8 Best Opening Movies In RPGs

Summary

• Shadow Hearts' spooky train intro still delivers fear with aged visuals and voice acting.
• Tales of the Abyss and Persona 5 offer extravagant intros that set the stage for unforgettable gaming experiences.

Nothing gets you hyped up for an RPG quite like an epic opening movie. As far back as the 8-bit era, RPGs have often opened with a cutscene or FMV that acts almost like the title sequence for a tv show.

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These opening movies are there to set the mood for the ensuing game, blending music and video and art to give you a taste for what is about to come. Some of these opening movies have almost become as iconic as the RPGs themselves, carving out their own unique place in gaming’s history. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

8 Ys 2 Eternal

A Little Touch Of Shinkai Magic

While there is no shortage of excellent intro movies to JRPGs, how many of them can claim to have been directed by legendary anime auteur Makoto Shinkai? Early on in his career, the Your Name and Suzume director lent his talents to the opening movie of Ys 2 Eternal, and the results certainly don’t disappoint.

All of the classic Shinkai touches are evident in this two-minute movie. Dynamic lighting and dramatic camera movements are all backed by a prog rock-like soundtrack, showcasing the sweeping vistas of the world of Ys and getting you excited to experience this adventure for yourself.

7 Shadow Hearts

All Aboard The Spooky Hype Train

Coming in at a chunky three and a half minutes, the Shadow Hearts opening movie isn’t afraid to use its time to build up a sense of dread and fear. Set on board a train, this intro gradually builds in atmosphere before pointing a harsh light on the murderous ways of villain Albert Simon.

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Despite being an FMV on the PS1, this movie has aged surprisingly well with visuals and voice acting that, while certainly are of their time, don’t spoil the movie’s gothic atmosphere at all. Restrained, deliberate, and with just the right amount of cheesiness, the Shadow Hearts opening has lived long in the memories of those who have played this classic RPG.

6 Tales Of The Abyss

A Tale As Old As Time

Tales of the Abyss has long been considered by fans to be one of the best games in the Tales series, and it’s hard to argue with that stance when this RPG opens with such an extravagant intro movie. This intro goes so hard in every department that it’s hard not to get swept up by its sheer ambition.

Luckily, the execution also isn’t lacking, with the song choice of Karma by Bump of Chicken being particularly inspired. The song is buzzing with energy and perfectly complements the fast-paced anime visuals introducing us to the world and characters of the game.

5 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails In The Sky SC

A Stirring Introduction To The Second Chapter

Trails in the Sky SC’s opening movie wants you to know everything is about to get cranked up to 11. The tension in Liberl that was gradually building throughout the first game has now boiled over, and the stakes have never been higher. It’s time for action.

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The song Silver Will, Golden Wings hits you like an imperial airship, setting the stage for an adventure that is going to deliver some serious emotional punches. It all culminates with a closing shot of Estelle offering her open hand, representing a key theme in the game — that connection and friendship cuts through everything else.

4 Suikoden 2

Taking You On An Emotional Journey

While the Suikoden 2 opening movie is iconic for many reasons, its expert structure deserves to be singled out as one of the main contributing factors. The intro is essentially split into three parts: a showcase of the monumental and devastating political forces of the game, a sombre scene of a single plant growing in the ruined remains of a village, and a stirring montage of the stories’ main heroes.

The contrasting shots of Luca smiling devilishly against a burnt sun and Riou looking hopeful in front of a blue sky have both etched themselves into RPG folklore, but in truth, this intro movie is full of wonderfully composed images. The music never fails to give you goosebumps, capturing power, devastation, and longing all in a dramatic two and half minute composition.

3 Chrono Cross

An Opening Movie That Stands The Test Of Time

The first thing that’s worth talking about the Chrono Cross opening is its music. Not only is Time’s Scar utterly ethereal and thrilling. Not only is it perhaps Yasunori Mitsuda’s greatest ever composition. It has a strong claim as being one of the best video game songs of all time.

Oonce you get over the inherent awkwardness of some of the character models in the FMV, there's a beautiful collage of shots that do a wonderful job complementing the incredible music. Add in the poem at the start of the video that evokes both whimsy and melancholy, and you have an opening for the ages.

2 Persona 5

A Classy Act

Thanks to the jazzy soundtrack and slick editing, comparisons have often been made between the openings of Persona 5 and legendary anime series Cowboy Bebop. And if that’s the company that P5’s opening is keeping, then this intro movie is doing something right.

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There’s such an effortless flow to this cinematic — from the bold colours to the organic way the credits are inserted into the geometry of the shots. The whole movie exudes style and a cool attitude that cements it as one of the best openings in the Persona series.

1 Wild Arms

A Slice Of Anime Western Bliss

Like any great opening movie, the Wild Arms intro stands alone as its own fantastic piece of art, even if you have never played the game. Everything comes together to create a magical spectacle for your eyes and ears. The western-style music, the sweeping desert vistas, the beautiful way it establishes the characters and their relationships – this intro has it all.

What cements this RPG intro as one of the greats is how it ends. We see Rudy struggling to climb a cliff, only to be spurred on by the light released from Cecilia earlier on in the movie. When he reaches the top of the cliff, he is greeted by his friends and his expression shows that all the effort has been worth it. Beautiful stuff.

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