Well that was.... Anticlimactic

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We've all heard of the phrase: "It's the journey that matters, not the destination". To me, that doesn't apply, to videogames, I mean.

There are a lot of games I've played that has this massively epic ending that inspires awe. To the point that for all games I play now, I expect a big pay-off for all my efforts. Examples to this are:

God of War 2 - say what you will, it got me excited for a prospect of a third game, even if I have to wait three more years from now to get a PS3 of my own.

Shadow of the Colossus - one of the best endings to a game, EVER.

Metal Gear Solid 3 - the only ending that came close to moving me to tears.

These are just some examples, I'm pretty sure I can come up with more.

Then came Dead Space. Sure, the 8-hour trek from space ship to planet was a suspense-filled one, but the end sequence left me with a big "That it?". Another game like this was FFXII. After spending 110 hours with it, I was expecting at least a great end sequence. There was none. Which was pretty sad considering how great FFX's ending was.

Last but not least, I was a wee bit disappointed with Bioshock's ending. Not really disappointed as in the cases above, I just wished they were a bit longer.

So what are the games with Anticlimactic endings have you played? Bonus question: What are the games with the best end sequences you've played?

Edit: Add the reason why you found them the best/anticlimactic, but put spoilers where needed.

 

[Brockyman]

Anti climatic: Fable 2 or COD 4

 

[Varchld]

Fallout 3's end : /

 

[Arionis]

Silent Nights or something. It was a PS2 "horror" game where you played as an astronaught who was trapped on a space station filled with ghosts. It was a puzzler, with no weapons of any kind. REALLY excellent atmosphere (Aaron, WHY are you screaming like a woman?" "CANTTALKRUNNINGFORLIFE") Maybe it was Echo Nights. Not sure.

Anyways......the endings sucked. 8/

Oh, and Devil May Cry 4.

 

[v3cks]

COD 4? That's ridiculous. That's a great ending! Especially for the COD series, which barely focuses on story. And I thought the Fable ending was rather good.

 

[fix-the-spade]

I second you on Dead Space.

I suppose they were trying for some kind of hook for a sequel or cliff hanger ending but...

 

[Fenring]

I really liked Mass Effect's ending sequence. Pretty epic fight and you can make important choices that should effect the next game.

 

[JediMB]

Which was pretty sad considering how great FFX's ending was.

Personally I thought it was pretty crap that the game forced you to play through a drawn-out final boss battle that simply couldn't be lost, when the whole thing would have been a lot better as a simple FMV.

 

[xitel]

I was disappointed by Breakdown's ending for the Original Xbox. It was a huge cliffhanger to what is easily the best story I have ever played in a video game. It was supposed to be a trilogy, but noone bought the first game, so it was never finished.

 

[Syntax Error]

I second you on Dead Space.

I suppose they were trying for some kind of hook for a sequel or cliff hanger ending but...

It could have worked if it was a necromorph, as it is, It just gave me a slight 'meh', then I made off into the night. BTW, is there a way to skip the "Cutscenes" in Dead Space? You know, the ones with people talking to you behind bullet/laser/fireproof windows?

 

[Lukeje]

Half Life. What the hell was that whole Xen sequence about?!

 

[CoverYourHead]

Fallout 3's ending sucked, although I hope the extension via DLC will be better.

A great ending was Star Wars KOTOR, best ending EVER.

 

[KSI Hellboy]

Halo 2

/thread

 

[pigeon_of_doom]

I thought Bioshocks ending (I've only seen the good one) was terrible. Rushed attempt to emotionally engage the player, I would have far preferred an extended gameplay sequence where you visit survivors, or anything to that vague FMV.

FFVIIs ending also felt rushed to me. I wanted a drawn out closure packed with sentimental value. They obviously learned to improve upon that (Final Fantasy 8,9 and 10s endings, 9s particularly was excellent I felt.) but I was very unsatisfied by the end of 7.

 

[Syntax Error]

I also liked that FFIX ending. So heart warming. And the timing was just awesome.

 

[pigeon_of_doom]

I also liked that FFIX ending. So heart warming. And the timing was just awesome.

Yeah, it was fantastic. At the time I wished it wasn't such a long ending as I'd beaten the final boss at 3 in the morning, but it was well worth staying up till past 5 for.

 

[Ace of Spades]

Mercs 2. I wanted to see the light leave Solano's eyes.

 

[the protaginist]

maybe there was something i didn't get, but the end to Path Of The Furon was puzzeling. i just thought from the interrogation by ponsonby in DOH:2 we'd be learning more about the Original Crypto.

 

[meatloaf231]

Advent Rising. Grrrrrr.

I swear if I ever make it into the game industry, I'm going to pick that game up again, but do it well.

 

[the captain]

I disagree about the ending of FFXII. While it didn't have the emotional moments that FFX did, it still wrapped up the story nicely and it had some great cinematic parts.