Franchise Reboots and Sequels You Can Play Today

14 May 2026

Let’s be honest—nostalgia hits hard, especially when it comes to video games. There's something timeless about revisiting the worlds we used to get lost in or picking up where a beloved story left off. Lately, the gaming industry has really leaned into that nostalgia, giving us a wave of franchise reboots and sequels that are not only playable today but also totally worth your time.

So whether you're a long-time fan or a new player curious about the hype, buckle up. We're diving into the most exciting reboots and sequels you can dig into right now. From jaw-dropping graphics updates to reimagined gameplay, there’s a lot to love. Let’s get into it.

Why Reboots and Sequels Are Having a Moment

Reboots and sequels aren’t just cash grabs (okay, sometimes they are). When done right, they breathe new life into classic titles, introduce iconic characters to a new generation, and remind old-school fans why they fell in love with the game in the first place.

Plus, let’s face it—game technology is ridiculously better now. Reimagining older games with today's capabilities? That's a recipe for magic. It's like bringing your childhood dreams into 4K reality.

1. Resident Evil 4 Remake — A Survival Horror Masterpiece Reborn

Yep, Capcom did it again. After the success of Remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 3, Resident Evil 4 got the modern overhaul we all hoped for. It's smoother, scarier, and sleeker.

The remake keeps what made the original iconic—tight gameplay, creepy vibes, and yes, the over-the-top action—but adds a more grounded narrative and better mechanics. Whether you're dodging infected villagers or solving eerie puzzles, it’s an exhilarating experience.

> If you’re into survival horror or just want to see Leon Kennedy in HD glory, this one’s a must-play.

2. Final Fantasy VII Remake — A Love Letter Done Right

This isn’t just a prettier version of the original—it’s a complete reimagining. Final Fantasy VII Remake re-tells the iconic story of Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith with new layers, emotional depth, and real-time combat.

The cinematic storytelling, detailed character development, and rich world-building make it more than a nostalgia trip. It’s a fresh take that respects its roots but isn’t afraid to change things up.

And hey, the soundtrack? Absolute fire.

3. God of War: Ragnarok — Sequel That Hits Like Mjölnir

Picking up where 2018’s God of War left off, Ragnarok continues Kratos' Norse saga with even more emotional punch and thunderous action. The father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus evolves beautifully, making the story not just epic, but deeply personal.

Gameplay is tighter, worlds are bigger, enemies are tougher, and the mythology? Still jaw-droppingly wild. If you're into action-adventure games with heart, this is your next obsession.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — A Sequel That Soars

Breath of the Wild rewrote the rulebook for open-world games, and Tears of the Kingdom takes that freedom and kicks it into high gear—literally.

Not only do you get the beautiful sandbox-style exploration fans loved, but now there are floating islands, underground realms, and new mechanics that change how you interact with Hyrule altogether.

You’re not just exploring—you’re experimenting, building, and soaring through the skies. It's everything Breath of the Wild was, but amplified.

5. Dead Space Remake — Horror Turned Up to Eleven

The original Dead Space made you jump, maybe even scream a little. The remake? It’s like that… but with volume cranked all the way up.

This isn’t just a graphical facelift. EA Motive rebuilt the game from the ground up, giving it atmospheric lighting, better sound design (seriously, wear headphones), and smoother gameplay.

You’ll still be cutting off Necromorph limbs with your trusty plasma cutter, but now it looks and feels terrifyingly real.

6. Halo Infinite — A Fresh Start for the Master Chief

Halo Infinite is both reboot and sequel—a hybrid that attempts to course-correct after the mixed reactions to Halo 5. And honestly? It sticks the landing in many ways.

The story takes a more grounded approach, focusing back on Master Chief and his struggle against a new threat. But the real star is the gameplay. The addition of open-world elements and a grappling hook? Game-changer.

It’s Halo, but reimagined for a new era.

