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| Source: EA Games |
Sports video game intros are not as important as they once were. It's a shame, because they serve an important purpose: they get gamers into the mood by presenting impressive plays, inspiring them to repeat those actions in the game. Nowadays some games basically skip the intro and instead put the gamer to work almost immediately.
Games today look more and more like the real thing, but in the past, this was not the case. That's why older intros preferred to use actual footage, showing the player the beauty of the game they're about to play. In the past, as highlights were not readily available and not all games were televised, let alone streamed, they allowed the gamer to actually see some impressive plays for the first time.
Some managed to capture the player's imagination much better than others, whetting their appetite to get on the field/court/sporting arena of your choosing. These 20 did it better than any.
19. NBA Live 98
We kick the list off with a classic.
The intro to NBA Live '98 was quick, dynamic, and energetic - it had everything that a good highlight reel should contain. The singling-out of particular players during plays is a great idea, especially when they start appearing one after another as the video is coming to a close.The culminating dunk by Latrell Sprewell ends the real-life highlight as if telling the player that now it's his turn to present some impressive plays.
The clip is perfectly organized, as it starts and ends with an unnamed player, albeit at the end he is at EA's signature Virtual Stadium, which at the time was an innovative way of arena design and presentation. In 1998 EA Sports game intros were really something else.
18. NBA 2K3
Wait, is that an intro or the opening of SportsCenter, ESPN's flagship program since 1979? This was supposed to be a game, not a TV news program!
This intro edges out an older one from NBA Live, because of the involvement of ESPN, which added another layer of realism to the game. The intro itself is nothing out of the norm, but it's not that bad either. With some amazing plays from the league's best players it's still a good highlight reel, summing up the 2001-2002 season.
17. FA Premier League Stars
This was the first football game that featured licensed kits. That was a big deal at the time, but the intro, starring all of the famous Premier League players - with an especially long and successful sequence featuring David James of all people - was a big deal as well. This provided a promise of something big, something important, as now you could play as your idols in their correct apparel!
There's a lot of passion and energy in the clip, and it looks more like a television promo than video game intro - a first in football video games.
16. NBA 2K1
The fictional commentary duo of Bob Steele and Rod West is responsible for putting the video on this list. While impressive and cool to look at in its on right, as it's combining NBA legends with the new generation of superstars, the video does nothing that has not been done before.
The circle around the ball is a neat idea, so is the pause when Vince Carter is in mid-air, but what's really new is that "Bob Steele" and "Rod West" provided some real-life commentary for the intro, showing what can be expected from them during the game. While they are a little stiff, it's the commentators that are the main innovation in this clip.
15. NFL Madden 12
This intro is simply majestic. The ink spot technique used here allows for smooth transitions between players, teams, and shots.
The planes are great, but the best moment is undoubtedly the "fumble recovery" by Eagles' DeSean Jackson. There's really nothing to add here - just sit back and enjoy.
14. FIFA 2004
Alessandro Del Piero, Thierry Henry, and Ronaldinho run down the pitch, with a helicopter flying over their heads and Kings of Leon blasting in the background? Imagine how much it had to cost!
This would have made a cool enough commercial, but putting so much money in the intro alone shows how much the developers cared about the gamer.
13. NHL 99
A David Bowie song in a sports game? How cool is that? The slow-motion highlights set to Heroes look almost regal, underlining the finesse that the sport requires.
Halfway through the video, the music changes and we're presented with a different side of hockey - apart from requiring unique skills, the game is also quick and violent. This video masterfully catches both aspects of the sport, reminding some viewers how hard and beautiful the sport actually is.
12. NBA 2K14
You can't go wrong with Ennio Morricone. I could shoot a video of myself eating corn flakes - preferably Wheaties, because, you know, NBA champions eat those - and set it to The Ecstasy of Gold, and it would look glorious.
As beautiful as that would be, in this Nike remix of the song LeBron James and friends play with basketballs in slow motion, in celebration of the King's second championship. There are flashy passes, dunks, and shots - everything a basketball fan craves. And the animation is stupendous.
11. ISS Pro Evolution
This video, probably more than others on this list, catches what football is all about. It's not only about big names scoring beautiful goals, but about childhood dreams of greatness, phenomenal moments reenacted everyday on the pitch next to your school or home.
The intro also catches the global aspects of football, showing representatives of different ethnic groups playing against one another. This is as close to a FIFA - the organization, not the video game - promotional video as football video games intros get.
10. Madden 06
It's common practice now, but this intro took players by surprise, as they were immediately thrown into a game of American football. Unlike in today's games, where you're able to play the fictional Super Bowl, here the player was just a spectator, watching the last play of the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots. There are close-ups of the players and their emotions, there's Eagles coach Andy Reid on the sidelines, there are fans in the stands. It captures everything.
And the ending? Gripping. With one second left, just before the last play, the video ends and you're left to work out the scenario in your head. What did happen? The best way to find out is to take the controller in your hands and just get into the game.
9. NHL 98
Are you willing to donate your body?
Got a problem with authority?
Would you stop a speeding bullet?
Are you afraid of the masked man?
What an interrogation to start the game! And it only gets better, as the video features a lot of hits, shots, and saves, showing the beauty of hockey. The highlight is obviously the goal scored by Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils, but there is just so much going on in here!
Just like the intro to NBA Live 98, this one also takes the gamer out of the real world and into a virtual arena, where he's supposed to show what he's capable of.
8. Fight Night Champion
Short and powerful is the best way to describe this clip. Your trainer reminds you about what boxing is about, and your opponent taunts you in an interview before your big fight. The training and the previous fights that brought you here remind you that this is what you've wanted. This is your moment. Don't worry if you're knocked down, you've always bounced back and won. You'll do so this time as well.
As much as I'd love to prove him right, I'm equally tempted to watch that video again. This is old-school, Rocky-like motivation. A bit cheesy, but it works.
7. NCAA Basketball 10
Gus Johnson is an NCAA basketball legend. Who else is able to say "the slipper still fits" during a broadcast and keep his street-cred? The commentator invites you to participate in the game, showing incredible emotion and passion, just like when calling real NCAA games.
The montage and the animation are also nothing to sneeze at. The crowd goes wild, while the plays are fast and dynamic. This is really one of the best basketball intros ever.
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