5 Video Games with Multiple Endings

Video games with multiple endings, whose finale depends on the choices of each player, have always been a favorite of the gaming world. They are an occasion to start conversations between friends, while they manage to pull the player even deeper into their story, as his every move acquires another weight and has great significance. For all the reasons above, the following article will list some interesting videogames that fall into the ‘Alternate Endings’ category. Thus, if you’re one of those who consider the scenario utterly important, or if you’re enjoying experimenting and exploring different perspectives, the following titles are made for you. They will -literally- allow you to become part of their story.

Let’s go straight to business!

1) The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan was released in 2019 by Supermassive Games. It contains horror, survival, and drama elements, while its plot revolves around a group of people who get trapped in a haunted ship. There, their nightmares come to life... However, you need to know that this game is more about the story and less about the action, while the player’s choices affect the outcome of the scenario. Even though it reminds more of a film than a video game, I can’t help but recommend it. After all, it presents pure terror through an unusual perspective, and -except the unlimited choices you’re able to make, it also offers an offline co-op mode, so you can get terrified next to your friends!

 Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

2) White Day: A Labyrinth Named School

White Day is a Korean horror videogame that was released in 2001, with its title arising from the Asian tradition that wants boys offering gifts to the girls they love on the fourteenth day of March. So that day, unfortunately, a VERY unlucky student gets trapped in his school. During his attempt to escape, he will be confronted with riddles, ghosts, demons, and - worst of all - a paranoid janitor! With references to Taoism, a wonderful and complex script, clever puzzles, and eight alternate and shocking endings, it is one of the best games of its kind, which I highly recommend to everyone. You should know that this game has a non-linear progression and is played from a first-person perspective, while it heavily focuses on collecting items. Plus, it requires tones of patience, since the villains never stop bothering you and its riddles are a true pain in the ass... But, it worths every single minute of your time, since it’s complex story is perfectly executed and the 2015’s remake makes the whole experience even more impressive. Thus go ahead and give it a shot, but remember: EVERY move you make affects the finale...

Available on: Microsoft Windows, PS4, iOs, Android

3) Fahrenheit (Indigo Prophecy)

Fahrenheit was released in 2005 by the French production company Quantic Dream and is an interactive drama action-adventure video game. Its story begins when a young man, Lucas, gets possessed by demons and kills a man. Starting to have hallucinations, he struggles to crack the case while, at the same time, he is being chased by the police. The player controls both Lucas and Carla, one of the detectives who has taken over his arrest... Great script, third-person perspective, and three different endings (good, mediocre, and bad) contribute to making this game a classic of its kind. The graphics will not ravish you - since it is an old title, but the story of its interactive drama will captivate you. Give it a shot!

Available on: PS2, Xbox, PS4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Android, Linux, macOS, iOS

4) Shadow of Memories

Ah… Shadow of Memories: A personal favorite! This exceptional, memorable, and unique mystery/ adventure game never loses its charm. Released by Konami in 2001, it narrates the story of the 22-year-old Eike. Set in a fictional German city, Eric is resurrected with a genie’s help. Having a second chance (and a third, and a fourth…) in life, he’s offered the opportunity to travel back and forth in time, in order to prevent his murder. The script unfolds in four different time periods (2001, 1979/80, 1902, 1580/1584) and Eike's slightest intervention in the past has a big impact on the future. This ‘butterfly effect’ makes the viewer unable to move his eyes from the screen, by being enchanted by the interesting story, puzzles, and twists. The game has a total of eight different endings - the last two of which are secret. Depth, complexity, impeccable aesthetics, and convenient controls, are responsible for turning this game into a gem!

Available on: PS2, Xbox, PSP, Microsoft Windows 

5) Life is Strange

The first title of the Life is Strange series was released in 2015 by Dontnod Entertainment and is a graphic adventure videogame. Having two alternate endings, its story revolves around 18-year-old Max, who has the ability to go back in time. Butterfly effects, astonishing landscapes, slice-of-life elements, and an interesting script are some of this game’s pros. On the downside, however, it’s somewhat slow-paced and it doesn’t feel rewarding enough. However, the production company decided to make up for it, by creating Life is Strange 2, in 2018. This time, the story revolves around different protagonists and manages to spark interest, since it deals with contemporary socio-political issues. Plus, it has seven different endings while the player's choices are crucial to the outcome of the story and there is a small -but clever- connection between the events of the previous title. So, if you’re a fan of interactive dramas that focus on mature and adult themes, you’re gonna adore this!

Available on: Microsoft Office, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One