15 Unforgettable Video Game Plot Twists That Blew Our Minds

• 01

  BioShock - "Would You Kindly?"

  
  via Shacob

  In BioShock, the protagonist Jack is guided throughout the game by a character named Atlas, who frequently uses the phrase "Would you kindly?" to give Jack instructions. As it turns out, this phrase is a mind-control trigger, and Jack has been manipulated into doing Atlas's bidding all along. This revelation completely changes the player's perspective on the game's events and their own actions.

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• 02

  Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic - Darth Revan's True Identity

  
  via The force universe

  In this iconic Star Wars RPG, the player spends the majority of the game believing they are a Republic soldier fighting against the Sith. However, it is eventually revealed that the player character is none other than Darth Revan, the former Sith Lord who lost his memory. This twist turns the entire story upside down and forces players to reconsider their alliances and choices.

• 03

  Metal Gear Solid - Master Miller's Deception

  
  via Konami

  Throughout Metal Gear Solid, protagonist Solid Snake is aided by his mentor Master Miller via codec. But in a shocking twist, it's revealed that Master Miller has been dead all along, and the person Snake has been communicating with is actually the game's antagonist, Liquid Snake. This betrayal adds emotional weight to the conflict between the two brothers.

• 04

  Resident Evil - Wesker Is Working For Umbrella

  
  via GAMERANT

  In the first Resident Evil game, Albert Wesker seems to be a fellow member of the S.T.A.R.S. team, working with the player to survive the horrors of the Spencer Mansion. However, it's eventually revealed that Wesker is a double agent working for the sinister Umbrella Corporation. This shocking twist adds depth to the game's narrative and sets the stage for Wesker's role as a recurring antagonist throughout the series.
   

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• 05

  Portal 2 - Wheatley's Betrayal

  
  via Valve

  Portal 2 sees the player forming an alliance with the lovable AI, Wheatley, to take down the malevolent GLaDOS. However, in a surprising turn of events, Wheatley becomes corrupted with power once he takes control of the facility, revealing himself as the game's true antagonist. This unexpected twist adds complexity to the story and creates an engaging conflict.

• 06

  Final Fantasy VII - Aerith's Death

  
  via Monterossa

  In a heartbreaking twist, Aerith, a beloved party member in Final Fantasy VII, is killed by the game's villain, Sephiroth. This moment not only shocked players due to its unexpected nature but also because it was rare for a game to permanently kill off a main character. Aerith's death remains one of the most memorable and emotional moments in gaming history.

• 07

  Silent Hill 2 - James Sunderland's Dark Secret

  
  via Ready game survive

  In Silent Hill 2, protagonist James Sunderland searches for his wife in the eerie town of Silent Hill. As the game progresses, it's revealed that James is responsible for her death, having euthanized her to end her suffering from a terminal illness. This twist adds a layer of tragedy to the game, forcing the player to confront the darker aspects of James's character.

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• 08

  Spec Ops: The Line - White Phosphorus Incident

  
  via Gameinformer

  In Spec Ops: The Line, players take on the role of Captain Martin Walker, who leads a squad through a devastated Dubai to locate survivors. Along the way, the team uses white phosphorus to clear out a large group of enemies. However, in a harrowing twist, it is revealed that the player's actions inadvertently caused the horrific deaths of numerous civilians. This gut-wrenching moment forces players to confront the consequences of their in-game decisions and question their own morality.

• 09

  Red Dead Redemption - John Marston's Fate

  
  via JackFrost23

  In Red Dead Redemption, players grow attached to the protagonist, John Marston, as he seeks redemption and a peaceful life for his family. However, in a heart-wrenching twist, Marston is betrayed by the very government agents he worked with and is killed in the game's climax. This devastating turn of events underscores the game's themes of sacrifice and the harsh reality of life in the Wild West.

• 10

  The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Sheik's True Identity

  
  via Nintendo

  Throughout Ocarina of Time, the mysterious Sheik provides assistance and guidance to Link on his quest to save Hyrule. In a surprising reveal, Sheik is unmasked as Princess Zelda in disguise. This twist not only adds depth to Zelda's character but also demonstrates her resourcefulness and determination in the face of adversity.

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• 11

  Shadow of the Colossus - The Colossi's True Purpose

  
  via Sony interactive, Bluepoint Studios

  In Shadow of the Colossus, the player is tasked with slaying massive creatures called Colossi in order to revive a girl named Mono. However, as the game progresses, it becomes apparent that the Colossi are not evil beings but rather guardians protecting a powerful force. In the end, it is revealed that the player has been unknowingly aiding an evil entity, which is released upon the death of the final Colossus. This twist forces players to question their actions and the true nature of their quest.

• 12

  Chrono Trigger - Magus's Motivations

  
  via Slash Gear

  Chrono Trigger initially portrays Magus as an evil sorcerer responsible for the kingdom's suffering. However, as the story unfolds, it is revealed that Magus is not the true villain, but rather a tragic figure attempting to save his sister and defeat the actual antagonist, Lavos. This twist adds nuance to Magus's character and demonstrates the game's rich storytelling.

• 13

  Mass Effect - Saren's Indoctrination

  
  via Screen Rant

  In Mass Effect, players work to stop the rogue Spectre agent, Saren, who appears to be aiding the game's primary antagonists, the Reapers. As the story progresses, it is revealed that Saren has been indoctrinated by the Reapers and is unknowingly furthering their goals. This twist adds depth to Saren's character and heightens the stakes of the game, as players must not only defeat Saren but also resist the same indoctrination.

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• 14

  The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Paarthurnax's True Nature

  
  via TombRaiser

  In Skyrim, players are guided by a wise dragon named Paarthurnax, who seems to be an ally in the fight against the game's primary antagonist, Alduin. However, it is eventually revealed that Paarthurnax was once a lieutenant of Alduin and played a significant role in the enslavement of humanity. This twist complicates the player's relationship with Paarthurnax, forcing them to weigh his past actions against his current efforts to help.

• 15

  The Walking Dead: Season 1 - Lee's Inevitable Fate

  
  via Speechless

  In the emotional finale of The Walking Dead: Season 1, protagonist Lee Everett is bitten by a walker, sealing his tragic fate. Players are forced to make gut-wrenching decisions about how to handle Lee's inevitable death, culminating in a tear-jerking final scene between Lee and his young companion, Clementine. This twist solidifies the game's themes of loss and sacrifice, leaving a lasting impact on players.

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