Sequels with noob-friendly storylines

[Omerta]

--- Please toss me a link if this has already been done... ---

Assassin's Creed III fell into my lap while smoothing over a trade, so despite never touching a game in that series I'm hoping I can jump right in.

I've been tempted to do the same with other titles, but I have trouble with picking up a series that has been going on for multiple generations. I'm worried that I need to start at the beginning to fully enjoy it. Unfortunately to this line of thinking, sequels can be cheaper by far in some cases.

So for future reference I'd like to get a list of game series' with noob-friendly story lines that are either each self contained (like Final Fantasy minus the side stories) or a series that has little in relation amongst each other to a larger story or setting (like Fable or Dead Rising).

I have confidence that this group can brainstorm a great variety of games - especially RPGs - but please keep suggestions limited to games that are largely plot-driven in nature with multiple sequels, preferably cross-generation as well.

Bombs away.

[noiseredux]

good thread. Can't help you on Assassin's Creed. But good idea for a thread nonetheless.

[BRIK]

The main storyline of AC3 is self contained, but its run by an overarching storyline that's been going since the original. It's actually where that particular storyline ends, so it may be a bit confusing.

[Omerta]

^ Yeah I think I understand how it works is why I got it. Apparently each story is self contained in separate historical periods laid against the backdrop of an assassin's society that exists even in modern day.

[Cronozilla]

The numbered ones, yes, the subtitled games, no.

[Fragems]

^ Yeah I think I understand how it works is why I got it. Apparently each story is self contained in separate historical periods laid against the backdrop of an assassin's society that exists even in modern day.

If I remember correctly ACIII has a pretty darn good recap at the beginning. Not much really happened in world outside of the animus so the 5 minute or so recap they give sums everything up pretty well.

[ZeroAX]

I actually jumped into the series with AC2 and had no problem following the series.

Another really good series where the games have a stand alone story, but also an overarching plot is Deus Ex. You can play Human Revolution without having played the original, though some hints and references to the future of the plot will fly over your head that way.

....then again I don't understand why someone wouldn't play the original Deus Ex

[oxymoron]

Infamous: 2nd Son

Killzone: Shadow Fall

[dsheinem]

Dead or Alive Xtreme 2, Soul Calibur 2, Tomb Raider 2, God of War 2, Conception II...

oh wait: "noob-friendly"

nevermind

[Stark]

Dark Souls II can be played without a previous experience with the story/world. It's the most accessible so it works out nicely. I also don't see any reason you can't play Borderlands 2 out of order either.