20 Best Video Game Opening Levels Of The Last 10 Years

18. War Has Changed - Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots

MGS 4's opening level is a pretty hefty expanse overall, but one loaded with things to do.

This fourth instalment would continue Snake Eater's more open-ended level design, yet here Konami completely revamped how Snake controlled, allowing you to blend in with walls and floors, throw grenades, pull off action rolls and take down guards with expanded close-quarters combat.

Hide in cardboard boxes, hold up guards and make them drop valuables, pit other NPC factions on the map against one another - it just went on and on, but in the best way possible. MGS V was this mentality expanded to the nth degree, but Guns of the Patriots was an exemplary step towards how the playful 'MGS formula' could work in a much more freeform setting.