Alas, we will now never get those three sequels that McGinn and his team had been all too willing to create. But, tragic as that is, perhaps that lack of sequels played a role in Hit & Run becoming the iconic title it is today.
Honestly I think this hits the nail on the head. The lack of a sequel for such a beloved game kept people coming back to play it, and also ensured it could never overstay its welcome.
You’re right that sequels can absolutely enhance a game’s legacy, but they can equally tarnish it ala Borderlands 3.
I’d argue being beloved without a sequel is better than having a bad one.