25 Dead Video Game Characters We Wish Were Still Here

Death is never an easy fact to face, even in the world of video games.

Sure, Mario may be able to just eat a green mushroom and earn himself another life, but what about the stories that make a character's end all too permanent. We've all played these games before. Think about Aerith's death in Final Fantasy VII, or Desmond Miles' demise at the conclusion of Assassin's Creed 3. These are the types of characters that, throughout the course of their story, we become emotionally attached to, and when we have to see them go, we never feel quite ready.

So, in a perfect world, where we were somehow able to bring all these beloved figures back, who makes the cut? Auron from Final Fantasy X? Or what about minor characters like Maria Santiago from Gears of War? These are the 25 Dead Video Game Characters We Wish Were Still Here. Who makes your list. Check out ours, and then compare in the comments.

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Game: God of War III
Killed by: Himself
Video of death: YouTube

Granted, speculation persists that Kratos isn't even really dead yet. But let's act under the assumption that the bloody conclusion to God of War III meant the actual end of our favorite Spartan-turned-immortal-hero. Thankfully, with Ascension on its way, the story of Kratos isn't totally finished yet, but will the gaming world ever get a God of War IV or is this really it for the future for Kratos' tale? We don't want to believe that it's over quite yet.

Game: Metal Gear Solid 3
Killed by: Big Boss
Video of death: YouTube

The entire Metal Gear storyline is an intricate, twisted affair that, unfortunately, necessitated the killing of one great character after another. But one of the more tragic instances of bloodshed came when Big Boss had to off his former teacher and surrogate mother, The Boss. Hideo Kojima has stated that'd he'd like to make a Metal Gear prequel starring The Boss, though, so it's entirely possiblet that we haven't seen the last of her. Don't let us down on this one, Kojima.

Game: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Killed by: Marakov
Video of death: YouTube

After the thousands upon thousands of deaths you see in any Call of Duty game, you'd think that losing one soldier wouldn't be such a big deal, right? Not in the case of John "Soap" MacTavish. The Scottish sniper and demolitions expert was the main protagonist in the first Modern Warfare title, earning himself a special place in the heart of every CoD fan, but unfortunately met his end, ironically enough, thanks to a brutal explosion in Modern Warfare 3. After playing with him through multiple CoD titles, losing Soap was like saying goodbye to an old friend.

Game: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Killed by: Gohma
Video of death: YouTube

It was sad to see the Deku Tree go given that he was your main guide at the beginning of Ocarina of Time. We understand that he was old anyway, but it just begs the question: why couldn't they have taken Navi instead? C'mon, who would you take: the wizened forest spirit who can give you invaluable advice when you need it, or the effervescent fairy sprite who just can't learn how to shut up?

Game: Half-Life 2: Episode 2
Killed by: An Advisor
Video of death: YouTube

Watching the death of Eli Vance is pretty difficult for even the most hardcore gamer to stomach, especially with Alyx's tortured cries still ringing in our ears. The old man was a key narrative figure throughout the entire Half-Life series, especially in the ending stages of Episode 2 before the game developers decided to off him. If we had it our way, we'd forget the spine-chilling way in which the Advisor put Eli's lights out, and bring him back for good. That shit is imprinted in our skulls at this point.

Game: Mass Effect 3
Killed by: An epic, intergalactic explosion
Video of death: YouTube

Yes, yes, yes, it's true that, depending on how you played Mass Effect 3, Commander Shepard's survival was hinted at in one of the possible outcomes. But that doesn't mean that he was confirmed to be alive, and it also doesn't mean that BioWare is going to be bringing him back out to play for future sequels. Recent Mass Effect 4 videos suggest that Shepard's story truly is finished, further spelling out the unfortunate conclusion to one of gaming's favorite space heroes ever.

Game: Batman: Arkham City
Killed by: The Titan formula
Video of death: YouTube

Seems a little weird to want one of the most psychotic villains in history to be brought back from the dead, right? But, hey, even Batman admits at the end of Arkham City that he would've saved Joker if that crazy old clown had let him. It's understandable too: what hero can exist without his greatest nemesis? In a strange way, Batman needs the Joker around, just as much as he needs to defeat him.

Game: Final Fantasy X
Killed by: Yunalesca
Video of death: YouTube

It's almost selfish to ask for Auron to come back, given that he had to endure the entire Final Fantasy X campaign while he was already dead. But there are just too many reasons that we want him back for him to stay among the dead. First off, the guy is a just a badass. The scar, the giant sword, the attitude: he had it all. Secondly, he was one of the better characters the Square Enix ever created, blending a gritty wit with his essential wisdom all throughout FFX. If you ever played Final Fantasy X, then you know exactly what we're talking about. And if you didn't? Well, it's about time you changed that sad fact.

