One of the things I like least about modern video games is the increasing tendency to kick off any given title with a explanation of the game world's back-story. Then when there is an opening cinematic, it's overly serious and accompanied by an orchestral theme. To me, there's nothing in a game like an intro sequence with no dialogue or plot advancement; just nonstop action accompanied by music so cheesy that it makes Cheetos seem plain. I can't get enough of that stuff and it makes even the most mediocre of video games (I'm looking at you, Dragonball Z) seem worth playing. So in loving memory of a cinematic style that seems to be fading away fast, here are my top five game openings of all time.
5. Persona 3 FES
No one ever said a good opening sequence has to have high production values or be entirely made from scratch. In fact, this one seems to be nothing but pre-existing gameplay and in-game cinematic footage compiled together. Those clips were then put to a J-Rap music track, the lyrics of which make Ludacris look like an english professor. Still, none of that stops this intro from being awesome. What really saves it is the choreography. Everything from what's happening to timing of when scenes switch fits perfectly to whatever part of the song is playing. It's silly and ridiculous while still making me desperately want to know what the hell is happening in this universe.
4. Street Fighter 4
This intro features one of the most embarrassingly catchy theme songs ever seen in a video game. It's so weird and somehow serious at the same time that it's surprising that it doesn't originate from a Digimon series. It's also so infectious that I can guarantee that the chorus is already stuck in your head. It would be one of my favorite intros of all time even if it didn't also feature some of the most striking fight animation and art style of any game out there.
3. Donkey Kong 64
Lets get one thing straight: neither the song nor what's going on on-screen are good in any way. Much like the all too similar Pokerap, this is an intro sequence with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. The song is just bad, the animation and graphical detail aren't any better, and it's completely genius. After watching this thing, like it or not, you will now be thinking about Donkey Kong 64 for the entire next week. "Pineapple smells"...goddamn it...
