The goal of any opening cutscene is to get players into the world. MMOs seem to take that idea to the extreme. Of course, it's not hard to see why, as the developers want to keep players coming back for hundreds of hours. As such, they need to nail the opening.
Many do just that. MMOs often present cinematic intros which blow many blockbusters out of the water. Moreover, they usually pack more adrenaline than the game itself. Some might view that approach as disingenuous, but it works. It sucks fans in and makes them want to be part of the worldwide adventure.
5 World Of Warcraft
This brings Warcraft storming into the realm of online gaming. Cryptic narration details the broken peace between the Alliance and the Horde. Such an approach is perfect because it acknowledges previous lore while being relatively easy to grasp for newcomers. Moreover, it sets the stage for global conflict, establishing a war in which everyone has a stake. What more is there to say?
Several races answer the call to arms. Each is radically different from the last. A gun-toting Dwarf, a forest-dwelling Night Elf, and a hulking Orc are just a few species fighting for their chunk of the world. Slow, purposeful movements subtly sell the gravitas as the heroes set off into the great unknown. Later, as the camera cuts between their respective battles, it's hard not to feel one's blood boil. Everyone has a part to play in World of Warcraft, and they're in for the fight of their lives.
4 The Lord Of The Rings Online
A key idea of The Lord of the Rings is fellowship. The MMO would naturally reinforce that through cooperative play. LOTRO's opening establishes it with a Man, Elf, Dwarf, and Hobbit combatting a legion of Orcs. When one hero goes down, another comes to his aid. It all unfolds amid a nighttime forest setting. This showcases the cinematic's other major strength.
The whole cutscene oozes atmosphere. Great use of shadows complements stylized visuals to present an illustration come to life. The icing on the cake comes from the grim fireside narration by Gandalf the Grey. Players feel the coming evil as clearly as in the book. In the process, the game paints Angmar as a palpable threat, possibly more haunting than Mordor. After all, unseen foes are often more frightening.
3 Star Wars: The Old Republic
Talk about living up to the title. The Old Republic takes the concept of Star Wars and runs with it. The opening presents a chaotic battle within a colossal starship hangar bay. It has blaster fire everywhere, explosions aplenty, and lightsabers clashing. The visuals alone would be a selling point, but flanking them are some of John Williams's most epic tracks from the film scores. If that doesn't send fans into a frenzy, nothing will.
Despite the craziness, the scene still finds time to show off the character classes, both in ability and personality. A swarthy smuggler, grizzled soldier, malignant Sith, and prospective Jedi each get a moment or two to shine. These moments unfold in slow motion--an odd choice for Star Wars, which regardless, works wonders. It's not overly intrusive, but it lets viewers absorb every awe-inspiring detail on display.
2 Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn
Games from Square Enix usually impress with their visuals, but Final Fantasy 14's revival outdoes them all in sheer scope. It opens on a massive battle with a foreboding energy sphere looming overhead. Numerous character classes partake in the action, punctuating traditional swordplay with the stylized moves and spells standard in Final Fantasy. Suddenly, Bahamut emerges from the sphere and ravages everything in its wake. Entire cities go down in flames; the landscape tears asunder; the warriors die in the blink of an eye. The scenario is truly catastrophic. So one world ends, and another begins.
This is where the game illustrates the titular Realm Reborn. The following scenes show the various characters back in their respective homelands. Vibrant environments are positively eye-popping in their color and detail, and they all stand in stark contrast to the prior battlefield's dusty desolation. What better way to signify the hopeful rebirth of both the game and its world?
1 DC Universe Online
This DC Comics romp begins with a standard brawl between the Justice League and their respective foes. However, everyone is playing for keeps. That becomes clear through the intensity permeating the battle. The heroes are unkempt and heavily damaged, fighting for their lives against their merciless adversaries. This culminates in Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman all meeting their deaths at the hands of Lex Luthor. As if things couldn't get worse, the whole world soon falls under the shadow of the computerized alien, Brainiac. Using the extraterrestrial's own tech to absorb the late heroes' energy, Luthor travels back in time to implant that energy into the player characters. Now, a new generation must counter the alien threat.
There you have a perfect setup straight out of an Elseworld comic. Not only does DC Universe Online offer a plausible path for players to emulate their favorite superheroes, but it brilliantly illustrates the stakes through its grim scenario. Here, fans see just how miserable the world can become if they fail. It's arguably more impactful to DC devotees thanks to the "Who's Who" of voices from the acclaimed animated entries. Several actors here have already proven themselves as these characters, from Kevin Conroy (Batman) to Adam Baldwin (Superman) to Corey Burton (Brainiac) to Arleen Sorkin (Harley Quinn). By this point, they feel like old friends in an authentic DC love letter. Thus, fans are even more devoted to jumping in and saving them.