10 Tiny Video Game Decisions With HUGE Consequences

PS1 classic Metal Gear Solid was, in many ways, far ahead of its time. With its deep and involved plot, tactical gameplay and several-month-long Codec conversations, it was a remarkable experience that popularized the franchise and still holds up incredibly well today.

As its legions of fans will know, the game offers more than one ending. Solid Snake will escape Shadow Moses Island with a different companion, Meryl or Otacon, depending on the player's actions during the pivotal torture scene during Snake's capture.

At the mercy of Revolver Ocelot, he's subjected to several bursts of controller-vibrating electricity, with the player having to mash a specific button to ensure his survival.

Here's the rub: at any time, they could hit another button to end segment. Players whose health was running low and didn't want an unceremonious game over could be easily tempted to hit it, perhaps unaware how much influence this small decision would have over the fate of Meryl Silverburgh (who would ultimately die as a result of this choice).

On top of which, this decision also changed the special item Snake would carry into new game plus: the infinite ammo Bandana from Meryl or the stealth camouflage if escaping with Otacon.