Light & Wonder’s Netflix-licensed Squid Game sequel has proven a hit with players. But it raises a proper question: are branded slot sequels genuinely better games, or do they sometimes feel like obvious cash grabs riding on the original’s success?

The Mummy: Ancient Egypt Reinvented

Playtech’s original The Mummy slot, released in 2014, set the standard for movie-branded games. Built on a 5×3 grid with 25 paylines, 96.8% RTP, and medium volatility, it delivered exactly what audiences wanted: immersive Egyptian theming, brilliant sound design, and a packed bonus structure with nine unlockable rounds. The Mummy worked because it respected both the source material and player experience.

Fast forward to 2021. The Mummy: Books of Amun Ra shifted the strategy entirely. Higher volatility targeting big winners, a max payout of 10,000x, and the trendy “Book of” mechanic replaced some of the original’s varied features. The graphics leaned into The Mummy Returns branding, but at the cost of consistency.

Here’s the interesting bit: the sequel stacks up for high rollers chasing volatility swings. But the original remains the more accessible, feature-rich experience. Sometimes the first time really is the best.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Jackpots Raise the Stakes

Big Time Gaming‘s 2018 Megaways adaptation captured the game show’s pressure and tension perfectly. With 100 paylines, 96.24% RTP, and 50,000x max potential, it delivered genuine millionaire-making moments. One European player won €1.04 million from a 60-cent spin in 2023, proof the game delivers on its promise.

The 2021 Megapays sequel upped the ante. Four progressive jackpots and a 72,000x+ max win. This is a clear case where the sequel genuinely improves on the original by adding jackpot overlay mechanics that amplify tension without diluting base game enjoyment.

Megapays wins here, especially if jackpot appeal matters to you.

Breaking Bad: Intensity Versus Balance

Playtech’s 2023 Breaking Bad: Cash Collect & Link hit the right tone with its Heisenberg-themed mechanics, 5×3 layout, and measured medium-high volatility. It felt like a thoughtful adaptation of AMC’s dark masterpiece.

Then came the 2024 sequel, Mega Fire Blaze: Breaking Bad. Pure adrenaline. Higher volatility, hold-and-respin mechanics, and a 2,000-4,000x+ win range appeal to thrill seekers. But they sacrifice the balance that made the original engaging for a broader audience.

Both nail the Breaking Bad atmosphere. The thing is, they’re designed for different player types. The original is more versatile; the sequel is a specialist’s tool.

The Real Question

These comparisons reveal something important: sequels aren’t inherently cash grabs. Some genuinely refine mechanics (Millionaire), while others chase volatility at the expense of accessibility (Breaking Bad). The best sequels understand what made the original work and build on it meaningfully, rather than simply repackaging nostalgia with bigger numbers.

The real test is straightforward. Does the sequel respect both the licence and the players who loved the first game?