Video games have the ability to take us on emotional journeys in a way that can't quite be achieved by any other medium. We develop a unique relationship to the characters because we're there alongside them for far larger amounts of time than anywhere else, guiding them through dangers, making decisions for them, actively propelling their stories forward with every button press. So for years, video games have easily provided us with dramatic scenes that straight-up snapped our heartstrings and shredded our emotions. There are plenty of sequences in games that are meticulously designed to have this effect, but that makes it easy to overlook the other poignant, powerful little moments that just force themselves on you in the same way. They could be tucked away in faraway corners of open-world games, or may be in a back room of a level that you never think to explore. Alternatively, they might be crucial to the plot, but reconciled to titles you've long since forgotten about, or simply overshadowed by the more spotlight-stealing parts of their own games. Sound vague? You'll see what we mean soon enough, and please feel free to add your own in the comments below. Here's the place to contemplate those under-appreciated (yet profound) moments, and admire the subtlety with which video games can work their emotional magic.
Gamer, Researcher of strange things.
I'm a writer-editor hybrid whose writings on video games, technology and movies can be found across the internet. I've even ventured into the realm of current affairs on occasion but, unable to face reality, have retreated into expatiating on things on screens instead.