7. Assassin's Creed Mirage — Returning to the Roots

Let’s not sugarcoat it—the Assassin's Creed series kinda lost itself in sprawling RPGs. Mirage dials it back to what made the original games so compelling: stealth, parkour, and targeted assassinations.

Set in a gorgeously detailed Baghdad, Mirage focuses on the story of Basim, a character from Valhalla. It’s sleek, focused, and full of classic AC vibes.

> If you miss the days of Ezio and Altair, this is your golden ticket.

8. Metroid Dread — A Legendary Return

After nearly two decades without a proper 2D Metroid sequel, Samus is finally back. Metroid Dread sticks to its roots while embracing modern gameplay features.

You’ve got fast-paced combat, killer boss fights, and the kind of atmospheric storytelling that made Metroid a legend. The E.M.M.I. enemies add an ongoing sense of dread (yep, that’s where the name comes from).

It's hard, it's smart, and it respects your time—a rare combo.

9. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart — A Visual Showcase

Rift Apart isn’t just a sequel—it’s also one of the best showcases for what the PS5 can do. We’re talking near-instant loading times, ray tracing, and eye-popping visuals that feel like you’re playing a Pixar movie.

The story is lighthearted but heartfelt, the combat is explosively fun, and the new character Rivet is a fantastic addition. Whether you’re a longtime fan or brand-new, it’s a rollercoaster of fun.

10. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet — New Generation, Familiar Feels

Sure, Pokémon has had its ups and downs, but Scarlet & Violet bring a fresh open-world approach that fans have been begging for.

For the first time, you’re truly free to explore a vast Pokémon-infested world at your own pace. Mix in co-op multiplayer, new regional forms, and a decent storyline, and you’ve got a reboot of ideas if not canon.

It’s not perfect, but it’s ambitious—and a huge step forward for the franchise.

11. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor — The Force Is Strong With This Sequel

Jedi: Fallen Order was great, but its sequel Jedi: Survivor takes everything up a notch. More force powers, better lightsaber combat, and wider worlds to explore? Sign us up.

Cal Kestis' journey gets deeper and darker, and the gameplay leans more into RPG territory, offering new customizations for combat and exploration.

If you've ever wanted to feel like a Jedi in an expansive Star Wars universe, this is your game.

12. Street Fighter 6 — Fighting Game Royalty Reclaimed

After a shaky start with Street Fighter V, Capcom came out swinging with SF6. The art style is fresh, the roster is solid, and the mechanics are welcoming to newcomers while still deep for veterans.

World Tour mode even adds a unique single-player twist where you can create your own character and explore an open area. It’s weird, fun, and totally makes Street Fighter feel new again.

Why These Games Matter

So why should you care about all these reboots and sequels? Simple. They show that great stories—and fun mechanics—can stand the test of time. Whether you're revisiting a beloved classic or diving in for the first time, these games remind us why franchises become franchises in the first place.

And the best part? You don’t need to blow dust off your old console. These games are available now on modern platforms, optimized for today’s tech, and ready to roll.

Where to Play Them

Here's a quick cheat sheet for where you can play these titles:

| Game Title | Platform(s) |
|----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Resident Evil 4 Remake | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
| Final Fantasy VII Remake | PS5, PS4, PC |
| God of War: Ragnarok | PS5, PS4 |
| The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Nintendo Switch |
| Dead Space Remake | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
| Halo Infinite | Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC |
| Assassin’s Creed Mirage | PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
| Metroid Dread | Nintendo Switch |
| Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | PS5, PC (2023 version) |
| Pokémon Scarlet & Violet | Nintendo Switch |
| Star Wars Jedi: Survivor | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
| Street Fighter 6 | PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PC |

Final Thoughts

Franchise reboots and sequels are more than just a trip down memory lane—they’re proof that great games don’t age; they evolve. Whether it's horror, adventure, RPG, or even platformers, there's a revamped classic or a worthy sequel out there waiting for you to press Start.

So grab your controller, update your game library, and jump back into some of the most beloved gaming universes—remixed for today’s players.