Computer game sequels are often bigger, improved versions of the original game, not true continuations or progressions. Although there's nothing wrong with including "more of the same" if the original game was great fun and if players enjoyed it, sometimes developers just don't take sequels to their full potential, much to the disappointment of fans. Admittedly, sequels in any narrative medium are hard to pull off, as their creators wrestle with the task of pleasing fans and the notion of "following." How much of the original work should carry over into the sequel? How do you satisfy your fans, yet, at the same time, attract a new audience? These are important questions, indeed.

In light of these questions, we're asking, "What is the best sequel this year?" We're also posting reader letters from last week's question, "How will next-generation consoles affect PC gaming?"

Readers, if you have an opinion, vote in our Instant Poll. And if you'd like to tell us which game is the best sequel this year, send us an e-mail. Your letter could appear in next week's feature. As always, if you have ideas for an upcoming question, or if you have a burning question that you want us to answer, please submit your questions. We'll pick the best question every week and answer it.