5. Anyone During The Suicide Mission - Mass Effect 2
Progression in a game is rarely tied to how well you can get to know a character, and although much has been analysed about Mass Effect's sex scenes and the ability to 'unlock' them should you continually choose the right dialogue options (like real life!) it was this approach to interaction across hours of playtime that endeared the characters of Bioware's impeccable sci-fi opus to millions. For the close of Mass Effect 2 everything's on the line, as both you as Commander Shepard take on the might of the Collectors with your entire party along for the ride. Bioware do a fantastic job of letting you know things won't end well unless you've got every upgrade on your ship and every crew member's trust-needles firmly pointing your way, however nothing will prepare you for a stray bullet catching someone like Mordin unawares, or one of your guys just not surviving a hostage protecting-trip back to the ship. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca9mDJfp354 It's impossible to narrow down which is more devastating as each character is just as memorable as the last, but let's just say if you'd built up two game's worth of romance with Tali, having her sacrifice herself so you and yours could make it out alive is a moment that'll stick with you long into the future.
