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Top 10 Betrayals in Gaming

Top 10 Betrayals in Gaming

Video games have introduced us to some pretty amazing characters over the years. Of course, we’ve also met some real jerks along the way who seemed plenty nice before we found out they were actually just using us for their own evil purposes. Here are the ten worst betrayals in gaming history.

Wheatley (Portal 2)

Wheatley (Portal 2)

As your best bud in the beginning of Portal 2, Wheatley seems like he’s merely an adorable little A.I. with a funny accent that you can’t help but love. But once he gets just the tiniest smidgeon of power, he goes totally bonkers and becomes almost as psychopathic as GLaDOS.

Then again, Evil Wheatley provides some of the most hilarious dialogue in gaming history, so we can’t possibly stay mad at the old chap. Especially after hearing his heartfelt outer space apology after the game’s credits.

The Boss (Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater)

The Boss (Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater)

Naked Snake had nothing but the deepest of respect and admiration for the Boss, a woman who had been a mentor to him. So when she ended up selling out to the commies, Snakey Poo went a bit mental.

Then again, her betrayal was ultimately revealed to be a plot by the U.S. government, and when it came time to die for her country, The Boss did so gracefully and with a sense of style. Of course, Snake didn’t figure it out until after he had played an essential part in her execution, and this fact would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Nash in a Chicken Suit (Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete)

Nash in a Chicken Suit (Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete)

Nash was sort of a mixed-up dude. He had a massive crush on the adorable Mia, and in order to prevent her from taking on a mission he felt was hopeless, he temporarily betrayed her and all her friends by taking the side of the evil Magic Emperor, who was hell-bent on ruling the world.  This one stung even worse because Nash did this all while wearing a robotic chicken suit. Oh, the crazy, stupid things guys will do for love.

Citra (Far Cry 3)

Citra (Far Cry 3)

Citra is a manipulative B-word who leads you on for the entire freaking duration of Far Cry 3. After everything you’re forced to endure for her, she ultimately presents you with a super messed-up choice: You can either murder your girlfriend or be banished from the island you just helped save. Yeah, you pretty much realize at this point that she’s not exactly right in the head.

And even if you actually have the stones to slit Liza’s throat, Citra will ruthlessly stab you to death.  But you’ll get to have a bit of “fun” with her first, so at least there’s that.

Urdnot Wrex (Mass Effect)

Urdnot Wrex (Mass Effect)

Poor Wrex. Putting him down was one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do. First of all, he was a badass Krogan Battlemaster, and we definitely wanted to keep him on our side. Secondly, we respected the hell out of his decision. In fact, if we followed the plot path that led to his death, it felt like we were the betrayer rather than Wrex. He was only doing what he felt was best for his people, after all.

Al Mualim (Assassin’s Creed)

Al Mualim (Assassin’s Creed)

Altaïr spends most of the first Assassin’s Creed game being angry at Al Mualim. It’s understandable, I suppose, since the guy ends up being a total D-bag, ultimately betraying Altaïr and the Assassins because of an ancient relic. An ancient relic in the shape of an apple, of all things. (There’s an underlying metaphor of deception there, in case you’re unfamiliar with Snow White. Or, you know, the Bible.) Al Mualim was the last person we got to take down in the game, and that one assassination felt more satisfying than all the others combined.

Atlas (BioShock)

Atlas (BioShock)

The major plot twist about halfway through the original BioShock, this was one of the most unforgettable betrayals in gaming history. When you first encounter Atlas (AKA Frank Fontaine), he earns your trust by being the one person in Rapture who seems like he’s not totally insane. As it turns out, though, you’ve been brainwashed to respond to the phrase, “Would you kindly?” You’ve also become hopelessly entwined in this guy’s revenge plot against Andrew Ryan, leaving you very little choice besides obedience. Ryan’s taunting, “A man chooses; a slave obeys” as he’s dying only makes the betrayal all the more bitter, as you undoubtedly find yourself horrified at what you’ve become.

Edgar Ross (Red Dead Redemption)

Edgar Ross (Red Dead Redemption)

Edgar Ross was an unforgivable ass. He was largely responsible for kidnapping John Marston’s family to force old Johnny to do his job for him. After a painstakingly long and emotional road, during which Marston had to kill a whole bunch of people he was once friends with, Edgar thanks him by having a bullet put in his brain.

Yeah, we pretty much hate that guy.

Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII)

Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII)

Sephiroth seemed like this super cool badass warrior dude at first. Then he started burning villages down for fun and summoning meteors to destroy the planet. What the hell, man?

Dormin (Shadow of the Colossus)

Dormin (Shadow of the Colossus)

In the beginning of Shadow of the Colossus, Wander is a bit emotional. And we can’t blame him, seeing as he’s carrying the dead body of the woman he loved. When Dormin promises us that we can bring her back to life, we’re willing to do just about anything to make that happen, so we gladly embark on a journey to kill sixteen colossi. However, we eventually find out that by killing these beasts, we’ve unleashed an ancient evil back into the world. The lovely lady does get to come back to life, but at the expense of Wander becoming a cursed demon baby and Dormin laughing in our faces for being so stupid.

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