Top 10 Video Games That Will Make You CRY

#10: “Gears of War 3” (2011)

The “Gears of War” series is about a group of unnaturally large macho men sawing monsters in half with chainsaws attached to their guns, so you can't exactly blame gamers for not expecting emotion. However, due to some stellar writing and performances, the waterworks come, and they come hard. “Gears of War 2” had the extremely sad scene involving Dom and his wife, Maria, but it's Dom’s death in the third game that really got to us. Complete with Marcus’s chilling scream of “Dom! No!,” the sad music and the dramatic slow motion, Dom’s death is drama 101, but it's effective nonetheless. This series definitely went out in style, albeit very sad style.

#9: “Mass Effect 3” (2012)

Regardless of your feelings surrounding the ending itself, you can't deny that this third installment brought many emotional moments to the series. Seeing as how this was the final game of the trilogy, there were many climactic, dramatic moments littered throughout the story, some of them happy, some of them...not so happy, depending on the choices you make. Some of the most dramatic moments include Tali’s Suicide, Grunt jumping into the canyon, and Mordin’s death. Dear God, Mordin’s death. The elevator...and the singing...can we just move on to the next entry?

#8: “Mother 3” (2006)

Released in Japan for the Game Boy Advance, “Mother 3” tells the harmless and run-of-the-mill story of a young boy defending the world from an invading force. Unlike most Game Boy games, however, “Mother 3” deals with fun themes like feudalism morality. Fun stuff. Some of the more light-hearted moments included Flint breaking down after finding Hinawa’s corpse, the artful music during and after the climactic battle, and the flashback of Lucas and Claus as babies. “Mother 3’s” ending is highly emotional, and very few games can match the dramatic intensity that this game’s ending provides. Who knew a Game Boy game could be so emotional!

#7: “Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater” (2004)

While many of the “Metal Gear Solid” games contain great stories, this third installment had what is perhaps one of the greatest endings in video game history. In order to complete his mission, Snake must kill his mentor, The Boss. The game puts players directly in the hot seat, forcing you to pull the trigger and end her life, rather than showing it in a cutscene. After being awarded the title of Big Boss, Snake visits her grave, giving it a salute and shedding a single tear. Snake wasn't the only one with a man tear, let us tell you that. This ending reinforced the idea that games could be richly cinematic, as the ending was both rousing and satisfying.

#6: “Professor Layton and the Unwound Future” (2010)

Serving as the final installment of the original trilogy, this game sees players controlling the cool, calm, and collected Professor Layton as he helps citizens by solving puzzles. During the ending of the game, Layton's deceased girlfriend of ten years, Claire, returns to him through the magic of time travel. However, the reunion is cut short when she must return to her time, sending the otherwise calm Layton into a frustrated state. It's a depressing moment, made all the more meaningful by Layton’s character development throughout the preceding games. This game will make you both want to hug the people you hold dear and depress you for weeks to come.

#5: “Life is Strange” (2015)

One of the many episodic adventures that are popping up these days, “Life is Strange” tells the mysterious and painful story of a young woman who can control time. While the premise may sound cool and exciting, the story is actually rife with affecting moments and situations, including heavy themes like the necessity of death and playing God. As you can imagine, your choices lead to great, and sometimes even grave, consequences, making this game a roller coaster of emotions. Also, let's not forget that brilliant soundtrack! While some may be disappointed in the ending itself, there's no denying that this game’s story is about the sometimes painful, sometimes joyous journey, not the destination.

#4: “Final Fantasy VII” (1997)

While “Final Fantasy X” may also make you tear up on the regular, there's one moment in the seventh game that cements its position on our list: Aerith’s death. Sephiroth killing Aerith is a landmark moment in video game history. This game proved that video gaming could tell a powerful story, filled with memorable characters and heart-stopping moments. As this was the first game in the series in 3D, it added an extra element of immersion to the moment, making it hurt that much more. We challenge anyone to remain stoic while playing this game. We tried. You can't do it.

#3: “The Last of Us” (2013)

Naughty Dog certainly knows how to make cinematic, heartfelt games, and “The Last of Us” is no exception. With a more serious, mature story than we're used to with Naughty Dog, this game sets out to beat us over the head with depressing moments; the tears start flowing even within the first half hour when Joel loses his daughter. However, the game also has a handful of uplifting parts that can be just as stirring, like the famous giraffe scene. While the story may span many states and miles, it's the small, intimate moments that make the adventure both memorable and poignant. We absolutely loved the time we spent with Joel and Ellie, even if it was a little bleak.

#2: “Telltale’s The Walking Dead” (2012)

Well, one thing is for sure. This game is a whole lot more impactful than the television show. Playing as Lee in the first season and Clementine in the second, gamers were treated to a magnificent story throughout the ten episodes, full of love, loss, and heartbreak. Due to this being the zombie apocalypse, deaths are bound to happen, but some notable ones throughout this series left players speechless and holding back the tears. Nothing screams “fun video game” quite like shooting a dying child in the face in front of his father! Not to mention the ending of season one. Our crushed souls are still recovering from that.

Before we cry ourselves to sleep from our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4” (2008)
“Halo: Reach” (2010)
“Shadow of the Colossus” (2005)
“Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End” (2016)
“Undertale” (2015)

#1: “To the Moon” (2011)

A little indie game that seemed to slip under the pop culture radar, “To the Moon” is a hauntingly beautiful game that will stay with you long after you've completed it. The game centers around “Eternal Sunshine”-like scientists as they implant false memories into a dying man. We can't spoil the story, as we highly recommend that you go and experience the emotional hodgepodge that is this game. Let's just say that it is littered with moments that will make you bawl your eyes out like a little child. With one of the most original stories in the video game medium, “To the Moon” is a wonderful, mature work that is full of beauty and sorrow.

Do you agree with our list? What games made you shed a few tears? For more face wiping top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.