Summary
Role-playing games can be a ton of fun, but it can take a while before players get into the meat of the action. While slow beginnings aren’t bad in RPGs, they can make for an introduction that doesn’t highlight the game’s biggest strengths. Sometimes, it takes time or patience that players might not have before the game really gets good.
This is why fans love RPGs that don’t hide their strongest hand, and instead leap into the action as soon as possible. Players who want to ensure they don’t waste time will love what these titles bring to the table from the moment they start.
Just like its predecessor,God of War Ragnarokmakes a major impression with its opening. After establishing Atreus' ability to shapeshift, Freya descends upon the duo to get revenge for her son. Even after returning to safety, their trials are far from over. Odin and Thor unexpectedly arrive at Kratos' doorstep, with the latter forcing the player into a grueling boss fight after Kratos' answer disappoints the Allfather.
As much as players may criticizeCyberpunk 2077’s Lifepaths, there’s no denying that the game’s beginning feels all the more unique and engaging as a result. In fact, this is just the start of a lengthy introduction that sets up the narrative’s stakes.
After a botched Arasaka heist leads to dire consequences for V and their friend, the protagonist must figure out a way to get Johnny Silverhand out of their head and regain control of their body. This is whenCyberpunk 2077properly starts, capping off an incredible intro sequence that’s fun from start to end.
Mass Effect 2needed to do something incredible to stand out as a worthy sequel, and they achieved this within the first hour of the game. Witnessing the Normandy being shredded to bits as Shepard seemingly dies in space makes for a horrifying moment, only for the Commander to be reconstructed with Cerberus' advanced technology.
After the base is attacked, Shepard is indebted to the Illusive Man as he becomes a Cerberus operative. The fight against the Reapers and Collectors starts at this very moment and never lets up in a game that is a bombastic adventure from start to end.
Players whohad doubts aboutDisco Elysiumafter seeing how eccentric this title was changed their tune in no time after the first scene. Seeing a detective half-naked on the ground after a bender that caused him to develop amnesia is a hilarious way to start the game. It helps that the Whirling-in-Rags is full of colorful personalities, from the mysterious Klassje to the disgruntled Garte. It provides players with a basic idea of the game’s plot and setting before they’re unleashed on the district of Martinaise in Revachol.
Baldur’s Gate 3made it clear that fans would be experiencing the adventure of a lifetime in this title. The intro wastes no time in building intrigue, as players are infected by an illithid parasite onboard a hostile ship that they must escape somehow. After causing the ship to crash, the heroes crash-land, and Act 1 starts in all its glory. It’s a great action-packed opening beforeBaldur’s Gate 3relaxes and unfurls its wings, letting players witnessthe sheer depth of role-playing brilliance in this amazing title.
The Witcher 3is one of the greatest video games of all time, showing how experienced CD Projekt Red had become as a developer back when this game launched. Unlike the notoriously difficult beginning ofThe Witcher 2,The Wild Huntstarts with Geralt conversing with Vesemir in White Orchard before players take out a bunch of ghouls nearby.
The game slowly expands on the basics of combat in White Orchard, which makes for a fun environment to explore that doesn’t overwhelm players. From a surprisingly entertaining quest to find a frying pan to an epic encounter with a griffin, White Orchard is a great introduction toThe Witcher 3’s world before Yennefer appears and things get serious.
Liberty Island is one of the most legendary starting levels in video game history. Players meet their brother, form their character, choose their starting loadout, and must figure out how to nab the NSF’s terrorist leader on their own. Thankfully, Liberty Island is great at organically helping players learn as they come across a number of terrorists and figure out how to deal with them without dying. It makes for a highly entertaining beginning that will leave a lasting impression on players.
To this day, the iconic Bombing MissionfromFinal Fantasy 7makes for one of the best introductions to any video game. Players control a mysterious spiky blonde-haired warrior who is seemingly on a quest to blow up a reactor. The intrigue this intro generates is legendary, with most of it being retained inFinal Fantasy 7 Remake. The mission ends with a notable encounter against the Guard Scorpion, a simple yet memorable boss that will serve as the player’s first true test before things get harder.
