Even decades after its release, the opening of Final Fantasy X remains a masterclass in video game introductions, a sentiment that holds true even as the PlayStation 2 classic receives new ports like its upcoming Switch release. While many fans champion the dramatic opening of Final Fantasy VII as the pinnacle of the series, Final Fantasy X's PS2-era cinematic flair and intriguing narrative setup arguably provide a more compelling and enduring first impression.
The Unforgettable Cinematic Hook
Final Fantasy X immediately immersizes players with a stunning, almost mini-movie-like opening sequence. Set in a futuristic oceanic city, the cutscene centers on a pivotal game played within a colossal sphere of water. Set against the industrial metal track "Otherworld" by Bill Muir, the visuals depict a mysterious ronin traversing skyscraper ledges as a colossal, natural disaster looms offshore. The masterful editing weaves these elements together, highlighting a quiet moment as Auron's boot splashes into a puddle, only for the ripples to ascend as a cataclysmic entity known as Sin begins to engulf the city in a phenomenon resembling a watery event horizon. This blend of visual spectacle, potent music, and dramatic presentation sets a unique tone that few other entries in the franchise can match.
Narrative Intrigue Over Immediate Clarity
A critical success of Final Fantasy X's opening lies in its ability to pose compelling questions without providing immediate answers. The narrative introduces Tidus, a seemingly arrogant blitzball star with unspecified personal issues, who is swallowed by an entity referred to as Sin. This deliberate ambiguity—where did he go, what is Sin, and who is the enigmatic swordsman Auron—compels players to push forward to uncover the unfolding mysteries. This approach effectively hooks the player, powering them through the game's initial slower-paced sections. In contrast, other entries often provide more direct narrative thrusts from the outset.
Comparing the Best Openings
While Final Fantasy X stands out, other entries in the series also boast memorable beginnings.
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII's opening is undeniably iconic, beginning with a celestial view before transitioning to a flower girl in an alley and finally panning over a sprawling industrial metropolis and a speeding train. The combat introduction, featuring Cloud's lightning attacks and Barrett's gun, culminates in a memorable battle against a giant Scorpion robot. The narrative drops players directly into a terrorist attack against a corrupt corporation, complete with a tense countdown timer, ending with a significant explosion. It's a powerful, action-packed start that set a new benchmark for the series.
Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy IX offers a more grounded, yet still engaging, opening that leverages the PlayStation's capabilities at the end of its hardware cycle. It begins with intriguing cinematic vignettes on a stormy ocean, a castle impaled by a sword, and a medieval airship. Instead of a typical combat tutorial, the game features Zidane and his band of thieves orchestrating a play to kidnap the queen's daughter. This introductory sequence cleverly integrates combat into dramatic scenarios, starting with Vivi exploring Alexandria, progressing to a theatrical performance, and concluding with an escape. The varied gameplay and satisfying narrative pacing make it a rewarding experience.
Final Fantasy VI
Final Fantasy VI's opening on the SNES presented a striking image of Magitek Armor marching through snow, a visually impressive feat for its era. The game complements its visuals with an excellent soundtrack and a compelling story hook involving a mysterious woman awakened from Imperial mind control. The initial battles, featuring powerful magic beam cannons, offered a fun inversion of typical Final Fantasy starting challenges and set a strong narrative pace with an immediate escape sequence.
Final Fantasy XIII
Final Fantasy XIII utilized the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360's power for a visually impressive opening, showcasing Lightning's escape from a prison transport. The combat system, an evolution of the ATB system, is presented with slick, flashy encounters against a backdrop of the stunning world of Cocoon. Despite its narrative opacity and later game issues, the initial high-octane action and science-fantasy environments create an engaging, albeit somewhat unclear, mission-like introduction.