The second installment is always the best or the one that introduces

Deus Ex

>>3941498
Parasite Eve 2
Dino Crisis 2

>>3941498
Well it makes sense that the first sequel is where a franchise will attempt to spread its wings, try new ideas which either succeed and expand its scope or don't, resulting in a return to the original form. It's like the video game equivalent of second album syndrome.

>DQ2
Not really.

>mario 2
Only in the west. Even the japs just call it SUPER MARIO USA.

Half of the time, devs have no idea why their first game is so well liked.

Also some devs don't really respect that people liked the first game in the first place. Zelda 2 is different because it's more like what they wanted to make in the first place. They just didn't think people would be that put off.

>>3943001
This
Sometimes there isn't really a "formula" for the series yet. And sometimes the second game really solidifies what direction the series goes in. See: Megaman

>>3941498
Street Fighter Alpha 3 was the best one

MGS2

>>3944085
VR missions was pure kino

>>3944485

MGS1 had VR missions, nothing new in 2.

>>3944078
I kinda like how Alpha 2 let you use both A style and a lesser V-style "custom combo" though.
At least Alpha 3 ports let you use all sorts of crazy shit in the "custom character" mode.