s just a reskin with minimal changes, players often see it as lazy rather than innovative.
Why Developers Release Follow-Ups
Slot development is costly and competitive, so sequels aren’t just about creativity, they’re strategic business decisions.
Capitalising on Established Success
If a game becomes a hit, players are already emotionally invested. Releasing a sequel gives developers a guaranteed audience, reducing the risk of launching something entirely new. This is particularly true for mega-hits like Book of Dead or The Goonies.
Extending Brand Longevity
Sequels keep a franchise alive. By refreshing an older game with new mechanics, developers maintain relevance in a fast-moving market. Without sequels, classics could easily fade into the background as new titles flood the scene each month.
Meeting Player Demand
Players themselves often drive sequels. When a slot becomes part of community culture, fans start asking for new versions. Developers respond by adding features like extra free spins, side bonuses, or higher win potential.
Best Known Slot Sequels in the UK
Some sequels have become nearly as iconic as the originals. Here are a few standout examples and how they compare.
Book of Dead vs Legacy of Dead
Play’n GO’s Book of Dead is a cornerstone of modern slot design. Its sequel, Legacy of Dead, retains the expanding symbols mechanic but amps up volatility and adds multipliers.
|
Feature |
Book of Dead (Original) |
Legacy of Dead (Sequel) |
|
Release Year |
2016 |
2020 |
|
RTP |
~96.21% |
~96.58% |
|
Volatility |
High |
Very High |
|
Bonus Feature |
Free Spins + Expanding Symbol |
Free Spins + Multiplying Expanding Symbols |
|
Player Reception |
Widely loved, classic slot |
Popular with high-risk players |
For context on the original’s impact, check our Book of Dead original slot review.
Big Bass Bonanza vs Big Bass Splash
Pragmatic Play struck gold with Big Bass Bonanza. The fishing theme, free spins, and collector feature proved addictive. Big Bass Splash, its sequel, introduced animated cutscenes, modified mechanics, and higher volatility to increase excitement.
|
Feature |
Big Bass Bonanza |
Big Bass Splash |
|
Release Year |
2020 |
2022 |
|
RTP |
~96.71% |
~96.71% |
|
Volatility |
Medium-High |
High |
|
Bonus Feature |
Free Spins + Fisherman Wilds |
Enhanced Free Spins + More Multipliers |
|
Player Reception |
Family favourite fishing slot |
Praised for upgrades but tougher swings |
The Goonies vs The Goonies Return
Blueprint Gaming’s The Goonies became an instant hit with its feature-packed gameplay. The sequel, The Goonies Return, added extra modifiers and bonus rounds while improving visuals.
|
Feature |
The Goonies (Original) |
The Goonies Return (Sequel) |
|
Release Year |
2018 |
2021 |
|
RTP |
~96.00% |
~96.00% |
|
Volatility |
Medium-High |
Medium-High |
|
Bonus Feature |
Multiple Bonus Rounds |
More Bonus Rounds + New Modifiers |
|
Player Reception |
Cult favourite |
Strong follow-up, more polished |
Do Sequels Outperform the Originals?
The answer isn’t straightforward, sequels can succeed or fall flat depending on execution.
When Sequels Shine
Sequels often outperform originals when they refine gameplay mechanics without straying too far from what players loved. Legacy of Dead is a good example, it retained the magic of Book of Dead but offered greater win potential for risk-seekers.
When Sequels Struggle
On the flip side, some sequels feel unnecessary. If changes are purely cosmetic, players may stick with the original. For instance, themed reskins (Christmas Big Bass Bonanza) don’t always capture the same buzz as major gameplay overhauls.
RTP and Volatility Trends
Most sequels retain similar RTPs to their predecessors, though some adjust volatility to cater to different playstyles. This ensures that sequels broaden appeal rather than simply duplicate the same player base.
Reception vs Numbers
Ultimately, whether a sequel is “better” depends on what you value. Some players prefer the familiarity of originals, while others chase the riskier rewards of sequels. Reception is often split, proving that sequels are less about outperforming and more about diversifying.
Conclusion
Slot sequels are a fascinating part of the UK iGaming market. From Book of Dead’s legacy to the evolution of Big Bass Bonanza, sequels give players fresh reasons to revisit familiar worlds. Developers rely on them to extend brand power, while players get the option to choose between stability and innovation.
Do they outperform the originals? Sometimes. When they introduce meaningful features, sequels can outshine their predecessors. But when they lean too heavily on brand recognition, the originals usually remain the gold standard.
Either way, sequels enrich the slot landscape, offering more variety to explore within themes you already know and love.
