Top 10 Unforgettable Video Game Prequels You Better Play

A video game prequel to Red Dead Redemption, this game delves into the Van der Linde gang’s backstory, focusing on Arthur Morgan’s journey. It puts players in an open-world sandbox that feels as real to a Wild West experience as possible. Although the story is set up to be played from an outlaw and criminal perspective, there are plenty of moral choices to be made to appease players who want to walk as far along the path of a good hero as possible. 

The sheer amount of intricate details, along with the seemingly endless number of NPCs, quests, and frontier to explore, makes this game truly a monumental achievement in video game history on its own merit. Undeniably, it has received plenty of positive reviews for its deep storytelling and character development, and it has been lauded as one of the best prequels ever made.

9. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)

Originally released by Konami on the PS2, and set in 1964, this prequel explores the very beginning of all Metal Gear games and the origin of the villainous Big Boss as Naked Snake. Naked Snake’s mission in the Soviet jungle introduced survival gameplay mechanics like hunting animals for food, treating injuries, and managing stamina, adding a unique layer of realism to the stealth action formula the series is known for. It also introduced a CQC (close quarters combat) system to supplement gunfights, along with camouflage customization with outfits, face paint, and more.

The video game prequel includes different endings based on player choices, adding replayability and depth to the narrative experience. Other characters from the franchise make appearances, and there’s plenty of emotional storytelling at play here, supplemented by the exceptional voice acting as usual. Many consider this the pinnacle of the series, and for good reason.

8. Yakuza 0 (2017)

Serving as a video game prequel to the Yakuza series, this game introduces players to the early lives of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, making it an easy entry point for those who haven’t had the chance to play all the previous games. The Sega game delivers a gripping, dramatic narrative set in 1988 Tokyo and Osaka, with era-appropriate music, fashion, and pop culture references that make players feel like they truly time-traveled.

Players will also immediately notice how the detailed recreations of Kamurocho and Sotenbori districts are packed with activities, shops, mini-games, and side quests, offering a lively and immersive world. Its rich storytelling and character depth have revitalized interest in the franchise, and along with its engaging gameplay and unique blend of serious and silly tones, many players consider it one of the best action-adventure games of its generation.

7. Halo: Reach (2010)

Before Halo: Combat Evolved, there were Noble Team’s efforts to defend the planet Reach. Enter Halo: Reach, set before the original Halo trilogy, focusing on Noble Team’s heroic fight to defend the planet Reach. In this video game prequel, players were introduced to new gameplay elements like armor abilities without losing the classic elements and feel of the original Halo games. Best of all, players were able to experience both a refined single-player experience and an engaging cooperative campaign with any of their gaming buddies.

Not to be left out of the PvP arena, its multiplayer mode was popular thanks to its balanced gameplay, new maps, and customization options. The expanded Forge mode even allowed players to create and share custom maps. Combined with impressive graphics, a memorable soundtrack, and its bittersweet place as Bungie’s final Halo game, Reach has earned a lasting legacy and a strong fan following that’s worth playing as either a fan of Halo or sci-fi shooters.

6. Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011)

It only took eleven years for this game to come out after the original Deus Ex (2000), but it was worth it. Players enjoyed how Deus Ex: Human Revolution kept the foundations of its predecessor while ramping up the experience in new ways through the way how missions could be completed in multiple ways, whether through stealth, hacking, combat, or dialogue. The game also introduced a new augmentation system to upgrade and customize abilities.

Visually, the game stood out with its dedicated gold-and-black color palette and neo-noir aesthetic. And no one could forget the atmospheric and emotionally charged soundtrack by Michael McCann.

Set in a dystopian cyberpunk future, the game explored many different complex themes like transhumanism, corporate control, and the ethics of human augmentation. Its richly detailed world seemed realistic, immersing players into the game and narrative. At the center of it all was Adam Jensen, a gritty protagonist with a tragic past and a strong moral compass.

5. Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening (2005)

Focusing on a younger Dante, this video game prequel delves into his origins and the events leading up to the very first Devil May Cry game. A more refined combat system made the already stylish and intense action even more fun, especially with the addition of selectable fighting styles. Much like a 1v1 fighting game, players could go beyond the basics and master a deeper combo system that rewarded timing, skill, and creativity.

By focusing on Dante’s rivalry with his twin brother Vergil, the game’s storytelling took an unexpected and impressive turn. Overall, Devil May Cry 3 elevated the franchise to a whole new level, blending all the elements that made the series a unique and volatile cocktail that truly delivered.

4. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007)

A video game prequel to Final Fantasy VII, this game follows Zack Fair’s journey and his connection to Cloud Strife. Zack was only a minor character in FF7, serving as a mentor to Cloud during their time together in SOLDIER. Through Zack’s perspective, fans of the series were treated to more backstory and details that made the entire series richer and more rewarding. The combination of a memorable cast and a good story sealed the deal.

In addition, the traditional turn-based RPG combat system shifted toward fast-paced, real-time action combat, which did not hurt the series overall. And let’s not forget that all of this was packed into a game playable on the PSP, making it a gem that wasn’t easily accessible to the majority of gamers.

3. God of War Ragnarök (2024)

God of War has been hailed as one of the most successful and important franchises in video game history. As the final entry in the series, it delivers some of the best narrative storytelling and action-packed battles ever. It’s tough, gritty, fantastic, and most of all, emotionally memorable.

On the technical front, the game features next-gen graphics with combat mechanics that combine brutality, strategy, and weapon-specific usage. The boss encounters rocked, and everything felt cinematic yet 100% like a video game you couldn’t stop playing. If you’re okay with appropriate blood and guts from the horrors of medieval-style combat, this game will rock you to your core.

2. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island (1995)

No one ever expected a video game prequel to Super Mario World, let alone one that focuses on Yoshi’s efforts to rescue Baby Mario. This added another layer of irresistible charm to the classic game with all-new twists and turns. Its unique art style delighted the eyes with bright colors and pixel animation.

As always, Nintendo served up delightful level designs and challenged players with Yoshi’s flutter-jumping and egg-throwing abilities like never before. The music kept things lively, fun, and cheerful, culminating in a heartwarming experience that gamers of all ages can appreciate.

1. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (2005)

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow was already such a beautiful masterpiece and a video game prequel, then Dawn of Sorrow came along and continued the story of Soma Cruz, who had to continue dealing with the lingering curse of Dracula’s power. This Nintendo DS title further refined the Metroidvania gameplay, RPG character progression, and presented it as a mysterious gothic story. 

The 2D art style and hauntingly beautiful music enhanced the game along with the rewarding combat, now driven by a new Soul System that granted absorbed enemy abilities. You’d be hard pressed not to enjoy all of the Castlevania games on the Nintendo handheld.

Video game prequels aren’t just side stories or filler content—they’re the emotional core, the deeper dive, the missing puzzle pieces that suddenly make everything else click. Whether it’s seeing a hero’s first steps or watching a world fall before the original game even begins, these prequels prove that sometimes, going back is the only way to truly move forward.

Which video game prequel made the biggest impact on you—or better yet, which one are you playing next?