10 Video Games Where The Bad Ending Is Canon
7. Final Fantasy XIII-2
Though Final Fantasy XIII-2 technically has multiple endings, only the most depressing of these is actually canon within the game's own reality.
The RPG sequel's base ending is a downer alright - Chaos quite literally spreads throughout the world, Serah dies, and protagonist Lightning ends up crystalised on the throne of Etro's temple.
While you can use the Paradox Scope Fragment skill to unlock a series of alt-universe sequences throughout the game called Paradox endings, most of which offer sunnier outcomes, these endings are strictly intriguing "what if?" alternates rather than canon parts of the story.
Ultimately the third and final game in the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy, Lightning Returns, then kicks off with Lightning still in crystal stasis, before being awoken from her slumber by the god Bhunivelze.
Given that Final Fantasy XIII-2 was always intended to be the Empire Strikes Back of this trilogy, it simply made sense that the bummer ending would carry through into the next game.