8 Video Game Side Missions That BROKE YOU
These side missions didn't pull any punches.
Generally speaking, the vast majority of video game side quests are designed to be inessential accompaniments to the main course, providing extra fun for committed players but not going out of their way to be extra.
And yet, that's clearly not true in all cases, as beyond some side missions being much better than those in the main story, some even dare to yank really, really hard on your heartstrings.
That's absolutely true of these video game side quests, each of which delivered a hugely unexpected emotional knockout, likely leaving you thoroughly shook and perhaps even fighting off tears - if not full-on ugly-crying.
From side quests which had you reuniting families in the most heartbreaking manner possible, to being regaled with wistful stories of the past by old friends, righting past wrongs, and even attending the saddest birthday party in the medium's history, these missions all left players feeling positively spent.
These missions went so much harder than they ever needed to, perhaps even harder than anything else in the main questline, ensuring that players had to just stop and soak it all in for a hot minute...
8. Family Reunion - Ori & The Will of the Wisps
Ori and the Will of the Wisps offers up a devastating side quest that'll leave you wondering where all those pesky onion-cutting ninjas are hiding.
The mission "Family Reunion" sees players attempt to help a Moki set up home in Wellspring Glades.
Once you've collected the building materials and the house has been built, the Moki will then ask you to notify his family that they can move in. Joyous, right?
However, upon venturing to the Silent Woods to speak to them, you'll find that they've turned to stone due to being exposed to the mysterious force known as The Decay for too long.
After breaking the tragic news to the Moki father, he vows that he needs to return home, and if you follow him there, you'll find him also turned to stone alongside his family.
That traumatised little guy going off to die with his fam is one of the saddest things you'll ever see in a video game. It's almost too much, even.