Best Game Openings

First Impressions count. That phrase is widely used in every day culture, but is ever so prevalent in gaming. If you start your game with a bang then people will be engrossed and urged to continue, but a 20-hour tutorial will make people flee (Final Fantasy!). So, when an opening literally causes your face to melt, you know that you are in for something pretty special. These are the games with the best openings, like, eva:


Bioshock

Bioshock was an incredible game and is hailed as one of the greats, but it was its memorable opening that really set it apart. After a plane crash your are forced to swim towards a mysterious lighthouse. Things happen and you  plunge to the ocean depths when suddenly the wonderful sight of Rapture bestows your eyes. Partnered with the unnerving commentary from crazed-creator Andrew Ryan, Bioshocks opening scene is one of mystery, intrigue, sadness and terror. Not only did the beginning blow gamers minds, it also acted as a gateway to gamings greatest settings.


Mass Effect 2
All great sci-fi tales have a great opening. Whether it be Star Wars epic space battle or Bladerunners fiery dystopia, the sci-fi genre relies heavily on a strong setting and first impression. Not only did Mass Effect 2 match Star Wars and Bladerunner for story and action, but it beat them with its explosive beginning. Running through your flaming ships corridors attempting to outrun the foreboding flames was an adrenaline shot straight into gamers arms. The death (or is it) of pilot Joker and sudden peace and floatiness in space meant that Mass Effect 2's introduction was a masterclass in action, story and pacing. Just how we like it! 

Final Fantasy VII
The pinnacle of the Final Fantasy franchise and RPG genre was Final Fantasy VII. Whoever thought that a game could be so emotive? FFVII was one of the first games to use music and atmosphere for effectively for its humble introduction. The eerie sounds build as the camera rises over a calm sea when images flash of the future and suddenly FIGHT! No one was expecting to witness such a thing of beauty as FFVII grabbed the gamer and sucked them in, refusing to let them out.  Great game, great intro!

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Yes, yes, yes, my little baby of a game is one this list. Although Uncharted 2 was the GREATEST GAME OF ALL TIME, Naughty Dog still found space to squeeze in every little 'thing' they could. Famed for its set pieces, the Uncharted franchise relies on its epic moments to really get the juices flowing, but straight at the beginning? WoW! Nathan Drake (swoooon) awakes on a hanging train and suddenyl falls, grabbing dramatically onto a coincidentally placed pole. The camera zooms out when suddenly BANG! The train is over hanging a pretty big drop. The size and scale of UC2 opening scene is massive and give a glimpse of what the gamer is likely to expect from this beautiful masterpiece. For the record, this was the moment I fell in love with Drake.....


Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Blah blah blah, I hate Call of Duty, you all know the drill. However, much like the gaming community, I hold my opinion the CoD4 is the best entry in the ever expanding franchise. The story was actually pretty damn good and the gameplay seemed to be less arcadey, that is why we all love it. Whilst its massive sequel Modern Warfare 2 sold millions and millions, gamers were slightly disappointed with its lacklustre story, especially after CoD4's emotionally charged narrative. The opening was universally brilliant. The first person viewpoint of being driven around an incredibly unstable country was amazing, giving insight and willing to go places that little games have done before. However, only at the end do you realise what is happening. You are the one being killed. A wonderfully hidden twist, puts Keyser Soze to shame!


God of War III
This isn't a top whatever list, but if I were to choose the greatest game opening ever, GOWIII would definitely be the top. The GOW franchise prides itself on its massive levels and its ridiculous introductions. Instead of wheening the player in with silly tutorials, the first levels of each God of War literally chuck you straight into the action. Whilst the first two were not exactly dull, numero three utilised the power of the PS3 and delivered an absolutely unforgettable experience. Riding on the back of a titan who is then being attacked by some weird horse crab water thing was only the start. With only 20 minutes of gameplay, Kratos is already destroying a god and jabbing peoples eyeballs all over the place. God of War 3 was simply a fantastic game, but the opening really made it. GOWIII held firmly onto your balls and did not let go until the stupid 'hope' scene. Oh well. It was God of War!!