There are some levels in video games that transcend the game itself, becoming iconic and a part of pop culture. These levels could be ones that even non-gamers have played or at least recognise or perhaps have iconic music that is recognisable worldwide. Here is our list for the top 5 most iconic video game levels:
1. Tomb Raider 2 – Croft Manor
If you mention the words Tomb Raider 2 to anyone who grew up in the 90s, there is a good chance the first thing they will think of is locking the butler in the freezer. We all did it; don’t lie. The game’s tutorial level is the Croft Manor, a huge mansion which is full of obstacle courses to teach players the mechanics of the game.
As players explore the mansion, they are followed around by Lara’s butler, Winston. He is an old fellow carrying a tray of dishes which he shakes around as he wanders around the halls of the manor. One of the worlds favourite pass times in the game is to wander into the kitchen and open the freezer. Then it is time to chill (no pun intended) in the freezer while you wait for Winston to slowly follow Lara. No wonder Lara’s breasts were cones; it must be freezing in there. Once Winston joins Lara in the freezer, quickly run out and shut the door of the freezer, trapping Winston inside. Winston will forever be trapped inside the freezer until the end of time, or at least until you exit the level.
2. Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – No Russian
The words ‘No Russian’ will forever be ingrained into the brains of Call Of Duty fans. No Russian is a level from Modern Warfare 2 that is so violent and offensive that players are given the option to skip it with no effect on achievements/trophies. The level consists of a group of Russian terrorists open firing inside an airport, slaughtering hundreds of innocent civilians. In an age of heightened airport security, terrorist threats, and releasing in the same decade as 9/11, this was a bold move by Activision and one that has left a lasting impression on gamers.
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3. 007 Goldeneye (N64) – Facility
“For England – James.”
Facility will always be remembered for one thing: crawling through a vent and shooting a soldier using the bathroom. This moment is truly iconic. The level is the second level of the game and puts the player right in the middle of a facility swarming with soldiers, giving players the opportunity to have fun gunfights in packed hallways. The level ends with Bond destroying a load of tankers to release gas into the building while Bond’s teammate, 006, is “assassinated”. This is one of the most fun levels in the entire game, but that will always be overshadowed by the killing of a soldier who is just trying to check Facebook on his phone while using the can.
4. DOOM (1993) – E1M1 Hangar
I think in this instance, the soundtrack has become as iconic, if not more, than the level itself. At Doom’s Gate is the first track players hear when they begin the game. At Doom’s Gate, like many songs in the game’s OST, is a rip off another iconic song, Master Of Puppets by Metallica. By putting the 2 tracks side by side, it is very clear how much of an influence the song had on the composition of this track. Other tracks on the OST take heavy inspiration from other artists such as Pantera, Slayer, Alice In Chains, and AC/DC. The soundtracks for the DOOM series have been as iconic as the levels themselves, but putting both together creates one of the most iconic video game levels that has created a lasting impression on gamers and game development.
5. Super Mario Bros – 1-1
This list couldn’t be possible without including the level that started all. In 1985, Super Mario Bros was released as a launch title for the Nintendo Entertainment System and changed video games forever. Super Mario Bros went on to sell over 48 million copies, beginning the Super Mario series, which is still the flagship franchise of Nintendo’s, having recently celebrated its 35th anniversary. The 1-1 level has become a huge part of pop culture and the Overworld theme is perhaps the most recognisable piece of video game music ever. Chances are your Nan even recognises it. Video games would likely look a lot different without Nintendo and the Super Mario franchise, and this is the level that started it all and without a doubt the most iconic video game level of all time.
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