Summary
While many games feature a clear beginning, middle, and end, there are a variety of games that facilitate multiple conclusions. This is predominantly seen in games with bigger budgets, but plenty of indie games have tried their hand at this approach as well.
Fromthe secret alternative endingto Playdead’sINSIDEto the plethora of endings in Lucas Pope’s classic indie title,Papers, Please, the quality of multiple endings can be seen across a variety of genres in indie gaming. However, these endings aren’t always the most varied and are often decided based on binary decisions.
Described as a game in which choices matter,Lone Survivoris a 2D, pixel art survival horror game that features elements of psychological horrorand stealth gameplay. Despite the pixel art aesthetic,Lone Survivor’s visual style is decidedly creepy. This is in large part thanks to unsettling imagery, a dark tone, and unique effects.
Players who enjoy survival horror, stealth mechanics, and psychological horror stories may find themselves on board withLone Survivor. Furthermore, the addition of multiple endings dramatically increases the game’s replay value. These endings are centered around the character’s mental health, a theme that rides in tandem withLone Survivor’spsychological horror.
Developed by Lucas Pope (who later went on to createReturn Of The Obra Dinn) and released back in 2013,Papers, Pleaseisa minimalist indie gamethat’s driven by its subtle story and supported by a downtrodden atmosphere. The game takes place in the fictional state of Arstotzka, a communist territory, putting players in the role of an immigration inspector.
While the endings aren’t the most detailed, they are many, and each of them is surprisingly evocative considering the minimalist visuals. Overall,Papers, Pleaseprovides a dismal but thoughtful experience that’s amplified by its variety of endings. These endings include everything from being arrested, to escaping Arstotzka.
Oxenfreeis an indie adventure game that’s driven by its moody atmosphere and supernatural story.The game’s unique art style, immersive soundtrack, and otherworldly atmosphere offer players a distinctive experience that features multiple endings.
These endings see each ofOxenfree’scharacters reach fates of varying happiness, based on the decisions players have made throughout the game. Fans of games such asNight In The Woodsand/orKentucky Route Zeromay enjoyOxenfree, though it certainly has its differences. For those that enjoy this title, however,Oxenfreehas more recently spawned a sequel in the form ofOxenfree 2: Lost Signals.
Released back in 2013,The Stanley Parableis a first-person indie game with a heavy focus on exploration. Though somewhat simple on the surface, essentially a walking simulator,The Stanley Parableis elevated byan eerie atmosphere, an excellent narrator, and a multitude of endings.
Discovering the various and often humorous endings ofThe Stanley Parableis what elevates the title above and beyond a run-of-the-mill walking simulator. Using multiple endings as a core motivation for the gameplay as a whole is particularly unique, makingThe Stanley Parablea distinctive experience after over a decade on the market. These endings are typically reached by either obeying or disobeying the advice of the game’s Narrator and much of the joy to be had inThe Stanley Parableis in finding what happens when the rules are broken.
Though its visuals may be bare-bones,Undertaleisa surprisingly atmospheric experiencethanks to its music, memorable character designs, and evocative writing.Undertaleis a unique RPG that allows players to exercise pacifism, an addition that facilitates the game’s multiple endings.
Undertalesucceeds with its ensemble of colorful characters and the narrative weaved around them, building up to one of three endings. These endings are brought about by three styles of play: neutral, pacifist, and genocide, encouraging multiple playthroughs.
INSIDEisa puzzle platformerdeveloped by Playdead (LIMBO), driven by a subtle narrative and immersive atmosphere. The sound design and art direction drive much of the experience, as well as the dystopian world that acts as the game’s backdrop.
Several secrets can be found throughoutINSIDE’s short but sweet adventure, hidden relatively well across a variety of dark, moody environments. Should the player manage to discover every secret,INSIDErewards them with an alternative ending. However, both endings are equally ambiguous.
Hollow Knightisan indie Metroidvaniathat succeeds with its well-crafted combat and, more importantly, its immersive atmosphere. The underground world in whichHollow Knighttakes place is tremendously creative and beautifully realized with imaginative art direction and character designs.
The game’s narrative is told with a subtle hand, mostly given to the player through character dialogue and environmental storytelling. As such, it can be difficult to stumble onto its multiple endings naturally, requiring players to work a little harder to achieve them. Many of these endings leave the game on a somewhat bittersweet note, though the secret cutscene (unlocked by speaking with the Mister Mushroom NPC) provides a more whimsical end to the adventure.
This impressive debut from Supergiant Games (Transistor,Hades) provides players with an action-adventure experience elevated by a unique and utterly immersive method of storytelling.Bastionprimarily uses narration to tell its story. The music, talented voice-acting, and unique world makeBastiona wholly memorable experience. The binary choice toward the end of the game is just the cherry on top.
Though it’s not packed with branching options and impactful decisions,Bastiondoes feature an important choice toward the end of the game that affects the ending. As a result,Bastionis somewhat more replayable than it otherwise would be. One ending results in turning back time, while the other is a somewhat bittersweet final note.
