Video games have the power to excite, inform, and bring sadness. Video game stories are arguably more captivating than movies because of their immersion. Playing as a character for hours, one can develop a meaningful connection. An immersive game can bring someone to tears because of its realism and story.
The following video games contain some of the most emotional scenes in the history of gaming. Did you cry after playing one of these games? These are 10 heartbreaking moments in video games that made us cry.
10 Super Mario 64 - Ending
Following the victory over Bowser, Mario takes flight using the Wing Cap and flies outside the castle. Using the power of the Stars, Mario rescues Peach from the castle’s portrait. With the power of the stars “restored to the castle,” balance is returned to the Mushroom Kingdom.
After giving Mario a smooch, she heads into the castle to bake him a cake. Finally, after a lengthy game, the adventure is over. The staff roll music combined with the dramatic ending is enough to reduce any person to tears.
9 Shadow Of The Colossus - Agro Falls
The loss of a video game companion is almost always emotional. After a long game of fighting colossal bosses, tragedy ensues as Waner’s horse plummets to his demise. We are, of course, referring to Wander’s trusty steed, Agro.
Agro stuck by Wander through thick and thin, narrowly escaping death multiple times. The story of Shadow of the Colossus is gripping, but the decision to kill Agro was questionable. After the loss of Agro, Wander is left to explore the ancient site alone.
8 Kingdom Hearts 3 - Ending
Although many would argue the Kingdom Hearts 3 isn’t the strongest entry in the series, it concluded the story correctly. Mickey Mouse reunited with Minnie Mouse and friends; it was a happy ending for the kingdom.
The conclusion to one of the most convoluted stories in the history of video games was neatly wrapped up, even if a few mysteries are remaining. Perhaps the game’s developers left the game up for interpretation. Since Sora revived Kairi, he disappeared into thin air. Sora may have died or gone away for a while. Either way, it was an emotional cutscene that caused many of us to shed tears.
7 Red Dead Redemption - John Marston’s Death
John tells Jack to “keep the doors locked and your mother inside.” At this point, it was clear that something out of the norm was occurring. John Marston has managed to keep harm away from his family, but with the government knocking on his doorstep, things were different this time.
As the protagonist we’ve come to love in Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2, it was emotional to witness this tragic scene. The burying of John Marston was something few could have predicted. John Marston’s demise is one of the most touching scenes in video games.
6 The Lion King - Ending
If you thought that The Lion King movie was emotional, try playing the video game. Experiencing the events of The Lion King first-hand makes the game even more emotional. Growing up as Simba from a cub into a full-grown adult lion made players connect with the game on a unique level.
Players have to fight packs of hyenas, then face Scar for one last clash. The Scar battle was lengthy, but finally, you beat Scar, sending him into the fire. Rain and lighting cascade while Simba overlooks Pride Rock. The game concludes with a quote from Mufasa, Simba’s father. “Everything the light touches is our kingdom,” said Mufasa. Credits roll, and most of us cried.
5 The Walking Dead - Lee’s Death
The Walking Dead is an episodic, graphic adventure video game that follows both Clementine and Lee. The player controls Lee, a man who we first see in the back of a police car. Lee had murdered a state senator who had been sleeping with his wife.
After a long journey, Lee and Clementine are forced to separate from each other after a Walker bites Lee. The emotional scene shows Lee as he stumbles beside Clementine. Lee gives Clementine a few words of advice before asking her to shoot him. The scene was filled with so much emotion that is made us cry.
4 BioShock Infinite - Ending
The ending of BioShock Infinite made it abundantly clear that the game was a sequel and not a spiritual successor. With a deep connection to the previous games, much is revealed at the end of BioShock Infinite. It can be debated that the ending was the climax of the story because of one emotional scene.
“There’s always a lighthouse. There’s always a man. There’s always a city.” This quote will be remembered in gaming for years, decades, and possibly centuries to come. Not only is BioShock Infinite a fantastic game, but the ending made us cry.
3 Red Dead Redemption 2 - Arthur Morgan’s Death
As part of the Van der Linde gang, Arthur Morgan tries to escape the law because of his troubled past. Red Dead Redemption 2 begins after Arthur Morgan and his accomplices are involved in a train robbery that sets the story into motion.
Foreshadowing predicted the death of Arthur Morgan. After a scene where Dutch van der Linde ignored his plea, it was clear he wasn’t on Arthur’s side anymore. Perhaps it was Arthur Morgan’s loyalty that led to his demise. The main story ends with Micah Bell defeating Arthur, who was ill.
2 Gears Of War 3 - Dom’s Death
After being close to Dom Santiago for three games, players grew an emotional attachment to the character. Dom made an impromptu decision to jump into the nearest COG vehicle after an area was flooded with Locusts. Driving the vehicle, Dom steered into every Locust possible as Marcus watched in bewilderment. The classic Gears of War music overtones what is possibly the most emotional moment in the series. Dom sacrifices his life to save Marcus and the rest of the COG.
1 The Last Of Us - Joel Nearly Dies
The Last of Us can be considered the most emotional game in history because of its gripping scenes. Joel and Ellie’s relationship develops throughout the game, making this scene all the more touching.
In an attempt to search for the Fireflies at a university, Joel and Ellie did not find them. They had to escape the area. In a struggle with a foe, Joel fell off a balcony, impaling himself on a metal rod. The scene that follows is very emotional and almost everyone thought Joel was going to die.
NEXT: 10 Rarest N64 Games (And The Story Behind Them)
