Top 10 Video Game Escape Sequences

“Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015)

Getting our list off to a rather slow, yet explosive start is this relentlessly thrilling opening scene to the latest entry of the Metal Gear Solid franchise. After awaking from a nine year long coma, Snake awakens in a hospital being torn to shreds by assailants sent from the game’s antagonist, Cipher. With the help of a mysterious bandaged man, Snake must push through an exhausting series of brutally close encounters (close encounters footage here). We adore the climactic chase sequence from the original, but the spine tingling chills of this unforgettable opening is something we won’t soon forget.
It’s not quite clear if it’s Cipher or XOF, as according to the tapes it was Cipher that moved Snake to the hospital, yet the both attack the hospital.

“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)

Ganondorf’s castle is falling down, falling down, falling down. After an epic confrontation with the game’s antagonist, he falls to the ground and the battle is won. Or is it? In a last ditch effort to destroy Link and Zelda, the Great King of Evil uses the last of his dark magic to make his castle tumble to pieces, giving the player a slim amount of time to amscray. After a series of death defying jumps and dodges , our heroes escape as everything crashes down behind them.

“Ori and The Blind Forest” (2015)

Damn nature, you scary. In this critically acclaimed indie-style-adventure platformer, the player controls a guardian spirit named Ori who ventures across a vast forest to revive the elements. Unfortunately, things go a little too well when dealing with the water element. As massive bursts of water overflow the area, the player must rapidly ascend towards higher ground. Surviving this pulse pounding segment requires careful timing and precise platforming, easier said than done, as the aquatic anarchy is never far behind. It’s a close-call in the end and an altogether fantastic sequence. Let this be a reminder to never leave the kitchen sink running.

“Dead Space 2” (2011)

Getting this sequel off to a nail-biting start, Dead Space 2 wastes no time in reminding us just how deadly the alien necromorphs are. Heart-stopping in all of the best ways, this sequence is memorable for how defenseless it leaves the player. Having no weapons to fight back against the terrifying creatures, the only option is to run like you’ve never run before. A chilling setup for the relentless pace of the game, this opening taught us to never think we’re completely out of harm’s way.

“Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare” (2007)

We hope you can swim. As a member of an SAS commando unit, the player must venture deep into the belly of a ship’s cargo hold in search of a suspected nuclear device. Unfortunately, as is the case with most of the entries on our list, things go terribly wrong .What follows is a fast-paced fight to the surface as the tanker is quickly being flooded by huge waves of water. Even once you reach the top deck, the player still has to make one final leap of faith to escape a watery grave.

“Mass Effect 2” (2010)

Don’t you hate uninvited guests? In this opening scene, the SSV Normandy is patrolling the cosmos for any signs of Geth resistance when they are suddenly caught off guard by an unknown attacker. What follows is an exhilarating rush as the player must navigate through the Normandy while it is progressively being blown to pieces. As the crew abandons ship, you make your way to the trusty pilot, Joker to ensure that he escapes safely as well. He lives to see another day thanks to you, but consequently the captain goes down with his ship at the end of this action packed sequence. And by Captain we me you.

“Aladdin” (SNES Version) (1993)

If it's not yours, don’t touch it. Just like in the film, after Aladdin’s pet monkey Abu grabs a shiny gem, the entire cave around them collapses. This stage keeps the player on their toes, as they must push forwards if they wish to avoid the scorching hot lava rising around them. Danger also comes from above, as boulders endlessly drop towards the player. And that’s only half the stage as you have to escape on the magic carpet with lava waves right behind. It’s because of this scene we went with the SNES version over the Genesis, because Of the DAMN RUG RIDE SEQUENCE!

“Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)

This is it, the setting for the first level is also where the game ends as Master Chief must enter the ruins of The Pillar of Autumn to destroy its reactor, and Halo with it. Getting in is already a challenge as you have to fight off Covenant, Flood and Halo’s defences. Getting out before the ship blows is no easy task either. Using a Warthog, you have to drive precariously through the ships hallways, all the while everyONE is shooting at you and everyTHING is exploding. At least the main theme is on your side, ensuring that this epic ride is all the more epic.

“Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception” (2011)

Nice job with the rescue mission Nate. After an attempt to save his pal Sully goes awry, things get a little blown out of proportion. What makes this scene so unforgettable is how matters go from bad to worse with each passing moment. The entire ship gets completely turned into its side, making for some dynamic platforming and combat scenarios. Additionally, the rousing musical score heightens the anxieties of the rushing waves of water catching up to you. It’s a close call, but Nate lives to cause disastrous mayhem another day.

Before we reveal our choice for the most thrilling video game escape sequence, here are a few honorable mentions…

Self-Destruct Sequence
“Conker’s Bad Fur Day” (2001)

Laboratory Escape
“Resident Evil 2” (1998)

Follow Your Ghost Dad
“Star Fox 64” (1997)

Escaping The Cave
“Tomb Raider” (2013)

“Super Metroid” (1994)

Let this be a lesson that whenever things are too quiet, trouble is never far off. The start of the game has our heroine Samus Aran Investigating a distress beacon from a research space station, only finds the facility abandoned. But then her arch-nemesis Ridley shows up, steals the Metroid McGuffin and causes the station to self-destruct, meaning it’s time to run your morph balls off. Still just as the game starts with the timed escape sequence, so does it end, as this time Samus has to get off Zebus before the whole planet explodes. All in a days work for our fearless bounty hunter, just don’t forget to save your friends on the way out.

Do you agree with our list? Which video game escape sequences had your heart racing? For more exciting Top 10’s published every day be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.