5 video game reboots that surpass the original

Reboots help a franchise thrive by presenting a new story in the same universe with a fresh perspective. However, rebooting a franchise is challenging, as there are chances that the fans might not like the new presentation. There is always a risk when rebooting a series, as the developers have to recreate the success in a new way.

While reboots like Saints Row become a shell of their former selves, other titles like God of War (2018) have thrived with new characters and storylines. These reboots allowed developers to experiment with their already established characters by putting them in new scenarios and environments.

There is also an opportunity for the companies to work on a remake of their franchise, but that just forces them to tell the same story as the original in an evolved manner. Reboots allow developers to brainstorm new ideas where the franchise can take a different direction to stay relevant in the gaming space.

In this article, we will take a look at five video game reboots that surpass the original.

Note: This article is subjective, solely reflects the writer's opinions, and is not ranked in any particular order.

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5 reboots that are better than their original video games

1) Tomb Raider (2013)

Tomb Raider reboots are a fun time (Image via Crystal Dynamics)

The Tomb Raider franchise began in the '90s on the PlayStation 1 and has seen an evolution in terms of its story and characters over the years. However, the previous games fell short in front of Tomb Raider 2013 reboot, which saw Lara Croft's return with a more mature story. It presents the games with more realistic graphics and physics for increased immersion.

The reboot even got two sequels, Rise of the Tomb Raider in 2015 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider in 2018. Both games did well commercially and were interconnected, giving players a reason to play in chronological order. The overall gameplay and presentation made the reboots better than the original games allowing even the newer generation of fans to enjoy Lara Croft's adventures.

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2) Doom (2016)

Doom 2016 was a great comeback for the franchise (Image via Bethesda Softworks)

Doom was a popular first-person shooter franchise back in the '90s because of its heavy emphasis on gore and violence. The entries in the series evolved but weren't able to replicate the success of the original trilogy, which resulted in Doom's reboot. It was released in 2016 and featured upgraded graphics and gameplay, allowing players to experience the '90s classic in a new way.

This reboot allowed for more verticality in the gameplay and fluid controls, giving players the freedom to experience Doom with smoother mechanics. The entry was received well by the fans and was praised for its violent gameplay and first-person gunplay.

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3) God of War (2018)

God of War (2018) is one of the best reboots ever (Image via Santa Monica Studio)

After the God of War trilogy ended with the third installment, the series had nowhere else to go. This was proved with the release of Ascension, which is considered the most disappointing entry because it adds nothing significant to the series. The 2018 reboot was essential to bring Kratos back to our consoles.

God of War (2018) became a cult classic because of its evolved method of storytelling, which was never before seen in the franchise. The gameplay evolved too, making the series an RPG and allowing players to customize Kratos' armor. This reboot gave new life to the God of War, allowing him to change as a person and developing a story that the gaming community feels is better than the original games.

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4) Mortal Kombat 1 (2023)

Mortal Kombat 1 reboots the franchise for the current-gen consoles (Image via NetherRealm Studios)

The Mortal Kombat franchise is another series that has been running for years and is popular for its brutal fatalities and violence. However, the storytelling in the series was starting to get stale, which is when it was rebooted for good. Mortal Kombat 1 was released last year and features an alternate universe where our favorite characters are now younger, telling a new storyline for the series.

This reboot focuses on staying true to the original games while taking advantage of the latest consoles to upgrade the visual fidelity. We also get new DLC characters like Homelander, Peacemaker, and Omniman, who fit the violent vibe that Mortal Kombat is known for. This reboot gives a new generation of players a chance to experience the franchise without the need to catch up with the last 11 entries.

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5) Hitman (2016)

Hitman 2016 is a masterfully executed stealth game (Image via IO Interactive)

The Hitman franchise has always been about its stealth gameplay in a sandbox environment, where you have to assassinate your targets. After the disappointing release of Hitman Absolution due to its linear nature, the developers decided to reboot the franchise and return to its sandbox-level days. The new Hitman 2016 was praised for its graphics and its focus on giving players freedom.

Hitman features levels in various locations, where you have to take out your targets using environmental and accidental kills. This allows players to get creative with their approaches, a freedom that previous entries in the franchise didn't allow. This reboot is not tied to the previous games' events, allowing anyone to pick it up and play.