The annals of video games are rich in dramatic and unforeseen moments. It’s rare for a game to leave you truly stunned, but when it happens, it can be an absolutely remarkable thing. Whether it be atwist in the storyor a jaw-dropping gameplay sequence, there are many ways games have left us astonished.
The list of shocking moments in gaming is long and you’ll find opinions can differ on which games feature the most iconic scenes. From striking subversives of expectations to narrative curveballs, these ten video game surprises hold a special place in gaming history.
10Scarecrow’s Mind Games
Batman: Arkham Asylum
In the debate of best video games that exceeded expectations, Batman: Arkham Asylummight be number one. Prior to Arkham Asylum’s launch, superhero video games were in a prolonged dark age of mediocrity. One villain you’ll face in Arkham Asylum is Scarecrow.
Utilizing his noxious fear gas, Scarecrow derives immense pleasure from warping Batman’s mind. There’s perhaps no more iconic moment than when Scarecrow tricks you into thinking the game just crashed. It’s arguably the highlight in a game full of stand-out moments.
9Wheatley’s Betrayal
Portal 2
There aren’t many things that’ll shake sentiments more thana heinous betrayal. There are tons of unforgettable moments across video game history where allies abandon allies and friends become rivals. In Portal 2, you’re able to witness one of the most devastating video game deceptions.
The critically acclaimed story of Portal 2 contains many extraordinary beats, from opening to end credits. Easily the most stunning one is when the pleasantly voiced Wheatly betrays you, transforming from a comedic ally to the primary antagonist.
8John Marston’s Last Stand
Sometimes video games don’t conclude with everyone riding off into the sunset. It may not be as gratifying as a happy ending, but a somber conclusion can leave a considerable impact.Red Dead Redemptioncloses not only on a sad note, but a heartbreaking one.
By the campaign’s end, good-hearted outlaw John Marston has eliminated all his former gang mates. Unfortunately, government agent Edgar Ross wants no loose ends. While his family’s escapes, John is gunned down in a moment of agonizing and poignant self sacrifice.
7White Phosphorous
Spec Ops: The Line
One reason video games are such a remarkable medium is the interactivity, especially regarding making you perpetrate horrific actions. While games like The Last of Us Part 2 do this gracelessly, other titles pull this off with superior skill.
Spec Ops: The Line is often lauded for its brutality and superbly written story. Even though it plays like a traditional military shooter, Spec Ops: The Line’s story possesses some truly haunting moments. No sequence is more grim than when you unintentionally use white phosphorus on a civilian camp.
6Nicole Is Dead
Thanks to the 2023 remake,Dead Spacehas regained its position as one of gaming’s best horror series. With how fantastic the remake is, it’s easy to forget the giant impact the original 2007 game had.
Issac Clarke’s mission to save his wife Nicole is packed with frightening scares and cosmic terror. However, the most tortuous point arises towards the end when you discover Nicole has been dead the whole time. It’s a realization that is both tragic and highlights the Markers’ menacing influence.
5Shepard’s Demise
Mass Effect 2
In video games,a captivating opening level is critical. Not only does it set the tone, but it is pivotal in hooking you in. In the wake of 2007’s Mass Effect, BioWare really had to up the ante for the next chapter in the story of Commander Shepard and the Normandy.
Mass Effect 2kicks off with the destruction of the Normandy, resulting in the apparent demise of Shepard. Of course Shepard eventually recovers, but in terms of starting off with a bang, Mass Effect 2 hits the mark.
4The Nuke
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
There are a lot of words that can describe theCall of Dutyseries most, which aren’t flattering. Yet, the Call of Duty series used to represent the height not just in multiplayer, but also in first-person campaigns.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare boasts one of the most powerful scenes in any first-person game. Just when it appears you’ve escaped danger, Khaled Al-Asad sets off a nuclear bomb, rendering you helpless as you expire before a mighty mushroom cloud.
3Fighting Psycho Mantis
Metal Gear Solid
There aren’t many video game series as influential asMetal Gear Solid. Hideo Kojima’s trademark series is responsible for many of the techniques and mechanics seen in modern gaming. Nonetheless, there are some things Metal Gear Solid did no one has topped.
In the first Metal Gear title, you face Psycho Mantis. Unlike nearly every other boss in gaming, Psycho Mantis taunts you through the fourth wall, taking actions like swapping your controller port and tricking you into believing he’s deleted all your save progress.
2Aerith’s Death
Final Fantasy 7
There aren’t many series where you could argue there are multiple shocking in all the video games. Yet, between its large number of entries and typically high quality, theFinal Fantasyseries is brimming with engrossing moments. But it’s inFinal Fantasy 7where you can find the most significant.
In Final Fantasy 7, Sephiroth turns from menacing adversary to vile fiend when he kills Aerith in The Forgetton City. Not only was Aerith’s death tremendously shocking, but it raised the skates of the plot tenfold.
1Would You Kindly?
Bioshock
In the conversation of the greatest video games of all time, Bioshock is regularly a part of the discussion. While Bioshock is masterfully executed in every facet, the 2005 classic is perhaps best known for its unparalleled narrative revelation.
Midway through the game, main character Jack finally confronts Rapture’s founder Andrew Ryan. Then, Jack learns that his supposed ally, Atlas, has been controlling him from the very beginning using the phrase, “Would You Kindly?”, unquestionably one of the most meritorious moments in gaming history.
