15 Games Where the Prologue Told You: “This One’s Special”

Not all great games require a long time to make an impression – some hook you instantly. A strong opening sequence can set the mood, introduce the game’s world, explain how to play, or simply blow you away with amazing visuals. Here are 15 games that accomplish all of this in a single, memorable prologue.

15. Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2

While the opening title sequence is typical for the genre, it’s incredibly well-done. The haunting music and the way the screen transitions to show the Tyranid invasion of Kataku are perfect, and the green text really captures the dark, gritty atmosphere. After that impressive opening, you’re thrown right into the action, fighting waves of Tyranids with a powerful chainsword. And that blend of cinematic storytelling and intense action doesn’t just happen in the beginning – it continues throughout the entire game.

14. Forza Horizon 5

The Forza Horizon games are known for getting straight to the action, and Horizon 5 is no different – it starts with supercars literally dropping from the sky! Both new and returning players will enjoy the opening sequence, whether it’s a thrilling first experience with high-speed cars or a refresher of the game’s controls and the beautiful Mexican landscape. The game doesn’t bother with a complicated story; it’s all about enjoying cars, and this opening does a fantastic job of setting that tone.

13. Star Wars: Jedi Survivor

The start of Jedi Survivor immediately draws in Star Wars fans by placing them in the gritty, bustling heart of Coruscant. The game quickly establishes a rich and immersive world with fantastic level design. Cal Kestis is now a more skilled Jedi, and the opening hours are filled with fast-paced action – he’s running on walls, using the Force to move objects, and battling enemies. The exciting escape from Coruscant also features some of the most visually stunning scenes I’ve seen in a Star Wars game in a long time.

12. Batman: Arkham Knight

There’s no better way to start an Arkham game than with Scarecrow and his fear toxin. The game begins with a normal scene – ordering food in a Gotham diner – offering a rare look at everyday life before the villains take over. But things quickly turn nightmarish when Scarecrow unleashes his toxin. From there, you’ll answer the Bat-Signal and soar through the skies of Gotham, exploring the most detailed and immersive version of the city ever created in a game.

11. Resident Evil Village

The beginning of Resident Evil Village is surprisingly unique. It starts with a beautifully animated sequence that feels like something out of a Tim Burton film. We then see things from the perspective of a mother finishing a story for her child, which smoothly transitions into you exploring their home. This opening section isn’t just a tutorial for controls and story setup—it cleverly establishes the dark, fairy tale-like horror that the game does so effectively throughout.

10. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

While technically a remake, MGS Delta: Snake Eater stays remarkably faithful to the original – and the results are gorgeous. The opening sequence, featuring a US Air Force plane flying over Soviet lands and Snake’s sun-glinting goggles as he parachutes in, is truly breathtaking in this updated version. The Virtuous Mission is expertly paced and uses character moments to teach you the ropes, making you eager to experience this classic game with fresh eyes. It’s a perfect introduction that’s never looked so good.

9. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Few games blend friendship and revenge as effectively as Uncharted 4. The game opens with thrilling flashbacks – like Drake and Sam speeding through gunfire on a boat, and a younger Drake and Sam exploring a town. These memories, and the revelation of an older Drake harboring resentment towards Sam, drive the entire story. The fast-paced action and unexpected turns that follow live up to that exciting beginning.

8. Final Fantasy 16

Similar to the beginning of Uncharted 4, Final Fantasy 16 starts with a powerful and exciting flashback – one of the most impressive we’ve seen in gaming. You take control of the fiery Phoenix as two god-like beings clash in a large-scale battle reminiscent of Lord of the Rings. This fight then jumps forward in time, showing the main characters as adults, while still highlighting the immense power of these beings and their impact on the world. This Final Fantasy feels more mature and realistic than previous entries, and the opening immediately establishes that tone. The prologue also lets you experience Clive’s childhood and sets up the story to come. Although you won’t have access to the full, fast-paced combat system (similar to Devil May Cry) until later, the initial battle gives you a thrilling preview of the power you’ll eventually wield.

7. Ghost of Yotei

I’m starting to tire of revenge-focused stories, but Ghost of Yotei presents its own in a straightforward and gameplay-driven way that’s refreshing. The main character, Atzu, is betrayed and left for dead by a group called the Yotei Six. We then see an older Atzu seeking revenge on one of them in a direct duel. I really appreciate how the game immediately introduces all the villains – it’s a classic video game approach, and Ghost of Yotei makes it crystal clear from the beginning. It makes you want to hunt them down right away, unless you get sidetracked by the many optional activities and stunning scenery.

6. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Both longtime fans and newcomers will appreciate the excellent opening to Rebirth. The game largely sticks to the original story but also creatively updates it, starting with the way Zack Fair is featured. Immediately after, those familiar with the original will enjoy a very detailed and accurate recreation of Cloud’s Nibelheim memories. Both sections showcase the revamped battle system, and for the first time, players get to control Sephiroth during his prime as a SOLDIER. Working together with Cloud using Sephiroth’s new synergy moves is a real highlight.

5. Silent Hill f

If you’re looking for mystery, suspense, and a genuinely creepy atmosphere, Silent Hill f delivers. From the start, it sets the stage with bizarre, mutated monsters and everything you’d expect from a Silent Hill game. You begin by exploring a quiet, foggy town, searching for answers, but quickly find yourself pulled deeper into a terrifying and unsettling nightmare. One moment you’re with friends or family, the next the town is filled with strange spider lilies and horrifying creatures wearing masks. Even though it’s a new setting and isn’t part of the numbered series, Silent Hill f perfectly captures the tension and unease that the series is famous for.

4. Hogwarts Legacy

If you’ve ever dreamed of attending Hogwarts, you really should play Hogwarts Legacy. The game immediately captures the magic of the films, featuring iconic moments like the journey on flying coaches, using Portkeys to travel, and the Sorting Hat ceremony. You get to choose your Hogwarts house, and that choice impacts the story and the characters you meet. The game doesn’t waste any time getting you into the action, throwing you into an adventure with goblins and a dragon in the Scottish Highlands before you even arrive at school. It’s a fantastic introduction to the wizarding world.

3. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

This game smartly begins by reminding players of the events in the previous Marvel’s Spider-Man and Miles Morales games – something not many sequels do. The recap is particularly well done thanks to the excellent voice acting and presentation. It quickly sets up a tease for Venom, which is sure to get fans excited! We also get to see a good amount of interaction between Peter and Miles as they team up to fight Sandman in a really impressive boss battle.

2. Dead Space (Remake)

Few games capture the terrifying atmosphere of the original Aliens quite like Dead Space. You play as a lone engineer armed with a plasma cutter, exploring a deserted spaceship. When a quarantine fails, horrifying creatures called Necromorphs begin to hunt you through the ship’s dark corridors. What really sets Dead Space apart is its unique interface – all the game’s information is displayed as holographic projections on your character’s suit and arm, adding to the intense, immersive experience. Every horror fan should play Dead Space at least once, and the recent remake is the perfect way to experience this classic today.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The beginning of Breath of the Wild starts with a familiar anime trope: Link wakes up with no memory of who he is or his past. However, this quickly gives way to a truly groundbreaking experience. From the start, you’re free to explore a large area and experiment with the game’s many features. What’s amazing is that this expansive starting zone is actually just a tutorial. Considering the sheer amount of freedom and content available so early in the game, it’s arguably the best tutorial ever designed for a video game.

2025-12-01 21:13