In this article, we'll show you the 12 best video game openers that have left players spellbound.
Oblivion's cinematic intro remains a timeless gem. The dark ambiance, the compelling voice of Uriel Septim, and the mesmerizing soundtrack all blend seamlessly to craft the perfect introduction for the game, just before you start your adventure in a prison cell outside the imperial city – even after nearly 18 years.
© Bethesda
If there's one opening song that'll linger in your mind, it's "Simple and Clean" from Kingdom Hearts 1.5. The tranquil island life shatters when a mysterious storm sweeps across the world, propelling Sora onto an unforeseen journey across the universe. Serving as a captivating introduction to the beloved franchise, the Kingdom Hearts 1.5 intro seamlessly blends fantasy, adventure, and friendship into a timeless tale that resonates with players of all ages.
© Disney/Square Enix
It all began as the adventure of a lifetime with your brother and closest friends. Skydiving onto a tropical island paradise for a dream vacation, you're greeted by vibrant colors and azure waters, painting a picture-perfect scene. However, the idyllic atmosphere swiftly takes a dark turn as you're captured by pirates led by the charismatic yet menacing Vaas. Stripped of your freedom and imprisoned, you bear witness to Vaas's brutality firsthand as he delivers a chilling monologue. Narrowly escaping with your life, the intro sets the stage for your harrowing journey of survival and revenge.
© Ubisoft
"Hey, you there! You're finally awake!" If you were a gamer in the early 2010s, you'll surely recognize this iconic line. Skyrim's intro plunges you into the role of a prisoner being transported in a carriage alongside other captives. Tension fills the air as you're led to your execution in Helgen. Suddenly, a massive dragon descends upon the town, throwing everything into chaos. Amidst the confusion, you seize the opportunity to escape. Exiting the cave after fleeing Helgen and standing in the vast open world of Skyrim for the first time – that moment was simply unforgettable.
© Bethesda
The intro plunges you into the depths of the ocean as your character, Jack, survives a plane crash and swims to a nearby lighthouse. Inside, you discover a bathysphere that transports you to the underwater city of Rapture. Once a glorious utopia, Rapture now lies in ruins, overrun by genetic experiments gone awry. As you descend into the city's depths, you're greeted by haunting echoes of its former glory and the menacing presence of its mutated inhabitants. The intro sets the stage for your descent into madness as you unravel the mysteries of Rapture and its enigmatic creator.
© 2k Games
The opening sequence of The Last of Us leaves no dry eyes. Immersing you in a world ravaged by a deadly fungal outbreak, news reports detail the rapid spread of infection and societal collapse. Amidst the chaos, you witness Joel's desperate struggle to protect his daughter, Sarah, amidst the unfolding catastrophe. This heart-wrenching sequence sets a somber tone for the game's narrative, delving into themes of loss, survival, and the bonds formed in the face of adversity.
© Naughty Dog
The intro places you in the shoes of Solid Snake as he infiltrates the remote Alaskan island of Shadow Moses via a submarine. The frigid winds and snow-covered landscape set the stage for your mission as you navigate the island's perimeter and evade detection by enemy patrols. Upon breaching the facility's perimeter, you're thrust into the heart of a complex political conspiracy, where the lines between friend and foe blur, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
© Konami
The intro catapults you into an epic battle against the Colossus of Rhodes, a towering statue brought to life by the gods. As Kratos, the vengeful Spartan warrior, you're tasked with confronting this terrifying nemesis and reclaiming your lost power. The frenetic action and jaw-dropping spectacle showcase Kratos's godlike strength and determination as he battles against impossible odds. This opening sequence sets the stage for Kratos's relentless quest for vengeance against the gods of Olympus and his journey to attain ultimate power.
© Sony Computer Entertainment
It's not just the iconic Halo theme song that's epic. The first game's intro thrusts you into the midst of a desperate battle aboard the UNSC spaceship Pillar of Autumn as it comes under attack by the alien Covenant. As Master Chief, a supersoldier clad in powered armor, you're tasked with defending the ship against overwhelming odds. The chaotic firefight and explosive action set the stage for your crash-landing on the mysterious Halo ringworld and the beginning of an epic journey across the stars.
© Xbox Game Studios
The intro introduces you to Jade, a young photojournalist living on the peaceful planet of Hillys. As she documents the invasion of her homeworld by the alien DomZ, you're drawn into a world of political intrigue, government corruption, and intergalactic conflict. This opening sequence sets the stage for Jade's quest to uncover the truth behind the invasion and her role in a larger conspiracy that threatens the fate of the galaxy.
© Ubisoft
The cinematic intro of Dead Island is undeniably one of the saddest ones around. With somber piano music, reverse slow motion, and a once-happy family forever destroyed, it's emotionally gripping. A young girl lies lifeless on the ground, surrounded by the aftermath of a zombie outbreak. Flashbacks reveal moments from her life before the outbreak, including happy memories with her family. The emotional impact of these memories sharply contrasts with the grim reality of the present situation.
© Deep Silver
The intro of Helldivers 2 is fantastic. We see a message from the government of Super-Earth encouraging us to join the Helldivers program to rid the surrounding planets of nasty giant insects and robots - all for democracy and freedom, of course. The gorgeous graphics, bombastic soundtrack, and fun presentation will make you want to grab your friends right away to protect Super-Earth and spread a little democracy. You definitely don't want to miss this intro.
© Arrowhead
Video games have a unique knack of captivating players right from the moment they press start. An unforgettable opening sequence can establish the tone for the entire gaming experience, plunging players into rich narratives, breathtaking worlds, and heart-pounding action. Here are the 12 best intros in video games (at least in our opinion).
