As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of lengthy and convoluted game openings. Some of them have been worth the wait, while others have left me scratching my head wondering why the developers thought it was necessary to drag things out so much. Today, I’d like to share with you my top 10 picks for games that started off slow, but ended up being absolute gems.
In our current fast-paced society, filled with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels that can sometimes feel overly stimulating, people’s ability to concentrate for extended periods seems to have reached its lowest ebb.
In general, this often refers to a gaming environment where many games are designed to grab your attention quickly by starting off at a brisk pace, so that you stay engaged and don’t move on to try something else before losing interest.
It’s strategically wise to keep players engaged, and some games bravely opt for lengthy introductions to create an immersive atmosphere, whether it turns out well or not.
These games might be lengthy introductions, extensive opening sequences, or intricate world-building efforts; regardless, it can take quite some time before they fully get underway.
Occasionally, these games are exciting; other times, they’re as boring as watching dishes get cleaned. However, our goal remains to present some of the lengthiest introductions in gaming, no matter how engaging or unexciting they may be initially.
10. Metaphor ReFantazio
I Just Can’t Wait To Be King
In terms of ATLUS games, almost any JRPG from their extensive library could fittingly be included in this list. The majority of Shin Megami Tensei (SMT) and Persona series require around 10 hours or more to introduce the game world, your role within it, and the complexity of the systems as you progress through play.
Nevertheless, let’s consider discussing Metaphor ReFantazio, a tool that mirrors its function, delving into the peculiar monarchy and religious beliefs of this universe, along with the inevitable dramas these elements entail.
By the time you’re finally given the freedom to tackle your first significant dungeon, you’ll have already suffered the loss of a key party member, encountered numerous significant characters, engaged in combat (or stealthily evaded) a dragon, exposed deceit within the ranks of the military, and embarked on your journey towards kingship.
Essentially, the game takes time to establish its setting initially, but once it does, it allows you a lot of freedom. However, I’d like to clarify that this structured approach enhances the overall gaming experience.
9. Kingdom Hearts 2
Who The Hell is Roxas
While I know that a lot of people hate the extended tutorial found in Kingdom Hearts 2, I’m certainly part of the minority that loves it. This is perhaps because I was one of the few who played Chain of Memories and 358/2 Days, so I already had an affinity with Roxas.
However, it’s also clear to me why people felt frustrated, having to control an insignificant character for extended periods before Sora awoke from stasis.
This tutorial is quite extensive, yet effectively bridges the gap between the first and second main installments in the series, even though there were several canonical releases in between. To be honest, it does an outstanding job.
The game effectively evokes emotions for characters like Roxas and Axel, provides a captivating environment in the form of Twilight Town, and clarifies the indestructible bond between Sora and Roxas. Admittedly, it might not have required such an extended length, but despite this, I believe it receives more criticism than warranted.
8. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Just A Regular Dude
If there’s any game that needs an extensive and leisurely introduction, it’s KCD. This game thrives on providing intricate, highly realistic RPG mechanics, implying that you can’t simply start off playing like a semi-divine entity as in most RPGs.
Instead, you’ll need to take on the role of an ordinary individual named Henry, who doesn’t possess any special abilities. However, by facing challenges, overcoming obstacles, and making thoughtful choices, he can forge a path to success.
To help you master the complex aspects like combat, dialogue, trade, and many others, the game tasks you with completing various errands in your home town.
As a devoted admirer, I must admit that it’s a tough haul at first, but it’s worth sticking with it. The initial hours can be rather uneventful, yet, if you persevere and master these game systems, the payoff will be immense when you’re eventually unleashed into this meticulously crafted and breathtakingly beautiful Slavic open world that history itself has inspired.
7. Fallout 3
I am Alpha And Omega…
In my opinion, the tutorial at the start of Fallout 3 is one of the best in video game history. It excels not only in storytelling but also in its thoughtful approach to gameplay design.
However, it definitely loses its shine after a few replays. After the first time around, you begin to feel just how long, plodding, and critically unskippable vast portions of this tutorial are.
The initial experience is thrilling as you become acquainted with Daddy Liam Neeson, engage in some spats with Butch, and in the end, manage to break out of the vault, leaving the Overseer feeling disappointed.
However, reaching the point when the light overwhelms you upon exiting the Capital Wasteland for the initial time may seem like an eternity. Regrettably, console gamers can’t bypass this tutorial, so it’s something they must endure consistently.
6. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
A Glorified Action Movie
I was torn between which Kojima project to throw in here, because heaven knows that man loves a long-winded opening, but while Death Stranding was a good option, MGS5 really takes the biscuit here.
In MGS5, instead of allowing you immediate access to explore the expansive open world and enjoy the tactical stealth gameplay it’s known for, the beginning of the game deliberately keeps you from direct involvement for an extended period, making your initial hour more about observing than participating actively.
The initial 60 minutes are essentially one long, interactive cinematic sequence, filled with intense action but seems rather prolonged and fails to offer a strong setup for the true gameplay experience that Metal Gear Solid V reveals once you’re unleashed.
