Pulling at someone’s heartstrings to the point they burst into tears is a difficult thing to master, especially when it comes to video games. However, it’s fair to say when the medium gets it right, they get it right. So much so that the following ten moments left practically every player sobbing over their controllers.
Fair warning, there are MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!
#10: Lee and Clem Say Goodbye
“The Walking Dead†(2012)
Five episodes of fighting against the worst of humanity and hordes of walkers, and it all ends with Lee on the precipice of death. No matter Clementine’s choice, you’re still forced to watch everyone’s favorite father-daughter duo part ways for good.
#9: Eli’s Brain Is Sucked Out
“Half-Life 2: Episode Two†(2007)
When the last thing you see through the eyes of Gordon Freeman is your friend meeting a grizzly end before everything fades to black, then it just makes the yearning for Half-Life 3 all the more painful.
#8: Agro’s Supposed Death
“Shadow of the Colossus†(2005)
Your horse has been your only companion throughout your quest to slay sixteen giant creatures known as the Colossi, so seeing him fall before your eyes is nothing short of heartbreaking.
#7: Dom Finds Maria
“Gears of War 2†(2008)
In spite of being one of the baddest gears around, Dom is unable to hold himself together when he discovers his wife has been rendered practically comatose. This leaves him no choice but to mercy kill her, and in doing so emotionally shattered all of us. #
#6: Soap’s Death
“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3†(2011)
The COD franchise has something of an infamous reputation due to its online multiplayer, but who would have guessed that it actually had a damn decent set of single-player campaigns. Of course, the emotional highlight was watching the stoic Price try as hard as he could to save his friend, to no avail of course.
#5: Chief Lets Cortana Go
“Halo 4†(2012)
You will believe that a super-soldier and a hologram can share a tender moment. As the duo say goodbye to each other following Cortana’s sacrifice, the moment proves too much even for the Master Chief.
#4: Sarah’s Death
“The Last of Us†(2013)
What better way to set the tone for this bleak exploration into humanity’s failings than by watching a little girl slowly bleed to death while her father begs for her to hold on. We think parts of our soul died with Sarah…
#3: John Marston’s Last Stand
“Red Dead Redemption†(2010)
Just when we thought our favorite cowboy had finally found his happy ending, he ends up getting himself riddled with bullets while giving his family a chance to escape.
#2: The Salute
“Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater†(2004)
As if killing The Boss wasn’t bad enough, we then learnt of her true motives, of how above all else she was a true patriot who willing took on the role of a war criminal in order to protect the country she loved. As a result, all Snake can do is salute her grave.
#1: Mordin’s Death
“Mass Effect 3†(2012)
He was the very model of a scientist Salarian, who was willing to give his life to correct his mistakes. While he does manage to free of the Krogan race of the Genophage, Mordin ultimately loses his life in the process as the facility is consumed in flames. Someone else may have gotten it wrong, but that doesn’t make losing the good doctor any less painful.
Do you agree with our list? What video game moment do you think makes men cry? With new top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo!
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