Off To a Good Start: The 25 Best First Levels of All Time

November 14, 2008 | By: Robert Workman

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Every game has a first level, but only a few are timeless.

24. Panzer Dragoon (Sega/Saturn)

Panzer Dragoon is still a refreshing shooter, and the first "episode" clearly explains why. As you get a feel for the multi-directional shooting controls, you'll fly through a water-ravaged city with a breathtaking theme playing in the background. It gets even better when you soar through one of the structures, fighting barely visible enemies in the dark. It's stunning.

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Reader Comments (62)

wemightmelt at 5:56 pm on March 5th 2009

Sonic's Green Hill Zone= Best first level ever.

caanimal3008 at 1:35 pm on March 5th 2009

I remember when this list was posted(not sure if it was the original posting or just another reposting from a previous list) about a year ago now, the only thing they have added is LittleBigPlanet(y'all need to stop being closed minded and give it a shot, it's pretty fun). I wish these writers would pull their heads out of micro&soft's rear and stop hyping over Halo, the game's weren't THAT great and don't need to be included in nearly every list they make. As other people have said, a LOT of great first levels have been left out, but then again all these lists are nothing more then the writers opinion... I personally haven't played most of these games so my top 25 of what I have played would be a whole lot different. But that's the way life goes, if you don't like this list get hired by some game review site and make your own list. But I do agree, most of the lists that show up on here make the writer sound like he/she has never picked up a game controller in their life.

neophyteinarms at 11:13 am on March 5th 2009

Seriously, you guys need to stop harping on these game guys. They make this stuff so people like you can read it and diss them to eternity, and yet they still make it. Its just opinion, not like everyone has to agree with the lists! Seriously

typhontook at 9:49 am on March 5th 2009

Normally I'm fairly prone to nerd-raging at these lists, but this one wasn't all that bad. Seriously, there are thousands of great choices out there (FFVII's introductory reactor raid definitely stands out). I don't agree with number 1, and I don't feel that Ocarina of Time's first dungeon was that phenomenal (good, but not top 25 good), but the writer explained his choices well. Oh, and to everyone dissing LittleBig Planet... the game is amazing. If the name bothers you enough to not play the game, you're obviously not much o*****amer.

cbobbinssays at 5:44 am on January 5th 2009

This list, for the most part, is complete garbage. Who put this list together? Zelda: Ocarina of Time should be bumped up to top 10, definitely. You completely neglected many genres of games as well. Poorly done.

broklynlatinking at 5:32 am on January 5th 2009

yea definitely resident evil 4 and final fantasy 7 should have been in top 10 and seriously i have a ps3 and i will never play a game called little big planet! little big makes no sense

katsliketunafish at 5:14 am on January 5th 2009

I dont know who came up with these games but...that's pretty much bs...you guys are definitely forgetting FFVII...and how about some of the Pokemon gameboy games...I know those were a big hit in the US when I was a kid.

stevenbrooks22 at 3:36 am on January 5th 2009

what about street fighter II? I couldn't tell you how many hours my cousin and I played that game after sunday mass

pengy3rd at 5:51 pm on January 4th 2009

I was kind of disappointed not to see Indigo Prophecy on the list. I know it's not as popular as some games, but the game opens with you stabbing a guy to death amidst scenes of a cult ritual - and then you snap awake with no idea why and you have to find a way to escape the cop sitting in the cafe you're in. It's awesome.