When Reboots Changed It All
Sequels are safe, but reboots? They can be quite risky. Yet, sometimes, that risk pays off big. These 20 games didn’t just polish old ideas; they tore them apart and built something entirely fresh and new. They changed the tone and even flipped genres and play styles. All of them reimagined their respective series in unforgettable ways, and here’s how they did it.
Fallout 3 (2008) - PC Gameplay 4k 2160p / Win 10 by FirstPlays HD
1. Fallout 3 (2008)
Fallout was once a niche, text-heavy RPG played from a bird's-eye view. It exploded into the mainstream with a full 3D overhaul in 2008. Bethesda revised the series as an open-world epic set in a shattered Washington, D.C., complete with moral choices and endless exploration. This changed modern roleplaying.
Derek Springer from Los Angeles, CA, USA on Wikimedia
2. Doom (2016)
While most reboots chase drama or story arcs, Doom returned to pure speed and savagery. The 2016 game tossed out the sluggish horror vibes of Doom 3 and delivered nonstop action fueled by chainsaws and heavy metal. It was clear that the creators used old-school fun to hook the players.
3. Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Before RE4, the series was all about tank controls and spooky hallways. Then came a bold new camera angle, fluid combat, and smarter enemies. What followed was a turning point for third-person shooters, which mixed tension with precision, setting a new standard for action-horror.
4. Prince of Persia - The Sands of Time (2003)
This reboot turned clunky platforming into something closer to ballet. With wall runs, time rewinds, and graceful movement, Sands of Time reimagined what a character could do in 3D space. Even the simplest movements were done in style.
5. The Legend of Zelda - Breath of the Wild (2017)
Instead of guiding players through temples and scripted puzzles, this version dropped you in a wild, open world and said: "Figure it out." It rethought everything, from how items work to how you explore—and gave players the tools to break the game in all the best ways.
ZELDA BREATH OF THE WILD Gameplay Walkthrough FULL GAME (4K ULTRA HD) No Commentary by Shirrako
6. God of War (2018)
The rage-fueled button masher grew up emotionally and mechanically. Now set in Norse mythology, God of War traded in its blades for a more grounded axe and a deeper father-son story. The result? A reboot that brought maturity and cinematic depth without losing its punch.
GOD OF WAR 2018 - part 5 by JÆckTK
7. Tomb Raider (2013)
Gone were the days of flashy flips and cheeky one-liners. Lara Croft became vulnerable by trying to survive on a brutal island in this version. The character was clearly stripped down to her core and rebuilt with grit and wisdom.
Tomb Raider 2013 Walkthrough : Complete Game 【HD】by Leon Kid
8. DmC - Devil May Cry (2013)
Dante got a makeover, and not everyone was ready. DmC crashed onto the scene with explosive visuals, brutal combat, and a devil-may-care attitude. It wasn’t the Dante fans expected, and that caused a stir. But its gameplay? Unapologetic and unforgettable.
DmC Devil May Cry 5 Gameplay Walkthrough Part 1 - Found - Mission 1 by theRadBrad
9. Final Fantasy XV (2016)
The turn-based battles were gone, replaced with a road trip full of brotherhood and heartbreak. Although not always playing by the rules, FFXV carved its own lane—a strange, beautiful mix of spectacle and sincerity that made its mark in a crowded franchise.
Final Fantasy XV - 1 hour gameplay (2016) gamescom by moviemaniacsDE
10. Hitman (2016)
What could have been a tired return became a showcase for clever design. Each mission felt like a living puzzle, inviting players to experiment with disguises and outrageous assassinations. IO Interactive turned Hitman into an art form.
HITMAN 2016 Gameplay (PC HD) [1080p60FPS] by Throneful
11. Assassin's Creed Origins (2017)
Stealth gave way to spectacle. In ancient Egypt’s vast open world, the franchise traded quiet missions for deep combat, RPG-style progression, and atmospheric storytelling. The bold shift breathed new life into a series that had started to lose its spark.
Assassin's Creed Origins: E3 2017 Gameplay Trailer [4K] | Ubisoft [NA] by Ubisoft North America
12. Metroid Prime (2002)
Originally a side-scrolling action series, Metroid was completely reimagined as a first-person exploration game. The game preserved the isolated, atmospheric feel of earlier titles but offered a completely new perspective, which set a new benchmark for 3D adventure games.
The FATAL FLAW of Metroid Prime | GEEK CRITIQUE by The Geek Critique
13. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (2010)
Previously, this game had a traditional labyrinthine design, but the reboot took a cinematic, action-heavy approach. It featured large-scale battles, dramatic storytelling, and a fresh visual identity. This pulled Castlevania into modern action territory with a brave new vision.
GameSpot Reviews - Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Video Review by GameSpot
14. Prey (2017)
Sharing only the name with the 2006 game, this version delivered a slow-building psychological thriller set on a space station. With a focus on player freedom and clever puzzle-solving, it appealed to fans of immersive storytelling.
Prey - A Critique of the Mind Game by Joseph Anderson
15. Mortal Kombat - Deadly Alliance (2002)
The popular arcade-style fighting game embraced the 3D movement and introduced new combat mechanics like multiple fighting styles per character. It was a dramatic shift that helped evolve the franchise beyond its roots.
16. Ninja Gaiden (2004)
What was once a straightforward side-scroller became a fast-paced, 3D-action game. Famous for its steep learning curve and fluid combat, Ninja Gaiden became a defining title in the action genre. It showed how classic IPs could evolve for modern players.
Ninja Gaiden Black (Story Mode) (Xbox longplay) by RickyC
17. Wolfenstein - The New Order (2014)
The franchise left behind its simplistic origins for a gripping, narrative-driven FPS. Improved storytelling, rich visuals, and dynamic gameplay told fans how older games could evolve into cinematic experiences.
Wolfenstein: The New Order - Gameplay Trailer by GameSpot
18. Call of Duty 4 - Modern Warfare (2007)
Breaking away from its World War II roots, this version launched the franchise into the modern era. Its gritty, present-day setting and groundbreaking online multiplayer changed the FPS landscape forever, setting the gold standard for the genre for years to come.
19. Sonic Generations (2011)
Why choose between old and new? The game gave fans both—2D Sonic in all his pixelated glory and 3D Sonic blazing through dynamic environments. Reworked levels packed in modern mechanics, making it a nostalgia trip and a fresh thrill ride in one.
Sonic Generations [2011] (PC) [4K] - All Seaside Hill Challenges (Classic) by NeoTechnoman
20. Silent Hill - Shattered Memories (2009)
This psychological horror game ditched combat entirely and tailored its story based on player behavior. It provided a deeply personal and unsettling experience and showed the world how horror games could interact with the player's choices and mindset.
