10 Cheap Video Game Deaths We All Suffered

In many video games, dying is simply a part of the experience. Developers use it as a means of teaching us what actions to avoid and as a consequence for playing carelessly.

In this rephrased version, I aimed to maintain the original meaning while making the sentence more approachable and easy to read.

In games, dying helps us improve, and usually, we can acknowledge our mistakes by saying something like, “Oh, I see what I did wrong this time.

Sometimes, I find myself falling victim to games that use underhanded tactics and confusing layouts, leading to my unfortunate demise in situations where, in all honesty, there was little I could do to avoid it, even if I had wanted to.

To remind you of some intense moments from past games where you faced unexpected challenges, let me share with you ten affordable in-game demises that left a lasting impression on us all.

10. Death Spikes

Blasphemous

Let’s start by discussing a well-known game that fits many 2D platformer and Metroidvania genres. For me, the game that comes to mind is Blasphemous.

Spikes are a frequent and tolerated hazard in video games, and usually, game creators ensure that falling onto them won’t result in an immediate game over. Instead, you’ll sustain damage to your health and be moved to the nearest save point.

In other words: In games, spikes are a common obstacle that, when encountered, will cause harm and transport you back to a close checkpoint, rather than ending the game instantly.

As a devoted admirer of this game, I must warn you: Blasphemous doesn’t play around. If by misfortune you should tumble into the treacherous spikes beneath, it’s game over for you. No second chances here, no moving ahead to another square – just an abrupt end to your journey.

In the subsequent version, they addressed this issue to make the game more approachable for less experienced players. However, if you were among those who experienced the original, heavily religious Souls-like game, you’d understand my struggle.

9. Spawn Kills

Call Of Duty

To be fair, such a scenario might apply to many multiplayer games. However, my past traumatic experiences in games like Rust and Shipment have left me with a deep connection to the concept of spawn killing, making it particularly relevant to Call of Duty.

As a gamer, nothing’s more frustrating than finding myself squished into a minuscule game map alongside a horde of fellow gamers, only to be trapped in an endless cycle of swift demises due to a relentless player who seems to have made it their mission to annihilate respawning players.

In such cases, it’s the players who are using abilities like Last Stand and Martyrdom that make it difficult for you to escape this loop.

As a player, I can tell you that it feels great to be on the winning side, but instead of feeling fulfilling, amassing easy victories through cheap kills leaves me unsatisfied.

8. Nellis Air Force Base

Fallout: New Vegas

In Fallout New Vegas, the experience of exploration proves rewarding and worthwhile, often accompanied by the tune of “Big Iron” through your PipBoy. Yet, it should be noted that some locations may not offer as effortless an exploration experience as others.

Many of these hazardous zones are clearly marked, like Sloan’s ‘Watch Out for Deathclaws’ signs. But if you venture towards Nellis Air Force Base without interacting with the nearby non-player character (NPC), you might experience quite an unexpected surprise.

Should you approach too closely, you’ll likely be met with explosive mortar rounds. It’s possible that just one detonation could reduce you to a delicate cloud of rose-tinted vapor.

So, unless you really want to meet the Boomers, I would suggest you steer clear.

7. The World’s Most Uncomfortable Chair

Disco Elysium

Although it may not be a literal death, it still signifies the end of the game, much like when something significant happens in the world of video games, it might as well be considered a form of ‘kicking the bucket.’

Many of these situations could be prevented if you make wise decisions and resist the temptation that seems to be urging you, much like a mischievous whisper in your ear from a devious companion.

Yet, conversing with Mr. Evrart presents a unique scenario, primarily due to an awkward seating arrangement.

As a devoted enthusiast, I must caution fellow admirers: This chair, with its design leaning towards intellect rather than strength, can be an unexpected pitfall. The seating’s discomfort will gradually chip away at your well-being, leading to health depletion. In the end, it might drive you to resign in a historic outburst, symbolizing the end of a career.

It’s hilarious, but it’s cheap and annoying, especially if you haven’t saved in a while.

6. The Rat Swarm

A Plague’s Tale Series

Whenever I bring up A Plague’s Tale, I often encounter puzzled looks, which is a shame because surprisingly few folks have had the pleasure of diving into this fantastic game series.

Nevertheless, when I refer to it as “the game full of rodents,” occasionally I receive an acknowledging gesture, demonstrating how well-known these small critters have become in some circles.

As I venture through this reimagined world, I find myself constantly battling hordes of rodents – the black plague’s relentless army. To make progress, I must either devise clever tricks to lead them astray or rely on my trusty torch to ward them off, creating a path for me to continue my journey.

