Chapter 1: The Ridiculousness of Game Titles

Video games often get away with some of the most absurd naming conventions imaginable. Just take a glance at the striking “II” placed next to the numeral “4” in titles like Samurai Warriors 4-II. This kind of branding absurdity is far from isolated; numerous games flaunt similarly ridiculous names that completely disregard typical numbering and marketing norms, leaving other industries red-faced.

I find it delightful when video games completely abandon logical titling for the sake of branding. In the case of Samurai Warriors 4-II, Koei had a successful formula but opted for this unconventional sequel designation instead. Many entries in the Warriors series receive two expansions: one dubbed “Xtreme Legends,” which offers additional story content, and another called “Empires,” focusing on strategy gameplay. Instead of releasing the expected Xtreme Legends expansion for Samurai Warriors 4, they decided to attach a “II” and introduce a new game complete with fresh campaign missions. Although it wasn’t the true sequel to SW4 (that came out the following year), it still resulted in a wonderfully quirky title.

Koei likely wouldn’t have ventured into this territory without the trailblazing efforts of others before them. For instance, Square Enix boldly released Final Fantasy X-2 on the PlayStation 2, and their franchises are notorious for nonsensical names that often fail to convey the essence of the games they represent. It’s fitting that Koei and Square Enix are collaborating on an upcoming title called “Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin.”

Chapter 2: The Chaos of Numbering

While adding a “2” to an already numbered title might seem absurd, it's not the sole way the gaming industry flouts numerical norms. Numbers are tossed around freely; sometimes they carry significance, and other times they can be swapped out for subtitles. As a writer and mathematician, I find this fascinating.

Take Assassin’s Creed, for example. The franchise seems to waver between being a numbered series and one that uses subtitles. The first two entries had straightforward titles (Assassin’s Creed and Assassin’s Creed II), but this changed with the third and fourth installments, which were titled Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood and Assassin’s Creed Revelations. The series then reverted to numbering with Assassin’s Creed III and IV before once again favoring subtitles.

The 2018 release of Assassin’s Creed Origins claimed to showcase the series' origins, acting as a true prologue, yet the following year’s Assassin’s Creed Odyssey took place hundreds of years prior. One could easily get tangled up trying to make sense of these inconsistencies or choose to embrace the chaos and enjoy the ride. I say, bring on the random sequels that aren’t really sequels and the subtitled entries among numbered franchises. A little confusion adds to the enjoyment of gaming, and I welcome the challenge of figuring out which titles to play in what order.

Chapter 3: Marketing Madness

Sometimes, these ludicrous branding choices arise from public relations decisions made in various regions. Returning to Koei, the Dynasty Warriors series is one number ahead outside of Japan. The initial Dynasty Warriors title in the US is largely unrelated to the action series it spawned. Thus, while our Dynasty Warriors 9 is referred to as Dynasty Warriors 8 in Japan, this discrepancy can be a source of frustration for many marketing professionals and graphic designers.

The frenzied pace of video game marketing contributes to these titling antics. Games are promoted as standalone entities, each marketed as the next big thing. If a game is part of a series, it’s touted as the latest must-play entry. Gamers are encouraged to purchase these highly-anticipated titles right away, often disregarding previous installments. The title on the box seems irrelevant; the focus is on securing sales before the hype fades and attention shifts to the next release.

It's ironic that the gaming industry operates on such short-term hype, given that many gamers prefer to wait for sales or come to titles later. The scarcity of the PS5 means millions may not experience its exclusives for years, by which time they might overlook subtle branding choices, like the tiny “II” hidden in Horizon: Forbidden West’s logo.

Chapter 4: Embracing the Absurd

In a business landscape increasingly fixated on intellectual property, numbers and subtitles may be viewed as safer options than original branding. Gamers likely expect more from a “fully numbered” sequel compared to a subtitled game, even if both types incur similar production costs. Perhaps this is why the “II” in Horizon was concealed, to temper expectations.

My appreciation for these ridiculous titles knows no bounds, and I would support them even more if game marketing fully embraced this absurdity rather than attempting to portray these brands as cool. There’s nothing remotely cool about “Samurai Warriors 4-II”; it’s always been and will always be amusing. And that’s perfectly fine. Video games need not be serious, particularly when their purpose is to entertain a wide audience with engaging action. While they can certainly tell profound adult stories, they excel in delivering delightful absurdity. As production values continue to rise, I hope that gaming companies maintain these whimsical naming conventions.

This video explores the most ridiculous video game titles ever created, showcasing the absurdity that permeates the industry.

This video discusses why some gaming titles can be misleading or downright confusing, delving into the naming conventions of popular franchises.