10 Video Game Deaths You Were Powerless To Stop

10. Aerith Gainsborough - Final Fantasy VII

final fantasy 7 aerith
Square Enix

Is there any video game death more thoroughly heartbreaking than that of sweet, innocent Aerith Gainsborough mid-way through Square Enix's landmark RPG Final Fantasy VII?

Totally out of nowhere, Aerith is impaled by Sephiroth's Masamune sword, and within a matter of seconds, she's gone. There isn't a sentimental farewell, just a thoroughly enraged Cloud cradling Aerith's corpse while Sephiroth taunts him.

It's one of the most emotional moments in gaming for damn good reason, and bothered players enough that there have been persistent rumours over the years of a secret way to bring Aerith back to life.

At present the only way to do it is with mods or cheats, though it'll be interesting to see whether or not the impending Final Fantasy VII Remake offers players the chance to resurrect her.

In the interest of maintaining that original storytelling integrity, hopefully not, as painful as her loss undeniably is.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.