Saddest Endings In First-Party Nintendo Games, Ranked

These video games offer some of the most emotional and thought-provoking narratives in the gaming industry. From unexpected romantic twists to heartbreaking family dynamics and self-sacrificing acts, these stories have left a lasting impact on players. Here’s a summary of each game’s sad ending:

Nintendo games generally end on a satisfying note for players. However, throughout its history, Nintendo has also produced several games with compelling stories that conclude in emotional and tear-jerking ways, appealing to audiences of all age groups.

Among the eight seminal games drawn from Nintendo’s rich heritage, each one represents the flagship franchises while earning iconic status through the profound impact they left on devoted fans upon conclusion.

Spoiler Warning: this article contains ending spoilers for every game on this list!

8 Fire Emblem Awakening

A Necessary Sacrifice That Hurts All The Same

Saddest Endings In First-Party Nintendo Games, Ranked

As a devoted fan of the Fire Emblem series, I can’t help but be captivated by the unique allure of Fire Emblem Awakening. This 3DS installment stands out amongst its peers with an emotionally gripping narrative that follows my avatar, Robin, as they forge bonds with a group of noble mercenaries amidst a cataclysmic conflict threatening the world’s existence.

As a fan of this intriguing narrative, I’d put it this way: Though Robin is still a fresh addition to our Shepherds’ family, the final act demands the most profound sacrifice – eliminating Grima, the malevolent Fell Dragon. In the poignant moment following Chrom and his comrades’ heartfelt farewells for Robin, a post-credits scene unveils Robin reawakening in the very same field where they initially discovered her with Lissa – a possible indication of a time loop.

7 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

Link Says Goodbye To His New Friends

Saddest Endings In First-Party Nintendo Games, Ranked

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but marvel at how The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time revolutionized video game storytelling with its innovative use of time travel. In this epic adventure, Link and Navi find themselves trapped inside the Temple of Time for a significant period of seven years. During this time, we both age and gain the necessary maturity to confront the formidable foe, Ganondorf. But the story doesn’t end there! The once-peaceful land of Hyrule has been ravaged, forcing Princess Zelda to go into hiding under an assumed identity as Sheik – a powerful warrior – to protect herself and the remaining resistance.

At the game’s conclusion, once players have triumphed over Ganon, Zelda extends an invitation for them to revisit the previous seven years of their lives. While Link seizes this opportunity to forestall Ganon’s emergence during his childhood, he is compelled to bid farewell to Navi, his cherished fairy friend. This ending would be more poignantly melancholic if not for the awareness that Ganon will inevitably resurface once again.

6 Xenoblade Chronicles X

Humanity’s History Is Erased

Regarding Nintendo’s intellectual properties, “Xenoblade Chronicles” stands out for its rich narrative. Nevertheless, some fans might have overlooked “Xenoblade Chronicles X,” an exclusive title on Wii U. In contrast to the other entries, this game boasts a melancholic ending. A shocking revelation unfolds, disclosing that humans were engineered as a weapon against the fire-dwelling Ganglion.

Additionally, it’s uncovered that Elma, a teammate of the players, is actually an alien. Her purpose on Earth was to safeguard mankind from Ganglion. In a post-credits scene, Elma learns that humanity’s recollections, previously saved by the Lifehold, have been erased. Now, she can only ponder about the past.

5 Super Paper Mario

The Unexpected Love Story In 2 Dimensions

As a devoted fan of the Mario series, I can tell you that while most games in this beloved franchise maintain an upbeat and cheerful tone, the Paper Mario collection manages to evoke some emotional responses from players. And nothing beats the experience of Super Paper Mario! In this game, the Mario universe is on the brink of disaster due to a dimensional rift instigated by the wicked Count Bleck. To save his friends and prevent further damage, our heroic plumber must join forces with a pixie named Tippi. However, these two intriguing characters share an interesting past that adds depth to their alliance and makes for an engaging narrative.

