Best False Endings In Games

by

Summary

  • Games with false endings amp up the final battle, leading to new surprises beyond expected content.
  • Examples like ‘The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past’ and ‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ showcase lengthy surprises.
  • ‘Dragon Quest 11’ and ‘Bravely Default’ implement twists, extending gameplay with unexpected extra acts.

Among the thrilling moments that can occur during a game is what’s known as a misleading climax. This isn’t referring to games with multiple endings, good and bad. Rather, it pertains to games that build anticipation for the final confrontation, often by suggesting that there’s no going back or providing hints about an impending showdown.

This alert may influence how gamers strategize for the last fight, similar to an RPG setting where character advancement (leveling up) is crucial. These games often deliver unexpected twists by deceiving players into thinking they’ve reached the end, when in fact, there was more of the storyline remaining. The instances we’ll discuss extend beyond additional content like post-game or New Game+, and will be evaluated based on their surprise value and the quality of the new material presented. Some changes might be minor, while others could be substantial.

To fully explain these twists, spoilers will need to be discussed, so be forewarned.

8. The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past

To The Dark Ages

During the time of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), both the SNES era and the Zelda series were quite dynamic, as no solid formula had been established yet. However, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past would introduce a significant gameplay change. In the early stages of the game, Link’s main tasks involved exploring Hyrule to gather items and pendants in order to release the Master Sword.

After completing this task, Link was able to make his way back to Hyrule Castle and save Princess Zelda from Agahnim. Though the journey might have appeared brief, players would have had ample opportunity to thoroughly traverse Hyrule. Following Agahnim’s defeat, however, Link found himself transported to the Dark World, where he was required to explore a twisted version of Hyrule, gather seven crystals, and ultimately confront Ganon in order to bring the adventure to its conclusion.

7. Mario & Luigi: Brothership

Hatched To Be Evil

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that the latest addition to the Mario & Luigi series, titled “Brothership,” marks a new era as it’s not developed by the original creators, AlphaDream. This time around, our beloved brothers, Mario and Luigi, are stepping up to reunite the islands’ citizens, culminating in an epic showdown against the game’s antagonist, Zokket, on his menacingly designed flying fortress.

After overpowering Zokket, the siblings uncover that Zokket was being manipulated by someone called Reclusa. Once the mental enslavement is shattered, Reclusa reappears, causing a delay before the twin team can restore order and finally put an end to Reclusa for good.

6. Monster Hunter Wilds

Just Getting Started

In the typical structure, this game series splits into the primary narrative and the post-game content. However, in Monster Hunter Worlds, the post-game segment has been substantially expanded. This isn’t just about unlocking new armor variants or mechanics, but also includes a monster arena, Layered Armor options, and an array of additional monsters. Plus, you’ll find tougher versions of previously encountered creatures.

In this series, it’s common for events to follow a typical pattern, but what sets it apart is that the narrative continues, even if it moves more slowly. Players must put in extra effort to discover new plot developments, but when they reach the final mission, they’ll experience a grander climax than the initial half, culminating in a showdown with the true Arkveld.

5. Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

Trying Again

In the Dragon Quest series, games are often lengthy, so it was only natural that when players reached the end in Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age, it felt appropriate. They encountered the last boss, Mordegon, and with the assistance of the Sword of Light, they successfully vanquished him.

In the lead-up to the final battle, one character met an untimely end, causing the players to feel a pang of sadness. However, this wasn’t the end of the story. The players had the option to quit the game or venture to a new location on the map. This decision would send the protagonist back in time, allowing them to replay specific parts of the game and unlock a fresh chapter, enabling them to pursue the true antagonist.

4. Bravely Default: Flying Fairy

Back To The Beginning

Given that the remastered version of “Bravely Default: Flying Fairy” on Nintendo Switch is about to arrive, it’s advisable to add an additional spoiler alert. Moving forward, players will progress through the game in the usual RPG style, eventually reaching the final boss. Surprisingly, during this climactic battle, the party members are suddenly enveloped in light and then find themselves back at the beginning of their journey in reality.

They traveled back into the past only to relive identical events. Trapped within a time loop, gamers must repeat these scenarios numerous times before they can face their ultimate foe, Airy – the one who orchestrated everything, disguised as the group’s trusted ally.

3. Hades

Daddy Issues

In a game called Hades, you control Zagreus, the son of the underworld’s ruler, who yearns for freedom to seek his mother in the upper world. However, Hades himself stands as an obstacle to this dream. To succeed, players must gradually increase their power after each demise. If they manage to overcome Hades, Zagreus will finally ascend to the surface world, but there’s a surprising turn of events.

As an avid player, I find myself compelled once again to descend into the underworld, for it’s a place where my character, Zagreus, can freely exist, as he’s unable to breathe in the world above. The game commences down here, and my goal is to repeatedly best Hades, so that I might earn more time on Earth with Zagreus’ mother, Persephone.

2. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

The Hidden Act

Obscure Journey: Expedition 33″ revolves around a band of adventurers pursuing a colossal woman known as The Paintress. This enigmatic figure is capable of obliterating entire generations by recording their age in a process called The Gommage. The Paintress stands as the ultimate villain, and the players aim to confront her. As with many games, there’s a standard warning prior to the final showdown.

Even though large parts of the map remained undiscovered, it seemed fitting that this would be the conclusion. Following the battle, an Epilogue ensued, transitioning seamlessly into Act 3. With approximately one-third of the game still to play, this twist came as quite a surprise without delving into further specifics.

1. Pokemon Gold/Silver

The Master Returns

When moving from playing Pokemon Blue, Red, and Yellow, fans anticipated a familiar experience as they prepared for the next major generation. However, Pokemon Gold and Silver introduced fresh Pokemon and mechanics while maintaining the core concept of collecting eight Gym Badges to eventually challenge their rival and an elite group of Trainers at the climax.

Typically, there was a grand event as expected, however, something different unfolded. The athletes had the opportunity to journey from Johto to the initial Kanto region, where they could embark on another quest for Gym Badges. This adventure culminated in an unexpected encounter with the original game’s protagonist, Red, a twist that still stands unmatched within the series.

Read More

2025-06-02 10:34