Favorite Opening/First Stages that got you Impressed

[Midori Shimada VT]

(I am not sure if this could fit on this section)

So I was watching this latest Game Sack episode on games that have the best first stages, in classic or modern games, that make for a first impression and has gotten me an idea for this topic. So, RGT community, what is your favorite best first/Opening stages in a game that got you impressed? Mine would be the following: Final Fantasy VII's Opening - Bombing Mission where you plant bombs on the Shinra reactor and escape, Contra (NES) Stage 1 Jungle, and the first stage of Shovel Knight.

 

[Dwarfy2k]

I still think one of the greatest first levels is the OG Tomb Raiders first stage. It showcases the game greatly, more then enough secrets (and was also the demo stage on demo discs).

 

[Pandaprewmaster325]

FF9 the whole starting play and the chase by steiner just DAAAMN

 

[Neb Lleb]

Resident Evil 2 1998. The opening rush through Raccoon City is easily one of the highlights of the game.
EDIT: I'll also have to say that Sonic Adventure and its unique opening of thrusting you into a boss fight with the game's primary villain Chaos is also an effective way of reintroducing us to the Blue Blur and introducing new players to Sonic and what he does. Another great opening level is that of Duke Nukem 3D: The "Hollywood Holocaust" level is the ultimate mission statement for an FPS and a perfect demonstration of the game's urban decay and playfully self-aware grittiness.

 

[Ikagura]

I absolutely loved how Alien Soldier was frantic and looked great for an aging 16-bits.

Similarly to Ristar being one of the most gorgeous game as well.

 

[Endergod1]

One that struck me the most is Darius Gaiden. The entire music that would persist until 2nd zone, the overarching abstract theme of it, the surreal ladnscape accompanied by the enemies and boss battle, the visuals...

.
If Taito wanted to demonstrate their F3 system, they did a too darn great job at that

 

[Cu-Neo]

R-00: Guard Duty, the opening level in Metal Gear Rising

 

[Bonkers225]

Dynamite Headdy
Gunstar Heroes on the GBA
Final Fantasy VII
Sonic Adventure
Uncharted 2
Resident Evil 5

 

[OmegaPunch's iconOmegaPunch]

Definitely the opening for Parasite Eve.
It start off pretty normal, our protag Aya is just going on a date with her boyfriend to see a stage play, nothing outta the ordinary.
But then...

 

[Fenir]

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, starting the game overpowered as Darth Vader.

 

[Neb Lleb]

R-00: Guard Duty, the opening level in Metal Gear Rising
View attachment 51583

Just four grunts and two bosses (one you're forced to lose and which leads to the game's use of the franchise running gag "Kept 'cha waiting, huh?"). That's all it takes to get returning players adjusted to the new character action gameplay.

Also, RULES OF NATURE.

 

[DunkeyKong]

Metal Slug games, a great and memorable first stage back to back. Even the ones on handheld system like Neo Geo Pocket and GBA

 

[thanonyx]

All of the Sly Cooper games have fun opening levels that ease you into the game but the one for Sly 3 Honor Among Thieves stands out. Not only does it introduce you to the core mechanics established by the previous two games at a nice pace but it also has you assisted by several new (and one returning) and unknown members of the Cooper gang that you recruit throughout the game (but let's be honest, we all knew one of them was Murray) a couple of which are former antagonists. Oh and the reveal that it actually takes place during the final level of the game and you get to see how the whole thing is set up from square one, chef's kisses.

 

[Jediuser]

All of the Sly Cooper games have fun opening levels that ease you into the game but the one for Sly 3 Honor Among Thieves stands out. Not only does it introduce you to the core mechanics established by the previous two games at a nice pace but it also has you assisted by several new (and one returning) and unknown members of the Cooper gang that you recruit throughout the game (but let's be honest, we all knew one of them was Murray) a couple of which are former antagonists. Oh and the reveal that it actually takes place during the final level of the game and you get to see how the whole thing is set up from square one, chef's kisses.

