10 Most Iconic Opening Sequences In Video Game History

6. Mass Effect 2

Mass Effect 2 begins shorty after the battle against the Reaper Sovereign at the end of the first game. The Normandy is making what seems to be just another routine patrol when suddenly an enormous ship appears out of nowhere. It relentlessly attacks the Normandy, forcing the crew to evacuate. However, in his/her attempt to rescue the pilot, Joker, Commander Shepard doesnt make it and actually goes down with the ship.

This opening scene is iconic for many reasons, the most notable of which is of course the death of Shepard, our (now potentially former) hero. The idea of killing the hero within the first minutes in the middle act of a trilogy is shocking and completely unexpected, especially after the triumphant ending of the last game. In an instant everything changes, the stakes have risen, and the game is reset.

Its not exactly the most elegant plot twist, but it packs one hell of a punch.