I don't remember seeing this as a topic. At least not recently. What do you think are the best and/or most iconic first levels and/or introductions in a video game? Also what are your personal favorites?

An example as iconic would be Green Hill Zone in Sonic 1 and 1-1 in Super Mario Bros.

For me it’s gotta be Half-Life 2. Arriving at City 17 on the train with G-Mans iconic “rise and shine” speech and then you making your way through until Alyx saves you. Honestly blew my fucking mind when I originally played it 21yrs ago.

It's hard to top 1-1 in Super Mario Bros; the way it organically teaches you how to play is just genius.

I'll throw in both RE4's intro and village battle and the frigate Orpheon in Metroid Prime for how brilliantly they set the tone and mechanical fundamentals for their respective games, while instantly hooking the player.

First level in Donkey Kong has been referenced in a lot of entertainment. A big ape throwing barrels.

Updated the OP to add intro. With that one immediately popped in my head. The opening to Skyrim.

The great Plateau in BotW. That is something I wish I could play for the first time again.

How could I forget this one! Add that to my list too, a masterclass in teaching the player through organic level design.