Good games are shaped by both their beginnings and their endings, but a good premise doesn’t always end at the same height. Be it due to rushed development, cut corners, or just a vision that does not align to that of the general audiences, some game endings make it feel like the entire journey was pointless.
Of course, that isn’t the case for everyone, but these titles in particular left a sour taste in the minds of plenty of players. While the most frequent offenders are the games that claim ‘player choice matters,’ a badly done bossfight or final section can be just as regretful.
Life is Strange
A choice-driven narrative that ultimately boils down to two endings that ignore most prior decisions, making players feel like their choices never mattered and leaving both outcomes emotionally punishing.
Mass Effect 3
After three games of decision-making, the original ending reduced everything to a few similar choices, sparking massive backlash and forcing developers to release an extended cut to address complaints.
Fable II
The game builds up player choices and wealth as meaningful, only to end with a brief, underwhelming resolution that feels disconnected from everything the player spent hours building.
The Last of Us Part II
A deeply divisive ending that leaves players emotionally drained, with many feeling the journey’s violence and sacrifice ultimately lead to a bleak and unsatisfying resolution.
Far Cry 5
After hours of fighting to stop a cult, the ending either results in nuclear devastation or reinforces the villain’s ideology, making the entire struggle feel futile.
Heavy Rain
Despite being built on player decisions, plot holes and inconsistent character motivations in the ending left many players feeling their choices didn’t fully align with the outcome.
Halo 2
The abrupt cliffhanger ending cuts off just as the story reaches its peak, leaving players frustrated after investing heavily in the narrative.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
An unfinished narrative and missing final chapter make the ending feel incomplete, leaving major storylines unresolved due to the game’s troubled development.
Assassin’s Creed III
The modern-day storyline concludes abruptly, while the historical narrative feels rushed, leaving many players dissatisfied with how both arcs wrap up.
Borderlands
The Vault’s reveal and final payoff feel minimal compared to the buildup, leaving players disappointed after a long journey toward what seemed like a major reward.
Silent Hill: Homecoming
The endings vary, but many feel disconnected from player actions, with some outcomes seeming arbitrary rather than earned.
Dead Space 3
A controversial ending that leans heavily into action and sequel setup, leaving players frustrated with the lack of resolution.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Despite offering multiple endings, they are presented in a similar format that minimizes the impact of player choices, making the conclusion feel less meaningful.
Rage
The game ends abruptly after the final mission, offering almost no narrative resolution and leaving players confused about whether they missed something.
Firewatch
A deliberately grounded ending that subverts expectations, leaving some players disappointed by the lack of a dramatic payoff after building tension throughout the game.
Dying Light
The final confrontation relies heavily on quick-time events, stripping away player control and making the ending feel disconnected from the gameplay experience.
