The Most Game-Changing Cut Content In Video Games

Key Takeaways

Video games undergo constant filtering and evolution; passionate developers often lack the resources to complete planned features.
Fans are intrigued by cut content from games, such as Halo 2’s original ending and Dragon Age: Inquisition’s expansive War Table.
Major games like Half-Life 2 and The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim had significant cut content that would have transformed player experiences.

As a hardcore gamer who’s spent countless hours immersed in virtual worlds since the days of Atari and NES, I can honestly say that these cut content stories are as intriguing as they are heartbreaking.

Video games, much like other artistic creations, are subjected to continuous evaluation and refinement prior to being sold. They frequently change and progress as they’re developed; not every idea ends up in the final product. Regrettably, even dedicated developers often find themselves short on time or resources, preventing them from realizing all their initial plans for features.

Fans often ponder over what might have been if certain elements had made it into their beloved games, such as unsettling changes that redefine a genre or mechanics that drastically alter gameplay. For those eager to delve deeper into their favorite titles and uncover hidden aspects, let’s explore the development process and take a glimpse at some cut content that could have significantly changed these video games. Here are some examples of transformative cut content in gaming history.

8 Red Dead Redemption 2

Explorable Mexico

Initial clips from the evolutionary phase of “Red Dead Redemption 2” imply a potential expansion for players to traverse areas within Mexico, and it’s hinted that some narrative segments might have showcased the Van Der Linde gang revisiting the arid borderlands.

In the game, Mexico is technically accessible via glitches, but it seems clear that it wasn’t intended for player exploration. This area appears empty and unfinished, with only partially rendered landscapes and a solitary fort. It’s intriguing to speculate about what could have been, and players can’t help but ponder what Rockstar might have planned for this cowboy-themed game.

7 Halo 2

The Original Ending

In its initial concept, the concluding scene of Bungie’s timeless masterpiece, Halo 2, was intended to serve as a final chapter for the entire series. This alternative ending would have featured Master Chief and The Arbiter squaring off against the recurring antagonist, Truth, instead of the version we eventually saw.

Following the battle, Truth would meet its demise, triggering the Ark to crumble. This situation would prompt a gameplay phase where Master Chief would need to blast his way free. As events concluded, players would find themselves gazing upon Master Chief, devoid of his signature Mjolnir armor, staring out over Earth while the Covenant invaded. In a post-credits scene, a human skeleton within a sarcophagus would be disclosed, implying that humans are descendants of the Forerunners. This ending was both conclusive and melancholic, yet it left certain mysteries unsolved.

6 Dragon Age: Inquisition

The War Table

Despite not evoking particularly pleasant recollections among fans of BioWare’s renowned role-playing game franchise, originally, the War Table was intended to be much more comprehensive.

In the heart of a Dragon Age fan, it’s disappointing to admit that we might have only experienced the superficial aspects of a truly immersive feature. If time had allowed, we would’ve been right there on the battlefield, leading the charge against enemies and haggling with merchants for resources – but alas, these deeper elements were unfortunately trimmed during production, leaving us to appreciate only the initial layers of this fascinating mechanic.

5 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Iorveth’s Significant Role

In “The Witcher 2,” a key character named Iorveth, who was entirely omitted from the sequel, would have played a substantial role throughout the story of “The Wild Hunt.” If present, Iorveth would have been a recurring figure and would have had his own questline focusing on his leadership among elves.

The devotion of this character’s followers was unquestionable, and they were deeply disappointed by the character’s absence in the sequel – however, complications during development made it a rather intricate scenario. There’s plenty of discarded material considering the expansive nature of CD Projekt Red’s Game of the Year-winning RPG, but this particular storyline would have had fans jumping for joy if included.

4 Half-Life 2

The Air Exchange

Initially, this section of the game would have taken place during the conflict between the Depot and City 17, adding an extra day to the gameplay duration. It was situated on one of the many Combine Air Exchanges, altering our planet’s atmosphere in a way that serves their purpose.

It’s not clear to everyone why the Combine is altering Earth’s atmosphere. Speculations vary from modifying the planet’s atmosphere to make it suitable for the Combine, to massive portals drawing out Earth’s vital energy. The course of action, had the player followed it, would have taken them from deep within the earth to the highest levels of the Air Exchange, culminating in its destruction. Although some remnants remain in the final version, this sequence could potentially revolutionize the classic game, Half-Life 2.

3 Super Mario 64

Missing Levels

Originally, the legendary jumping plumber’s first appearance on the Nintendo 64 was intended to be a significantly larger game. Due to potential issues with time constraints or system capabilities, the final product was scaled back to only include fifteen levels.

There isn’t a lot of information available regarding the unpublished stages, but it was mentioned that they would significantly expand the game duration by nearly four times, causing many enthusiasts to wonder about the potential for this popular series installment. Nevertheless, developers haven’t halted in creating custom stages instead.

2 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Zelda Gaiden Expansion Pack

Originally intended after the launch of The Legendary Ocarina of Time, there were plans for two additional games. One of them was called Zelda Gaiden and it would have featured intricate dungeons, a distinct overworld, and a brand-new narrative to round off the story.

As a dedicated fan, I can share that the project we’re discussing was primarily shelved due to the underperformance of Nintendo’s 64DD expansion for the legendary Nintendo 64 console. This innovative system allowed games to either enhance or entirely overhaul data, acting as an extension port. Regrettably, a combination of disappointing sales and less-than-positive reviews led Nintendo to abandon all planned projects related to this system. Interestingly, much of what we know about Zelda Gaiden remains vague, but it eventually found its way into the series as Zelda: Majora’s Mask.

1 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Civil War Cut Content

As a seasoned gamer of the Elder Scrolls series, I can’t help but feel a sense of deja vu with Skyrim’s sidequest revolving around the ongoing conflict between the Stormcloaks and Imperials. Interestingly enough, this war-centric narrative was initially intended to shape the world in more profound ways, influencing how the Dragonborn navigated through the game environment.

In its original conception, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim offered players a chance to decide their allegiance in the conflict, with their decisions having a substantial impact on the ongoing war, including the possibility of losing the war as a player-driven outcome. However, this feature was ultimately removed from the final release. In the version that was released, regardless of the side you support, it’s guaranteed to win – irrespective of your performance. The abandoned content would have featured massive battles where the legendary Dovahkiin would have been on the frontlines, ensuring their chosen faction’s victory. Players would have undertaken various quests ranging from assassinating high-ranking officers to stealing war strategies. This discarded content could have significantly enhanced the game and made the Civil War questline much more prominent than it currently is.

2024-10-23 14:34