Video games that structure themselves as prequels to existing stories have some big shoes to fill. Writers are both freed and shackled by prequels, allowing them to craft original stories that are riveting but must also tie in to the events that have already transpired.
When these prequels nail everything, fans can enjoy some of the best video games that they can get their hands on. The open-world genre is especially spoiled in this regard, with fans enjoying a bunch of stellar prequels that let them explore massive sandboxes with a ton of things to do.
8 Assassin's Creed Origins
Explores The Origins Of The Assassin's Creed Order
Assassin's Creed Origins
- Released
- October 27, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Open-World
With the Assassin's Creed series floundering, it was clear to Ubisoft that they needed to do something different to keep fans engaged for the long haul. This was achieved by taking a page out of The Witcher 3 and integrating heavy RPG elements in the next Assassin's Creed game.
To entice more fans, Origins was placed as a prequel to the entire series that took place in Egypt, before the Assassin Order even came into being. The lack of hidden blades may be grating for some fans, but this title does a decent job of exploring the events that eventually led to the creation of one of the most iconic groups in video game history.
7 Like A Dragon: Ishin!
Set In Japan's Past, Technically Serving As A Prequel To The Yakuza Series
Like a Dragon: Ishin!
- Released
- February 21, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
Yakuza is a series that doesn't shy away from prequels, with Like a Dragon: Ishin! Being an extreme example. This game takes place during the Late Edo period, with Sakamoto Ryoma on the hunt for the man who killed his father.
Events spiral and conspiracies are revealed, leading to the game's epic ending that signals the beginning of the Meiji Restoration period. It's an ambitious story that positions itself perfectly as a prequel to the modern setting of the mainline Yakuza games.
6 Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
A Sequel To A Prequel To The Mainline Deus Ex Series
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
- Released
- August 23, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Deus Ex: Human Revolution served as a prequel to the main series, and Mankind Divided's position as the sequel of a prequel means it technically qualifies for both monikers. The addition of Prague as an open-world hub was a masterstroke that rewarded a player's curiosity if they wanted to explore the many secrets this small, layered open world had to offer.
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Players caused the time of day to progress between missions, with Prague changing over time in new and unique ways. This encouraged exploration all the time, with Jensen finding something interesting to reward his curiosity every single time.
5 Batman: Arkham Origins
WB's Take On This Prequel To The Arkham Series Is Great
Batman: Arkham Origins
- Released
- October 25, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
Arkham Origins is one of the most underrated open-world games fans can check out. It may lack the quality of a prime Rocksteady game, but Arkham Origins still has many redeeming factors that make it worth a play for any fan of the Arkham games.
The Executioner's Gloves may be a glaring plot hole, but one that fans can accept as long as they get to enjoy a fun way to expand their options in combat. The story may not be anything to write home about, but the compelling side content and memorable boss fights ensure that fans will love powering through Arkham Origins and seeing everything it has to offer.
4 Hogwarts Legacy
Takes Place In Harry Potter's Past
Hogwarts Legacy
- Released
- February 10, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
Hogwarts Legacy is technically positioned as a prequel to the mainline Harry Potter series, taking place all the way back in the 1890s. Players control a mysterious fifth-year student with the proficiency to use Ancient Magic, making them an important character in the grand scheme of things.
Players will love comboing spells, learning the Unforgivable Curses, and marvelling at the game's dedication to staying faithful to the source material. Hopefully, a sequel can address the issues stemming from the game's lack of consequences and a narrative that could be somewhat forgettable.
3 Shadow Of The Colossus
Most People Aren't Aware That This Game Serves As A Prequel To Ico
Shadow of the Colossus
- Released
- October 18, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
Shadow of the Colossus is one of the best video games ever made, with players controlling a mysterious being on what seems like a noble quest to revive the love of his life. However, as players fell more colossi, it becomes clear that Wander's actions are helping a dark entity gather the strength they need to escape their prison.
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What most people don't know is that this game is meant to serve as a prequel to Ico, the first game made by this studio. Thankfully, the narrative of this game isn't so overpowering that fans will be left in the dark if they jump into this title without any knowledge of Ico.
2 Yakuza 0
Kiryu And Majima Establish Their Legend In Front Of Both In-Universe Characters And The Fans Playing This Prequel
Yakuza 0
- Released
- January 24, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
Yakuza 0 is one of the best video games ever made, with players loving how this game's position in the timeline gives them a look at Kiryu and Majima's characters before they turned into legends in the yakuza world.
This prequel takes place during Japan's bubble economy period, making for a unique progression system that revolved around earning as much money as possible. However, the highlight of this game is undoubtedly the strengths that the two inexperienced characters bring to the table before they eventually become hardened yakuza.
1 Red Dead Redemption 2
One Of The Greatest Prequel Games Ever Made
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the best video games ever made, using its status as a prequel to explore the dynamics of Dutch's gang before explaining why this group had broken up.
Arthur Morgan is the perfect protagonist to convey this tale, with this outlaw conforming to his violent nature before eventually having a change of heart and undergoing a level of character development that fans seldom see in a video game. His presence alone is enough to transform Red Dead Redemption 2 into Rockstar's magnum opus, especially when it comes to the narrative.
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