What Game Has the Best Ending? A Deep Dive into Gaming’s Most Satisfying Conclusions
The question of which game boasts the best ending is, of course, subjective. However, a strong contender, often lauded by both critics and players, is The Last of Us. Its conclusion is a masterclass in narrative storytelling, leaving a lasting impact due to its morally ambiguous choices, compelling characters, and emotionally resonant final scene. The ending perfectly encapsulates the game’s central themes of love, loss, and the lengths one will go to protect family, even when that protection comes at a significant ethical cost.
Understanding What Makes an Ending Great
What elements coalesce to create a truly memorable game ending? It’s more than just defeating the final boss or seeing the credits roll. Several factors contribute to a lasting, impactful finish:
- Narrative Closure: Does the ending effectively resolve the main storylines and character arcs? A satisfying ending ties up loose ends and provides a sense of completion.
- Emotional Resonance: Does the ending evoke strong emotions? Whether it’s joy, sadness, hope, or a complex mixture, an ending that connects with the player on an emotional level is more likely to be remembered.
- Character Development: Does the ending showcase the characters’ growth and transformation throughout the game? A well-executed ending reflects the journey the characters have undertaken.
- Meaningful Choices: Does the ending reflect the player’s choices and actions throughout the game? Allowing player agency to influence the outcome creates a more personalized and impactful experience.
- Impactful Themes: Does the ending reinforce and solidify the game’s core themes? A great ending brings the themes full circle, leaving the player contemplating the game’s deeper meaning.
Why The Last of Us Stands Out
The Last of Us nails all these elements. The final confrontation between Joel and the Fireflies, and the subsequent choice Joel makes, is fraught with ethical dilemmas. He chooses to save Ellie, even if it means dooming humanity’s potential cure. This decision highlights the game’s central theme of familial love above all else. The final scene, where Ellie asks Joel if his story is true, is a moment of profound ambiguity, leaving the player to ponder the true cost of Joel’s actions and the potential consequences for their relationship. The power of this ending is its ability to spark discussion and debate long after the game is finished.
Other Contenders for Best Ending
While The Last of Us is a strong contender, other games also deserve recognition for their exceptional endings:
- Red Dead Redemption: John Marston’s tragic sacrifice is a powerful and heartbreaking conclusion that perfectly encapsulates the game’s themes of redemption and the fading Wild West.
- Mass Effect 2: The “Suicide Mission” is a thrilling and strategically challenging finale where the player’s choices determine the fate of their squad. A genuinely exciting and reactive ending.
- Batman: Arkham City: The death of the Joker is a shocking and emotionally charged moment that profoundly impacts Batman’s character and the future of the Arkham universe.
- Portal 2: A satisfying blend of humor, puzzle-solving, and heartwarming character interactions, culminating in a surprisingly uplifting finale.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: Offers multiple endings that are impacted by player choice, all of which are suitably epic.
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End: Gives a sense of closure to Nathan Drake and the series as a whole.
The Importance of Endings in Gaming
Endings are crucial in solidifying a game’s legacy. A well-crafted ending can elevate a good game to a great one, while a poorly executed ending can tarnish an otherwise excellent experience. Developers understand the importance of sticking the landing, and they often pour significant resources into crafting endings that will resonate with players. A strong ending can also influence a player’s perception of the entire game, shaping their memories and encouraging them to recommend it to others. Through organizations such as the Games Learning Society, there is a rising understanding of how important games and their ending are to a player.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes an ending “bad”?
A “bad” ending often suffers from one or more of the following: plot holes, unresolved storylines, unsatisfying character arcs, anticlimactic boss battles, or a general lack of closure. Some players also consider endings that retcon previously established lore as bad.
2. Do multiple endings always make a game better?
Not necessarily. While multiple endings can increase replayability and provide player agency, they can also lead to diluted narratives and less impactful conclusions. The quality of each ending is more important than the quantity.
3. Which game has the most endings?
Star Ocean: Second Evolution is believed to be the game with the most endings available to unlock. The game has over 100 endings depending on character relationships and choices that the player makes in the game.
4. What is a “true ending” in video games?
A “true ending” is generally considered the canon ending or the most complete and satisfying conclusion, often revealing hidden lore or providing a deeper understanding of the game’s events. It’s the ending that is considered most correct in the lore of the game.
5. How important is player choice in determining the best ending?
Player choice can significantly enhance an ending’s impact. When players feel their decisions have shaped the outcome, the ending becomes more personalized and meaningful. GamesLearningSociety.org is one website that shows how game choice can affect different players and how they learn from it.
6. Are sad endings inherently better than happy endings?
Neither is inherently better. The effectiveness of an ending depends on the tone and themes of the game. A sad ending can be incredibly powerful if it’s well-earned and emotionally resonant, while a happy ending can be equally satisfying if it provides a sense of closure and hope.
7. What are some examples of games with notoriously bad endings?
Mass Effect 3’s original ending was widely criticized for its lack of closure and unsatisfying resolution of the main storylines. Deus Ex: Invisible War is another example, often cited for its simplistic and uninspired finale.
8. How do sequels affect the impact of a game’s ending?
Sequels can either enhance or diminish the impact of an ending. A well-executed sequel can build upon the original’s ending, expanding the lore and exploring the consequences of the characters’ choices. However, a poorly conceived sequel can retcon or invalidate the original ending, leaving players feeling cheated.
9. What role does music play in creating a memorable ending?
Music is crucial in setting the emotional tone of an ending. A well-composed soundtrack can amplify the emotional impact of key scenes, creating a more immersive and memorable experience.
10. What are some games with ambiguous endings that spark discussion?
Silent Hill 2 is renowned for its ambiguous endings, which are open to interpretation and invite players to debate the true meaning of the game’s events. BioShock Infinite also leaves players pondering its complex themes of choice and consequence.
11. How do open-world games approach endings differently?
Open-world games often prioritize player freedom and exploration over a tightly scripted narrative. As a result, their endings may be less definitive and more focused on providing a sense of closure to the player’s personal journey within the game world.
12. Do graphical fidelity and visual presentation influence the perception of an ending?
Yes, a visually stunning ending can enhance the overall impact. However, strong storytelling and character development are ultimately more important than graphical prowess.
13. How can developers create an ending that is both surprising and satisfying?
The key is to subvert player expectations in a way that feels earned and consistent with the game’s established themes and lore. A surprising twist should enhance the story, not detract from it.
14. What is the most common complaint players have about game endings?
The most common complaint is a lack of closure, often stemming from unresolved storylines or unsatisfying character arcs.
15. What is the best ending that the developer/publisher re-worked after listening to fan feedback?
Mass Effect 3. After listening to fan feedback, the ending to the game was re-worked to give the players a better understanding and sense of closure to the overall game. This was highly praised by the community.