This Game’s Opening Level Is So Perfect, I Keep Starting New Saves Just to Replay It

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It’s evident that I have a passion for video games, given my career choice. The medium, with its storytelling prowess and mechanical complexity, fascinates me deeply, but what truly piques my curiosity is the initial phase of a game – its opening moments. Many of my cherished gaming experiences involve being mesmerized by thrilling prologues or introductory cutscenes, such as those in Mass Effect 2 and BioShock, which have left lasting impressions on me.

Among all games, there’s one that constantly draws me back due to its captivating introduction: The Last of Us. It may not be my ultimate favorite, but I’d contend that the games I mentioned earlier provide a more comprehensive gaming experience. However, Naughty Dog has an extraordinary knack for hooking me. The prologue of The Last of Us never loses its appeal, and it’s not just because they keep remaking and enhancing the game. In fact, few games manage to introduce their world, story, and gameplay as impressively as the initial The Last of Us does.

Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us.

I’m Obsessed with The Last of Us’ Prologue for Two Major Reasons

Yes, The Last of Us’ Opening Is Just That Good

The first time I played “The Last of Us” was when I turned 16, and since then, there’s a touch of nostalgia that adds to my appreciation for its opening scene. However, I can also vouch for it as an exceptional example of storytelling in video games, not just because of the sentimental value. Remarkably, Naughty Dog crafted a small-scale masterpiece by keeping the initial section of “The Last of Us” close-up. This means that we, as players, are solely focused on Sarah, Tommy, and Joel trying to escape immediate danger. We don’t have access to a broader perspective, like observing the spread of the Cordyceps virus from above. Consequently, we experience the onset of the apocalypse with the same fear, anxiety, and confusion as the main characters. We are just as panicked, anxious, and confused.

Typically, it’s the fine print or subtle aspects that matter most, and this is certainly true in the case of The Last of Us. The narrative commences at the Miller residence, showcasing a heartwarming exchange between the caring single father Joel and his daughter Sarah. This tender moment effectively sets up their relationship, making the ensuing events even more poignant and chilling. To add another layer of ingenuity to the storytelling, Naughty Dog chooses to let players initially control Sarah instead of Joel: we’re not yet in the shoes of a rough-and-tumble survivor but rather a frightened young girl, helplessly navigating her home during a terrifying ordeal.

From Sarah’s point of view, we witness the onset of the apocalypse, guiding her actions until she sustains an injury that necessitates Joel carrying her. This gradual shift in control serves to introduce us to Joel’s perspective while immediately setting the high-stakes, life-or-death tone of the narrative from the beginning.

The peaceful and cozy Miller residence transforms into chaotic, blazing Austin, Texas streets, escalating dread and anxiety, making a joyful conclusion for these characters appear more remote with each passing moment. A crushing blow follows – Sarah meets her end, leaving Joel holding her fragile, lifeless body before the game’s title appears. It’s gut-wrenching and daring, conveying that in this world, no one is invincible, not even an innocent child.

It seems we both share a fondness for this opening scene; interestingly, it was remarkably replicated scene by scene in the TV series titled “The Last of Us”.

If Any Sequence Can Get a Non-Gamer Invested, It’s The Last of Us’ Intro

When I initially played “The Last of Us”, I had already been through several intense, emotional, and intriguing video game introductions. However, these were mostly appealing to my gamer mindset, developed after decades of immersion in gaming. If my non-gaming sisters or parents happened to walk into the room while I was playing the opening scenes of a game like “Silent Hill 2”, they might have sensed its eerie ambiance and perhaps admired it, but without much personal investment. This is understandable: strolling along a lengthy, foggy path or swimming towards a mysterious lighthouse in the middle of the ocean is significantly more enticing when you’re the one taking the journey.

The game titled “The Last of Us” stands out in a unique way. Even my 56-year-old father, who has limited gaming experience beyond the Atari 2600, couldn’t tear his eyes away when I showed him the start of this game. My mother, sisters, and I suspect even my extended family would exhibit similar fascination. It’s possible that the highly cinematic opening of the game, combined with its stunning graphics, keeps non-gamers captivated, but I believe it runs deeper than that.

As a fan, I’d say that “The Last of Us” stands out from other video games that simply mimic the feel of movies. Instead, it seamlessly blends cinematic excellence with player-driven narratives. This unique blend uses interactivity to intensify emotional impact and satisfaction. What truly captivates newcomers is the prologue sequence, which employs interactivity in a way only a game can, yet remains mechanically uncomplicated, serving as an inviting gateway for those eager to explore the world of gaming.

Look at this, me sharing the initial scenes of “The Last of Us” with my father ignited a spark, and he recently acquired a secondhand PlayStation 3 (such a sweet gesture). I suspect that he is on the verge of reaching Tommy’s settlement now. Therefore, I don’t simply replay “The Last of Us” opening because I enjoy it, but because others appreciate it as well – enough to dive into gaming headfirst and embark on their own adventure within this hobby.

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2025-07-29 23:04