Video games can offer a fantastic story that leads to a sudden turn of events. Which video game has the most shocking plot twist?
Video games have a unique style for storytelling. Depending on the gameplay, the story can either have a slow but relaxing pace or a fast and edge-of-your-seat pace. In both cases, they can even throw in plot twists to show that a game’s story is not as basic. Like a movie, plot twists in gaming help enhance experiencing the story.
Whether they are in the middle of the story or at the conclusion, we gathered 10 plot twists that astonished us and made the games extraordinary. Because of their plot twists, among other reasons, these games are still talked about to this day. This guide includes spoilers, so be on the lookout for some games you have not played yet. Here are 10 shocking plot twists in video games!
10 Shocking Plot Twists In Video Games
The Reason She Runs (Braid)
Braid might seem like a nice spiritual successor to the platforming genre king himself Mario, but the ending is not at all happy. The plot is simple: save the girl and travel to each world to get to the end. But what this twist does that makes this game memorable is the fact that Tim, the playable character, is the villain. He is the monster the princess is running away from. This plot twist also alludes to many theories, ranging from the princess being an atomic bomb and Tim being the scientist to the game’s title, intertwining on time itself. That is excellent game design and storytelling on developer Number None’s part.
His true allegiance (Assassin’s Creed III)
Even though the trailers and cover suggest that Connor Kenway is the assassin we play throughout the game, Assassin’s Creed III starts with his father, Haytham Kenway. Assassin’s Creed III might not have the best story. But it makes up for it with a convincing plot twist: the fact that Haytham is a member of the Templar. It was a huge turn in the story, and having Connor face off against his estranged father was one of the greatest moments in the franchise overall.
Heartbreaking standoff (Red Dead Redemption)
Red Dead Redemption is a cinematic masterpiece for a video game from the seventh-generation console library. We instantly like John Marsten and his quest to keep his family safe at all costs. Even when he achieved his goal, Edgar Ross has his agents surrounding John and fired their bullets at him, killing John instantly. Before the cutscene occurred, it was bone-chilling that we had the gun ready, but it was inevitable in the end. While this is a sad ending, we at least got revenge as John’s son, Jack, and give Ross the death he deserved.
Losing a beloved party member (Final Fantasy VII)
There are at times where an opponent might be too tough and your party members faint as a result. But sometimes, games want to pull at our heartstrings and have a character leave permanently. Final Fantasy VII’s Aerith has been an endearing and amazing companion to Cloud and the rest of the gang. While praying to heal the planet due to her half-Cetra ancestry, Sephiroth impales her with Masamune and dies in Cloud’s arms. Her impact on Cloud and the players left a lot of tears for her sacrifice, and it will be heartbreaking to go through it again in the remake.
The final curtain call (Batman: Arkham City)
Batman: Arkham City excels in its storytelling and of course its gameplay. What makes the second Arkham game outshine any other game in the series is how the plot plays out, especially with Joker. After witnessing an encounter between Batman, Joker, Clayface, and Talia Al’Ghul, the latter ends up dead with Clayface defeated as well. Joker was also going through his Titan sickness and ended up succumbing to it. What is shocking is that despite this, Batman wanted to save him. But the medicine was destroyed and seeing him carry Joker’s dead body was a shock to everyone in the game.
Intense guilt (Silent Hill 2)
To those who played Silent Hill 2, you are probably shivering to see this on here, and deservingly so. Players control James Sunderland, who is searching for his wife Mary after receiving a letter from her and end up in the titular town. While there and even encountering Maria who looks like James’ wife, it is discovered that he killed Mary. The whole point of Silent Hill 2 was James dealing with his immense guilt after taking the life of Mary.
Your true identity (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic)
It is tough to make a good character with amnesia, but Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic manages to perfect it with its insidious plot twist. Even with the journey, the main character goes through. There is something ominous going on. It turns out that the player character is Darth Revan who got brainwashed by the Jedi. Because of this plot twist, it makes choosing the light or dark side of the Force weigh heavily on the game’s overall story.
Underneath the suit (Metroid)
Metroid has become one of the earliest games to feature a strong and iconic female protagonist, Samus Aran. Throughout the game, we were controlling the character and making our way with each level. By the game’s ending, it was shocking to figure out that the awesome bounty hunter is, in fact, a woman. It might have never been intentional, but it is a classic plot twist.
An ultimate showdown (Pokémon Gold & Silver)
While we could have gone with your rival from Red & Blue being the Pokémon League champion and you face him, we decided that Red being the final boss in Gold & Silver takes the spot. The second-generation games improved in its story and especially the postgame. After all, Red became champion, but he disappeared and was not seen until the player heads to Mt. Silver. And with him not saying a single word before the final battle, it makes the anticipation of battling him epic.
“Would you kindly?” (BioShock)
BioShock’s shocking ending arguably sets the standard for plot twists in gaming. The phrase “Would you kindly?” has been repeated so many times from Atlas and the reasoning is beyond disturbing. Those words trigger the protagonist’s will to do what the villain wants. The phrase eventually becomes an internet phenomenon because of how much of an amazing plot twist it is.
