Unsatisfying Game Endings
What are the most unsatisfying game endings? It’s a question that has been asked numerous times, as unsatisfactory ending results have left players underwhelmed, underdeveloped, and ultimately, unsatisfied. Unsatisfying game endings are a reflection of a game’s overall narrative, with truly disappointing conclusions leaving players feeling unfulfilled and undervalued.
Unsatisfying game endings can come in different forms, from an abrupt cliffhanger to an unsatisfactory conclusion. Poor game endings can be a reflection of a game’s design and development, with some directors making questionable design choices or simply lacking a clear understanding of what makes a video game fun. Regardless of how an unsatisfying game ending came to be, these unsatisfying game endings left players underdeveloped, unsatisfied, and unfulfilled.
The Most Unsatisfying Game Endings
“Rage”
“Rage 2” was a step in the right direction, however, “Rage” left many players disappointed with its anticlimactic ending. While the game was fun and challenging, the ending left players underwhelmed, leaving no continuation and leaving the game’s world and characters in limbo.
Some users also expressed their frustration with John Carmack, the game’s lead designer, who has been accused of sexual harassment.
“Shenmue 3”
“Shenmue 3” left players with no conclusion at all as the epilogue cutscene ended abruptly, leaving players frustrated and a sense of being let down. Fans of the series were hoping for a continuation of the events from “Shenmue 2” and the opportunity to continue their adventures with Ryo Hazuki.
“Borderlands 3”
The Borderlands franchise has always been hit-or-miss in terms of its story, however, players expected a lot more development for the characters in the game’s ending. The game’s ending was underwhelming due to the lack of a conclusion for the main characters and the chaotic ending to the game’s narrative.
“Ghost and Goblins”
While the satisfaction of completing Ghost and Goblins is always there, the lack of a substantial ending left players wanting more. Some users have raised concerns about the lack of a continue option after the credits, stating that the game’s ending is unsatisfying due to the lack of a way to continue playing the game.
“Rage 1”
Rage’s sequel also disappointed players by leaving them on a cliffhanger for nearly a decade before releasing a sequel with a different narrative. The first game’s ending left players with a sense of incompletion and missing information, with no resolution and an abrupt end to the game’s world.
“Deus Ex: Mankind Divided”
The ending of Mankind Divided abruptly ended without providing closure to the story, leaving players feeling unsatisfied. While the gameplay and mechanics of the Deus Ex franchise are generally praised, the series’ narrative has been criticized for its lack of closure and frustrating ending decisions.
“Mass Effect 3”
Mass Effect 3 received mixed reviews due to the controversial “destroy” ending, which left some players wanting a happier resolution. While some players enjoyed the “destroy” ending, others found the sacrifice of the protagonist in the ending to be a fitting conclusion to the trilogy’s story.
“Dying Light 2”
Dying Light 2 failed to live up to the expectations set by its predecessor, with players frustrated and uninterested. While the gameplay was largely unchanged, the game’s choices and consequences mechanics were criticized for lacking impact and depth, leading to a disappointing and unsatisfying ending.
“Fallout 3”
Fallout 3 left players unsatisfied with its original ending, which abruptly ended the game without a continuation. The DLC “Mothership Zeta” provided a solution by allowing players to continue their adventures, however, the decision to end the game without a continuation was heavily criticized at the time.
“Rage 2”
While Rage 2’s ending was satisfying, the final boss fight was frustrating and underdeveloped.
