The 9 Video Games That Hit You Right in the Feels

Video games have a unique way of pulling at your heartstrings, blending storytelling, music, and gameplay to create moments that stick with you long after the credits roll. From gut-wrenching sacrifices to quiet, personal losses, some games leave you reaching for tissues while others make you reflect on life itself.

I’ve put together a list of nine games that deliver emotional punches through their narratives, characters, and unforgettable scenes. These titles span genres and eras, but they all share one thing—they make you feel deeply, whether through heartbreak, hope, or bittersweet farewells.

9. ‘Life is Strange’ (2015)

This episodic adventure game follows Max Caulfield, a teenager with time-rewinding powers, as she navigates friendships, mysteries, and tough choices in her hometown. The story’s emotional weight comes from Max’s bond with her friend Chloe and the moral dilemmas that shape their fate.

The game’s quiet moments, like sharing headphones with Chloe or reflecting on past decisions, hit hard because they feel so real. Its blend of coming-of-age drama and supernatural stakes builds to a climax where your choices lead to devastating or hopeful outcomes, leaving you emotionally raw.

8. ‘The Last of Us’ (2013)

In a post-apocalyptic world overrun by infected, ‘The Last of Us’ follows Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a teenage girl he’s tasked with protecting. Their journey, built on a father-daughter-like bond, is packed with moments of loss, trust, and sacrifice.

The game’s opening scene sets a brutal tone, and the emotional stakes only climb as Joel and Ellie face dangers together. Naughty Dog’s storytelling, paired with stellar voice acting by Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson, makes every quiet conversation or desperate fight feel like a knife to the heart.

7. ‘Final Fantasy VII’ (1997)

This iconic RPG follows Cloud Strife and his allies as they battle a world-threatening force, but its most emotional moment centers on Aerith, a kind-hearted flower girl. Her sudden loss is a gaming moment etched in history, shocking players with its permanence.

Beyond that scene, the game weaves themes of grief, identity, and redemption through Cloud’s fractured psyche and the group’s fight for the planet. The pixelated visuals don’t dim the story’s impact—it’s a masterclass in making you care deeply for its characters.

6. ‘Red Dead Redemption’ (2010)

Rockstar’s Western epic follows John Marston, a former outlaw forced to hunt down his old gang to save his family. The game’s sprawling world and rich characters build to a finale that’s both heroic and heartbreaking.

John’s struggle for redemption, paired with his love for his wife and son, makes every choice feel heavy. The game’s closing moments force you to confront the cost of his past, delivering a gut-punch that lingers long after the screen fades.

5. ‘Persona 3 Reload’ (2024)

A remake of the 2006 classic, ‘Persona 3 Reload’ follows a group of high schoolers battling supernatural forces tied to death itself. The protagonist’s journey, balancing friendships and a looming fate, hits hard with its themes of mortality and connection.

The game’s bittersweet ending, where the hero makes a quiet but profound sacrifice, is a tearjerker that feels earned. Its blend of everyday life—hanging out with friends, studying for exams—with cosmic stakes makes every emotional beat resonate deeply.

4. ‘Valiant Hearts: The Great War’ (2014)

Set during World War I, ‘Valiant Hearts’ tells the story of ordinary people caught in the horrors of war. Through simple puzzles and heartfelt letters, the game explores love, loss, and camaraderie across its diverse cast.

Each character’s personal struggles, from a farmer searching for his son-in-law to a nurse aiding wounded soldiers, feel achingly human. The game’s art style and understated storytelling amplify its emotional weight, especially in its poignant final scenes.

3. ‘Gears of War 2’ (2008)

This gritty shooter surprises with its emotional depth, focusing on Marcus Fenix and his squad in a war-torn world. One character’s desperate search for a loved one leads to a scene that’s tough to watch, even for hardened gamers.

The raw emotion in that moment, backed by a haunting soundtrack and rare vulnerability from the tough-as-nails cast, makes it stand out. It’s proof that even action-heavy games can deliver a story that breaks your heart.

2. ‘Nier: Automata’ (2017)

This action RPG follows androids 2B, 9S, and A2 in a dystopian future, blending fast-paced combat with existential questions about humanity. Multiple playthroughs reveal deeper layers of loss, identity, and sacrifice.

The game’s true ending, where players confront the cost of their actions, is both beautiful and devastating. Its philosophical themes and haunting music by Keiichi Okabe make every moment feel like a meditation on what it means to be alive.

1. ‘The Walking Dead: Season 1’ (2012)

Telltale’s adventure game puts you in the shoes of Lee Everett, a convict protecting young Clementine in a zombie apocalypse. Their bond, built through tough choices and quiet moments, forms the emotional core of the story.

The game’s finale, where Lee’s fate unfolds, is a masterclass in storytelling that leaves players in tears. Every decision feels personal, and the voice performances by Dave Fennoy and Melissa Hutchison make the ending unforgettable.

Which game made you cry the hardest, or is there another emotional masterpiece I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!