10 Terrible Video Games With Awesome Openings

Sonic’s early 3D output was at least a divisive affair. Some fans found lots to like about the two Adventure games and Sonic Heroes whilst others would say they were merely average. Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 changed everything.

For context, this was before the “Sonic cycle” of growing hype and utter disappointment, and early looks at the HD reboot for Sonic were extremely exciting.

Booting the game up greets players with the kind of cutscene that caused fans' hearts to swell. It felt like the new era of Sonic had begun. The graphical fidelity is so high and even today it all still looks incredible. The introduction of the bustling Venice-like city of Soleana, Princess’ Elise nightmarish vision and the coming of Eggman felt to fans like the Disney level leap that Sonic had been waiting for.

The blue blur’s arrival feels exciting and even now makes you want to sit up straight and play this wonderful game.

If only what followed it was anything like it. Instead, as is well documented, we have a notoriously glitchy game that nearly killed the franchise. The look of Sonic 2006 is fine but it doesn’t rise to the potential of that opening cutscene in no way, shape or form.