For me it's critical that an RPG grabs my attention within the first hour or two or else I won't be that motivated to finish it. Here's my list of the best/worst beginnings of Square RPGs.

BEST:

1. FFIX - Does a great job of combining character/storyline introduction, gameplay instruction, and action all in one. Alexandria is a great place to start a story, and the whole kidnapping operation is great fun. Doesn't slow down for a while.

2. Chrono Trigger - I love how the seemingly trite beginning (the Millenial Fair) becomes a significant keystone of the entire principle the game is built around...time travel!!!

3. FFVII - Gets right into the action. A little slow after the first bombing mission, but picks up again. Good choice to show Aeris first off (gives a sense of how important and different she is), though the rotating starfield takes WAAAY too long.

4. FFVI - Very dramatic right from the start. I know the jury is still out on whether or not Terra is the main character, but you have to admit she's the right one to start the whole thing off - you can't help but feel sympathy for her and want to know what's happened to her.

WORST:

1. FFVIII - After a stunning introductory FMV, we have a really long, boring first disc with way too much talking and character development, and not nearly enough action or plot development. I'm sorry, this game just didn't grab me. The ballroom scene was great, and the assassination plot was cool, but they needed something more riveting upfront. And the parts with Laguna are wicked boring.

2. FFIV - Any game that requires nothing more than pressing the A button repeatedly for this long at a time takes itself WAAAY too seriously. Where's the GAME, for cryin' out loud?!?! It feels like nothing but cutscenes for the first 20 minutes.

3. Kingdom Hearts - ...flippin' fish. :frust: Okay, it's not THAT bad. But it is a little annoying.