Yet, I can’t count the number of instances where I strayed just a small distance beyond the light emitted by the torch, only to find myself instantly swallowed up by those monstrous creatures.

As a gamer, I’ve learned that one tiny misstep can lead to a chain reaction of frustrating and gruesome outcomes, even when my problem-solving skills are on point.

5. Eye Surgery

Dead Space 2

Performing eye surgery under ordinary circumstances can be quite delicate. However, consider if you were in a space station filled with decaying creatures, needing to perform the surgery single-handedly. In such a scenario, a routine laser eye surgery at your local clinic might not appear so challenging anymore, wouldn’t it?

In this scenario, Isaac Clarke finds himself in a challenging position. The problem at hand is that, due to the palpable fear he’s experiencing, his eyes dart around erratically. However, what needs to be done is carefully inserting a fine needle straight into the center of his pupil.

If you don’t follow instructions correctly, it could cause the machine to malfunction severely, potentially damaging its components beyond repair, and causing it harm that would likely lead to its immediate shutdown.

If you don’t do as instructed, the machine might break down badly, possibly causing irreparable damage, and leading to its immediate shutoff.

If you’re playing on the highest difficulty level (Zealot), this can be tough to handle, and even if you’re not, it offers quite a grim spectacle.

4. The Reaper

Persona 5

In the world of Persona 5, and across the entire series, the gameplay focuses on strategic optimization, often referred to as “min-maxing.” This is due to the fact that time is limited, and each day and activity presents an opportunity to maximize progress.

You’ll often visit Mementos to strengthen your Personas, accomplish tasks, and uncover fantastic treasures. However, Mementos doesn’t tolerate procrastination.

If you linger for too long on a specific level, a foreboding sound will echo, signaling that danger or defeat is imminent. In other words, it’s a warning that The Grim Reaper might appear and possibly eliminate your group.

In most parts of the game, The Reaper functions more like an annoying guide, forcing you through Mementos even if you believe you’ve finished exploring. However, technically, it is possible to eliminate him.

3. Jackal Snipers

Halo 2

While many game sniping sections could fit well into this discussion, I must clarify that I considered incorporating the Soifra River archers from Elden Ring. Yet, it’s challenging to ignore the Jackals from Halo when considering options for this context.

These reptilian sharpshooters show no mercy, making it decidedly unfair, particularly when you’re tackling higher levels of play.

They’ll shoot you with exceptional precision, often making it hard to determine the source of the shot, resulting in situations where luck becomes crucial since strategic positioning and tactical firefights can only take you so far.

Regardless of where you look, they seem omnipresent, rarely missing their targets, and turn a game of Halo 2 on legendary mode into something frustratingly difficult. Even if you’re Master Chief, they move quicker than him, making the experience less enjoyable.

2. Deadly Power Ups

DOOM

In gaming, the most economical deaths often stem from devious tactics employed by developers, and none are more underhanded than the trap power-ups found in DOOM.

In DOOM, classic tactics involve setting up low-cost scare tactics to induce fear and tension, while power-ups serve as alluring bait for players. However, grabbing these power-ups often leads to the activation of hidden traps.

This could potentially be a trap, setting you up for an attack by numerous adversaries. Grabbing it may lead to the gradual collapse of surrounding structures, or it could transport you to another location teeming with peril.

In a more conversational tone:

This might be a tricky situation where enemies surround you all at once. If you touch it, there’s a chance the walls or roof will start to close in on you slowly, or it could whisk you away to a place filled with danger.

Essentially, tools designed to help you in challenging situations like DOOM might unexpectedly hinder you instead. My advice? When this happens, find a way, any way, to break free using sheer force and determination.

1. Mimic Chests

Dark Souls

Come on, be honest. You knew this was coming, and you knew it would be top of this list.

Truthfully speaking, the Dark Souls and Souls series as a whole provide a complex and intricate gameplay experience, often incorporating challenging mechanics and cunning strategies intended to lead the player toward a grim end.

In various Souls games, you encounter characters like Amygdala in Bloodborne, Patches across all titles, helpful ‘Jump’ messages from fellow players, but nothing is as risky as the Mimic Chests, which first appeared in the original Dark Souls.

These seemingly ordinary chests entice players with the allure of treasures hidden within. However, once opened, they spring to life, biting and usually causing instant death to the unsuspecting players.

Moreover, should you miraculously make it through, the battle is not over yet. In truth, his work – though chilling, inexpensive, and morally repugnant – is precisely what draws us to him, isn’t it?

2025-02-27 17:10