Role-playing games (RPGs) tend to encompass expansive narratives, but maintaining narrative momentum from start to finish can be a challenging feat. While some titles adeptly balance this progress, others falter, particularly as they approach their conclusions, leaving players craving more substance just as the story gains traction.
Many of these games exhibit a wealth of potential and creativity. However, instances of sequel baiting or vague endings can render them unsatisfying, impeding the sense of closure. This is especially frustrating when a game has struggled with its storytelling for the majority of the time only to culminate in a gripping finale that ultimately leads to an anticlimactic end.
In this exploration, we will delve into a selection of RPGs that captivated us throughout their journeys, only to disappoint us with their abrupt conclusions.Be advised, some entries may contain spoilers for the respective games.
10.Final Fantasy 16
And Then…
Final Fantasy 16 presents a lengthy adventure filled with a myriad of narrative threads that, while occasionally scattered, pique interest, particularly towards the game’s climax. It builds up to an exhilarating finale; however, rather than bringing players through an engaging end-game dungeon to a climactic confrontation, it culminates in a singular battle against Ultima.
Significant plot elements, such as Leviathan the Lost, The Undying Order, and the ominous black mist, fade without resolution, leaving fans yearning for more. While Leviathan’s storyline may be addressed in a forthcoming DLC in 2024, the lack of a substantial conclusion is disheartening. The captivating concept of The Undying, poised to be a central antagonist, becomes a mere footnote in an otherwise rich world.
9.Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Such A Tease
Upon its release in 2017, Kingdom Come: Deliverance stood out as a remarkable entry within the RPG landscape, providing a refreshing take on the genre despite some imperfections. However, its conclusion distinctly lacked closure. The narrative culminates with the primary antagonist escaping, leaving the game ending abruptly as the protagonist rides off to deliver an important message.
This cliffhanger is perplexing, especially as the narrative was poised for a thrilling climax that never arrives. Thankfully, a sequel has recently been released, but players were left in limbo for eight long years before that resolution came to fruition.
8.Horizon Zero Dawn
They Told The Wrong Story
Horizon Zero Dawn shines with its captivating lore and engaging backdrop, yet the main storyline falls short in comparison. The conflict involving a human cult is overshadowed by the more compelling unraveling of the world’s origins. The game hints at myriad questions surrounding Sylens and Hades, which are regrettably left unaddressed.
As the narrative reaches a critical juncture, Sylens’s betrayal presents an intriguing twist, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the available threads. Instead, what could have served as a rich conclusion ends up being merely a tantalizing hint at possibilities to come.
7.Avowed
And The Crowd Goes Mild
Avowed presents an engaging narrative; however, it concludes with an unsatisfying rush as it approaches its ending. The game builds excitement with the discovery of The Garden and the introduction of the Magfolk, yet just when players are ready for a climactic moment, they’re met with a poorly executed town siege that abruptly concludes the adventure.
What seems like the beginning of a meaningful confrontation with Aedyr transforms into a stale conclusion lacking substance. This hurried resolution leaves many questions unanswered and fails to deliver the anticipated narrative depth that was so promising just moments prior.
6.Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
So Much Left Unfinished
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is a strong addition to the franchise, yet it is hampered by an unsatisfactory conclusion. The final encounter feels anticlimactic, allowing players to bypass it entirely with an exploit, leading to a conclusion that tantalizes with unfulfilled potential. Just as protagonist Adam Jensen seems poised to uncover the intricate conspiracy, the credits roll, obscuring any resolution.
Though there were plans for further downloadable content, it ultimately failed to continue the narrative effectively. This unfulfilled promise leaves a lingering sense of disappointment, especially for fans who have been invested in the series since its inception.
5.Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
So What About Revan?
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords is a standout title for many RPG enthusiasts, yet its ending is an exasperating tease. Building to an unveiling of Darth Traya and the quest surrounding Revan, the narrative promises so much only to conclude in a flash as players arrive at Malachor V for a lackluster final segment.
The ending rushes players through what could have been a grand climax, leaving many threads unaddressed. Fans are left contemplating the unresolved questions about Revan and the deeper threats hinted at throughout the game.
4.The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings
See You In The Witcher 3!
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is an engaging experience, yet its conclusion can leave players feeling unfulfilled, particularly if they have not yet ventured into The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The story weaves extensive narrative threads but reaches a perplexing halt as Letho’s storyline comes to an unexpected end; players are left with an unresolved cliffhanger.
The eventual payoff in The Witcher 3 is appreciated, yet the four-year wait makes the abrupt ending feel especially jarring, leaving many players longing for a substantial resolution within the context of The Witcher 2.
3.Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33
A Whole New World
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an extraordinary game; however, its conclusion feels rushed. After a series of profound revelations in Act 2, players are left yearning for answers and character development that remains unaddressed throughout the game’s ending.
While optional side quests can provide additional context, they do not resolve the primary story questions raised by the revelations. The game appears to set the stage for a sequel or DLC to elaborate on these mysteries, but as it stands, the ending disappointingly cuts short what could have been a magnificent narrative conclusion.
2.Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
Not Even An Ending
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla often struggles to convey a coherent narrative across its extensive 80-hour runtime. However, toward the end, a surge of dynamic ideas emerge, particularly surrounding the conceptualization of Valhalla as a digital paradise.
As players explore the implications of their choices with Basim and Layla, the game appears poised for exciting consequences; yet, it ultimately concludes without meaningful resolution, leaving open-ended questions and plotholes that Ubisoft seems disinterested in revisiting.
1.Dragon Age: Inquisition
You Made Us Wait And Then Gave Us The Veilguard
Admittedly, I carry a sense of bitterness regarding Dragon Age: Inquisition. Despite setting the stage for one of gaming’s most monumental cliffhangers, it ultimately fails to satisfyingly conclude this storyline. Just when the plot intensifies with significant reveals involving Morrigan, Flemeth, and Solas, the game suddenly wraps up, leaving players without the explosive finale they had anticipated.
This abrupt conclusion proves particularly disappointing given the rich storytelling that flourishes in those final hours, where so many elements coalesce. The sequel’s trajectory diverges further from the promising foundation laid in Inquisition, leaving players lamenting what could have been.
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