18 Greatest Last Levels In Gaming History
Everyone remembers where they were, the day they played through these iconic endings.
Final bosses get too much credit. While an extravagant one on one battle to finish off a game can be incredibly satisfying, its often a well-crafted final mission that resonates with players more than a single showdown with any specific character. After all, it's never about the destination, but the journey, right?
Acting as a culmination and final challenge of all of the skills you've acquired over the course of a title, last levels have the ability to pay off narrative elements and gameplay mechanics that have been developing over an experience potentially tens of hours long. Aided by a full arsenal of skills and a thorough understanding of how the game works, final stages give the developer the ability to throw everything at the player, testing their ability at every moment with insane set-pieces and even better moments of player-driven anarchy.
Throw in more sophisticated elements such as a beautifully orchestrated score, a narrative hook or even an inventive gameplay twist and a game's final level has the ability to leave players with a jaw-dropping emotional last impression.
Whether it's the bombastic climax of Halo: Combat Evolved or the unassuming twist at the end of Red Dead Redemption, there are just some last levels no gamer will ever forget playing through.