Video games have the unique ability to weave complex narratives, captivating players through immersive storytelling and unforgettable conclusions. From moral dilemmas to mind-bending twists, these endings leave lasting impressions that resonate well beyond the final scene.
In this article, we explore ten video games that exemplify some of the most compelling and thought-provoking endings in gaming history. Warning: Spoilers ahead!
10. Shadow of the Colossus
Shadow of the Colossus delivers a bittersweet ending that subverts expectations. After defeating 16 colossi, protagonist Wander becomes possessed by the entity Dormin. In a twist, Wander is transformed into a horned infant, while his love interest Mono is resurrected. The game concludes in a serene garden, leaving players to ponder the consequences of Wander’s actions.
9. Final Fantasy VI
Final Fantasy VI’s ending is a masterpiece of storytelling. After defeating the nihilistic Kefka, players witness the world’s rebirth through a series of vignettes showcasing each character’s fate. The poignant scenes, set to the iconic “Balance Is Restored,” culminate in Terra’s survival and a message of hope for humanity’s future.
8. Batman: Arkham City
Batman: Arkham City’s ending shocked players with the Joker’s death. After a tense confrontation, Batman attempts to cure the dying Joker but fails when the vial is shattered. The game concludes with Batman carrying Joker’s lifeless body out of Arkham City, a poignant moment that redefined their complex relationship.
7. Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2’s Suicide Mission finale is a masterclass in player choice and consequence. Your decisions throughout the game determine which squad members survive the perilous assault on the Collector base. The mission’s intensity, coupled with the weight of your choices, creates an unforgettable and personalized conclusion to Shepard’s second galactic adventure.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
After defeating Ganon, Princess Zelda sends Link back in time to relive his childhood. This bittersweet ending creates multiple timelines, setting the stage for future Zelda games. The final scene of young Link meeting Zelda again is both nostalgic and poignant, leaving players with a sense of closure and new beginnings.
5. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
Snake’s final confrontation with The Boss is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling. Forced to kill his mentor to prevent nuclear war, Snake learns the truth of her sacrifice. This bittersweet ending sets the stage for Big Boss’s tragic fall, forever changing the series’ trajectory.
4. BioShock Infinite
BioShock Infinite’s mind-bending ending reveals that protagonist Booker DeWitt and antagonist Zachary Comstock are the same person from different realities. To prevent Comstock’s existence, multiple versions of Elizabeth drown Booker at his baptism, erasing all potential Comstock timelines. This shocking twist challenges players’ perceptions of identity and choice across infinite realities.
3. Portal 2
Portal 2’s ending is a masterpiece of storytelling and gameplay. Chell’s final confrontation with GLaDOS and Wheatley culminates in a thrilling lunar portal sequence. The game concludes with Chell’s bittersweet freedom, accompanied by a turret opera and the return of the Companion Cube. This ending perfectly balances humor, emotion, and closure.
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2. Red Dead Redemption 2
Arthur Morgan’s redemptive journey culminates in a poignant ending where he sacrifices himself to help John Marston escape. Players with high honor are treated to a peaceful final moment as Arthur watches the sunrise. This bittersweet conclusion perfectly encapsulates the game’s themes of loyalty, redemption, and the fading Wild West.
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1. The Last of Us
The Last of Us concludes with a morally ambiguous decision by Joel to save Ellie, sacrificing humanity’s chance for a cure. Joel lies to Ellie about the Fireflies, claiming they’ve stopped searching for a cure. The game ends with Ellie’s doubtful “Okay,” leaving players to grapple with the ethical implications of Joel’s actions.
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