Victory can sometimes feel elusive.What costs have you incurred in your pursuit of a brighter tomorrow? In the end, triumph does not always correlate with joy; frequently, it involves letting go of something equally significant—or even more so.
These narratives do not offer neat, comforting resolutions. Rather, they present bittersweet experiences that instill a sense of accomplishment while simultaneously invoking lingering melancholy.
Such pyrrhic victories come with profound lessons, yet the interpretation of their significance is left to your discretion. Here, we will highlight moments where you might have exclaimed, “I have succeeded, but at what price?”
Spoiler Alert: This compilation contains significant plot spoilers!
10 Life Is Strange
Ride Or Die
Life is Strange stands out as a cornerstone in its franchise, renowned for its contentious conclusion. As a storm threatens Arcadia Bay, players face a profound moral choice: save the town by allowing Chloe to perish, or sacrifice the community to save her.
Many players, it seems, prioritize Chloe’s life over the town’s fate, a choice that remains hotly debated.
Through Max Caulfield’s perspective, we come to appreciate Chloe despite her flaws, perhaps even developing a deep attachment. Selecting to save Chloe offers an immediate emotional reward but is counterbalanced by the moral implications of dooming an entire town.
In the aftermath, the haunting question lingers: Was it worth it? Is this truly a better outcome?
As revealed in Double Exposure, Max and Chloe’s relationship ultimately does not endure.
9 Ghost Of Tsushima
Forgive Me, Uncle
Following Jin’s victory over Khotun Khan, Lord Shimura faces Jin with grave news: the shogun has declared a death warrant for Jin due to his unconventional methods as the Ghost.
The emotional weight of their impending confrontation hangs in the air as they reflect on their bond before the climactic duel. With a stunning sunset as their backdrop, the moments of fond reminiscence deepen the tragedy.
In the wake of Shimura’s defeat, players confront a heart-wrenching dilemma: grant him an honorable death or spare him, thereby dishonoring his legacy. Choosing mercy leads Jin to embrace his identity as the Ghost while severing family ties, knowing this choice will haunt him forever.
Ghost of Tsushima offers a beautiful yet sorrowful farewell for Jin, embodying the essence of sacrifice for love, marking a conclusion that feels both tragic and Shakespearean.
8 Final Fantasy XVI
“And Thus, Did Our Journey End.”
Central to Final Fantasy XVI is the theme of personal freedom: living life according to one’s own choices, even when such freedom bears grave consequences.
Clive’s struggle against Ultima, who seeks to exploit him for his gain, encapsulates this conflict. As Clive battles against the Blight suffocating Valisthea, he faces the unfathomable challenge of annihilating the very magic that both sustains and destroys.
The conflict culminates in a fierce showdown with Ultima, where Clive wields the power of Ifrit to eradicate magic, thus saving the world. However, Clive’s victory appears bittersweet as he succumbs to the very curse he fought against, lying on a beach seemingly at the brink of death.
Despite the implications of his demise, Clive’s narration in the finale hints at hope—a world moving beyond the legends of Eikons and Dominants.
7 Red Dead Redemption 2
You Can Rest Now, Arthur
Renowned for its stunning visuals and gripping narrative, Red Dead Redemption 2 tells a poignant tale that stirs deep emotions.
As he battles tuberculosis, Arthur grapples with redemption, aiming to assist those around him, particularly his fellow gang members still entangled in the chaos.
Ultimately, Arthur’s confrontation with Dutch and Micah forces him to make the ultimate sacrifice, allowing John to escape and forge a new life.
As Arthur succumbs to his illness, watching the sunrise serves as a final, bittersweet farewell—a poignant reminder that he has fulfilled his purpose, ensuring John’s survival and future.
6 Cyberpunk 2077
“Haven’t Forgotten A Thing. Never Will.”
Cyberpunk 2077 presents players with multiple endings, each influenced by the choices made throughout the game. Depending on your choices, the results can range from uplifting to tragically somber.
In this dystopian reality, finding a satisfying conclusion is a lofty goal. Yet, among the endings, one stands out for its bittersweet nature.
While the “The Tower”ending feels poignant, “Temperance”strikes a balance between a positive resolution and the inherent sorrow of V’s relationships, which ultimately wane after a couple of years. V’s final act of giving Johnny control of their shared existence provides closure but leaves their friends pondering the abrupt departure.
