The Halo games arent particularly well known for being tearjerkers, as they are often more concerned with adrenaline pumping action over emotional storytelling. This made Cortanas death at the end of Halo 4 an unexpected sucker punch to the heart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAuTEZQnfbs What makes this moment even more effective is how earned it was. Master Chief and Cortana had been partners for four games, and thus the dynamics of their relationship were firmly established at this point. They are undoubtedly one of gamings greatest couples, so seeing them ripped apart was genuinely effective, especially because it gave gamers a rare glimpse into the heart that lies beneath Master Chiefs trademark armor.
