Top 10 Unforgettable Moments in Video Game History

Every gamer holds vivid memories of the most thrilling and emotional moments in their gaming life. For many, franchises like "Final Fantasy" and "The Legend of Zelda" instantly spring to mind. Modern video games, with their complex narratives and cinematic quality, not only move us but can also deliver shockingly unforgettable moments. 

Note, some games didn't make this list not because they aren't thrilling, but perhaps they didn't resonate with me as much (I'm not much into RPGs, so you won't see "Final Fantasy" here). And logically, this list is filled with spoilers. MEGA SPOILERS! Proceed at your own risk.

Viewtiful Joe vs. King Blue - Viewtiful Joe

In this challenging yet entertaining game, one of the few action sequences made me jump like a kid. Joe discovers that his movie hero, Captain Blue, is behind the kidnapping of his girlfriend, Silvia, who turns out to be Blue's daughter as well. But this "Star Wars moment" pales when Joe, instead of shrinking back, mocks the colossal "King" Blue and decides to show his idol what it means to be a true hero. The space roars, the camera shakes, and Six Majin, the giant robot we saw at the beginning of the game, enters the scene. In classic "Mazinger" style, Joe docks his ship with the robot. In the real world, I let out a "Yeaaaaah!!!!!" that scares my neighbors. And the duel begins.

The Fall of Agro - Shadow of the Colossus

After slaying fifteen colossi, Wander finally reaches the castle where Malus, the final monster, awaits. As they cross a bridge, it collapses, and Agro, Wander's horse, throws him to safety. But the steed isn't so lucky. With pain, we watch the camera follow Agro's slow fall into the void. Thus, the only companion we had in this lonely hunting game was gone, leaving us completely alone.

Lilly Kills Carley - The Walking Dead EP. 3

In "The Walking Dead," the story can unfold in various ways, but in my playthrough, Carley, the reporter, survived until episode 3. After escaping the motel in a camper, the characters argue about who was behind the supply theft; something that infuriates Lilly, the self-proclaimed "leader" of the group. Carley and Lilly don't get along, and the argument escalates, culminating in an unexpected ending. Suddenly, a gunshot rings out, and Carley's face explodes: Lilly had murdered Carley without a hint of remorse. The next decision was obvious, both for the group and the player: to abandon Lilly to her fate in a dark, zombie-filled forest.

Kratos Kills His Family - God of War

We continue with family tragedies. Director David Jaffee not only gave Kratos a character but also a reason for his rage. Throughout the first part of the "God of War" saga, Kratos is haunted by hallucinations and memories he cannot make sense of. That's why he offers his service to Athena, who promises to explain his nightmares. In the end, the "Ghost of Sparta's" mind clears, and he remembers how he, in a fit of violence, killed his wife and daughter without thinking. A spell causes the ashes of his loved ones to stick to his body, giving his skin the ashen color that his enemies would later fear, and rightly so.

The True Final Boss Emerges When You Play Hard - Contra 3 The Alien Wars

No cooperative game has been as good and exciting as "Contra 3" for SuperNES in its time. The climax comes after defeating the Red Falcon brain, when it returns from "death," covers itself with a new armor, and chases the two players on the path to the surface, hanging from a flying ship. My brother and I, who decided to play in co-op "just to see what it was like," began screaming because the surprise was not pleasant, but it was another opportunity to shoot the alien as a team. The bonds of friendship (and brotherhood) formed by video games, wow.

The Giant of Area 4 - Rez

Reducing "Rez" to a single iconic moment is almost a crime. "Rez," in its entirety, is one of my favorite experiences. But if I have to choose one of the levels, I'll pick Area 4. Its final boss is a giant made of 3D geometry pieces, and each piece, when hit, produces a different musical sound. This noise is accompanied by a guitar riff that I still can't get out of my head. All this happens while you try not to get lost in a narrow tunnel that attacks you with missiles, walls, and partitions.

The Vector Cannon - Zone of Enders 2 The Second Runner

Another great action game from Kojima Productions that has so many thrilling parts it's hard to choose just one… until I remember the aerial combat with the huge Bahram ships. Here, bullets, missiles, and sword strikes are useless. You must resort to heavy artillery: the Vector Cannon. To activate it, you must not only find a fixed point from which to attack (in the air?), but you also need to prepare the weapon. Then we see the Vector Cannon generating out of nowhere around us, while Jehuty gives us instructions. It's like playing Street Fighter and Ryu's Shinku Hadoken takes several seconds to charge and becomes increasingly powerful. And releasing it is the final "boom" that gives you the strength to do it again with the rest of the enemy fleet.

Cool Guitar - Um Jammer Lammy

I never understood the freestyle-rap system of "Parappa The Rapper." I finished the game, yes; but I could never go further, as I didn't understand the structure of hip-hop music. With the sequel, "Um Jammer Lammy," I finally got to enjoy the freestyle, as it's based on rock music, which is more my type. Without much effort, I reached the "cool" level that you can maintain throughout the entire song if you're really good with Lammy's riffs, and you can literally steal the show.

Stoning or Not Stoning the Interracial Couple - Bioshock Infinite

Moral decisions in video games are "in fashion," especially if you've played "The Walking Dead" recently. "Bioshock Infinite" presents one of these decisions early in the game. After walking through the streets of Columbia (which represents early 20th-century Republican America in a clear moral and commercial boom), we encounter the city's true face—a racist and violent society that promotes the stoning of its "immoral" citizens as a form of entertainment. This, after the good vibes the world initially gives you, really shocks you.

Also Read: Best VR Games That Will Blow Your Mind

Conclusion

The emotional peaks and exhilarating experiences offered by video games have evolved dramatically over the years. They not only provide us with entertainment but also challenge our perceptions, evoke deep emotions, and forge lasting memories. Each of these moments not only defines a game but also marks an unforgettable point in our personal gaming histories, reminding us why we play and how games have the power to touch our hearts and minds.