Gamers Still Say This Is the Greatest Video Game Opening of All Time

A first impression can leave a mark that lasts forever. When you turn on a video game for the first time, the loading screen, the opening cutscene, or the beginning level can be a special experience that encapsulates everything you're about to remember as a gamer.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has the best opening in video game history, and fans are still nostalgic about it 28 years later. In case you don't remember, let's take another look at the incredible retro cinematic.

This was the first time Link was rendered in 3D, so it was a gigantic moment for Nintendo to figure out how they were going to introduce the series' hero for a new generation and a vastly different technological era of gaming.

Fans on Reddit particularly love the way the game's opening was calm and introspective instead of roaring and brash.

"I love this title screen, too! It's interesting that, for their first 3D Zelda, they could've gone with an "epic" title screen such as ALttP's (and it would've fit pretty well considering OoT's scope), but instead decided on something more subdued. The Gymnopedie-esque arrangement of the Flute theme is genius and really solidifies the whole thing."

The same thread had someone talk about how the novelty of the era contributed to not only Ocarina of Time's opening, but also Super Mario 64's.

"I do remember when first seeing it thinking how awesome it was... I don't think I had ever seen a title screen like that ever before! Mario 64 was the same way; lots of fun new innovations happening back in the early N64 days, it was great!"

The game was remastered for the Nintendo 3DS in 2011, and rumors persist that a full remake for the Switch 2 is coming soon. Every time we get to re-experience this poignant opening scene, the same melancholy inundates the soul. Only Nintendo is able to connect with its gamers in this way.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 8:18 PM.