Best opening level

[brunoafh]

For me, the opening level of a shooter is very important. It sets the tone for the rest of the game and lets you know what you're getting into. I'm curious what you guys see as your favorite opening levels.

My favorite opening level to a horizontal shooter has got to be Metal Black. The first stage sets you up for a series of trippy and awesome level designs. The level is very easy and allows you to get acustom to the control scheme and flow of the game. There aren't many enemies on screen, so you're able to get used to your slow moving craft and soak in the neat background. I love the song that is played, it's very fitting to the pretty visuals you're seeing, and makes the level flow even nicer. Reminds me of some 80s soundtrack music heh. The first boss is what a first boss should be. The battle is pretty simple, the monster looks badass. You're also introduced to the crazy "super beam battle" system that makes the game what it is. As with all shooters, an over the top boss death explosion is present, but this one takes the cake. You have to see it yourself. If you want to see this awesome level, it's here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI--AXkt ... ure=search

My favorite run and gun opening level is none other than Contra Hard Corps. I know you've all played this one, but god damn I love this game. Some consider it overrated and place it in the shadows of Contra III, but I'm on the Hard Corps bandwagon. I used to play this game with my friend as Fang and Browny (sometimes still do) all the time. This opening level has all the chaos you rightfully expect from Contra and then some. You start off destroying enemies in your convoy before you even know what the hell is happening, and by the time you realize what's happening your convoy has been destroyed. On your first try, you'll probably have game over in under a minute. This game's reputation for being incredibly difficult is very just. Sure, with a lot of practice and memorizing you'll have things down, but there is no doubt this is one of the toughest run and guns out there. That's one of the best parts about the game though, it gives you that feeling of accomplishment that games of today totally lack (at least there's Demon's Souls). The BGM is badass, and holds that classic "Sega hardware sound" we've all come to love. It fits the on screen chaos perfectly and will suck you in for a good hour or more trying to beat the damn thing. You'll have the opportunity to try out all of your character's alternate weapons in the first level too, and switching guns while sliding all over and avoiding fire from all directions is what Contra is all about. To top all the badassery of the level you just played off, you get Deadeye Joe. If you somehow haven't played this one, check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmdq07BP ... ure=search

Other personal favorites:
Ikargua (of course) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j94vB5hf ... ure=search
Söldner-X: Himmelsstürmer (if you have a PS3, definitely check this out) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aImtx8WT ... ure=search
Chaos Field - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUGSiqeo ... ure=search
Gradius IV - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGg_8WIY ... ure=search

There you have it-how about you guys?

[Anayo]

Metal Slugs 1, 2, and 3 all have some pretty kickass opening levels.

Metroid Prime's first level starts off with a bang.

So does the one from Call of Duty 4.

[Jmenglan]

Halo's first level was amazing. It was and still is a lot of fun. The rest of it..eh.

[Octopod]

I don't think he is talking about FPS when he says shooter.

[dsheinem]

I don't think he is talking about FPS when he says shooter.

What do you expect from FPS players?

/sarcasm from a big FPS player himself


I'd have to think about this some, but probably some of the best opening levels belong to the classics like R-Type, Gradius, Raiden, etc. Many of those early/legendary arcade games have pretty strong first levels.

And really, the first level in most shmups can be pretty deceiving as to the character of the whole game since they are generally meant to convince you to spend more quarters when you start dying like a fiend later on. ("I must just be in a tough spot! It will get easier again soon!")

[slowslow325]

I don't think he is talking about FPS when he says shooter.

There are three main types of shooters, FPSs, Run n' Guns, and SHMUPS. He may not be talking about that, but they're still justified in saying FPSs.

Life Force has a rather difficult first level, which sets the mood for the entire game. It's hard to describe, it's not too difficult, but the first time I played it I was just expecting to sit back and relax while I play a shmup, then the walls closed in and I was trapped. The mood was set right there.

[dsheinem]

I don't think he is talking about FPS when he says shooter.

There are three main types of shooters, FPSs, Run n' Guns, and SHMUPS. He may not be talking about that, but they're still justified in saying FPSs.

LOOK AT THE TITLE AND DESCRIPTION OF THIS SUB-FORUM

[Gamerforlife]

Well, since we're not sticking solely to shmups

Gunstar Heroes, because you get to pick whatever opening level you want LOL. How bout starting the game with the mine cart and seven force? What other run and gun can beat that for an opening level?

I liked the first levels for Einhander and Contra:Shattered Soldier. I'll let the vids speak for themselves and just add that damn, those two games had some kicking soundtracks




And if we add rail shooters to the topic, Panzer Dragoon Orta has one of the best opening levels EVER

[brunoafh]

I wasn't trying to be too specific, just meant old 2D shooters for the most part. I was thinking shumps/run and gun. Life Force and Gunstar Heroes are good mentions. Forgot about Life Force, that game was sweet.

edit- I always wanted to try Einhander, I think you've convinced me. I believe it's on the Japanese PSN too.

[swiftzx]

I liked the first level on Thunderforce 3.