Game: Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core
Killed by: Shinra infantry
Video of death: YouTube

A best friend to Cloud Strife, and the love of Aerith's life, Zack Fair was one of the many unfortunate casualties in the Final Fantasy VII timeline. Fair was the second wielder of the Buster Sword, and handed it down to Cloud upon his death, helping to spur along the events of the original FFVII game. Getting to play as Fair in Crisis Core was a treat, but we could always go for another round. Maybe a prequel to the prequel is in order?

Game: Kingdom Hearts 2
Killed by: The Nobodies
Video of death: YouTube

Whenever a bad guy comes around to the good side, you hate to see him have to meet an untimely end anyway, but when Axel stepped in to save Roxas and his crew from a team of Nobodies in Kingdom Hearts 2, this was exactly what ended up happening. Out of all the members of Organization XIII, Axel was easily the most compassionate and likeable member of the team, and having the chance to add him to your party or play as him would've been an entirely welcome feature to the game. Alas, slain by the Nobodies in the end, it just wasn't meant to be for Axel.

Game: Assassin's Creed 3
Killed by: The Eye
Video of death: YouTube

After starring in the first three Assassin's Creed games, it didn't seem right that Desmond Miles' story would have to end in sacrifice. Sure, it was a hero's death, but that didn't make the fact that much easier to deal with. After all, his role as an Assassin had always been something that Desmond had been thrust into, even as a child. Yes, eventually, he came to be more accepting of the occupation, but why did he have to meet his end through it? Fate should've played out differently on this one. And while his memories played an important part in ACIV, the lack of Desmond otherwise suggests that his character is gone for good.

Game: Gears of War 3
Killed by: A suicide bombing
Video of death: YouTube

When it comes to sidekicks, Dom Santiago of Gears of War was as reliable as it got. But how was he rewarded for his exemplary service? Death. Sacrificing himself against Lambent forces so that the rest of his squad could survive, Dom took one for the team for the last time in the third installment of the Gears of War series. If you didn't miss him after that, then you should've gotten your pulse checked.

Game: L.A. Noire
Killed by: Rushing floodwaters
Video of death: YouTube

Cole Phelps was a good man up until the very end, sacrificing himself to save his companions at the the conclusion of L.A. Noire. Usually, in film noir, every character, in their own way, is supposed to be unlikable. There were certainly plenty of figures like that throughout the game, but Cole Phelps wasn't one of them, and it's in keeping with the genre that he would be the one to go. It's a damn shame, but hey, that's Chinatown, right?

Game: BioShock 2
Killed by: Sofia Lamb
Video of death: YouTube

The chilling, horrifying death of Subject Delta at the beginning of BioShock 2 wasn't one that was easily erased from anyone's memory banks, nor was the end he met at the end of the game, either. Always a pawn in the game played by Sofia Lamb and Eleanor, Subject Delta's best hope at the conclusion of the game is to either be absorbed by Eleanor or to simply die. How's that for a choice? We really couldn't get any love for Big Daddy?

Game: Shadow of the Colossus
Killed by: Lord Emon
Video of death: YouTube

Wander's journey through the Forbidden Lands was one of the most artistically told and beautifully rendered tales for the Playstation 2. Unfortunately, it had to end in his death. Or maybe his rebirth? Regardless of how you look at it, the original Wander is gone and it doesn't look like he's ever coming back. But if the PS4 were somehow able to resurrect the pairing of Agro and Wander again, that game alone would be reason enough to buy up a console. Just the thought of scaling another Colossus gets our blood pumping.

Game: Mega Man X4
Killed by: Zero
Video of death: YouTube

Iris should've lived just for the sake of us not having to hear Zero yell out that awful line, "WHAT AM I FIGHTING FOR?!?" when she ended up dying. The handling of her death was undeniably cheesy, but there was also a pretty sad story inside there too. No one should ever have to go to battle against the person they love, even Reploids, y'know? And killing that person in battle? We're talking about demons for life now. Capcom should bring Iris back and let Zero live in peace again.

Game: Gears of War 2
Killed by: Dom
Video of death: YouTube

It just wasn't fair. After searching for his wife, Maria, for years, Dom Santiago was supposed to be happily reunited with her when he finally came across her imprisonment pod in the Hollow. Unfortunately, when he opened her chamber up, all he got was a broken, empty shell of the woman he once loved. We want Maria back just so we could be spared the scene of Dom having to see her like that. And the part where he ends up putting her out of her misery? C'mon, that was just too much.

