Favorite Video Game Openings

[BreakABone]

Trying to put together a feature for the site, and wanted some input.

What are some of your favorite video game opening sequences, they can be either cinematic or interactive in nature.

Not sure what counts as an opening though so you can work that out!

[magus113]

Definitely the opening cinematic to Chrono Cross. It inspired my now widely used username outside of GT!

[Acebot44]

Yup, Chrono Cross is the winner. The Cinematic everytime you booted up the disc as also top notch, but really that first interactive segment with the random party members everytime you played was so sooo great. Still my favorite game of all time.

[ZebraRampage]

Katamari Damacy is pretty damn good haha.

[Combine 017]

Half-Life 2 of course, and Far Cry Instincts was cool too.

[KillerGremlin]

Half-Life 2 of course, and Far Cry Instincts was cool too.

I knew you were gonna drop the HL2 bomb, and without playing HL1 or even mentioning it...it is a crazy recommendation! :p

Half-Life has a way cooler cinematic opening than Half-Life 2, any day of the week.

Epic:
<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9eflKzcEbLk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

But even better was Rare's little gem, I can't believe this hasn't been mentioned:
<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eDQzJfqSUKQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[magus113]

I did also really get blown away by the Final Fantasy VIII intro the first time I saw it. I really remember hearing that song that I can't remember the name of and just sitting there with my jaw dropped.

[Blix]

Soul Blade's cinematic intro is still the best FMV I've seen in any freakin' videogame. The character's presentations and the music was amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxrpyv8SNS4

That is how it is done, people.

PS: It won't let me embed it.

[Professor S]

A personal favorite:

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SFkFo5SBx-g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

GOAT: You have to watch it all the way through

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MGxwQdYDmRI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Angrist]

Games that come to mind first:

Zelda: A Link to the Past
Warcraft III

And they both had lots of rain.

[BreakABone]

I've taken all the suggestions offered here and on Twitter and compiled a list for everyone to vote on to determine a top 10

http://nerdsontherocks.com/games/nerds-with-words-most-iconicmemorable-video-game-opening/

There are 44 options, and a poll on the right to vote

[KillerGremlin]

I went with Half-Life...that intro gave a tour of Black Mesa, and introduced players to what would eventually be total chaos. And it did it in real time with the player having full control of the Gordan. The entire opening sequence in Half-Life prior to all hell breaking loose is the most memorable FPS opening I can think of.

Obviously Half-Life hasn't aged well, but when you put time into perspective, I'm really surprised Bioshock is beating Half-Life. But I have a raging boner for nostalgia....so that's my bias.

[Jason1]

Looking back at some of those, I actually REALLY like Wind Waker's opening.

I also immediatley thought of Metal Gear Solid 4 when I read this thread, which is not even on the list.

[TheSlyMoogle]

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4CTNAlMpZLA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This list is pretty good, However I do not agree with number 15.

And also I cannot believe no one mentioned the L4D opening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3H6c_yS2cs&feature=related

[KillerGremlin]

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4CTNAlMpZLA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This list is pretty good, However I do not agree with number 15.

And also I cannot believe no one mentioned the L4D opening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3H6c_yS2cs&feature=related

I honestly thought about mentioning both L4D games...they give a really nice intro into what you can expect. And if we could add TF2's "Meet the [class]" videos...:lolz: