Like all other media, video games have their fair share of sup-par entries that appeal to the lowest common denominator. However, there have been moments where games have reached new heights, pushed boundaries and truly displayed how the medium can be considered an art form. These ten are some of the purest examples of gaming at its most jaw-dropping.
Fair warning, the are SPOILERS AHEAD!
#10: Landing on Halo – “Halo: Combat Evolved†(2001)
We had only just loaded up our rifles before we were greeting the sight of the galactic superweapon. Imagine our surprise when got to set foot on it!
#9: Jumping the Shark – “ABZU†(2016)
We all knew it was both dangerous and beautiful under the sea, but who would have guessed we would get to ride the waves while hanging onto a shark? Now that’s some extreme surfing!
#8: The Giraffes – “The Last of Us†(2013)
By this point, Joel and Ellie had seen more than their fair share of horror, so to do discover a group of wandering giraffes was unexpectedly magical. It was almost enough to make us forget that everything around them was essentially hell on earth.
#7: Nuclear Explosion – “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare†(2007)
Not that we consider weapons of mass destruction beautiful, but seeing a nuclear fireball up close took us by such surprise we couldn’t help but marvel at it.
#6: The First Colossus – “Shadow of the Colossus†(2005)
We truly had no idea what we were in for. After finally tracking down the first of sixteen colossi, we were greeted by the sight of a towering being who filled us with awe. In all honesty, we felt like terrible people after killing such a unique creature just for our own goals.
#5: Enter Shambhala – “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves†(2009)
After dodging so many bullets and climbing along god knows how many buildings, we finally completed Marco Polo’s journey and discovered the lost civilisation of Shambhala. Too bad the natives wanted to kill us.
#4: Across The Mountains – “Journey†(2012)
From the scorching deserts to the frozen peaks of the mountains, the Traveler’s trek finally came to an end after succumbing to a vicious blizzard. Instead of dying in the snow, however, he is imbued by those who came before him, and manages to launch himself through the skies.
#3: Link and the Dragons – “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild†(2017)
Just when you think that you have seen all Hyrule has to offer, then you discover that there are dragons just casually floating around. They even drop goodies if you manage to snipe their scales!
#2: The Capital Wasteland – “Fallout 3†(2008)
The world we knew is long gone, in its place nothing more than a decaying wasteland, which in its own special way is rather incredible to behold. Even if there is death everywhere you look.
#1: Welcome to Rapture – “BioShock†(2007)
Andrew Ryan’s realized dream of a civilization beyond the reach of world powers is truly a sight to see; an underwater city ruled by those of ambition. As long as you ignore all the splicers and Big Daddies.
Do you agree with our list? What do you think is the most breathtaking moment in gaming? With new top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo
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