In the gaming world, you usually hear about a game long before it's actually released. In most cases, they're announced as part of some kind of showcase, and you'll have to wait another few years (at least) before you finally get the chance to play them. If it's a game you're really excited about, it can be a tough wait.
A classic way to make the wait easier is by replaying the previous installment in the series. Not only does this help pass the time, but it also reminds you of any story threads and characters that might be important in the new title. Right now, these are the games you should be playing to prepare for the next one.
The wolf among us
It's been a long time coming, but The Wolf Among Us 2 is finally on its way, as it's slated for release in 2027. The game is a direct sequel to the original The Wolf Among Us. The first episode of that game came out in 2013, and the last one was released in 2014. So we're talking about a 14/15 year gap between the games.

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Unless you have the best memory ever (or didn't play the original until well after release), it's a good idea to do a replay of the first game, so you can remind yourself of the characters and the different story threads that are still playing out. For example, you may have forgotten that the original ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, so you probably need to be reminded of that.
Resident Evil 2
It has been announced that Resident Evil Code Veronica is getting a remake called Resident Evil Veronica. Like the original, this story will mostly follow Claire Redfield and show what she gets up to three months after Resident Evil 2. There was only a two-year gap between the original RE2 and Code Veronica, but there will be an eight-year gap between RE2 and the Veronica remakes.
Therefore, this is a good opportunity to replay the exceptional RE2 remake, especially Claire's story. This is because Veronica will be a continuation of that story, as she is still looking for her brother, Chris.
Stellar Blade
Not much is known about the Stellar Blade sequel, Stellar Blade: Blood Rain, as there has only been a reveal trailer. Still, we know there is a new main character named Evie. The CEO of ShiftUp (the game's developer) has said that there is a connection between Evie and the main character of the original game, Eve.
So it's probably worth playing through Stellar Blade again in preparation for the new title. After all, the connection between the two characters can be important to the story.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
A new entry in the Plague Tale series has been announced, and it's called Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy. It actually takes place 15 years before A Plague Tale: Requiem, but that doesn't mean the two titles aren't connected at all.
Their connection lies in the new game's protagonist, Sophia. She is a smuggler who also appears in Requiem. Therefore, you may need a reminder of who she is before Resonance is released, which means it's time for another Requiem playthrough.
God of War: Ragnarok
There's a new God of War game on the horizon, and it controversially doesn't star the iconic Kratos. Instead, it stars his wife, Laufey (aka Faye). Although she is new to the main role, her presence is strongly felt in the previous two games. In fact, she appears in a few flashbacks in God of War: Ragnarok.
Despite her limited screen time in the game, playing Ragnarok again can remind you of the bond she shared with Kratos before her death. This could become an important part of her character, so it's worth revisiting the game just for that. Also, the game is really good, so there's no reason not to play it again.
Verify
Control is a weird and wonderful game, and its sequel, Control Resonant, looks to be just as weird and wonderful. Leading this second game is Dylan Faden, who played a major role in the original title. In fact, much of the story revolves around his sister, Jesse, looking for him. In Resonant, he is apparently looking for her.
So their relationship seems to be as important to the sequel as it is to the first game. Having to remind yourself of their relationship can give you a good excuse to replay the iconic first game.
It feels odd to suggest playing a bunch of reissues to get ready to play another bunch of reissues. And if you've already played all the games multiple times, as die-hard Metal Gear fans probably have, then you're good. But if you've only played Master Collection Vol. 1 one more time, you really need to do it again before Master Collection Vol. 2.
This is because Metal Gear Solid 4 is in the second pack, and the only chance you have to understand that game is if you remember the events of Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2, and Metal Gear Solid 3. And they're all in the first collection, so be sure to play them to be ready for Vol. 2.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
We don't know exactly when The Witcher 4 will be released, but it has been announced and footage has been shown. So it will come sometime. While we don't know much about the title, we do know that Ciri will be the main character. Therefore, it is good to get to know her before then.
The best way to do that is by playing through The Witcher 3. After all, while you spend most of TW3 playing as Geralt, the story really revolves around her. She is the chosen one with the best chance anyone in that universe has to save the world, which is what that game is all about.
Final Fantasy 7 (Remake And Rebirth)
The final part of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy is scheduled to be released in 2027. The new one is called Revelation, while the others are Remake and Rebirth. Since they all work together as one long story, it might be a good idea to actually play both Remake and Rebirth before Revelation, if you have the time.
This way you can be reminded of everything that is happening and has happened in the story. This is important because it should all come forward in Revelation to finish a story that started in 2020 with the original FF7 Remake. Hopefully the ending will be satisfying.
Grand Theft Auto 5
Grand Theft Auto 6 is one of the most anticipated sequels of all time, and it feels like we've been waiting forever for it. Thankfully, it's not too far away now. To keep you going until then, it might be a good idea to have one last walkthrough of GTA 5.
You don't need to do it for story reasons, since GTA 6 has different main characters and the story is unlikely to have any links to Michael, Franklin and Trevor's stories. This playthrough will be more of a sentimental one, where you can truly say goodbye to a game that originally came out way back in 2013.

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