Captivating Game Intros: My Top 7 Picks - A Thrill to be Immediately Engrossed in a Game's Storyline from the Outset
In the world of video games, a captivating introduction can set the stage for an unforgettable journey. Here are some notable titles that have crafted particularly engaging and impactful openings.
BioShock
Step into the shoes of a castaway as you experience a harrowing plane crash and descent into the mysterious underwater city of Rapture. Immediately, you're immersed in a dark, intriguing world filled with danger and mystery [1].
The Last of Us
This game starts with a cinematic, emotionally charged prologue that seamlessly blends narrative and player interactivity. The powerful tone set by this prologue resonates not only with gamers but with non-gamers as well [5].
Skyrim
In Skyrim, you awaken as a prisoner moments before your execution. But your fate takes a dramatic turn as a dragon attack disrupts the proceedings, creating immediate tension and excitement [1][3].
Mass Effect 2
The introduction of Mass Effect 2 is an intense and heart-wrenching start. As the protagonist, you find yourself in the midst of a desperate escape from a spaceship under attack [3].
Dead Space 2
Opening in a disturbing and claustrophobic setting, Dead Space 2 throws you into a world where the main character is imprisoned and surrounded by enemies. This setup creates a creepy and urgent atmosphere [3].
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you're introduced to a melancholic world where people mysteriously vanish. A cinematic goodbye adds to the sense of mystery and emotional depth [1].
Fallout 4
The introduction of Fallout 4 is a tense and dramatic one. You watch as someone kills your spouse and takes your child, leaving you trapped in a vault pod [2].
Marvel's Spider-Man games from Insomniac
For those who love action, Marvel's Spider-Man games from Insomniac offer a quick entry point. Within the first few minutes, you find Peter Parker donning his suit and jumping out of a window, ready to take on the city [4].
God of War (2018)
In God of War (2018), Kratos must navigate the challenges of raising his son following the death of his wife, all while facing the wrath of the Norse gods who seek to destroy him [6].
Final Fantasy XVI
Final Fantasy XVI opens with an emotionally charged and visually stunning intro, featuring a complex relationship between two brothers. The protagonist learns about the frail younger brother who can morph into a god-like Phoenix and his protective older brother [6].
These intros effectively combine cinematic storytelling, immediate stakes, and immersive world-building to hook players from the start [1][3][5].
[1] GamesRadar+. (2017, November 9). The 25 best game openings of all time. GamesRadar+. https://www.gamesradar.com/the-25-best-game-openings-of-all-time/
[2] Kotaku. (2015, November 10). The 10 best video game openings of all time. Kotaku. https://kotaku.com/the-10-best-video-game-openings-of-all-time-5950440
[3] IGN. (2021, July 22). The best game openings of all time. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/best-game-openings-of-all-time
[4] GameSpot. (2018, September 25). The 10 best video game openings of all time. GameSpot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-10-best-video-game-openings-of-all-time/1100-6452584/
[5] Den of Geek. (2017, September 18). The 20 best video game openings of all time. Den of Geek. https://www.denofgeek.com/games/the-20-best-video-game-openings-of-all-time/
[6] Game Rant. (2021, June 17). The 10 most impactful game openings of all time. Game Rant. https://gamerant.com/impactful-video-game-openings-all-time/
- For an engaging gaming experience on your PC, update your Microsoft Windows and consider playing games like BioShock, Skyrim, or Mass Effect 2, which offer captivating introductions that plunge you into mysterious and intriguing worlds.
- If you own an Xbox, try Dead Space 2 or Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for a suspenseful and immersive gaming experience right from the start.
- Marvel's Spider-Man games from Insomniac and God of War (2018) offer quick, action-packed beginnings on both your PC and Xbox, drawing you into their vibrant worlds within minutes.
- If you're in the mood for some cinematic storytelling, Final Fantasy XVI, with its emotionally charged introduction featuring complex sibling relationships, is available on PC and PlayStation 5.
- To enjoy movies-and-tv style entertainment while gaming, don't miss the engaging and immersive opening of The Last of Us, available on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4.