I kinda prefer the opening level of Sly 2. Sly 3 does a great job establishing atmosphere and tension, but I feel Sly 2 does a much better job setting up the team dynamic (I especially loved that bit of the three of them running from Carmelita in the museum). Actually, Thieves in Time's opening level also does a better job establishing the three main characters, setting up not only their dynamic but their individual gameplay styles.

Post automatically merged: Monday at 2:06 PM

The opening level of Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction. Introduces you to the heroes, the antagonist, and simply hits the ground running with you fighting your way through an alien invasion.

 

[McDoob]

FF9 the whole starting play and the chase by steiner just DAAAMN

I loved the hilarity that was Steiner!

In the same vein, I'll mention the opening sequence for FFIV. The Red Wings Theme is still one of my all-time favorite game songs.

Or FFX. Again, just awesome music in the opening scene!
-McD

 

[Pandaprewmaster325]

I loved the hilarity that was Steiner!

In the same vein, I'll mention the opening sequence for FFIV. The Red Wings Theme is still one of my all-time favorite game songs.
-McD

Ah yea he keeps yelling PRINCESS all the time i picture him having this damn deep voice i don't have any media to show how i think he sounds but he indeed is a source for comedy i like a lot how he becomes way more open minded as time goes on...

Yeah the FF4 start is criminal XD you just start the game and you are getting back home after committing some crimes never gets old

 

[TotzOnGaming]

Arkham Asylum/City/Knight
Assassin's Creed 2
Devil May Cry 3
Ys VIII(Sunshine Coastline)
The Evil Within
RGG Kiwami 2
are just a few I remember.
Great to see Game Sack fans out here.

 

[TentaclesMod]

R-00: Guard Duty, the opening level in Metal Gear Rising
View attachment 51583

It doesn't get much better than being less than 5 minutes in of actual gameplay and RULES OF NATURE!

 

[Evaccaneer Doom]

Time to be the only one to mention Metal Slug

Post automatically merged: Monday at 5:16 PM

Metal Slug games, a great and memorable first stage back to back. Even the ones on handheld system like Neo Geo Pocket and GBA
View attachment 51608

Wait what the fuck

 

[Jediuser]

I loved the hilarity that was Steiner!

In the same vein, I'll mention the opening sequence for FFIV. The Red Wings Theme is still one of my all-time favorite game songs.

Or FFX. Again, just awesome music in the opening scene!
-McD

I do love Steiner. You could tell Square wanted to lighten up a bit after the relative gloom of VII and VIII (and yes, I am well aware IX DOES still have some dark subject matter, but it still feels tonally lighter than most of the previous games).

 

[McDoob]

I do love Steiner. You could tell Square wanted to lighten up a bit after the relative gloom of VII and VIII (and yes, I am well aware IX DOES still have some dark subject matter, but it still feels tonally lighter than most of the previous games).

And then they just went right back to the same dark formula with FF-X...But they did have Wakka...
-McD

 

[Jediuser]

And then they just went right back to the same dark formula with FF-X...But they did have Wakka...
-McD

 

[McDoob]

Fair point. But, I mean, the overall storyline? Kinda dark.

 

[moonbits]

Half Life's first act is spectacular; A bit of the world before you fuck everything up by pushing a cart.

Another honorable mention is Doom 3, you slowly make your way through the MARS facility and look around, explore a bit, get a bit of lore and then you slowly make your way the lower levels, everyone is on edge, things aren't right and then shit happens.

 

[snes9x]

That was a really good episode of teh Sack and I hope Joe expands on it down the line. I think the bombing mission in FFVII is the greatest opening of any FF game, if not any JRPG. Metal Gear Solid 2's tanker mission is unforgettable and I don't think any of the other games matched it. Maybe the GOAT. Fallout New Vegas is great for giving you the basic plot beats and letting you loose in the world.