3. Red Dead Redemption
Killing the protagonist is a risky move in all fictional media, but in video games, its almost unheard of. In a book or a movie, the audience is only observing the main character, but in a video game, we control them and essentially become them. Thats why it was so shocking when, after spending 20+ hours playing as John Marston, Red Deads hero is not only killed, but murdered in such a brutal and unfair manner. John did everything the government told him to do, and they still betrayed him. He hunted and killed members of his old gang, men who were once his comrades. The last of his outlaw buddies was Dutch, his old mentor who taught him to read and write. Before Dutch jumped to his death, he gave John this ominous warning: When Im gone, theyll just find another monster. They have to, because they have to justify their wages." And sure enough, Edgar Ross, the corrupt government agent whos been controlling John, shows up at the Marston home with what appears to be an entire army. John manages to save his family and take out dozens of Edgars men, but theres no way out for our hero. His wife Abigail and son Jack return later to find Johns bullet-ridden corpse lying in front of their barn. Fast forward three years, the player assumes the role of Jack, who seeks to avenge his fathers death. He tracks down Edgar Ross by speaking with his family, who the player is allowed to murder if the sadistic mood strikes. Jack and Edgar face-off in a quick-draw duel, and there are few moments in gaming as satisfying as unloading six shots into Edgars fat ugly face. Its only after the credits roll and youve lowered and unclenched your victory fist that you realize that Jack has become an outlaw like his father. John tried so hard to protect his son from that way of life, and now that hes gone, Jack seeks it out willingly. Despite all his hard work, John failed to save his son and find his redemption. At least he gets to come back as a zombie.