Video games have offered us some of the most memorable plot twists in entertainment, but few things hurt quite like betrayal by someone you trust. These shocking moments completely blindside players, turning friends against one another and revealing hidden motives that change the entire game’s experience. The most shocking betrayals that no one saw coming.
Eric Sparrow’s Greatest Betrayal in Tony Hawk’s Underground
Two acquaintances who came together over their love of skateboarding would make one of gaming’s most notorious backstabs. Eric Sparrow was the ideal skating partner. He would skate with the players and he would turn from a rookie to a pro skateboarder. Nonetheless, his funny blunders and mistakesagain and again hid a greater jealousy.
While in Moscow, Eric stole and crashed a military tank, according to a report, then allegedly blamed his so-called best friend for the incident. Because of this cowardly act, the player character was arrested and removed from the professional skate team. This betrayal stung more than ever because Eric had been undermining the friendship the whole time while pretending to back both of them going pro.
Albert Wesker’s Corporate Conspiracy in Resident Evil
Despite being one of the most famous villains in video game history, players were shocked by Albert Wesker’s betrayal. After all, the team leader seemed perfectly loyal at first. When S.T.A.R.S. arrived at Spencer Mansion, Wesker just seemed like another member trying to survive the zombie outbreak.
During the inquiry, players concentrated on the impending threat of undead and the mystery of the mansion. Finding out that Wesker had been working for Umbrella all along was quite the shocking twist. At the height of his betrayal, he utilized a large bio-weapon against the teammates he had previously worked with, revealing that the two had been set up.
The Loyalists’ Hidden Agenda in Dishonored
After the Empress was killed, Corvo was framed for this crime. He got his saving grace through the Loyalists. These so-called guys saved him from being executed, and sent him on missions to clear his name while bringing the actual criminals to justice.
The Loyalists have pictured themselves as heroic rebels against corruption, so their betrayal was unbelievably shocking. After finishing their dirty work and taking care of their enemies, Corvo was poisoned by them to prevent him from interfering with their actual plan of installing the young Empress as a puppet ruler and controlling the empire. Luckily, their unwilling poisoner spilled only some of the dose. So, Corvo got a last chance.
Kendra Daniels’ Scientific Deception in Dead Space
On board the USG Ishimura, Isaac Clarke had to rely on Kendra Daniels to survive a nightmare scenario. Kendra helped the crew members as they became Necromorph’s victims. Kendra also got some help at that time.
Kendra’s motives turned out to be way more sinister than anyone thought. She’d used Isaac to get the Marker, the thing causing the very monsters the two of them were fighting. Working for Earth Government, she masterminded the whole things to get this dangerous relic. She also betrayed him by revealing that Nicole, Isaac’s girlfriend who he tried to save from the onset, was just a hallucination caused by the Marker.
Big Smoke’s Gang Betrayal in Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
When CJ came home to Los Santos, Big Smoke welcomed him back like an old friend, promising to help the family that had been muscle-drained. Big Smoke was presumably motivated to reclaim former power and unity within the Families as they struggled to depose of rivals.
The reason for the gang’s demise was much more personal and painful than you think. Big Smoke has been working with rival gangs and corrupt police officers. Moreover, he has also been a part of the death of CJ’s mother which brought CJ back home from Liberty City in the first place. CJ’s most trusted ally revealed himself to be the very opposite of what CJ had fought.
Sam Drake’s Fabricated Crisis in Uncharted 4
Nathan Drake had stopped looking for treasures, settling for a quieter life, when his long-dead brother Sam supposedly came out of hiding and concocted an outrageous crisis to get him back into the field. Sam said he got out of prison. But he needed to find a certain treasure. That was to settle his debt with Hector Alcazar. If he didn’t, the criminal would kill him.
Nathan was convinced to step out of retirement one last time following an emotional reunion stampede. However, Sam’s entire story was fabricated. Nathan’s old partner Rafe actually freed him from prison. He tricked Nathan on purpose so that Nathan could pick up the treasure hunting once again. Sam turned Roan’s life upside down with lies and deceits for his merely obsession with wealth and fame.
General Shepherd’s Vengeful War in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, General Shepherd is the commander of Task Force 141. Moreover, he appears to be fighting the war on terror with utmost sincerity and honour. The global crisis made him appear the ideal military leader because of his apparent dedication to the cause and his authority.
Shepherd’s real motives came from seeking revenge and fame after losing 30,000 soldiers to a nuclear bomb. The attack was covered up by the government. He made a whole war with Russia to make himself a war hero and eliminate anyone that could expose him. When he killed Ghost and Roach after they successfully completed a mission, he proved he cared more about his reputation than the lives of his own men.
Wheatley’s Power Corruption in Portal 2
Wheatley begins as a well-meaning, bumbling personality core trying to help the player escape from GLaDOS and Aperture Science. However, he quickly becomes corrupt with power. His helplessness and goodwill made him a likable companion who didn’t seem to be capable of much mischief.
When Wheatley took over the systems the power corrupted him instantly. Instead of assisting the player to escape as promised, he got obsessed with performing similar deadly experiments like the previous one. Wheatley went from being a helpful companion to yet another murderous AI. Absolute power corrupts absolutely even amongst artificially designed intelligences.
Vincent’s Federal Deception in A Way Out
During their escape and revenge, Vincent seemed to be Leo’s perfect partner. Both men hated Harvey, the crime boss who ruined their lives. Thus, it seemed like they shared a mutual trust and similar suffering.
The truth revealed only after they murdered Harvey: Vincent is an undercover FBI agent in the pen to get close to Leo. Vincent’s brother, also a fellow undercover cop, was the one killed by Harvey. Hence, Vincent’s issue is real despite his false identity. Players had to wrestle with their whole ethical stance of the adventure this news.
Atlas’s Psychological Manipulation in BioShock
In a world where trust was scarce, Atlas was a guiding presence to the player. Within Rapture, he was a friend. He rebelled against the corrupt founder of the city Andrew Ryan and helped the player during the dangerous journey through Rapture.
The plot twist of Atlas being Frank Fontaine is one of the biggest surprises in video gaming. Not only did he fake his death and take on a false identity, but throughout the game, he also psychologically conditioned the player to obey his commands. The phrase “would you kindly” was much more than a polite suggestion. It was an unwitting form of mind control that was used all throughout the game. Every time the player did anything that was supposed to help them, it helped Fontaine. This was all part of his elaborate plan to use the player to kill his nemesis Ryan, and the player was volunteering. Fontaine had conditioned the player throughout the game to do whatever he wanted and helped him successfully take over Rapture.
Betrayals show how interactive storytelling creates emotional ties between player and character. When trust is betrayed in unexpected ways, it makes quite an impact. These memorable scenes help define these games, and they affect how we approach adventures in new games. You can always be sure something’s going to go wrong!
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