The Most Iconic First Levels In Games

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Summary

  • The first level of a video game can make or break it, setting the tone and engaging players from the start.
  • Iconic games like Batman: Arkham City and Resident Evil 4 showcase how a strong first level can lead to immense popularity.
  • Titles like Medal of Honor: Frontline and Mass Effect prove that a gripping introduction can leave a lasting impact on players.

In society, it’s widely believed that video games can overturn conventional wisdom. When talking about video games, one can indeed make snap judgments based on appearance, what’s visually appealing initially matters, and first impressions are long-lasting. However, these principles often lead to trouble for many games. For instance, the game “The Outer Worlds” stands strong as an RPG with a smaller budget and scope, but its somewhat laborious opening sequence may have deterred some players from fully experiencing it.

Games can achieve tremendous fame right from their debut if they excel at immersing players into the game world, establishing the narrative context, and setting the mood. Even with an abundance of customization or a vast open-world to explore, if the initial level falls short, it could lose a significant number of players. Remarkably, these particular games have mastered their opening stages, providing some of the most memorable and influential introductions in gaming history – introductions that continue to be celebrated as the best within the industry today.

8. Batman: Arkham City – The Courthouse

An Introduction To The Game’s Two Pillars

Among devoted fans, Batman: Arkham City is often singled out as the pinnacle of a distinguished series, effortlessly encapsulating the essence of the Caped Crusader as he confronts iconic adversaries from Batman’s unique and peerless rogues gallery, accurately depicted in these legendary games.

In the game Arkham City, the initial level involves Batman saving Catwoman from Two-Face during her trial, which sets the stage for both stealth and combat gameplay that are central to these titles. This introductory section effectively introduces players to the Batman universe in a compelling way.

7. Resident Evil 4 – The Village

A Fantastic First Level That Sets The Stakes And Atmosphere

Among numerous contenders for the greatest Resident Evil game ever made, this series has left an indelible mark on the horror genre, standing shoulder to shoulder with Silent Hill as a paragon of terrifying gaming experiences. Particularly noteworthy is Resident Evil 4, which demonstrates exceptional skill in setting a chilling tone and atmosphere from the very outset.

As a dedicated fan, I must say that diving into the world of Resident Evil 4 is nothing short of exhilarating. In the very first chapter, my protagonist, Leon, navigates through a crumbling, eerie village. This place, with its decay and desolation, serves as the perfect stage for the game’s chilling horror to unfold. Few horror games have had such an immediate impact on me, sending shivers down my spine from the very start, quite like Resident Evil 4 does.

6. Medal Of Honor: Frontline – Storming Normandy

A Brutal Display Of WW2 Combat

Many first-person shooter (FPS) games are renowned for their intense, disordered gunfights, but Medal of Honor: Frontline stands out by portraying these actions within the context of war’s horrors. Despite its age, not many games have been able to evoke the same palpable excitement leading to a battle that Frontline was capable of for one of WW2’s most memorable moments.

As a devoted enthusiast, diving into the thrilling world of “Medal of Honor: Frontline,” I must admit, recreating the Normandy invasion was an audacious endeavor for any game. However, what truly sets this game apart is its exceptional gunplay that miraculously captured the chaos and brutality of that historic battle in a way that continues to impress years after its debut.

5. Mass Effect – Eden Prime

An Excellent Introduction Into The Story And World

It’s not an understatement to assert that Mass Effect significantly transformed what high-budget RPGs (Role Playing Games) could achieve. By this time, BioWare had already produced numerous top-tier games, but this gritty space opera has a unique status in the hearts of many as the launch of an extraordinary trilogy.

Discussing the start, not many Role-Playing Games (RPGs) can boast a beginning as memorable as the battle on Eden Prime in Mass Effect. This initial confrontation encapsulates what makes this game extraordinary – it offers Shepherd ample chances to evolve into a Renegade or Paragon, presents and deepens captivating companions, and sets the stage for an epic saga about the galaxy’s fight against the Reapers, which unfolds over three games.

4. Skyrim – The Destruction Of Helgen

An Explosive Introduction To The Dragons’ Return

In many aspects, the opening of Skyrim’s game world mirrored the other games in The Elder Scrolls series quite closely. As players, we take on the role of an unspecified prisoner, initially set free in a manner that subtly introduces the primary questline. However, what sets Skyrim apart is its use of this introduction to not only initiate the main story but also to introduce a secondary civil war questline.

Helgen has become one of Skyrim’s most recognized landmarks, even though it was quickly destroyed in the game’s narrative. However, the introduction to the Nords’ homeland is a significant part of gaming that’s hard to forget. Lokir, the leader of the rebellion from Rorikstead who is silenced, experiences Alduin’s devastation on Helgen just before the player’s execution. This opening scene is packed with events. It’s no surprise it’s frequently recalled as one of the most thrilling starting levels in Elder Scrolls history.

3. BioShock – Entering Rapture

No Gods Or Kings. Only Man.

Similar to other titles listed, BioShock employs a generous amount of disorder to distinguish itself right from the start. The harrowing experience of gasping for air amid the debris of a downed aircraft offers a sense of the colossal expanse of the underwater city Rapture, and the genius it required to essentially subdue that ocean and construct an art-deco, objectivist ‘paradise’ for industrialists to inhabit.

This introductory stage effectively conveys that Andrew Ryan’s vision has taken a disastrous turn. All elements within this opening level, including Ryan’s speech, the ‘No Gods, No Kings’ emblem, and the initial Splicer adversaries, solidify this game as an undeniably iconic masterpiece.

2. Sonic The Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone

A Singularly Iconic First Level

Regarding Sonic the Hedgehog, it’s fair to say that its series has experienced some ups and downs in terms of game releases. However, there’s no arguing that Green Hill Zone stands as a pop culture landmark, embodying the essence of Sonic and serving as an outstanding starting point for a truly remarkable game.

Mastering the fundamentals of Sonic’s swift moves, including the mechanics of ring collection and enemy defeat, is executed with elegance and finesse in this initial stage. The level showcases meticulous attention to detail, an enchanting atmosphere, and a captivating soundtrack that leaves a lasting impression.

1. Super Mario Bros – 1-1

It Doesn’t Get More Iconic

In a somewhat exaggerated manner, let me say that Super Mario Bros. was exceptionally revolutionary. Nowadays, due to its widespread influence on pop culture, it might seem like just another video game. However, it’s not an overstatement to suggest that without this game, our understanding of what video games entail would be vastly different today.

To put it simply, World 1-1 in Super Mario Bros. is instrumental in shaping our understanding of the game as we know it today. It serves as a comprehensive introduction to the game mechanics and themes, eliminating the need for a detailed backstory provided in the original manual. Players control a mustachioed character moving rightward, discovering hidden treasures from mystery blocks, squashing goombas, and navigating through the straightforward yet fundamental design that later influenced many games. Could any other opening level have such an enduring impact on not just one game but a whole genre of platformers that followed?

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2025-01-26 09:07