Two individuals were previously set to marry, but Blumiere’s father intervened and turned Tippi into a pixie as part of a malicious scheme. Meanwhile, Bleck followed a wicked path. Despite the adversity, the fated lovers eventually reconnected in the game’s climax. The concluding scene presents their outlines, signifying their long-awaited union. Nevertheless, Bleck’s henchmen persisted in advancing his malevolent agenda.

4 Pokemon Black 2 & White 2

Team Plasma’s Family Dynamics Are Heartbreaking

In the intricately crafted world of Pokemon Black & White and its subsequent installments, weighty issues are delved into, including the ethics surrounding compulsory Pokemon battles. Team Plasma advocates against this practice, yet there is a glaring contradiction in the relationship between Ghetsis and their leader, N. When the initial games draw to a close, Ghetsis gets apprehended by authorities and N vanishes from the scene, effectively distancing himself from Team Plasma.

In the continuation of “Pokemon Black 2” and “Pokemon White 2,” the duo encounters Ghetsis, now a free man, who aims to seize the control of Kyurem. N attempts to connect with his father emotionally, but Ghetsis responds with hostility. Despite carrying significant familial issues, players have the opportunity to accompany N at the Nimbasa City Ferris wheel on a regular basis during the game’s aftermath.

3 The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

Tragedy Strikes Termina, Moon Or Not

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask stands out among other Zelda games for its unsettling theme. In this installment, the fictional land of Termina faces imminent destruction within a three-day timeframe. The catastrophic event is orchestrated by Skull Kid, a solitary forest dweller who is afflicted with a curse from Majora’s Mask. Having been forsaken by his guardian friends, the Giants, Skull Kid succumbs to despair and wields this malevolent mask to bring about the apocalypse.

As Skull Kid reconciles with his former companions and Link successfully returns to Hyrule, the tale unfortunately takes a turn for the worse regarding one particular character: the Deku Butler. Previously in the narrative, the Butler had been frantically searching for his lost child, who was later discovered to be none other than a deceased Deku Scrub, unwittingly killed by Skull Kid as part of the creation process for the Deku Mask. The poignant concluding moment of the game depicts the heartbroken Deku Butler grieving over his deceased son.

2 Super Metroid

A Triumphant Victory Requires A Heavy Cost

In “Super Metroid,” players develop a strong bond with a young Metroid that Samus brings along to the Ceres space station for research. Regrettably, this harmless creature is abducted by Ridley and the Space Pirates at an early stage of the game. Consequently, it falls upon Samus to save her beloved charge, as the young Metroid seems to view her as its protective mother figure.

As a dedicated gamer, I can tell you that in the climactic showdown, I found myself facing off against the formidable Mother Brain. If not for the selfless act of the fully-grown Metroid, I would have been defeated. This brave Metroid sacrificed itself, allowing me to recover and heal. Seizing the moment, I took revenge on Mother Brain by unleashing my most powerful weapon, the Hyper Beam. With a heavy heart, I bid farewell to Zebes, leaving behind a sense of sadness as I mourned the loss of my dear Metroid companion.

1 Mother 3

The Hardest Fight In The Game Is An Emotional One

As a devoted fan of the intriguing world of Earthbound, I must admit that the game’s ominous tone comes as no shock to me. Consequently, it feels entirely plausible that Nintendo has yet to localize Mother 3, given its even more somber atmosphere. In this title, players embark on a harrowing journey alongside Lucas, a young boy in search of his lost twin brother, Claus. The twist? Claus has unfortunately fallen under the manipulative control of Porky, one of the formidable antagonists from the earlier installment.

In the role of the Masked Man, players face off against Claus. Meanwhile, their parents communicate telepathically, urging them to cease hostilities. Despite their pleas, Claus becomes increasingly distraught and ultimately sacrifices himself to save Lucas. This tragic turn of events leaves a heavy heart for Lucas’ twin, maintaining the melancholic atmosphere typical of the Mother series.

2024-07-14 11:04