5 Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
No Promises Await At Journey’s End
Aerith’s demise in the original Final Fantasy 7 continues to resonate as one of gaming’s most heart-wrenching moments. With the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Rebirth slated to retell familiar stories, fans approach Aerith’s fate with both anticipation and trepidation.
As the narrative unfolds into a multiverse scenario, Aerith’s death in Cloud’s timeline remains a foregone conclusion, yet her presence continues to echo in his journey.
Despite knowing her tragic end, her character still evokes strong emotions, leaving players both heartbroken and comforted by her enduring memory.
4 Destiny 2: The Final Shape
Guardians Make Their Own Fate
As an avid Destiny player, I find personal investment in this game’s narrative, particularly regarding the beloved character Cayde-6, who captured audiences with his charm and wit.
His loss in Forsaken left a vacuum for many fans and the series itself. Fast forward six years to Destiny 2’s recent expansion, The Final Shape, where a reunion occurs, albeit under bittersweet circumstances. Cayde’s return, influenced by mystical forces, highlights the complexity of resurrection in the game’s universe.
Following a triumphant battle against the Witness, those moments of victory are overshadowed by the gut-wrenching loss of the Ghost, which Cayde sacrifices to restore life, delivering a final, emotional farewell.
Cayde’s parting words resonate deeply: “You’re my favorite. Don’t ever forget that.” and remain etched in the hearts of fans.
3 Outer Wilds
A Symphony To Herald A New Cosmos
If you haven’t immersed yourself in Outer Wilds yet, proceed with caution and avoid spoilers. This game is meant to be experienced unspoiled.
Outer Wilds explores profound philosophical themes within a non-linear narrative structure. Players embark on a journey to uncover the Eye of the Universe while navigating the complexities of time loops.
As you delve deeper, revealing the fate of the Nomai and the Ash Twin Project’s secrets becomes central to your exploration. Ultimately, your journey leads to a pivotal choice regarding the fate of the universe, forcing you to confront your mortality.
As you near the conclusion, the celestial symphony plays a vital role, uniting fellow travelers and culminating in a moment that signifies hope amid demise—one last effort to forge a new universe from a dying one.
2 The Last Of Us 2
The Cycle Of Violence Never Ends
Despite winning Game of the Year in 2020, The Last of Us 2 evoked divisive opinions.However, playing it firsthand shifted my perspective, revealing a powerful narrative layered with meaning.
While the original game examined the dual nature of love—in both its nurturing and damaging forms—this sequel navigates the harrowing journey of retribution and hatred.
Through Ellie’s relentless drive for vengeance following Joel’s death, she goes on a brutal path of destruction, leading to profound personal loss, including the abandonment of her peaceful life with Dina and their son, JJ.
As the story concludes, Ellie returns home only to confront a desolate reality devoid of what she once held dear. Picking up her abandoned guitar, she realizes she can no longer play because of her emotional and physical scars.
Critics may have varied opinions on The Last of Us 2, yet its ability to evoke uncomfortable emotions and highlight the consequences of revenge is undeniable. The game’s closing moments leave players in contemplative silence, resonating long after the credits roll.
1 NieR Automata
It’s Like I’m Carrying The W[E]ight Of The World
NieR: Automata stands as one of Yoko Taro’s masterpieces, characterized by its stunning score, breathtaking visuals, and memorable characters like 2B and 9S.
Beyond its engaging gameplay, this title provokes thought on existential concepts through its five endings—each increasingly tragic and emotional.
The final ending unfolds as A2 and 9S face their demise, leading to an introspective moment where their pods confront you, the player, with the question: “Do you still wish for them to survive?”
Ending E transports you into an intense challenge reminiscent of classic shoot ’em ups, where the act of sacrifice becomes paramount. Players band together, risking their data to aid one another, forming a poignant community of shared loss and camaraderie.
It’s hard to hold back tears during this moment, where the haunting melody features vocals in multiple languages, intertwining themes of solidarity and sacrifice. The weight of one’s choice to relinquish all they have worked for to aid a stranger encapsulates the essence of bittersweet—a memory that remains indelibly etched in my heart.
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