Fantastic First Level Themes Vol. 6

They say you never forget your first. First kiss. First car. First level of a video game. We're here to focus on that last one. The first level of a video game can say a lot about the rest of the game. It can be a great way to grab the player for invested play time. For a lot of us, not only do we remember the first level because it is the start of a game, but because the music with that beginning level really stayed with us.

The Hard Corps - Contra: Hard Corps (GEN)

There's been a security breach. Baddies are running rampant. And the whole city is on fire. Enter you, literally crashing onto the scene so fast a set of enemies couldn't react in time. Now that's the way you start out a game. Let's go! Time to put in that work! Annnnnd then the game quickly puts in that work on you. You thought other Contra games were tough? Son, please. This is Contra: Hard Corps and it will firmly imprint it's giant boot on your butt. Oh and that dude up top that loves throwing cars at you? He's but one of the first stage's mini bosses. But hey, at least that music is getting you stoked, right? Right?

Opening Stage - Mega Man X2 (SNES)

Peace is something that never lasts in the Mega Man games. I mean, the most anyone ever gets to enjoy of it is usually six months or so. Within half a year's time, trouble starts brewing for X and once again, he has to show those trouble making Mavericks what's up. On this extremely rare occasion X doesn't start the level by teleporting in, but rather arriving on a hover bike along with the famous Green Biker Duder. After the opposition puts some lasers into his ride, X swiftly returns the favor by crashing it right into them. The intro stage to Mega Man X 2 is much shorter compared to the first game, probably helped due to dashing being a function now built into X's systems. As you make your way through crushers and blast renegade robots, you're treated to an electrifying opening tune that's so good, it comes back for the final level.

Corneria - Star Fox Zero (Wii U)

If you live in the universe of Star Fox and Corneria is your home, why have't you moved? The place is always a breeding ground for destruction and the Star Fox crew always has to go in and set things right. The Corneria theme for Star Fox Zero really paints the beautiful city in dire straits. Like, the city, really needs some heroes.

Patched Plains - Kirby: Planet Robobot (3DS)

Don't you just hate it when you wake up from your nap only to find your planet overtaken by an army of robot invaders? Whelp, looks like Kirby's gotta save the day again. But this time, he gets so freakin' sweet mech armor!  Despite Popstar being overrun by robots, the game still begins with a jovial theme that's sure to have you humming and whistling right along with it.