Most memorable opening line in a game

[Bishop99999999]

"But...there is one they fear. In their tongue he is 'Dovahkiin'...Dragonborn!"

And that is where we first began to adore Skyrim, months before we even played it.

 

[masticina]

Conkers bad furr day is a strong begin, with the milk, him sitting on the throne his buddies around him. You know you are in for some badassery!

 

[Pearwood]

Wasn't it Skyrim?

Could be both. Bethesda aren't really known for changing the opening of those games very much.

 

[Cathosach]

null

 

[Zyquux]

Well the obvious ones that have already been mentioned first:

"War...war never changes."
-Ron Perlman, Fallout

"So wake up, Mr. Freeman. Wake up and smell the ashes."
-G-man, Half-Life 2

"Hello there! Welcome to the world of Pokemon!"
-Professor Oak, Pokemon (duh)

"But you had something they didn't, something no one saw but me. Can you guess? Luck."
-Cortana, Halo 3




And now a couple that haven't been mentioned:

(Even though I can't quote it word for word, it's still memorable, setting the tone for the rest of the game.)

"Stay a while and listen, and I will tell you a story. A story of Dungeons and Dragons, of Orcs and Goblins, of Ghouls and Ghosts, of Kings and Quests, but most importantly -- of Wizards and Vamp -- Well... A story of Wizards."
-Vlad, Magicka

And not so much a quote, but the opening of Borderlands when Cage the Elephant's "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" really starts to pick-up, after Marcus's van hits the skag.
If you want a quote, then how about this:

"So... You want to hear a story, eh? One about treasure hunters? Haha, have I got a story for you!"
-Marcus Kincaid, Borderlands

 

[WaffleCopters]

does the really long opening to HL2 count?

EDIT: OOH OOH! how about:

"do you know the meaning of insanity...?"

 

[SweetWarmIce]

"Space held such hope for humanity. A fresh start. A chance to let old grievances wither,and die..."

You win epic internet cookies if you can guess the source without looking it up.

That's not Supreme Commander by any chance?

 

[Havegun]

Mwell, a couple spring to mind. Fallout, as has been mentioned. Half-Life as well. But my winner has to be:

"In the beginning, the Earth was without form, and void."

 

[CrazyJew]

I have to second (fifth?) the fallout intros and "Wake up, you were dreaming... what's your name?"

 

[Astiahl]

"We never paid any heed to the ancient prophecies...like fools we clung to the old hatreds...and fought as we had for generations. Until the day the sky rained fire, and a new enemy came upon us. We stand now, upon the brink of destruction, for the reign of chaos has come at last."

-Introduction cinematic for Warcraft III

/nerd

 

[Astiahl]

I think a few people are getting 'opening line' confused with 'opening monologue'


A paragraph =/= a line

Alright.

"Desmond...shut the fuck up...please"

-Lucy in the opening of AC II


When the calm collected girl suddenly precision F-strikes you, you know shit be gettin' real, son.

 

[Fishyash]

I don't know if this counts since the game has no story (and most posts here are opening lines in a story), but it is an opening line in a game...

"Welcome to Mario Kart!"

Gives me nostalgia chills every time, and I will never forget it.

 

[Deadyawn]

Too many ninjas on this thread for my liking. The first three that came to mind are probably the three most popular answers. Fallout, Bioshock and Half Life 2

 

[Flaxbot]

Good morning, and welcome to the Black Mesa transit system.

 

[Rickyvantof]

Half-Life 2. That's all I'm saying.
"Rise and shine, Mister Freeman. Er, not to suggest you've been sleeping on the job," et al.

This! Very much so!

 

[KiruTheMant]

"Make no mistake.
War is coming.
With all its glory.
and All its Horror.
Mr Findley, Your freedom awaits."

"Hell, its about time."

 

[Vidi Kitty]

All I need to know is did we lose them...

 

[Thyunda]

Wasn't it Skyrim?

Could be both. Bethesda aren't really known for changing the opening of those games very much.

Except in Skyrim you're off to the headsman. Bethesda's openings have a similar theme, but it's kinda offensive to claim you can't tell the difference.

 

[Gincairn]

"At last, I must say I'm disappointed in your progress, I imagined you'd be here sooner, tell me, did it trouble you to murder your brothers?"

(Soul Reaver 2)

"Given the choice, whether to rule a corrupt and failing empire, or to challenge the fates for another throw, a better throw against ones destiny. . . what was a king to do?"

(LoK: Defiance)

"Whenever I smell asphalt, I think of Maureen"

(Full Throttle)

 

[Pearwood]

Except in Skyrim you're off to the headsman. Bethesda's openings have a similar theme, but it's kinda offensive to claim you can't tell the difference.

No it's not. The only thing that seperates Skyrim's opening from the others is you're never officially pardoned, up until Alduin's grand appearance it could be any other Elder Scrolls opening. And I still think the "Wake up, you were dreaming" line comes from Morrowind, when the intro cinematic cuts to black and you hear that Argonian talking to you.