The 4 Most Epic Moments in Video Games

These are the pinnacle of gaming. Just like in movies, music, or literature, video games also thrive on that small mythology built over the years through unforgettable moments. Whether it's for delivering epicness, perfectly capturing the outcome of a battle, or tearing a beloved character away from us, more than once we’ve been left stunned in front of the screen—eyes dry, goosebumps rising, and the world feeling like it’s about to crumble.

Heads up, because what’s coming next is packed with spoilers. We’re going to talk about Final Fantasy VII, Ocarina of Time, F.E.A.R., and Metal Gear Solid, so if you don’t want surprises, it’s best to stop reading now. With that said, let the show begin!

THE DEATH OF AERIS IN FINAL FANTASY VII

Without a doubt, one of the most shocking moments in video game storytelling. Aeris was a key character in Final Fantasy VII. As a companion to the protagonist, Cloud, she was part of the love triangle between them and Tifa—a triangle that ended tragically. But beyond that, she was the last of the Cetra, a superhuman race destined to protect the planet, with a deep connection to it.

After visiting the Temple of the Ancients, the origin of her race, in search of the game’s villain, Sephiroth (who, by the way, is one of the greatest antagonists in gaming history), Aeris mysteriously disappears. The search goes on for hours of gameplay until reaching the Forgotten City, where, as she prays, Sephiroth descends from the sky with his massive katana and impales her.

The impact, the cutscene of her hair ribbon sinking into the endless waters, and the melancholic music—which doesn’t stop even during the brutal battle against Jenova that follows, the saddest in the game and possibly the entire series—wrap Aeris’ death in a level of mysticism, drama, and emotion rarely seen in this medium.

This death had massive repercussions—so much so that a false rumor spread for years (and even today, you can still find forum posts about it) claiming that in the original game (without any mods, cheats, or manipulation), you could resurrect her. It wasn’t true. In the original game, Aeris died for good. Tragically unforgettable.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: OCARINA OF TIME

Not many games can claim the title of "greatest video game of all time." Ocarina of Time, regardless of personal taste, is one of those rare exceptions—and of course, it’s packed with epic moments worthy of Link’s biggest adventure up to that point.

Like all great classics, Ocarina of Time benefits from the "nostalgia factor," making those of us who played the original back in the day stare in awe at Hyrule in all its glory. Picking just one memorable moment from a game of this caliber is tough, as there are plenty that send chills down your spine just by remembering them: the first rides on Epona through Hyrule’s fields, meeting Princess Zelda, or the death of the Deku Tree, among others.

But one moment stands above the rest, not just for its role in the story but for its importance in shaping Link as the Hero of Time: pulling the Master Sword. In an Excalibur-like moment, the young Hylian in green goes from an inexperienced, fragile boy to a true hero capable of facing Hyrule’s destiny—and Ganondorf himself.

The sequence, though short, is visually powerful and opens up a world of new possibilities for the player. Now, the adventure becomes dual, changing depending on whether the Master Sword is in the pedestal or in Link’s hands. Ocarina of Time has many strengths, but this moment—alongside getting the ocarina itself—is essential to understanding the game’s greatness.

The Legend Of Zelda : Ocarina Of Time : Master Sword

THE ENDING OF F.E.A.R.

While the horror elements of this trilogy faded with each new installment, the first game absolutely gave players chills. The main reason for those cold sweats? Probably the most terrifying little girl in gaming history: Alma. She is the embodiment of F.E.A.R. (in all caps). Following Japanese horror aesthetics, she looks fragile—pale skin, barefoot, hair covering her face—but what’s truly frightening is her ability to appear and disappear, keeping players on edge, wondering where she’ll show up next.

Though Alma is the "soul" of all three games, she’s scariest in the first one, likely because we know the least about her, making her even more unsettling. The game is full of encounters with her, and of course, it delivers a horror movie-worthy ending—the kind that leaves your mouth dry, your hair standing on end, and cuts to black at the most chilling moment, letting your imagination fill in the rest. (Spoilers ahead for those who haven’t played.)

Just when all seems lost and the area we’re in is about to be destroyed, the game throws us into a final cutscene where we’re rescued by helicopter. Just as we think we’re safe and escorted out, the helicopter is violently struck. "What was that?" And you can probably guess who’s peering through the open door... For those who can’t picture it, here’s the video—it’s unforgettable.

THE DEATH OF GRAY FOX IN METAL GEAR SOLID

The first Metal Gear Solid on PlayStation was revolutionary for countless reasons, but one of its biggest strengths was its ability—like other great games of its generation—to weave a story through fully fleshed-out characters. Hideo Kojima always avoided stereotypes, crafting his tales around people who were never what they seemed.

Gray Fox might be the ultimate example of this. For most of the game, we don’t really know who—or what—he is. All we see is a cyborg with a katana, insane charisma, and the ability to cut down anything in his path—until the big reveal: the ninja is actually Frank Jaeger, Gray Fox’s real name, Snake’s former comrade who was presumed dead after Metal Gear 2 (MSX2).

Fox spends most of MGS fighting Snake, and we’re never sure whose side he’s really on—until the final showdown. THE moment. With Liquid Snake out of control and piloting Metal Gear Rex, Gray Fox sacrifices himself to help Solid stop his brother. His final speech is especially emotional: "After Zanzibar, I was taken out of combat... neither alive nor dead. A wandering shadow in a world of light." If that doesn’t make you shed a tear, you might just have no heart.