10 Best Video Game Prequels of All Time

There are no rules in gaming development. A developer gets to choose whichever and however way they want to tell their story and adventures. And one of the most popular ways is jumbling up the timelines and going back to the beginning of a franchise. Gamers will have already become acquainted with the world and universe, only to be taken back to the origin of it all. 

And it can be for many reasons, including filling in the gaps of why things are the way they are, expanding on the lore, and environments. And while at it, the developer may even get the chance to polish rough edges and finesse existing gameplay and features, ironing out what kinks might have reared their ugly heads in previous releases. Ready to dive deep into the best video game prequels of all time? Buckle up and let’s get started.

10. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

Wondering why it’s called Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel? Well, it’s because it takes place between the events of the first and second games. You’ll explore the origin story of Handsome Jack through quite a compelling story, thrilling boss battles, and unique mechanics like low gravity and oxygen management. 

You also enjoy new gameplay systems like using laser weapons against enemies and the new Oz kit-based environmental challenges. Overall, it’s a pretty underrated looter-shooter game, despite its smaller spin-off status.

9. BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea Parts 1 and 2

Another surprising addition to the BioShock franchise was BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea Parts 1 and 2. These are, in fact, DLC packages told in two parts over a single-player, first-person shooter run. In both episodes, you travel back in time to the eve of the descent of the Rapture underwater city into chaos and destruction. 

For most fans, this was a nostalgic return to the dystopian metropolis in the North Atlantic Ocean. But it also connects seamlessly to the main world of Columbia, the city in the sky, alongside rich storytelling and deeper lore. 

8. Halo: Reach

While Halo: Reach is the sixth installment in the Halo series, it takes you back to the events before the Halo trilogy, depicting the fall of the planet Reach. Reach is humanity’s last hope against the encroaching alien threat of the Covenant. And it’s up to the Noble Team to take on a futile mission, to save Earth. 

In playing Halo: Reach, fans gain a better understanding of the Halo universe, primarily how the war between the human military and aliens began. With the tragic fall of Reach, you get a raw grasp of the fatalities of war, painting the Spartans in a humane light of struggle and sacrifice.

7. Yakuza 0

Also, the sixth installment in the Yakuza series, Yakuza 0, takes you to the ‘80s, exploring Tokyo and Osaka through protagonist Kazuma Kiryu’s eyes. He’s a young lad, having to prove himself after a simple debt collection goes wrong. Not only are Kiryu’s humble beginnings explored, but also the rise of Goro Majima. 

Meanwhile, you also discover how the world of Yakuza began in the context of Japan’s economic boom. It’s, indeed, an immersive world full of humorous mini-games, fun business management, and a splash of crime drama.

6. Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening

Although launched in 2005, Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening remains a must-play among the best video game prequels of all time. It’s an action-adventure entry that features a young Dante, alongside his evil half-brother Vergil. Fans navigate Dante’s journey to becoming an iconic demon hunter while interplaying it with the riveting drama of bringing down his twin brother. 

5. Deus Ex: Human Revolution

If you can’t beat them, join them, or at least that’s what security officer Adam Jensen does in Deus Ex: Human Revolution. He augments himself cybernetically to take down a shadowy conspiracy in a cyberpunk dystopian future. 

And yup, it does in fact wind back time, 25 years before the original. And through the prequel, fans get a better idea of how the technological boom all began, alongside the struggles that came with it. 

4. Metroid Prime

Metroid Prime, on the other hand, is set between the events of the first game and Metroid II: Return of Samus. And through it, players fill the gaps between Samus Aran tracking down the Space Pirates and her mission on planet SR388. Be sure to play the remaster, which is unrivaled by few in polish, lighting, textures, and more.

3. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island

Nintendo mascot Mario is a baby in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island. Pretty helpless, and thus giving Yoshi, the friendly dinosaur, room to work his magic. You can now play the classic on Nintendo Switch Online, appreciating the charming hand-drawn art style. 

The mechanics also branched off from the usual Super Mario franchise, incorporating Yoshi’s flutter jump, flutter kick, and egg-throwing abilities. 

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

It seemed unwise for Red Dead Redemption to follow up its rich world and gameplay with a prequel. But the second game does a far better job than anticipated. Thrust back in 1899, you discover the origin story of the Van der Linde gang, and follow a young John Marston’s adventures leading a fugitive life through the Wild West. 

It’s the story of the rise of the outlaw era that’s simply too good across the board, but also the breathtaking world and engaging gameplay.

1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Possibly one of the best entries in Metal Gear Solid, and at the top of the best video game prequels of all time, is Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. It takes you all the way to the beginning, during the 1964 Cold War, before Naked Snake became the Big Boss. Here lies the foundation of all the conflicts that power throughout the Metal Gear Solid series. 

Still, the gameplay is innovative, incorporating a deep camouflage stealth system that’s been spectacular enough to warrant a recent remaster.