Video Games have been a popular mode of entertainment that can convey some meaningful stories through different ways. In line with this, developers have made their fair share of emotional games over the years that have tugged at their player’s heartstrings. These stories have usually left a major impact on their audience because of their masterful storytelling told through different methods within the game. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the most emotional video games that have left a mark on the player. Be advised that there will be spoilers ahead, so please read at your own discretion.
‘Gone Home’
“gone home” literally brings the player back to their home in Portland, Oregon. Here, you’ll take control of a woman named Katie who arrives back in her house to discover that it’s empty. There’s a note on the door from your sister, Samantha, telling her not to look for her. Disregarding the note, you’ll still explore your house and look for clues and try to piece together what exactly happened to your family. There is no direct narrative in “Gone Home” as you’ll be searching around the house for clues like memos, objects, and notes which you have to piece together. Ultimately, you discover that your sister fell in love with another woman and was shunned by your parents. After her girlfriend left for the military, Sam decided to follow after her in hopes of starting a new life.
Your parents, on the other hand, are busy attending couples counseling to help fix their failing marriage.
‘Silent Hill: Shattered Memories’
One of the most underrated games in the series, “Silent Hill: Shattered Memories” was released on the Wii, PS2, and PSP. The game is actually a reimagining of the first mainline entry and follows protagonist Harry who looks for his daughter, Cheryl, after a experiencing a car accident in Silent Hill.
As you progress through the game, you’ll cut back to certain scenes in a first-person perspective wherein you’re in therapy. The game makes you believe that it’s Harry is the patient, but the truth is that a grown-up Cheryl was the one in counseling. The player has been controlling her delusions all along as she cannot move on from the memory of her dead father.
'Crisis Core'
Unlike the last two games, “Crisis Core” is an emotional rollercoaster filled with scenes that’ll make you laugh and cry. Here, you take control of a Shinra SOLDIER named Zack and learn all about his past and how it ties in with “Final Fantasy VII.” The most tragic part about this game is the ending when he sacrifices his life to save Cloud and ultimately sets up the plot for the seventh game in the series.
