Top Video Game Endings Of All Time

John Marston, the protagonist, makes a final stand against his former gang and the government agents who have been manipulating him. Marston sacrifices himself to ensure his family's safety, but his death ultimately sets the stage for his son, Jack, to take revenge in the game's epilogue. The emotionally charged ending highlights the themes of redemption and the consequences of violence.

The final showdown with the rogue AI, Wheatley, sees protagonist Chell opening a portal on the moon's surface, sucking both Wheatley and herself into the vacuum of space. The game's unique blend of humor, inventive gameplay, and memorable characters make the ending a satisfying and unforgettable experience.

The Witcher 3 has multiple endings, each affected by the choices players make throughout the game. One of the most satisfying and emotional endings sees Geralt of Rivia, the protagonist, successfully locating and reuniting with his adoptive daughter, Ciri. In this ending, Ciri becomes a witcher and follows in Geralt's footsteps. The culmination of the characters' emotional journey and the impact of player choices make this ending particularly memorable.

The Walking Dead Season 1 concludes with the heart-wrenching decision of protagonist Lee Everett, bitten and on the verge of turning into a zombie, to instruct young Clementine to either shoot him or leave him behind. This gut-wrenching choice showcases the emotional impact of player decisions and leaves a lasting impression.

The ending of The Last of Us is an emotionally charged moment where Joel, the protagonist, rescues Ellie, a young girl immune to the infection that has ravaged the world, from a surgery that could potentially create a vaccine but would kill her in the process. Joel's decision to save Ellie, even though it could doom humanity, showcases the powerful bond they've developed throughout their journey. The ambiguous final scene, where Ellie confronts Joel about his choice and he lies to her, leaves players reflecting on the moral complexities of their actions.

In the emotional conclusion of Final Fantasy X, the protagonist Tidus discovers that he is a dream of the ancient civilization of Zanarkand and will cease to exist once the world is saved. Despite this, he and his friends defeat the monster Sin, breaking the cycle of destruction. The bittersweet farewell between Tidus and Yuna, the game's main love interest, is a touching and unforgettable moment in gaming.

The ending of Shadow of the Colossus sees protagonist Wander sacrificing himself to defeat the final colossus, fulfilling his quest to revive his love, Mono. However, it is revealed that Wander was being used by the ancient being Dormin to regain its power. In the final moments, Wander is transformed into a baby with horns, hinting at a connection to the game's spiritual successor, Ico. The tragic and thought-provoking conclusion leaves a lasting impression.

The thrilling conclusion of Mass Effect 2 sees Commander Shepard and their team embarking on a high-stakes suicide mission against the Collectors. Depending on the player's decisions and preparation throughout the game, characters can live or die, leading to a wide range of possible outcomes. The tension and weight of these choices create a memorable and satisfying conclusion.

In one of the multiple endings of Silent Hill 2, protagonist James Sunderland confronts the truth about his wife's death and his role in it. The game's psychological horror and exploration of guilt, grief, and acceptance make for a powerful and haunting conclusion.

The mind-bending conclusion of BioShock Infinite reveals that the protagonist, Booker DeWitt, is actually an alternate version of the game's main antagonist, Comstock. The game's exploration of alternate realities, time loops, and the nature of choice left players in awe and sparked countless debates and analyses.

Automata, which is considered the true ending, sees androids 2B, 9S, and A2 overcoming their programming and achieving a sense of freedom and self-determination. This ending requires the player to sacrifice their save data to help other players progress, emphasizing the game's themes of sacrifice, interconnectedness, and the human struggle for meaning in a complex world. The philosophical depth and innovative storytelling make this ending unforgettable.

In the game's climax, Naked Snake (later known as Big Boss) is forced to kill his mentor, The Boss, as part of a government conspiracy. The poignant final scene reveals The Boss's true intentions and her unwavering loyalty to her country, which ultimately led to her tragic death. The game's exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the nature of war makes its ending one of the most memorable in gaming history.

The classic JRPG Chrono Trigger features multiple endings, with one of the most memorable being the "good" ending where the player successfully defeats the alien creature, Lavos, and saves the world. The game's innovative time-travel mechanics, memorable characters, and engaging story make this ending a triumph.

The true pacifist ending of Undertale is achieved by avoiding all combat and befriending every monster encountered. In this ending, the protagonist helps the friendly monster, Asriel, regain his true form and break the barrier between the monster and human worlds. The game's unique take on RPG mechanics, the focus on compassion, and the heartwarming conclusion make this ending stand out.