Death and Video Games

It happens to us all. At one point in all of our lives we expire. Our organs stop functioning and we lose control of our bodily fluids (it’s not a pretty sight). Some of us die tragically, while others pass away peacefully in our sleep.

And a few of us die playing video games.

I’m not trying to make light of a dire issue. In fact, we talked about this extensively on the latest episode of Reset Transmission. As sad as it is to die while playing League of Legends and not have your body found for nine hours, it made me think. It reminded me of my top five death scenes in gaming. I want to share them with you now.

Beware: There be spoilers ahead

5. Resident Evil 4

I bet you were all thinking I was going to mention Luis. Yeah, his death was cool and everything, however my favorite death was Ashley’s. I know she didn’t die story-wise, but, let’s just say I killed her. I killed her, a lot! I killed her by letting the zombies eat her. I killed her with a knife. I killed her with the rocket launcher and those are just to name a few. I reveled in joy each time her limp body hit the floor. Heck, I didn’t even mind the game over screen that followed Ashley’s death.

Besides, she needed to die, that dumb bitch tried to steal Leon away from me.

Even Leon likes to watch Ashley die

4. Mass Effect

I chose to save Kaidan. He’s not an alien racist like Ashley. She tried to be all girl-bro with me, which wasn’t that bad. But Kaidan, Kaidan loved me! We had sexy time in the captain’s quarters. That means I sent Ashley to her death.

It was amazing that BioWare made you choose to kill one of your teammates. I certainly wasn’t expecting that. When it came down to that moment, there was no inner turmoil in choosing. Without an ounce of hesitation my mind was set, and Kaidan and I ran off into the distance, holding hands and looking longingly into each other’s eyes.

I choose you, Kaidan

3. Ace Attorney: Phoenix Wright

This death touched my heart. When you first start up this Ace Attorney game, Phoenix Wright is helped by his friend and mentor, Mia Fey. Mia aided Phoenix to achieve victory in his very first courtroom trail. I fell in love with Mia. She was friendly, awesome, and I couldn’t wait to interact with her more.

As I started Chapter 2, my hopes were dashed. Mia was gone, murdered in cold blood. Her death made me enjoy her character more; she was unfairly taken too soon. I felt hopeless and lost for I had developed an emotional connection. Don’t worry though, I avenged her.

This scene still makes me want to cry

2. Dragon Age II

Anders, I freaking hate you. I hate your ideals for mage freedom, I hate your silly hair, and I especially hate the fact you blew up the only intelligent person in the entire city of Kirkwall.

Before you blew up the Chantry I would have done my best to keep you alive, even though you had your flaws. After your horrendous terrorist attack however, I relished watching my FemHawke stab you in the back. I’m so happy BioWare gave me the option to slay you personally. You are a demon and you deserved it.

Oh what's the problem, Anders? You mad because I murdered you?!

1. Final Fantasy VII

Did you really think I could not add this epic moment in video game culture? Probably the most iconic death in video games is Sephiroth killing Aeris. So many people were touched by this moment. While many were crying for their loss, I was cheering. Not only did Sephiroth looks like a god descending from the heavens, he rid the world of the most annoying woman in video game history.

Whether or not you liked Aeris isn’t important. Square took a risk in killing off their heroine and it paid off. This death will never be forgotten, and it lives on in our hearts.

SO AWESOME!

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