It appears that humankind is drawn to a good story. Hundreds of excellent stories throughout history have been able to capture the various essences of human drama and conflict, enthralling generations with great narratives and incredible characters. Whether a book, film, or podcast, an amazing story will capture attention and resonate with any audience.

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Video games have also showcased some incredible and iconic story points and climaxes. From multiple perspectives regarding topics about life, death, the human condition, and godhood, there have been several video games that feature some incredible monologues, all thanks to superb writing, direction, and top-notch acting. These particular video game monologues can come across differently depending on the game. Some are cinematic and are akin to films whilst others are addressed directly to the player and can even be interactive, creating an experience that is truly unlike any other.

Updated on February 17, 2023 by Ritwik Mitra: Video game scripts have become truly monstrous in modern times. This is a far cry from the times when games didn't even have any stories and just needed a compelling gameplay loop to be successful. Now, players expect modern AAA titles to feature everything from a compelling story to exciting gameplay for it to be worth their time. Sometimes, games go above and beyond to make their dialogue as epic as possible, leading to the following titles featuring some incredible monologues that players simply can't get enough of!

11 The Fallout Series - "War... War Never Changes."

Fallout 4 War Never Changes

The Fallout series is one of the most popular RPGs of all time, initially conceived as a CRPG before being acquired by Bethesda and becoming a full-on open-world action-adventure RPG. Regardless of the nature of these titles, each mainline Fallout entry features the iconic "war never changes" monologue that has become a staple of the franchise ever since its inception.

The subject matter of said monologue changes with each iteration, but the core remains the same — regardless of the reasons for which war is raged, the end result is that innocents have to pay the price by having to live in a world ravaged by nuclear war. It's a bleak introduction to a series that remains dark despite having moments of levity.

10 Max Payne 2 - "The Things That I Want."

Mona Sax from Max Payne 2 - The Fall of Max Payne

It's hard to select any one of the many amazing monologues said in the Max Payne trilogy. After all, the series features a noir aesthetic that leads to these monologues playing a central role across the story. However, it's the second game that features one of the most beloved lines ever uttered by the main protagonist.

After Mona Sax and Max Payne finally let their passion blossom into something meaningful, Max is asked a telling question about what he wants just before they pounce upon each other. This follows an incredible delivery by James McCaffrey as he talks about all the things Max wants, ranging from a glass of whiskey to wishing that his wife and child would come back. It ends with a poignant line stating that, in that moment, what he wanted the most was Mona and nothing else.

9 Fallout: New Vegas - Benny "The Game Was Rigged From The Start."

fallout new vegas opening benny

Fallout: New Vegas has one of the most memorable openings in gaming history, showing players a glimpse of New Vegas and how the in-game world has evolved since the advent of the NCR and Caesar's Legion. All of this is capped off with a menacing monologue from a heinous mobster by the name of Benny, who steals the Courier's package before shooting a bullet through their head.

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The line he utters before shooting this supposedly fatal bullet is pretty legendary and is endlessly quoted by fans to this day. Fallout: New Vegas is a favorite in the series for many fans, and this monologue is one of the many reasons why players can't get enough of this great game!

8 System Shock 2 - Shodan “God: That Title Suits Me Well”

System Shock 2

Considered a classic and still regarded as one of the best games ever made, the sinister AI Shodan still sends ripples down the spine of anyone who has played the game. Declaring her intent to enslave and conquer mankind, Shodan’s emotionless poetic flair to undo mankind draws parallels to Oppenheimer’s ‘Now I am become death’ speech.

The distorted voices and deep droning in the background exemplifies this drunken sense of power that Shodan appears to have, contrasting the calm rationality of her desire to subjugate the human race. Disturbing and haunting, the monologue is a stark reminder of the limits one can go when obsessed with power and achieving godhood.

7 Far Cry 3 - Vaas “Definition Of Insanity”

definition of insanity far cry 3 6

One of the most recognizable characters from the franchise, Vaas’ interesting and sadistic monologue about his musing on what insanity is instantly captured the attention of viewers. Years on, the monologue still holds its weight and resonates with players. The monologue mirrors Vaas’ and the protagonist’s (Jason’s) endless loop of trying to kill one another, and both characters are very much insane to some degree.

