12 Awesome Video Game Alternate Endings

12. Refusing G-Man's Offer - Half-Life

At the end of Valve's revolutionary FPS, Gordon Freeman defeats the Nihilanth and is confronted by the mysterious G-Man, who offers Freeman a choice: either join his employ or face a battle he has no chance of winning.

The Actual Ending: The mere existence of Half-Life 2 makes it clear that the canon ending is Gordon's acceptance of G-Man's offer, as he walks into the green orb of light and text appears stating that he has been "hired, awaiting assignment" before the credits roll.

The Alternate Ending: However, if you take more than 15 seconds to accept G-Man's offer, he will assume it to be a refusal, and sends you unarmed to an alien cave where you're stared down by a horde of innumerable monsters. G-Man says, "Well, it looks like we won't be working together. No regrets, Mr. Freeman", as the game's final text states "subject declined offer of employment".

Why It's Awesome: Even though it cannot be canon, it's such a bada** ending because it allows Freeman to go out on his own terms, and though it would have been better if the player could maybe spend a few seconds trying to fight the aliens with a crowbar, it's still a suitably grim showcase of G-Man's immense powers.