Best Single Player Level

[omicron1]

Hmm...

I liked the Egyptian campaign from the original Age of Empires - sure, it was a tutorial, but the first time I played it the feelings it evoked - of desolation and wilderness, of a little tribe just starting out - were breathtaking.

Third (fourth?) the Cathedral of Kadesh. The ghost ship level was also quite fun (if very annoying).

And finally, I'm gonna put forward the segment in Risen from when you first land to when you enter one of the three settlements. Quality stuff, that. Makes me want to play it again.

 

[lacktheknack]

It's a tossup between The Milkman Conspiracy and The Meat Circus, both from Psychonauts.

Milkman because it's hilarious to the point of terror, Meat Circus because it nearly made me throw up, and you get to slide UP a ladder while being chased by cursed water creatures.

 

[MrLumber]

Click Clock Woods in Banjo Kazooie, it is easily the most expertly crafted level, out of all the levels I've ever played, in terms of architecture. It also easily set the bar in terms storytelling on a level basis, at the very least for platformers. The only game coming close would be the Demon's Souls world 3, although 5 also gets an honorable mention.

 

[mParadox]

Bioshock's Fort Frolic. That was awesome.
Half Life 2's "boss Level"

 

[omicron1]

lacktheknack:

Meat Circus. Now there's a unique choice for BEST level, at any rate...

The whole game of Psychonauts is pretty much a best-of compilation of level design... except for Meat Circus. Still, if you like it that's your choice. More power to ya!

 

[Bobzer77]

Thief.

Shalebridge cradle.

End

That or even back further, Thief II 'Life of the Party'

 

[Matthew Wilson]

1.Three Leaf Clover on GTA 4, also known as the bank heist mission.
2.Museum Piece, Collector's Item and Not So Fast; each one from GTA 4, TLAD and TBoGT respectivly. Brilliant as it combined the three storylines at once.
3. FreeBird on Guitar Hero 2. First Guitar Hero game I played, had to unlock the song on medium to play it. And it was AWESOME.

 

[Twilight_guy]

The Milkman Conspiracy - Psychonauts.

It's just so hilariously amazing and fun!
In fact I might as well say the entire game.

This. I am the milkman, my milk is delicious.

The level design is creative and surprisingly is places above actually game play. There aren't any enemies crowbared in because enemies don't really fit in the level. It's just a cool level.

 

[Catalyst6]

Definitely "We Don't Go to Ravenholm" from HL2. Now that was SCARY.

 

[Reg5879]

Outer Haven from MGS4, alot of tension and when you're stumbling and crawling through that hot corrider, you remember how long it has took to get there and that the end is near.

 

[TyrantGanado]

One that always sticks in my mind is Temple of Xian from Tomb Raider II. Long, sprawling, epic...it pretty much defines classic Tomb Raider in my eyes along with Palace Midas from the original.

 

[Tupolev]

Definitely "We Don't Go to Ravenholm" from HL2. Now that was SCARY.

Yeah, Ravenholm is easily my favorite HL2 level, and among my favorite levels of all time, period.


When it comes to SP, I'm extremely partial to Combat Evolved, though.
My favorite levels are probably Halo, Assault on the Control Room, and Two Betrayals, but I like all of them including The Library (which admitedly does need a decent amount of player aggression and a bright screen to work; I used to hate it like everyone else).

 

[Sn1P3r M98]

All Ghillied Up in COD4. The wind was also nice when I took the shot on

Spoiler: I think everyone has finished COD4 but just in case...

Zakeav (Spelling)

 

[MrShowerHead]

1.Three Leaf Clover on GTA 4, also known as the bank heist mission.
2.Museum Piece, Collector's Item and Not So Fast; each one from GTA 4, TLAD and TBoGT respectivly. Brilliant as it combined the three storylines at once.
3. FreeBird on Guitar Hero 2. First Guitar Hero game I played, had to unlock the song on medium to play it. And it was AWESOME.

1. Best mission on GTA IV, definitely.
2. Don't remember those mission. Then again, I haven't played the DLCs
3. Ah yes. I remember when I passed it on Expert. I was running around the house, screaming

 

[Sara Fontaine]

I have a few. Recently it's the end mission in ME2. That... thing, was creepy. Felt proud when I managed to do it without screwing up first time.

I always liked the first Nevada level in Tomb Raider 3 as well. I had a thing about throwing her into that ravine repeatedly.

And I really, really enjoyed Spectre Land (can't remember the name for certain) in the first Ape Escape. Then again I enjoyed nearly every single level in that game.

 

[MrShowerHead]

Just remembered another one:

Second level of FDF Mod Campaing (Operation Flashpoint Resistance)

You are peacekeeping in the island of Nogova. Your squad is ordered to patrol in the nearby village with PASI

Spoiler: One of these

After arriving there you get out of your vehicle and scout the village. You see a civilian running towards you. Suddenly a jeep with a machine gun drives pass him and kills him. Your squad are ordered to hold fire and wait for another patrol to arrive. After they arrive, you are to go on the turret of your Pasi and eliminate all hostiles inside the village. Oh, and there's Finnish heavy metal playing in the background.

 

[illas]

Thief.

Shalebridge cradle.

End

QFT. It's spine-tingling just thinking about that level. No other level evokes such a strong response from me.

...dear God, that place was terrifying.

 

[Mitcric05]

Couldn't agree more SteakHeart. Feckin adore that game, especially that level.

 

[hazabaza1]

The final levels of Mass Effect 1+2 were awesome.
And also, since it has it's own level, the last fight against Vergil in DMC3 ranks very high up there for me.

 

[HK_01]

The Seattle level in World in Conflict definitely is one of my favorite levels ever, along with some others that have been mentioned here already.

At the time it came out it was just completely awe-inspiring to see the entire city get bombarded and turned to rubble by artillery fire around you.