10 Biggest WTF Moments In Mass Effect History

5. The Death Of Commander Shepard

The rule in most fictional stories is that the hero can't die, at least not until the very end. So when players witnessed both the complete destruction of the Normandy and the unceremonious death of Commander Shepard within the opening minutes of Mass Effect 2, well, let's just say it came as a complete sucker punch.

While it could be argued that Shepard's death really doesn't amount to much or impact the story in a meaningful way, there's no denying the immediate feeling of utter shock you experience when it does happen. The hero dying in the second act just isn't something you see that often, and its execution here contributes to a lasting effect on any player going in spoiler free.

What makes it even better is that it is just the beginning to a game that only gets better the longer it goes on, making Mass Effect 2 one of the best video games ever made. It's starts off with a literal bang that destroys everything you held dear from the previous game.

It was risky, but it paid off, creating an unforgettable moment in a series that has too many to count.