For many, Spec Ops: The Line began as a typical third-person action shooter. But, as with many other titles, the writers had some surprises in store for the game that would ensure the title found its place in gaming history.
Many games in the industry have shocked players by adding a twist that changes the entire narrative. Here are five that will leave you thinking about the end long after you’ve put down your controller!
5. BioShock
“A man chooses, a slave obeys”: these are some of the first words you will hear in the game, and the full impact of their meaning is felt right at the end. 2K Games’ BioShock set in the underwater city of Rapture offered an experience few games can achieve.
Exploring the vast and sprawling Rapture will send the player through several missions that require taking on the demented denizens of this deeply dystopian destination.
The player will ultimately learn that they are not acting with full agency and are rather being directed at the whims of Frank Fontaine on their journey to take out Andrew Ryan! With a fourth game rumored to be in the works, it’s the perfect time to dive into this masterpiece of storytelling by Ken Levine.
4. Spec Ops: The Line
War is messy and never changes, but narratives sure can. Spec Ops: The Line by YAGER and Darkside Game Studios places the player in a Dubai ravaged by war and sandstorms. This game drives home the violence perpetuated by people who assume a position of absolute power.
As players explore the dilapidated city in search of the 33rd Infantry Battalion. The soldiers have gone rogue and enacted martial law, leading the player to track down the leader of these men.
It’s only at the end of the game that we are made aware of the fact that General Konrad is no longer alive, and all of Walker’s visions of him at just hallucinations caused by PTSD. With the writer of this game now the narrative director of Insomniac’s upcoming Wolverine, another title with a massive twist may be on the horizon.
3. inFAMOUS
Sucker Punch may be busy with Ghost of Tsushima 2 (despite the lack of any official announcement), but the studio’s first title on the PlayStation 3 is still considered one of the best original superhero games to date. Taking on the role of Cole McGrath, players can choose to be the city’s savior or tyrant through mission choices.
While Cole would be going up against many enemies, the big bad of the game, Kessler, committed several acts that pushed Cole past his limits. It’s only after beating him do we learn that Kessler is actually Cole, from the future! He traveled back in time to train present-day Cole to deal with a threat we face in the sequel.
2. Dead Space
If narrow corridors, grotesque aliens, and sci-fi are your thing, Dead Space should be at the top of your list if you haven’t played it already. Not only did Visceral Games deliver on the atmosphere and scares, but it also managed to create a compelling story that played seamlessly into the second game too.
You play as Isaac Clarke, an engineer on the way to fix the Ishimura and reunite with your girlfriend Nicole. However, upon boarding the ship, it’s clear something has gone terribly wrong.
Only towards the last act does it become apparent that Nicole is no longer alive, and her projections are just visions created by The Marker. We gave the remake a perfect score, and it is now the ideal way to enjoy the classic with next-gen graphics and even some new content!
1. Shadow of the Colossus
With sparse exposition and no real dialogue, Shadow of the Colossus remains a mystery right up to the end. Team Ico’s boss rush title starts with Wander, the protagonist, seeking a way to bring his beloved back to life.
The journey takes him across the land and requires him to take down sixteen colossi on his quest for reanimation. The end of the story shows that even the noblest actions can lead to disaster, as taking out the Colossi allows an ancient evil to finally be set free onto the land.
What are some of the best twists you have experienced in gaming? Let us know in the comments below!
