8 More Secret Game Over Screens That Were Total Genius

5. Metal Gear Solid 3 - Time Paradox

One of the most iconic game over screens of all time, Metal Gear Solid 3 preempted mischievous players who were out to poke holes wherever they could in the timeline of the third game. A prequel set decades before the original release, there are a few things you know can't happen while playing the title, including the deaths of major villains who appear in the sequels set in the future.

That said, the game does offer players the opportunity to throw a spanner into the works when it puts them back in control of Big Boss after main villain Ocelot has been knocked unconscious. With his body lying on the floor, there's nothing stopping you whipping out a pistol and putting him down there and then, stopping him from ever being able to cause the destruction he'd go on to engineer in later titles.

If you were tempted though, you'll immediately be thrown into the game over screen, only this time the regular text has been replaced to inform you that you've caused a "time paradox". Not only that, but you'll be berated by Colonel Campbell from the present-day games for trying to tinker with the MGS timeline.