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.
With theAssassin’s Creedseries 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 ofThe Witcher 3and integrating heavy RPG elements in thenextAssassin’s Creedgame.
To entice more fans,Originswas 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.
Yakuzais a series that doesn’t shy away from prequels, withLike 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 mainlineYakuzagames.
Deus Ex: Human Revolutionserved as a prequel to the main series, andMankind 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 thatrewarded a player’s curiosityif they wanted to explore the many secrets this small, layered open world had to offer.
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.
Arkham Originsis one of the most underrated open-world gamesfans can check out. It may lack the quality of a prime Rocksteady game, butArkham Originsstill has many redeeming factors that make it worth a play for any fan of theArkhamgames.
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 throughArkham Originsand seeing everything it has to offer.
Hogwarts Legacyis technically positioned as a prequel to the mainlineHarry Potterseries, 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.
Shadow of the Colossusis one of the best video games ever made, with players controlling a mysterious being on what seems likea 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.
What most people don’t know is that this game is meant to serve as a prequel toIco, 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 ofIco.
Yakuza 0is 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 placeduring 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.
Red Dead Redemption 2is one of the best video gamesever 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 transformRed Dead Redemption 2into Rockstar’s magnum opus, especially when it comes to the narrative.
