Most memorable opening line in a game

[LeeArac]

"I lied to myself that it was over. I was still alive... my loved ones were still dead.

... It wasn't over."

- Max Payne 2

 

[SeanSeanston]

"Hitler is... out of the way..."
"Congratulations professor! With him removed..."
"Time will tell... *winds watch* sooner or later... time will tell..."

*Cue Hell March*

 

[sheah1]

"They used to call me Prophet. Remember me." Crysis 2.

Probably the best FPS I've played in years, with a genuinely interesting story (if only because it made me want to play the original).
Also Devil May Cry 4's entire opening sequence (it's singing over badassery, still counts).

 

[Ironman126]

"Kharak is burning."

Rise and shine Mr Freeman, rise and shine

"War, war never changes"

These three are my favorites, respectively. Damn ninjas.

 

[Darkmantle]

The Nietzsche quote from the intro cutscene to Baldur's Gate adds some nice pseudo-philosophic flavor to the whole thing.

that's my favourite too!

 

[RHadley]

After G-Man's monologue from HL2, and Commander Shephard's monologue from MW2, my most memorable opening:

"So, you want to hear a story? One about treasure hunters? Haha! Have I got a story for you! Pandora; they say it's a wasteland, that only a fool would search for something of value here. Then perhaps I am a fool..."

Had me hooked. I've never actually forgotten that.

 

[Bluesoul]

What about "War has changed" from MGS4?

 

[xXGeckoXx]

Ron Pearlman's openings for Fallout games are always pretty cool.

Really. Really. The only one I could think of and you have to steal it. Fine, I'll go with Bioshock and Andrew Ryan's whole, I chose Rapture bit. Great start to a great game.

This. Well both of these. War, war never changes is the best line and Andrew Ryan's speech is the best speech in my opinion.

 

[Naeras]

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

 

[ResonanceGames]

Good morning and welcome to the Black Mesa Transit System. This automated train is provided for the security and convenience of the Black Mesa Research Facility personnel. The time is 8:47 AM.

 

[ssgt splatter]

"The more things change, the more they stay the same. Boundaries shift, new players step in, but power always finds a place to rest its head. We fought and bled alongside the Russians. We shoulda known they'd hate us for it. History is written by the victor. And here I am, thinking we'd won. But you bring down one enemy and they find someone even worse to replace him. Locations change, the rationale, the objective. Yesterday's enemies are today's recruits. Train them to fight alongside you, and pray they don't eventually decide to hate you for it too." by Com. Shepard

I don't care what you say about the game, that is a damned good opening monologue.

How about the opening monologue to MW3?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgRIyVh0w9E

Just something about the way Makarov talks makes this so creepy and memorable.

 

[MiracleOfSound]

'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 I can tell you... the are wrong.'

Prince Of Persia - Sands Of Time

 

[Lucian The Lugia]

"The Wheel of Fate is turning! Rebel One, action!"

 

[Riddle78]

"The kingdom of Myrtana. United by King Rhobar II. During the long years of his reign,he was
able to defeat all foes of his realm. All except one."

Followed by...

"Welcome to the Colony!"

Secondly...

"A single prisoner altered the fate of hundreds. But he paid a high price for it."

If you can guess the games which those are from (without looking it up),you've played some mighty fine Action RPG's.

 

[Joby Baumann]

are you a boy or a girl?

 

[blindthrall]

"War. War never changes."

The other seventy posts to this effect should convince all the unbelievers.

 

[Antwerp Caveman]

Some of the first spoken words in PC gaming:

"I'm back."

- Duke Nukem 2

 

[Coldflame727]

Fifteen pages? I don't CARE if anyone's already said this, I can't read all that. ('Cause I'm lazy.)
"Kill all sons of bitches." *cocks shotgun* "That's my official instructions."

 

[Dan Comber]

"Rise and shine..."

 

[mionic]

"The portal will open in 3.. 2.. 1.."