10 of the Saddest Video Game Deaths

As we're behind the controller on a wide range of characters, we begin to grow an attachment to those we move upon our screens, and even, to those surrounding our protagonist. Video games attempt to immerse you into the story and to make you feel as if you're a part of what's occurring, so it comes as to no surprise that when a character dies in-game, we feel a sense of loss ourselves. Here we look into ten of the saddest deaths in video games.

Warning: this list is full of spoilers!

 

 

10. Chloe Price (Life is Strange) 

For the fans of Chloe Price, her death did not necessarily have to happen - as two options occur in the climax scene of the game: save Arcadia or sacrifice it for Chloe. But, if you chose the noble option of saving the town, you're transported back to a scene from the beginning where Chloe is shot and killed.

After hearing Chloe's monologue prior to her demise, as she expresses that the ones she loves deserve so much more than to die in the storm and that she, instead, should be the one to go, and then placing yourself in the shoes of Max Caulfield as she's forced to choose and say goodbye to her best friend, it's obvious why this death is so heartbreaking.

 

9. Henry & Sam (The Last of Us)

A lot of loss occurs within the hours of The Last of Us - but something really hits the emotions when it comes to Henry and Sam. As Joel to Ellie, Henry is a guardian figure to Sam, and although at times acted as if the younger was nothing but a burden, he feared losing the only person he had. After shooting the zombie-turning Sam, Henry takes his own life, because without Sam there was no will left to survive.

 

8. Thane Krios (Mass Effect 3)

We all seen this coming in Mass Effect 2. In fact, Thane openly discusses with Shep that his time is almost up due to his battle with Kepral's Syndrome. So, if we were warned of his soon-to-be-death, why was it so heart-breaking? Depending on your play-through of Mass Effect 2 - you may or may not have reconciled things between Thane and his son, Kolyat. Therefore, the two remain with no contact, until Thane is on his deathbed after being attacked by Kai Leng. Heartbreak chimes in as Kolyat finishes the prayer for Thane, and remains by his side until death.

 

7. Reggie Rowe (Infamous: Second Son)

As we see a lot on this list, a family member's death has far more impact than any other.  It's that look in Delsin's eyes as he's grabs onto Reggie's hand; an attempt to save his elder brother. Followed by Reggie letting Delsin know how proud he really is before pulling from his grip and falling to his death. Pain, sorrow and finally anger wash across his face as he climbs back to his feet to face his brother's murderer. That is raw intensitiy.

 

6. Roman Bellic (Grand Theft Auto 4)

It's supposed to be the happiest day of someone's life; the day you get married and prepare to spend forever with the person you love. Unfortunately, Roman Bellic's forever lasted about five minutes after the 'I dos'.

After accidentally getting the bullet meant for Niko, death is instant, leaving only the bride and wedding party behind. For fans of Roman, the pain sets in right here, but manages to increase as Niko reacts by repeatedly shooting the already dead culprit, and then falling to the ground as Little Jacob attempts to provide comfort.

 

5. The Auditore Family (Assassin's Creed 2)

Assassin's Creed 2 introduces us to the Auditores, as we control protagonist Ezio through its beginning missions of running errands for the family. This allows us to grow attached to the characters, so that when they're officially ripped away, it stings that much more.

As Ezio attempts to make his way to the front of the stage, we are faced with a sense of hopelessness as our father and brothers are executed for a crime not-committed.

 

4. John Marston (Red Dead Redemption)

After getting over the initial shock of John Marston's death, the realization and sadness begins to seep in.

Throughout the course of the game, you play as the ex-outlaw whose out to redeem himself and to become a better father and husband. Unfortunately, this is cut short as he's shot down by a posse surrounding him in a gun-fight at the climax of the game.

After hearing shots fire, we're shown his wife and son, Jack, mourning the loss of not only Jack, but also the life they could have had as a family.

 

3. Mordin Solus (Mass Effect 3)

Mordin is an amazing character who is very engaging. Due to his brilliance, quick talking and snarky personality, the salarian quickly becomes a well-liked member of the Normandy. In turn, this makes his final act on the crew an even more tear-jerking experience. As his time comes to an end, he faces it like a soldier and uses his knowledge to save his crew, his extended family, and makes his commander proud.

 

2. Sarah (The Last of Us)

As previously mentioned, The Last of Us is no stranger to loss. In fact, in the opening of the game we are introduced to Sarah, who we control through the house on search for our father, Joel. Allowing us to play this role, forces us to see ourselves as her, and we develop a relationship with this character in the short amount of time that she's alive. So, when she's grasping for breath in her father's arms, we suffer the loss of a character we grew to love, all while witnessing a father's loss.

 

1. Lee Everett (Telltale's The Walking Dead)

Telltale has a knack for breaking hearts, as can be seen in The Walking Dead series. Due to its decision-based gameplay, you practically become the character that you control. Throughout five seasons, you consume the role of Lee Everett, as he plays guardian to Clementine during the zombie apocalypse.

It's his goodbye to the young girl, as she must decide whether to shoot the newly-infected Lee, that brings tears to our eyes. In a fairly long scene, we see how well their bond has grown, by his conversation, as he tells her to keep her hair short and to stay safe.