Top 10 Games with Multiple Endings

We have known about movies and TV series having alternate endings and in case of movies, we have these number of endings to gauge the reactions of the test audiences in knowing the best one, and use that in the final film. However, the system of having alternate endings works best on video games, especially if it happens to be your favorite one. Really, what’s more fun than having the chance the relive the best moment of your favorite game without the monotony setting in, and getting yourself surprised by the totally different outcome?The use of multiple endings was first endorsed in 1983 by an arcade-based racing game, TX-1. Since then, the technique has been used in so many games, especially the ones that follow a non-linear format. Let’s look at the ten games that uses multiple endings to best enrich the gaming experience. A word of warning: Some of the games featured here have more than 50 endings! Please don’t attempt to try getting to all the endings, if you are married, or having a girlfriend or have to report to work, or basically, having a life!

#10 Nier

Nier is a not so popular action RPG released in 2010. Here you play the titular character, a middle-aged warrior, who attempts to find a cure for his daughter, suffering from a rare disease called Black Crawl. Along with two other fellow companions, he goes on a quest to find the cure, while fending off mysterious creatures known as Shades. Sigh…In short, this is the game about the world’s saddest bad-ass dad!

So why here: Though the game has not received much acclaim (Shame on you, heartless creatures!!!!), it is well-known for the quirkiness of one of its alternative endings. The game has five endings, but the strangest ending, also known as Ending D, involves the memory of the main character being erased from the minds of other characters. At the same time, the game also erases all your save files, as to show that you haven’t even played the game. All my efforts down the drain….Sob! Sob!

#9 Heavy Rain

Heavy Rain is a dramatic action-adventure game that was released purely on PS3 consoles (Honestly, what do you have against us poor PC owners?). You get to play four main characters, one at a time based on the stage, who are in search for a serial killer who likes to drown people in rainwater. It remains one of Sony’s most critically acclaimed games due to its ambiguous characters and neo-noir narrative pattern.

So why here: It has at least 22 different endings based on the various choices your characters follow, including the damned one where all the characters die and the killer escapes. (All those hours down the drain again...seriously, someone drown me in rainwater as well!!!)

#8 GTA Series (Especially 4 and 5)

The game series that brought out the swinging criminal hidden inside you. The GTA series is known for its high octane action and racing, superb graphics, cool in-games, hot babes in bikinis and a lot of controversies attached with each title (Coffee Mod, anyone?). Basically it has all the ingredients that you want in your game. Rockstar Games, you rock, man!!!

So why here: Each of the later titles stick to the multiple ending format based on the choices you make. Some of the choices lead to endings that could reward you or make you pay. GTA 5 has three endings, two of which puts us in a moral dilemma of killing either of your friends, and a third ending that has a more bad-ass scope – kill all the enemies! Why even go for the other endings, I have no idea!

#7 Dead Rising

Dead Rising series is based on the survival horror genre, where you get to beat Zombies. So basically, it is Left 4 Dead but with a more serious tone and unmemorable zombies. In the first Dead Rising title, you play a photo-journalist who is trapped in a mall that is also preferred by zombies. Don’t gripe! You get to kill some by smashing a television over the heads. Bring ‘em on!

So why here: The first game itself has six different endings, based on whether you have completed all the in-games and whether you had completed a particular quest at the specified time. So your timing and dedication makes the game decide if you be a survivor or end up as zombie munch!

#6 Resident Evil

Resident Evil series is one of the bestselling action survivor horror franchises. It’s so popular that it has spawned countless movie remakes (They are all bad!). The first game was released in 1996, where you play either Chris or Jill (depending on your choice of orientation…Remember, it’s all on you!). Being a part of an elite task force, you are sent on a quest to save your fellow troopers trapped in a weird mansion, that’s infested with the infected…ok, zombies, but just don’t say that loud!

So why here: Depending on your character’s sexual orientation (based on your deep inner desires….) and the number of people you rescue, you have four endings, with the worst being the one where you are a selfish dog and only think about your survival. It’s a shame that most of the other titles in the series do not follow this pattern.

#5 Mass Effect 3

Mass Effect 3 is a very popular third party shooter based in space, where you play Commander Sam Shephard of the Systems Alliance Navy military, who has to protect humanity from a paramilitary group called Cerberus and an army of zombie-machines called Reapers. He/She also gets to sleep with a variety of characters based entirely on your kinky choices (Seriously, I am not joking!!!)

So why here: The game has exclusively eight endings, depending on your Effective Military Strength and your choices, which itself has different consequences. Point to note is that you die in all, except one.

#4 The Witcher Series

The Witcher series are one of my favorite game titles; too bad that they do not have the same following as the Dragon Age or Final Fantasy series. You play an amnesiac warrior who is in search of his lost memories, while also getting kingdoms rid of ghouls, swamp monsters, vampires and all assorted evils. And when you are not doing anything interesting, you are sadly sucked into boring internal politics of kings. You can’t have everything, buddy!

So why here: Both the Witcher titles have a number of climaxes based on which ally you choose to side with and whom you save. You also have the choice to be neutral, but who wants more enemies, right?

#3 Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

This is a cross-over fighting game featuring your favorite Marvel characters like Hulk, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain America, Iron Man etc. rubbing cheeks with the Capcom legends (Who would seriously root for this team, when you have the Hulk smashing things up?). If you love both fighting and video-games, see no further!

So why here: Believe it or not, you have almost 50 unique endings based on each character featuring here. It’s going to be a really long night and day and night!

#2 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

It is the most acclaimed title of the Elder Scroll series, and also the lengthiest in terms of game-play. You play an escaped prisoner whose final mission is to kill a dragon, who, incidentally, is the sole reason why you managed to escape (Oh you ungrateful brute!). As you proceed ahead, you can also count on various side-quests to keep you engrossed due to the huge open-world environment, even making you get totally off-chart with the main mission!

So why here: I don’t even think this game has any proper conclusion. Even if the main quest ends, there is no dearth to the side-quests that the game has in store for you. Say adios to your social life, amigos!

#1 Star Ocean: The Second Story

This is an action-role playing game developed for PlayStation. You play either Claude or Rena, who is assigned to protect your planet from a mysterious meteorite and its dastardly consequences. You also have to reveal the identities of a cult called the Ten Wise Men, the antagonists, which will have various effects on how the game progresses, based on how many you uncover.

So why here: This HAS to be here! You dare ask why? Because it has freaking 99 endings!!! (If you included the enhanced port, Second Evolution) Do you think I can use this game as an excuse to take a month’s leave at work?

Have I missed out on any other great stuff with multiple conclusions? Please enlighten me using the comment sections below...