The 10 Best Video Game Prequels
In the world of gaming, prequels often serve as a way to enrich established universes and delve deeper into character backstories. They benefit from advancements in technology, allowing for visually stunning and technically impressive experiences. However, the truly great prequels transcend mere aesthetics; they transform our perception of familiar stories and characters, becoming integral parts of the series’ lore.
10. Batman: Arkham Origins
Developed by WB Games Montreal, Batman: Arkham Origins takes place during Batman’s early years as a crime fighter. On Christmas night, a younger, less experienced Batman faces off against eight deadly assassins hired by Black Mask. This game serves as a crucial origin story for the Joker, marking his initial descent into Gotham’s criminal underworld. While some consider it inferior to Rocksteady’s Arkham titles, Arkham Origins expands on the Arkham-verse, creating a compelling narrative that sets the stage for the main trilogy.
9. God of War: Chains of Olympus
God of War: Chains of Olympus, a PSP exclusive, is a prequel to the original God of War. It sees Kratos on a quest that takes him to The Underworld, further solidifying his disdain for the gods. Ready at Dawn successfully translated the core God of War experience to a handheld, achieving visuals and responsive gameplay that were impressive for the platform. This installment delivers violent action, solidifying Kratos’ character and expanding his Greek saga.
8. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island goes back to the start, showing the story of a group of Yoshis who rescues Baby Mario and goes on an adventure to rescue Baby Luigi from Kamek. Narrative aside, Nintendo’s aim was to craft a more relaxed gaming experience. They got rid of time limits and designed a gameplay style that emphasized exploration. The art style is beautiful and was drawn by hand and scanned digitally. The score by Koji Kondo is also fantastic and the whole package makes this entry a fantastic end to the SNES era.
7. Divinity: Original Sin
Set a millennium before Divine Divinity, Divinity: Original Sin establishes the world of Rivellon and the dangers of Source magic. It offers encounters with younger versions of familiar characters, such as Zandalor and Bellegar. However, its defining aspect is the innovative turn-based combat, fueled by elemental interactions. This system allows for strategic depth and customization, influencing not only its sequel, Original Sin 2, but also Larian’s award-winning Baldur’s Gate 3. The freedom in quest resolution elevates Original Sin beyond a simple prequel, turning it into a landmark RPG.
6. Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening
Devil May Cry 3 is a prequel set before the first game, showcasing a younger, more arrogant Dante. It restores the character’s charm, lost in the second installment. It also introduces a teenage version of Vergil. Devil May Cry 3 saved Dante’s reputation and corrected plot holes. What’s more, its events form the foundation for later DMC games, explaining character motivations. Beyond bringing back Dante’s cool and resurrecting Vergil, Devil May Cry 3 made the game wickedly difficult. Its combat system was improved, adding styles that change how Dante controlled. You could focus on swordplay (Swordmaster), guns (Gunslinger), dodging (Trickster), or parrying (Royal Guard).
5. Halo: Reach
Bungie rewinds the clock to the early days of the war with the Covenant in Halo: Reach. You play as a member of Noble Team, a group of Spartan soldiers tasked with protecting the planet Reach. The story feels complete and free from Master Chief. The characters on Noble Team highlight the differences that Spartans can have. The vital mission to escort Cortana from Reach to the UNSC Pillar of Autumn is a perfect closing moment. Noble Six’s sacrifice on the dying planet has become a legendary moment in the Halo series.
4. Yakuza 0
Yakuza 0 is a prequel that reintroduces Kazuma Kiryu and Majima Goro. Set two decades before the first game, the story follows a vacant property lot, that drags Kamurocho’s crime families into a war. Players need no prior knowledge of the series to enjoy the story. The chance to see Kazuma and Majima is one of the biggest highlights. Kazuma is more hot-headed, and Majima’s wild persona has yet to fully form. Their evolution is the backbone of the narrative, making this a great entry for new players.
3. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Deus Ex: Human Revolution may be more streamlined than the original Deus Ex. Still, Human Revolution stands out as a great game because it dives deeper into the series’ transhuman themes. Adam Jensen’s mechanical prosthetics force him into a conflict between the wealthy and the working class. Every character has a different perspective on the world, and the story touches on the dangers of science driven by capitalism. Human Revolution bridges the gap between the original game’s approach and something more serious, resulting in a cyberpunk dystopia.
2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
In Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Hideo Kojima stars Naked Snake. The prequel game is the most important in the series from both gameplay and story perspectives. Naked Snake is out in the open jungle, a departure from previous corridors. The Soviet jungles were a major change from Shadow Moses or Big Shell. The setting also came with a smart adaptive camouflage system. As a result, everything from stealth to boss fights is dramatically different. The events in Metal Gear Solid 3 set the foundation for everything that came before and after it. Also, the story reveals the origins of the Patriots, the shadow organization, and Big Boss’s tragic origins.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 takes full advantage of the PS4 and Xbox One, creating one of the most beautiful open-world games ever. The level of detail is stunning, and the game features a new protagonist, Arthur Morgan. The story tells the story of a dying Wild West on the cusp of a new century. Arthur is slowly being made redundant as the United States evolves. His gang disintegrates due to the negligence of its leader, Dutch, and that downfall provides a strong platform for the passing of the torch from Arthur to John Marston.
Leave a Reply