10 Emotionally Intense Video Game Moments You Weren't Ready For

9. Joel Getting Impaled & Ellie's First Hunt - The Last Of Us

Scores of writers have detailed Sarah's death in the beginning, or Joel lying to Ellie at the close of the game as the most memorable parts, but whilst those are steeped in storytelling beats that already had you on edge, Joel plummeting off a walkway and getting impaled comes out of nowhere.

Not only that, but it forces Ellie to become the new playable character - something Naughty Dog didn't mention before launch.

The scene cuts after Joel collapses inside the facility, and we fade up on Ellie now stalking a deer. The player's mind races as to what's happening, and in the moment, you'll likely never have wanted to protect another in-game character quite so much.