Game: Resident Evil: Code Veronica
Killed by: Alexia
Video of death: YouTube

Given that he had turned into a T-Veronica-infected mutant by the end of his life, it's pretty easy to see why Steve Burnside had to go. After all, you can't just keep a mutant zombie around and expect to be able to train it like a pet or something. Still, it would've been nice for Steve to be able stick around in human form, just for the sake of being able to realize his love for Claire. Plus, the kid was only 17 at the time. He still had so much life to live! Just tragic, isn't it?

Game: World of Warcraft
Killed by: Tirion Fordring
Video of death: YouTube

Before you jump to any conclusions about Arthas Menethil, consider the fact that Menethil is one of the more relatable villains you'll find in all of World of Warcraft. In the same way that Boromir was corrupted in Lord of the Rings, Arthas represents the folly of man, and how easily power can be corrupted. Because of this, we almost want him to survive just to serve as an example that redemption is possible in anyone. If the Lich King had been able to turn around his ways, then there would've been hope for us all.

Game: Metal Gear Solid 4
Killed by: The FOXDIE virus
Video of death: YouTube

The old, grisled version of Big Boss in Metal Gear Solid 4 was a notable change from the Naked Snake we met in Snake Eater, but that difference wasn't such a bad thing. Whether he was a villain or a hero, Big Boss still made himself likeable character in one way or another, and to see him have to meet his end in Guns of the Patriots was a heartbreaker. However, it's important to note that Big Boss will be starring in the forthcoming Metal Gear prequels as Punished Snake. So while his future may be over, Metal Gear fans can at least take comfort in the fact that his past is far from finished.

Game: Metal Gear Solid
Killed by: Liquid Snake
Video of death: YouTube

Look, it's pretty simple: Gray Fox was Cyborg Ninja, and that distinction alone should've been enough for him to have somehow staved off death in the Metal Gear series. Cyborg. Ninja. The name speaks for itself. However, all good things must come to an end, apparently. Even Cyborg Ninja. Thankfully, MGS' lack of narrative linearity allowed for Gray Fox to make later appearances in the series, but the fact remains that, unfortunately, he's dead. Will Kojima perhaps dust him off for a prequel in the future? Let's hope.

Game: Halo: Reach
Killed by: Sangheili warriors
Video of death: YouTube

The Noble Six made their names as legends of Halo lore in Reach after various battles took apart their team one-by-one. In the end, the only one to survive was the sniper, Jun, but his comrades didn't die in vein. Their delivery of Cortana to Captain Keyes helped to ensure that humanity still stood a chance against the Covenant in the end. Ideally, they would've been able to do this and live, but the world isn't perfect, right? Still, who would say no to the chance to see these guys back in action?

Game: Red Dead Redemption
Killed by: A firing squad
Video of death: YouTube

John Marston's dream was simple: all he wanted to do was live with his family, while peacefully taking care of his ranch. Unfortunately, for a former outlaw, nothing is ever that easy. Taken down by a squad of U.S. soldiers, Marston meets his end at the conclusion of Red Dead Redemption in a way that didn't sit well with anyone. But how often is it that you ever get to see any cowboy just ride off gently into the sunset? We all knew that Marston's story had to come to an end somehow, but that foreknowledge didn't make it any easier to stomach when it actually happened.

Game: Silent Hill 2
Killed by: Herself
Video of death: YouTube

Angela Orosco was always a tormented soul, and her end reflected this much when she was lured into a fire by a hallucination of her mother. But the 19 year old runaway deserved better. Silent Hill has never been a series about happy endings, but if any character were to recieve some sort of reconciliation at the end, we hoped they would've chosen Angela. The kid just needed a break that no one was willing to give her.

Game: Final Fantasy VII
Killed by: Sephiroth
Video of death: YouTube

Aerith's heartbreaking death at the hands of Sephiroth is widely regarded as one of the saddest moments in all of gaming, so of course we wish that we could have her back. In general, the entire storyline of Final Fantasy VII is a pretty grim affair, and Aerith was basically the lone bright spot in the entire narrative. Wherever she is, we hope that she got to end up with Zack Fair. Aerith's return to the Final Fantasy universe is unlikely, as most of the FFVII narrative has been exhausted at this point. If she were ever to make a surprise appearance again, though, you could sign us up for that adventure in a heartbeat.