The 10 BEST Video Game Prequels

Script written by Johnny Reynolds

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at the most interesting times game developers decided to go backwards.

#10: “The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword” (2011)

Technically, there are many “Zelda” games that act as prequels to others. But the one billed as the beginning of the entire series is “Skyward Sword.” It follows the original Link and Zelda, yanked out of their peaceful, skybound existence to explore the dangerous surface world. The overall lore concerns a deity named Hylia, who sent her citizens into the sky long ago following a battle with a Demon King. By the end, it explains the various versions of the hero and princess, in addition to showing Hylians return to their original home. While some players took issue with motion controls and the companion, Fi, it still featured an engaging villain and some of the franchise’s best dungeons.

#9: “God of War: Chains of Olympus” (2008)

“God of War” got some solid handheld spin-offs during the Greek Era, namely the prequel, “Chains of Olympus.” Prior to gaining vengeance against Ares, this story follows Kratos as he contends with Morpheus, God of Dreams. With Helios missing and the remaining Gods under a sleeping spell, it falls to Kratos to stop Morpheus and his conspirator, Queen Persephone. It was interesting to see Kratos serving the Gods instead of rebelling, and the expansion on his backstory and family was much appreciated. It also brought vicious gameplay the series was known for to a handheld format for the first time, an impressive feat. Although 2013’s “Ascension” would later become first chronologically, “Chains of Olympus” remains the stronger title.

#8: “Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island” (1995)

We know the “Mario” series never concerns itself with chronology. But “Yoshi’s Island” is a clear-cut prequel, and a damn fine one at that. Following the green dino’s debut in the fantastic “Super Mario World,” the follow-up sees Yoshi come to the aid of an infant Mario. After Luigi is kidnapped by Kamek, Yoshi and his kind carry the future star of the Mushroom Kingdom across dangerous lands. It took Mario’s gameplay and put a spin on it with Yoshi’s now famous flutter jump and egg abilities. It also came with a gorgeous, picture book art style that Nintendo would build on for years to come. Honestly, the only thing we don’t like is the noise Baby Mario makes when you get hit.

#7: “Yakuza 0” (2017)

If a prequel is considered to be the reason for a franchise’s rise in popularity, you know you’ve got something special. The “Yakuza” series wasn’t well known in the West until “0” showed us what we’d all been missing. Set 17 years before the original, it brought the series’ signature style and humor to late 80s Japan. Following series hero Kazuma, players became embroiled in a criminal fight over a piece of profitable real estate. It was great seeing the origins of the franchise, but it also acted as a fantastic jumping off point for newcomers. The developers wisely followed it up with a remake of the first game, and the popularity has been building ever since.

#6: “Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening” (2005)

Following a disappointing second entry, Capcom came back strong with “Devil May Cry 3.” As a prequel to the original game, it chronicles the relationship between Dante and his brother Vergil; one of the most fraught sibling dynamics in gaming history. Everything that the original was praised for, this one did better. The action was top notch, featuring thrilling combat and some truly jaw-dropping boss fights. It was the type of game that felt so good to play, you never wanted to put it down, even when it was beating the crap out of you. Not only was it incredibly fun, but it returned the series to its prime.

#5: “Deus Ex: Human Revolution” (2011)

The “Deus Ex” series has some strong entries, so it says a lot that this prequel may be the best of the bunch. “Human Revolution” is set 25 years before the events of the first game. After security officer Adam Jensen is left for dead by a terrorist attack, the company he works for saves him by giving him cybernetic augmentations. From there, players unfold the mystery of the group behind the attack, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. “Human Revolution” hits all the traditional cyberpunk themes, including classism and the corruption of power. But it makes those tried-and-true beats unique, while also featuring fantastic stealth mechanics and a wonderful sense of freedom in how to progress.

#4: “Halo: Reach” (2010)

The swan song of developer Bungie before it moved on to “Destiny,” “Halo: Reach” couldn’t have been any better. Set before the events of the first game, it follows a group of supersoldiers in charge of protecting Reach, one of humanity’s last colonies in the war against the alien Covenant. Although knowledge of previous games would tell you “Reach” won’t have a happy ending, it’s still thrilling to fight against the inevitable as new recruit, Noble Six. In fact, it leant the game a more somber tone than what came before it. It was also released during the franchise’s undisputable peak, meaning gameplay and design was also first rate.

#3: “Metroid Prime” (2002)

After being absent for eight years, “Metroid” finally made the jump to 3D with the brilliant “Metroid Prime.” However, it wasn’t a sequel to “Super Metroid,” but instead took place in between the first and second games. It followed Samus as she attempted to thwart franchise villain Ridley from conducting dangerous experiments on a mysterious planet. The game has been praised ever since for how it beautifully brought 2D elements into a wider world. Getting lost on Tallon IV is still one of the most joyous experiences Nintendo has given us. It’s no wonder that it got its own sequels, making the gap between the first two games ever larger.

#2: “Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater” (2004)

“Metal Gear Solid 3” is another prequel that just might be the strongest its series has to offer. Taking place in 1964, 31 years before the original “Metal Gear,” it follows operative Naked Snake after he’s betrayed by his mentor. With the threat of a Russian superweapon looming over them, players navigate the dense jungles of the Soviet Union to bring the betrayer and her allies to justice. The stealth gameplay is in top form, with every infiltration mission putting you on edge. The boss fights and villains are also some of the best the franchise has ever seen, and the story hooks you right from the start and never lets go.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

“Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse” (1990)

A Fun Expansion on Series Lore and Gameplay

“Resident Evil 0” (2002)

Explored the Terrifying Outbreak Prior to the Spencer Mansion

“Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII” (2007)

Shined a Light on the Riveting Events That Led to the Groundbreaking Original

#1: “Red Dead Redemption 2” (2018)

The first “Red Dead Redemption” was a stellar piece of fiction, with a deep main character and the lure of adventure in the Old West. And yet, the prequel surpasses it in every single category. Focusing on the Van der Linde gang before its disbandment, it follows the group preparing for a final heist while dealing with rival gangs and a possible informant among them. Arthur Morgan is a deeply flawed, yet entirely compelling protagonist who is more than worth spending dozens of hours with. As we’d find out, sinking so many hours into it was extremely easy. With such rich gameplay and so many ways to experience it, “Red Dead Redemption 2’s” call is not one easily refused.

What’s your favorite video game prequel? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to subscribe for more great videos every day!