The first screens of history's 51 most iconic games

Heavy Rain

Should have stayed in bed.

Ico

Oh so lonely... But not for long.

Jet Set Radio

Paint the town any colour you like.

The Last of Us

Hmm, why haven't I seen her in any of the campaign screenshots?

Mass Effect

I'm Commander Shepard, and this is my favourite way to start a trilogy.

Metal Gear Solid

Three seconds in, no badgering phonecalls. So far, so good.

Metroid Prime

Primed and rea... *SLAP*

Oblivion

Another dungeon. Not an auspicious start. Still, the next game is bound to start a bit better...

Outrun

Admit it, you've already got the tune in your head, haven't you? Again.

Pokemon Red

There's always a bedroom, there's always a trainer, there's always a contemporary console.

David Houghton
Long-time GR+ writer Dave has been gaming with immense dedication ever since he failed dismally at some '80s arcade racer on a childhood day at the seaside (due to being too small to reach the controls without help). These days he's an enigmatic blend of beard-stroking narrative discussion and hard-hitting Psycho Crushers.