By that logic, Far Cry New Dawn is an expansion of Far Cry 5. It adds to the story, uses the same mechanics, and it also includes characters from 5.
But, it cost $40, and was specifically marketed as a new game, since nothing you did in the first one mattered. On the plus side, I was able to use the free skins from 5, so there’s that.
Let me repeat myself once more, I DON’T CARE IF IT IS A NEW GAME!!!
I would prefer to see a little honesty in marketing. After all, if Conan Exiles was no longer supported in 2021, and Siptah was the only thing left, would it still be considered an expansion if it’s the only game around?