Games with epic opening scenes. On how the start of a game can grab you!

Games with epic opening scenes FI

In a world where there are more and more games coming out, gamers have more choice then ever. Not only in terms of money, but also in terms of time we seem to have less to spend on a single game then ever. In stead of playing anything that you think looks interesting, we have to make a choice on what to play. What a time to live!

For those who follow us on Twitter (and really you should, we love to connect!) know I recently started playing Rise of the Tomb Raider. The first half hour of the game got me thinking though. I wish every intro to a game was as gripping as this. Needlessly to say, I will be getting back to the start of Rise of the Tomb Raider further down.

The intro got me thinking, what games, both recent and somewhat older, have amazing starts. This is by no means a top 5 list, or in any particular order. There are many, many more games that would deserve a spot in this list, but for now, these are 5 games with epic opening scenes that spring to mind.

Minor Spoiler Alert!!
Obviously this will be only about the first 30-60 minutes, but it might contain some minor spoilers.

Uncharted 2

Probably one of the most well known epic opening scenes, but not one I was willing to exclude for that reason alone! The second Uncharted game improved on the first in many ways, not in the least the opening scene. Nathan wakes up in a train about to fall of a snowy cliff side. Not only are you off to an epic start, but you also slowly and methodically learn the ropes op the game. Climbing, shooting and an amazing story.
Don’t forget to walk up to the flames when your pants is snowy and watch the snow melt away by the warmth. Such detail!!

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver

Unlike Uncharted 2, this is not the first hour or so of gameplay. Even though the gameplay and introduction are good and nice on itself, it’s all about the opening cinematic. “I, Raziel, was to suffer the fate of traitor’s and weaklings; to burn forever in the bowels of the Lake of the Dead”. I must have watched that intro over a hundred time in my life and still love to watch it occasionally..
And beside the intro, the game itself is also very well worth playing!

More on some of these games with epic opening scenes:
Read how our writer Sam forces Editor in Chief Björn to play Uncharted 2. (The horror!)
Why we think Final Fantasy might be the most hardcore Final Fantasy of all.

Rise of the Tomb Raider

As I said in the intro. Rise of the Tomb Raider. Currently the latest game I started and I have to say I only played the first hour. But how epic was that first hour! If the remainder of the game is half as good as this I’m in for one hell of a ride and I’m looking forward to it!

Final Fantasy VIII

Like Soul Reaver, Final Fantasy VIII had an epic opening introducing many of the story elements. The rivalry between Squall Leonhart and Seifer Almasy. The sorceress Edea, Rinoa and Balamb Garden. Think of the game what you must, but it’s hard to deny this intro cinematic is epic.
Unlike Soul Reaver however, the first hour of Final Fantasy VIII is hardly gripping. If you are into modern style Japanese RPG’s, the real fun only starts after about 4-5 hours when the story truly start rolling.

Mass Effect 2

Closing out this list (remember, it’s not a countdown) is Mass Effect 2. After playing the brilliant Mass Effect and enjoying the stellar conclusion, you are happy to see Commander Shepard return on the Normandy. While travelling the galaxy following a weird lead, you are attacked. It doesn’t take long before Shepard must do everything in his power to try to save his crew! The moment you step out of your ship into the vacuum of space and the sound is completely gone… … epic!

These are only a few examples of games with epic opening scenes. Games that got it right and are still loved for it. What gaming intro did you enjoy most or springs to mind? We’d love to hear your opinion. Either leave a comment below or join us on Twitter!
 

Björn Jekel
Founder and Editor in Chief of PressQuit and the voice on our Twitter Feed. Interested in many things 'nerd' and above all madly in love with videogames of a wide variety. A year without Zelda and Final Fantasy is a sad year indeed and that is why it is my lifelong goal to yearly replay Ocarina of Time and Final Fantasy VII.
Top