Most memorable opening line in a game

[Dfskelleton]

I have to pick the Classic:

Oh, and while not really a phrase, James Sunderland deeply staring into a mirror couldn't have been a better introduction for Silent Hill 2.

 

[Toast-asaurus Rex]

"Proper Story's supposed to start at the begining.
ain't so simple with this one."
-Bastion

 

[TheKruzdawg]

The opening monologue for Prince of Persia: Sands of Time:

"Most people think Time is like a river, that flows swift and sure in one direction but I have seen the face of time and can tell you they are wrong. Time is like an ocean in a storm. You may wonder who I am and why I say this. Sit down and I will tell you a tale like none that you have ever heard."

A great setup when paired with the opening cinematic and music to one of my all-time favorite games.

 

[Dango]

Since most of the good ones have been taken, I'll go with:

"Welcome to Stalingrad, you're about to begin the greatest moment of your life."

Edit: Oh, I forgot one:

"Transcending history, and the world, a tale of souls and swords, eternally retold."

Cookie for whoever guesses either...

 

[Porecomesis]

"Proper story's supposed to start at the beginning. Ain't so simple with this one." - The Stranger, Bastion

 

[TehCookie]

"This party's getting crazy, lets rock!"

Someone probably already said it but I don't feel like searching through 10 pages.

 

[Sandernista]

"Wake up, you were dreaming... what's your name?"

Not even last nights storm could wake you... I've heard them say we've reached Morrowind.

*blows a massive load*

 

[Soviet Heavy]

"Awaken."

A single word, starting one of the best games ever. Cookie for the person who gets it.

 

[BiggyShackleton]

"All I ask is that you also get back my precious mask that the imp stole from me. What? Is it not a simple task...?"

Not strictly the opening line but fuck me, that one sentence started one of the best games to date, just before you step into Clock Town.

 

[Aidinthel]

My first thought was Fallout, but that's been taken. Ok, I'll go with Bastion-no wait, also taken. Ummm, Half-Life 2? Nope. Portal? Haha, no.

Oh, wait! I know!

And how could I forget my favorite game ever?
(Skip to 0:40 to bypass the logos.)

 

[Archleone]

If there is evil in this world,
it lurks in the hearts of man

Ahh Tales of Phantasia, how I adore you.

 

[Enigma Syndrome]

"The last Metroid is in captivity...

the Galaxy, is at peace."

 

[Radek1994]

"My son the very day you were born, the very forests of lordaeron whispered the name...Arthas."

 

[Darren716]

Not close to the first thing said, but I feel this exchange is what really sets the tone for Saints Row 2.

Judge: Mr. Gat, you've been convicted of over 300 murders. Do you really expect this appeal to work?
Johnny: I figure with the statute of limitations, it really should be closer to 250.
Judge: There's no statute of limitations for murder!
Johnny: Why the fuck not?

I was thinking of this or "War. War never changes."

 

[MBergman]

"Ah, the child of Bhaal has awoken"

Yes yes yes!
I love that opening so much! The guy who gave the voice to Irenicus is a bloody legend in my book!

 

[Sinisterair]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkunSI80e0I

"From where you're kneeling, this must seem like an 18k run of bad luck. Truth is, the game was rigged from the start." best thing evar

 

[TheBaron87]

"It is the 31st century, and mankind is once again at war." -The Real MW3

 

[Smeggs]

"Riiise-and. Shine, Mister Freeman. Rise-and. Shine."-Half-Life 2

Oh, no wait...

"BWISE FWOM YO GWAVE!"-Altered Beast

 

[PaladinofGuns]

I'm surprised I haven't seen this one yet

"After the end of World War 2, the world was split into two-east and west. This marked the beginning of an era known as the Cold War."

or how about

"All right back there, time to wake up, ha ha! It's a beautiful day for an opportunity!"

 

[brainslurper]

I was born 87 years ago. For 65 years I've ruled as Tamriel's emperor, but for all these years, I've never been the ruler of my own dreams. I have seen the gates of Oblivion, beyond which no waking eye may see. Behold, in darkness, a doom sweeps the land. This is the 27th of Last Seed, the year of Akatosh, 433. These are the closing days of the third era, and the final hours of my life.

I have to say, it's really weird hearing people get nostalgic over Oblivion as someone who started with Morrowind. It still feels too new... and I didn't really like TES IV. Weird.

After playing skyrim, any older elder scrolls game feels painful. The combat and leveling are sluggish, magic is a joke, and there are way to many go and fetch quests in place of genuine story. But skyrim doesn't have possibly the most epic opening cinematic in the history of ever, it has a bunch of dudes in a cart talking to eachother.