Video game storytelling reached new heights in 2013. Bombastic, AAA experiences like The Last of Us featured characters that felt true to life. Indie hit Gone Home made us feel deeply connected to a character that we never actually met. And Bioshock Infinite may have gotten our attention thanks to its incredible, fantastical setting, but it kept our attention thanks to our quiet moments with Elizabeth. Below are our picks for the most emotional video game moments of 2013.
Warning: The thoughts below contain spoilers for some of 2013's key video game moments.
I think the most emotional moment in gaming this year is the bathroom scene in Gone Home. Upon entering the bathroom on the second floor of the house, the player discovers an audio diary from Samantha that details a moment which I read to be a major turning point in her relationship with Lonnie. As Lonnie is helping Samantha dye her hair, Samantha stares at Lonnie through the reflection of a mirror until suddenly Lonnie catches her gaze and tells Samantha that she is beautiful. It's a moment of terror, vulnerability, acknowledgement, and as cliche as it sounds, true love. I think the reason I found it so emotional is that even though Samantha and Lonnie are characters who are very different than me, the feelings that Samantha describes are, in my mind, universal. It's something that I think all young people experience growing up: wanting to find one's place in the world, first love, acknowledgement from one's peers, realizing a romance is blooming...it's a moment that reminded me of my first relationships. I was very moved. - Sean Finnegan
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