In this article, I’ll be focusing on a positive from RPGs for a change and looking at some of my favourite RPG endings. There will be spoilers ahead, so look away now if you haven’t completed these games yet:Chrono Trigger,Mass Effect 2,Suikoden,Final Fantasy X&Knights of the Old Republic. Please note that the list is in no particular order. It’s too hard to pick between my favourite RPGs. It’d be like picking a favourite child.
5) Mass Effect 2: Perfect Paragon Ending (Surviving the suicide mission)
Have you completed all the side missions - including the Loyalty Missions? Is your ship fully upgraded? Have you made sure that you’ve installed the bug fixes so that Mordin doesn’t randomly die despite doing everything right? If so, get ready to enjoy one of the most fist-pumping, satisfying endings I’ve experienced in an RPG. Having played it on Insanity difficulty on my first playthrough and having needed to die and reload on countless occasions, to finally defeat the Human Reaper and destroy the Collector’s Base felt really satisfying. The Illusive Man’s displeasure at my decision and having my romantic interest Miranda Lawson back me up just made it all the sweeter.
I played throughMass Effect 2on multiple occasions but it was the first Paragon playthrough on Insanity that I still remember with the most fondness. By contrast, I try to forget the awful ending toMass Effect 3but alas I fear that I have been permanently scarred by it.
“Salvation Comes with a cost.” - Jack Harper/The Illusive Man
4) Knights of the Old Republic (Dark Side Ending)
Another BioWare game.Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republicoffered many entertaining opportunities to do the wrong thing. The game’s Dark Side ending was so much more satisfying than the Dark Side one. Having corrupted Bastila, betrayed my allies and the Jedi Council, I have one final decision to make. Do I destroy the Star Forge so that nobody can use its power? Or do I take the power for myself and use it to build an army capable of conquering the galaxy? It was not a tough choice for me to make.
The ending to Knights of the Old Republic 2 was a huge disappointment by contrast. I recommend stopping with this Dark Side ending, which feels like a more fitting end to the story.
3) Suikoden: Founding a new country is so epic
Having recruited all 108 stars, you are rewarded to a scene of you founding a new country. You are the new President of the Toran Republic. The triumphant ending music is top notch. The ending toSuikoden 3was also great, so it was a tough call between which of the two to include. Basically, just play them all. You won’t regret it.
2) Chrono Trigger, Epoch Ending
Let’s do the mega happy ending! It’s sappy…but I still love it. After dozens of hours spent with Crono, Marle, Lucca and co in this time travelling RPG adventure, I loved these characters. So the celebratory festival where a portal opened and Chrono’s mother appeared was a lovely way to wrap up this wonderful adventure. If you used Epoch at the end, you’re also given a scene of Crono and Marle floating away together under the moonlit sky. It’s just so lovely.
1) Final Fantasy X, Post-credits relief
Despite not being a huge fan of Yuna, it was still sad to see Tidus disappear after Sin is defeated. So seeing him come swimming back to the surface post-credits gave me the relief that I was craving. It also gave some unanswered questions that were left for the sequel to answer, such as how he’s still alive. It’s a shame thatFinal Fantasy X-2was a bit of a disappointment by contrast.
Another day I will probably take a look at my least favourite game endings. Which RPG ending do you like the most? Please comment below & let us know!
If you liked this article then you may also be interesting in checking outRetro Game Review: Chrono Trigger&My Top 5 Most Annoying RPG Charactersarticles.