The monologue is cyclical and always comes back to the original question despite Vaas’ attempt at answering it, highlighting that the insanity continues and loops again and again.

6 Portal 2 - GLaDOS “Oh, It’s You”

Portal 2 Glados is shown in an open area

As one of the most iconic robotic characters out there, reuniting with GLaDOS was like a reunion of sorts for fans of the portal series. Many played the sequel because of her. GLaDOS’ menacing character and sardonic humor showcase that even a monotone robot can be a fascinating character.

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Though not the most amazing monologue, the reunion, and reintroduction of her character set the tone for what will be an amazing ride for the rest of the game. It also highlights how a well-timed entry of a character can do wonders for any scene.

5 Mass Effect - Sovereign “I Am Beyond Your Comprehension”

Mass Effect: 7 Most Difficult Choices in the Series - Sovereign Mass Effect

Though not a monologue as there is some conversational exchange happening here, this is another great example of a good entrance for a character (or villain). Unlike Shodan who expresses her plan and desire to subjugate the human race, Sovereign coldly and matter-of-fact states the inevitable to the player, that the Reapers cannot be understood and that all life will be wiped out as per the cycle.

Though Sovereign oddly embellishes some details and appears to give away too much context for the ‘mortals’, Sovereign’s authority and kernels of truth about existence within the monologue can’t help but strike a chilling yet resonating chord in players.

4 Red Dead Redemption - Dutch’s Last Words

The moment before Dutch falls in Red Dead Redemption

A tragic character through and through. Dutch’s last words reflect the realizations he’s had about his life and how it has become stacked against him. A charismatic man who tried to reform the world around him and live free by his ‘code’, Dutch was also addicted to needing to be great and would at times compromise his values to uphold his so-called ideals. Dutch possessed the understanding that change is simply inevitable and that he would be condemned to fighting it.

Those who have played Red Dead Redemption 2 will fully grasp the noble failure of Dutch’s life and the painful realization he has in this scene. Yet Dutch offers John an indelible truth, that a monster will always be found and that war must always be fought, for it ‘justifies their wages’, a sentiment that rings true to the conflicts of today. Poor John, however, doesn’t grasp the fatal foreshadowing. A game that is set at the end of the ‘Wild West’, this monologue showcases this great character and truly marks the end of an era.

3 Soma - Sarah Lindwall’s Last Words

sarah lindwall the last human on pathos 2

Part horror game, part philosophical class, Soma truly delves deep into the themes of existence and the human condition that revolve around life, identity, and death. As the protagonist, Simon moves to find the Ark (humanity’s last hope), he chances upon Sarah Lindwall, the last surviving member of mankind.

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After a brief exchange, the player can determine Sarah’s fate although she makes it adamantly clear that she wants to die. Simon can leave her, or the player can pull Sarah’s life support plug. The player can stay around and support Sarah in her final moments. Here Sarah reminiscences on this ‘crazy thing called life’ and shares musings about her past and the people she’s been with. Heartwarming yet painful, the monologue serves to remind us of what’s important, and what do we cherish? And how do we want to live this crazy thing called life?

2 Death Stranding - Die Hardman’s Confession

Death-Stranding-Die-Hardman-Confesses

Death Stranding is a strange one when it comes to its characters. With multiple strange pieces of dialogue and large exposition dumps made by characters to give context to the game, the game also showcases cinematic scenes and exchanges between characters. Die Hardman’s confession in particular is well remembered for its key character development and dramatic climax.

Considered by some to be one of the best performances in a game, the actor portraying Die Hardman, Tommy Earl Jenkins nails the scene with his poignant portrayal of grief, guilt, and what it means to be self-conflicted.

1 Bioshock - Andrew Ryan “A Man Chooses, A Slave Obeys”

Andrew Ryan, founder of Rapture in BioShock.

Set in the decaying undersea ‘paradise’ of Rapture, players will inevitably meet the infamous ruler of the crumbling kingdom, Andrew Ryan. In one of the biggest twists in video game history, Ryan breaks the fourth wall and delivers a crushing revelation about the events of the game and the nature of control.

Through Andrew Ryan, the game blatantly challenges the default stance of following objectives in games and makes us very aware of that fact. As in most games, we are just people delving into whatever the developers want us to experience. This moment in gaming makes us think. Are we pawns? If we are in games, are we also ones in real life?

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