The Magic of Startup Cutscenes in Video Games

Patreon: ► / primehylian
An analysis of classic Startup Cutscenes featured commonly in older video games, and why they may not be so common today.
DISCLAIMER: This video is based on my opinion and interpretation of said media/mediums. I don’t claim to be an expert in these fields. Please take onboard my video as a means for discussion rather than fact.
Credits:
This video was edited by Joystick Drummer. Check out his fantastic content here: / joystickdrummer
BOTW Remade Opening - • Breath of the Wild Cin...
Cheers to my buddy Ben for nagging me to make this video for 4 years.
I thank God for giving me these amazing talents.
#gamedesign​ #startupcutscenes #videoessay
This video was made under the 'Fair Use Copyright Act’ for educational and critiquing purposes.

[@PrimeHylian]

What's your favourite Startup Cutscene?

[@ban1-ban184]

I still think about the Drakengard 1 opening

[@wheelerisntstreaming]

straight up the mario baseball for gamecube opening is actually amazing. the animation, the song, the growing excitement it helps build to play a sports game on ur couch... it’s just immaculate dude

[@PrimeHylian]

@@wheelerisntstreaming all those sports gamecube titles had some dope openings. My favorite is still Mario Power Tennis

[@shengaorenhasser]

Pretty much every Monster Hunter Intro. They always do a great job of hyping up the monster you’ve seen on the cover, showing their strengths, posing a real threat to the hunters. Those on the other had show real gameplay techniques, often the new stuff that was added like new moves or weapons. Perfect! What else do you need for this type of game?

[@odinj647]

Onimusha 3 has a baller intro

[@TheGoldenBolt]

I know you showcased it as an example of an early minimalist intro, but _man_ that R&C 1 opening still sticks out to me because while saying nothing, it establishes a ton of tone for the series' story. A calm before the storm in some ways! Great work as always, my friend!

[@PrimeHylian]

Yeah it's such a great opening. Gives an insight into Ratchet's humble life before everything goes nuts. Much better than the remake's opening imo. Glad you liked the vid!

[@ChakainHD]

Twilight Princess man. I’ll never forget watching that intro for the first time

[@borisjohnson473]

Incredible video like always, it's a crime you have so few subs at the moment

[@PrimeHylian]

Appreciate the support

[@JuhoSprite]

Your channel is way too good for just 1,8K subscribers

[@thechugg4372]

The only problem with any startup cutscene or opening is on PC, especially in ports that don't even detect your setup, so you end up with some low res 4:3 box messing up your resolution at the beginning.

[@JoystickDrummer]

It was very interesting editing someone else's video besides my own! I'm so happy you liked the final product and I hope to work with you again! Excellent video!

[@ninjawolfpro8]

Your editing skills are next level

[@JoystickDrummer]

@@ninjawolfpro8 Thank you so much!

[@funnyguy150]

Some of the earliest attract cutscenes out there are found in arcade titles. A short cutscene designed to attract your attention on a busy arcade floor. Many of my strongest startup cutscenes I remember to this day are from old Sega, Capcom and Neo Geo arcade games.

[@PrimeHylian]

Good point, I didnt even consider that factor for those classic games. Makes sense to draw the eyes of people in the arcade.

[@DesignDoc]

Chrono Cross' introduction was my gateway into JRPGs. I still think about it regularly. A strong tone-setter and first impression is an underrated art.

[@PrimeHylian]

I feel that. I have a similar relationship with the opening of Chrono Trigger. Showcasing exciting moments in the story along with credits of the key developers, it was surprisingly cinematic even for a SNES game.

[@ninjawolfpro8]

Glad this vid was finally made, you nailed every point and Fifa 14 intro made it in. Good shit dude

[@MoonSpiritChannel]

It's a shame startup cutscenes have moved on. With modern consoles now allowing you to quick resume your games back, cutscenes like that seem superfluous now. It's a shame that those days will are just relegated to the past 3-4 generations now.

[@PrimeHylian]

It's a real shame. There is a reason they're not used much anymore, but like with the DMC5 opening, there are definitely ways to integrate them today. Hopefully more devs try it in the future.

[@SaberRexZealot]

MGS3 has the best one imo. What a thrill.

[@PrimeHylian]

Absolutely.

[@CRANTIME]

I still refuse to skip the opening to Sonic Riders

[@PrimeHylian]

Rightfully so

[@Shoobster]

zelda link is not in the description.

[@PrimeHylian]

Whoops, have fixed that now.