Furthermore, leaving it unfinished means starting from scratch again. Therefore, prepare yourself for this lengthy piece and bear with it through its extended introduction as it leads to the main plot, which is quite engaging.
5. Cyberpunk 2077
One Last Job
In the unique world of Cyberpunk 2077, players are offered a variety of starting scenarios tailored to their chosen character’s backstory.
However, one thing remains consistent no matter which one you pick. You won’t be getting to roam freely around Night City for quite some time. This is because the game is keen to funnel you through the Arasaka heist and form a strong bond between you and your pal, Jackie Wells.
Spending nearly five hours interacting with Jackie and strategizing against Night City’s largest corporation will fill your mind with the presence of Keanu Reeves, subtly influencing your actions for their self-centered intentions, eventually making you feel as if they have taken control of your body in this sprawling Cyberpunk world.
It’s a long opening, but to be fair, it’s a very engaging one that sets the tone perfectly. So just sit back and enjoy the ride. Night City will open up to you before you know it.
4. Assassin’s Creed 3
Wait, Are We The Baddies?
Similarly to Kingdom Hearts 2, Assassin’s Creed 3 begins by allowing you to play a character who is not your main character for most of the gameplay.
Instead of controlling Connor, you’ll take on the role of Haytham Kenway, his father, for approximately 5-6 hours as you delve into colonial America. This initial segment represents a significant time investment for what essentially serves as an introduction, but let me assure you, the rewards are definitely commensurate with the effort.
As a devoted gamer, let me share my experience: This game captivates you with its compelling new character, transporting you right into the heart of a pivotal moment in history, on the brink of the American Revolution. And just when you think you’re about to embrace your role as Connor Kenway and explore the world at large, a surprising twist unfolds – I’m not an Assassin.
In this game, you assume the role of the formidable villains, the Templars. This surprising turn of events, despite some initial frustrations due to a linear structure, is among the most captivating openings ever in the Assassin’s Creed series.
3. Forspoken
This Is Torture!
Instead of many games on this list that had a lengthy introduction and successfully delivered, Forspoken instead extended its own struggle, which in turn caused frustration for those unlucky players who ended up playing it.
In simpler terms, the beginning of Forspoken feels excessively lengthy and packed with its most frustrating aspects. Despite having remarkable navigation mechanics, the initial stages involve tedious tasks similar to an MMO’s fetch quests, rather than exploring the city’s full potential.
Instead of being captivating, the characters, setting, and main storyline were lacking, making them shift between annoying and dull with such regularity that you might experience a sensation similar to whiplash.
As a devoted gamer, I must admit that the main character in this game is rather difficult to connect with due to his unlikeable nature. The initial cityscape feels underdeveloped and incomplete, which makes it hard to immerse myself fully. However, once you get the chance to dive into the parkour mechanics, the fun truly begins.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
A Slow Burn
The Red Dead Redemption collection, much like Grand Theft Auto, garnered praise for creating some of the most expansive open-world playgrounds, allowing players an unprecedented level of autonomy in shaping their own gameplay experience.
First, let me clarify that before venturing into the chaotic, free-spirited Wild West scenario, there’s a necessary prelude: the first chapter, which is quite linear and gradual in pace, setting the stage for the rest of this grand saga.
In this beginning, you will meet Arthur Morgan and his group, learn the necessary controls for thriving within this vast environment, and ignite the seeds of a tale that gradually intensifies into an unforgettable adventure.
Just as Grand Theft Auto V, the real action doesn’t start until you leave the snowy environment. However, once you do, you’ll find yourself juggling tasks that are far beyond your initial expectations.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Takes A While To Get Edgy
As far as personal preferences go, Twilight Princess remains my top pick among all Zelda games. Its atmosphere is intense, moody, and brimming with impactful scenes. However, I must acknowledge that its initial stages can feel quite slow and laborious.
As a devoted player, I found myself initially taken aback by the cheerful opening scenes, starkly contrasting with the game’s ominous undertones. The tasks assigned in Ordon Village, while essential for learning the ropes, seemed rather mundane and lengthy, making this extended tutorial feel less engaging than desired.
Fundamentally, this game restricts you from experiencing the core aspects of Zelda – exploration through dungeon crawling, action-packed combat, and problem-solving puzzles. However, I must confess that it’s arguably the title that presents the charm of Link’s homeland most vividly, enticing players with a tantalizing sneak peek of something truly valuable to protect.
However, I believe a different approach might have been more effective, maybe even more succinct, since the sudden shift to the darker theme can be quite startling. This may be why some people perceive this game as an outlier in the Zelda series.
Read More
- USD PHP PREDICTION
- POL PREDICTION. POL cryptocurrency
- EUR ZAR PREDICTION
- HBOs The Last of Us Used Heavy Make-up To Cover One Characters Real-Life Injury
- Brent Oil Forecast
- LUNC PREDICTION. LUNC cryptocurrency
- OKB PREDICTION. OKB cryptocurrency
- ONDO PREDICTION. ONDO cryptocurrency
- Arkansas House Passes Two Bills Restricting Crypto Mining
- Project ARC Hands-On Preview: A Solid Tactical Shooter
2024-12-16 15:09