Almost any intimate relationship comes with its bittersweet moments, and many games have explored this theme. They take players through ups and downs, filled with profound emotions, making gamers feel heart-wrenched just like cinematic films.
Throughout the development of the gaming industry, there have been countless heartbreaking stories that have touched the hearts of many gamers. In the previous part, we covered 5 games that brought tears to players, and now let’s continue.
Final Fantasy VII – A Blossoming Love That Withered
Final Fantasy VII is undoubtedly a legendary RPG title. You play as Cloud Strife, joining the Avalanche group to confront the Shinra Corporation. Alongside you are other notable characters like Barret, Vincent Valentine, and Tifa, but the most memorable one is probably Aerith Gainsborough.
Throughout the journey, you will feel the growing bond between Cloud and Aerith, as both uncover each other’s secrets. Later, Sephiroth attempts to manipulate Cloud into killing Aerith but fails. Instead, Sephiroth thrusts his long sword through Aerith’s body. This scene has brought tears to countless gamers and fueled Cloud’s determination to eliminate Sephiroth at all costs.
Starcraft – Fate That Divides Us
Starcraft may not be as prominent today, but it still draws a large number of players. Besides being a renowned strategy game, it also features an incredibly captivating storyline, especially the dynamic between Jim Raynor and Sarah Kerrigan. During their military service, Jim and Sarah develop feelings for each other, and their relationship spans the Terran Great War. Jim is a soldier, while Sarah is a strategist.
In a pivotal scene, Sarah is betrayed by General Arcturus Mengsk and captured by the enemy. Sarah is ravaged by the Zerg and is no longer the same Sarah as before. At this point, Sarah becomes the Queen of Blades, commanding the Zerg army. Despite the transformation, Sarah and Jim still share a connection, and their story becomes more complex in the Starcraft 2 trilogy. However, both accept that they can never return to how things were.
Even after being rescued in Wings of Liberty, Sarah returns as the Queen of Blades in Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void. Thanks to such a dramatic storyline, Blizzard has gained even more love from gamers.
InFamous – Every Ending Is the Beginning of a Tragedy
Before Ghost of Tsushima (2020), Sucker Punch was known for the InFamous series. You take on the role of superhero Cole McGrath, choosing to follow the path of righteousness or evil. In the first installment, the game is set in the devastated Empire City after an explosion, which grants Cole electric superpowers. Initially, Cole plans to escape the city with Trish and Zeke, but later uncovers the secrets behind the explosion.
At various points in the game, Cole faces off against the villain Kessler, but the most tragic conclusion lies at the game’s end. Trish is kidnapped by Kessler and hung on the roof of a building along with her colleagues. As a result, Cole is forced to make a choice: save one person (Trish) or many. However, no matter the choice, Trish is doomed.
Whether you face a tragic ending or a bittersweet one, Trish’s death is a turning point in Kessler’s plan, setting up the twist at the game’s conclusion.
Gears of War 2 – Killing Your Loved One
This series is not only synonymous with Xbox but also has a deeply emotional storyline, depicting humanity’s struggle for survival on the planet Sera. Gears of War 2 elevates this further, vividly illustrating the heartfelt story of Dom Santiago – Marcus’s close friend. In the first installment, Dom shared that he was searching for a missing woman. Later, we learn that this woman is Maria – Dom’s wife.
In the latter half of Gears of War 2, the Delta Squad finds Maria in a Locust prison while advancing into their lair. When Dom sees Maria emerge, he is overjoyed, only to realize it’s just an illusion. Maria has been tortured and starved to the point of exhaustion, so after months of searching for his wife, Dom is forced to end her life in tears to free her from suffering.
This climactic moment pushes Gears of War 2 into emotional territory, highlighting the harshness of survival on the planet.
Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne – Utter Despair
Although not widely praised and with unimpressive sales, this game features a profoundly emotional storyline. Continuing the revenge story from the first installment, The Fall of Max Payne focuses mainly on the relationship between the main character and Mona Sax. They hunt Vladimir Lem together and eventually fall in love.
The game features scenes that depict the deep bond between the two. For instance, you will follow Mona as she infiltrates an abandoned amusement park, and then you switch roles to play as Max, providing sniper support for Mona. Max even kills his superior officer to prevent Mona from being imprisoned.
In the end of Max Payne 2, after Mona refuses to kill Max due to her feelings for him, she is shot dead in a gunfight, leaving Max Payne utterly devastated. Although the game is short, it captivates players with the love story of Max and Mona, culminating in Max Payne’s emotional breakdown and profound grief.
Source: What Culture, translated by gearvn