10 Video Game Characters Who Had To Die To Win
4. Mass Effect 3 - Commander Shepard
In the Mass Effect saga, humanity has been at war with the cybernetic Reaper aliens for years. Throughout the series, you play as Commander Shepard; an elite soldier who is tasked in destroying the invaders.
After playing as the character through three games over five years, fans got pretty attached to their personal Commander. Gamers also felt a connection because nearly every decision you make affects the characters and the plot. Shepard's actions even affect elements in the sequels.
Despite the franchise's legacy, Mass Effect 3 has one of the most hated endings in video game history. The conclusion had no final boss, was filled with plotholes, and made Shepard's decisions feel inconsequential.
Even though the player can choose between three endings, they all conclude with the main character's death. This was extra frustrating since Shepard was dead for two years in Mass Effect 2 before being resurrected. So he was brought back to life... just so he could die again.
The backlash for ME3 was so intense, the developers added an expansion pack so Shepard survives in the finale if the player completes certain criteria. But since the expansion isn't canonical, Shepard is still considered a dead man in ME3's conclusion.