5 Best Video Game Prologues of All Time

Whatever game genre you delve into, it's typical to have a mesmerizing intro that fleshes out the details of the game before you start. Prologues serve as a dramatic and vivid open-curtain event to give you a glimpse of what you're getting yourself into. With some developers going above and beyond to deliver the most intriguing episodes, we can't help but appreciate the time and effort they put in place to create such compelling works of art. So as the title implies, here are the best five video game prologues of all time.

5. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

Geralt's misadventures are always ones for the books. We can definitely say the same for CD Projekt Red's The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. The intro starts with Geralt running across the field of Temeria in a frail state. His body is full of scars and is weak from the intense torture he is put through. He finally gives up on running and falls to the ground, where two of Vernon Roache's men capture him.

The cutscene leads you to the prologue, where you find yourself in chains in the Dungeon of La Valette Caste. Vernon Roache walks in and offers to shake your hand. You have the option of taking it or dismissing the shake. Vernon interrogates your character on the events that led to King Foltests's death. Vernon soon learns that Geralt helped the king's children safely evacuate the forest. This is after he (the King) waged war against his former wife for refusing to give him access to his children. During this time, the King gets assassinated by an unknown assailant, and the only present suspect is Geralt. 

After learning of Geralt's innocence, Vernon helps the witch slayer escape the prison and embarks on a quest to find the kingslayer. The interesting capture of details and emotions in the prologue reels you into the events preceding the inception of yet another episodic action-adventure videogame. CD Projekt Red really did a number with this one. 

4. Assassin's Creed III

Over the years, the Assassin's Creed series has gained a reputation for its enthralling epic adventures in fictional history, but more so for its entertaining and lengthy prologue. Assassin's Creed III lives up to its legacy with its six-hour prologue into Haytham's storyline. Unlike other titles in the series, the third installment focuses on Haytham, Connor's father, who is a British Templar.

The prologue delves into details of Haytham's involvement with the American Revolution, spanning the 18th century from 1745 to 1755. The story gives details of Connor's childhood and the major events of the American Revolutionary War from Connor's point of view. 

Critics have hit out at the lengthy introduction, which, let's be honest, would suffice if it lasted an hour or so. However, Ubisoft tends to go above and beyond by dishing out intricate details about its protagonist before serving the main course. If you're an enthusiast of long prologues, this is worth checking out.

3. NieR Automata

Another exciting prologue that makes it to our list is Platinum Games' action-role-playing game NieR Automata. The game serves as a module that teaches you the basics of the game while also detailing the storyline. The opening starts with a scene in an aircraft where you'll be alongside fellow soldiers. Soon enough, an enemy invades the plane and starts killing off the soldiers. At this point, you learn how to fly the aircraft and ward off incoming enemies. The prologue breaks into a heavy combat action where you must destroy incoming ships and the energy orbs. 

PlatinumGames gives you a glimpse of the heavy machinery action and combat gameplay mechanics as you take control of the transformed flying mech. You are immediately thwarted on the battlefield as a reminder to expect nothing less when playing the game. Once the last soldier on the craft is eliminated, you crash into a wall and take control of R2. 

While this is a neat way of including tutorials in the game's opening, you also get to feel the post-apocalyptic environment where your character will be viciously fighting off robots. Plus, you'll meet other characters who'll play a significant role in your journey—what an incredible way to start a game.

2. Vagrant Story

Vagrant Story is a much less acclaimed RPG owing to its late debut on the Playstation console. However, it is a diamond in the rough as Squaresoft's last project before its rebranding to Square Enix. You begin in the manor, where the title's protagonist, Ashley, is accused of murdering the duke. You immediately engage in combat after an invasion, and the VKP rushes to the scene to curtail the attack. 

In the middle of the chaos, the Duke's son is taken captive by Sydney Losstarot, which then reveals your mission for the game. However, before you jump onto your tasks, the vile cult leader unleashes a giant winged dragon to derail you. You'll also engage in combat with two soldiers, which is not a hard feat. 

Despite the low graphics and lack of dialogue, the cinematography and introduction to gameplay mechanics are splendidly executed in this short prologue. 

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2's prologue really sets into motion events that will take place in the Wild West. Rockstar Games always live up to the expectation of dishing out intriguing titles that will have you hooked for hours, and the prologue does match up to this.

As a sequel to Red Redemption, the prologue shows the gang making their way through a blizzard, seeking shelter. A cutscene then reveals the game's starting chapter, Colter. Dutch gives an inspirational speech to the asylum-seekers assuring them of their safety unbeknown to the misery and sequential combats they will have to engage in. Although the action-adventure game is well known for its beautiful epilogue, the prologue is equally satisfying and will have you thirsty for the full game details.

So there you have it. Which video game prologues did you enjoy most? Is there one we should include or remove from our list? Let us know on our socials here or down in the comments below.