More Than Meets the Eye: Games with Twists You Won't See Coming

3 June 2025

If there’s one thing that gamers love, it’s a good plot twist. You know, that moment when your jaw drops, your controller slips out of your sweaty hands, and you yell “WHAT?!” for everyone in the house to hear. Twists in video games are like the cherry on top of an already thrilling adventure—they turn a good game into an unforgettable one.

But here’s the catch: not all games manage to deliver that punch. Some twists are predictable, others fall flat, and a few (yes, I’m looking at you, lazy writing) feel like they were thrown in just for shock value. However, there are games that absolutely nail it. Those are the ones we’ll be diving into today.

So sit tight, because we’re about to unpack a list of games that keep their cards close to their chest until—boom!—you're left blinking at the screen, questioning everything you thought you knew.

What Makes a Great Game Twist?

Before we name-drop the games, let’s talk about what separates a jaw-dropping twist from a mediocre one. It's not just about pulling the rug out from under the player—it’s about doing so in a way that enhances the story. A great twist should:

- Make sense in hindsight: The clues were there all along, but you missed them. When the twist is revealed, you suddenly feel like an amateur detective, piecing everything together.
- Shift your perspective: The best twists make you rethink everything you thought you knew about the characters, plot, or even your own role as the player.
- Feel like a reward: A great twist isn’t cheap—it’s earned. It should feel like a payoff for your time and emotional investment.

Now that we’ve clarified the recipe for a perfect twist, let’s list the games that serve it up piping hot.

1. Bioshock (2007) – "Would You Kindly?"

Let’s start with a classic. Bioshock isn’t just a game; it’s a masterpiece of storytelling. You think you’re just exploring an underwater city called Rapture, unraveling the secrets of its collapse, when BAM! The game hits you with a twist that changes everything.

“Would you kindly?” became one of the most iconic phrases in gaming for a reason. Throughout the game, you’re unknowingly manipulated into following commands tied to this seemingly innocent phrase. When you realize what’s been happening, it’s both brilliant and terrifying—like finding out your cool, laid-back boss is secretly running a mind-control experiment.

This twist doesn’t just catch you off guard—it makes you reflect on the nature of free will in video games. Were you really ever in control? Or were you just following scripted instructions, all along? It’s a moment that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

2. Spec Ops: The Line (2012) – The Reflection in the Mirror

If you’re into military shooters, you probably went into Spec Ops: The Line expecting a typical “good guys vs. bad guys” story. What you got instead was a psychological gut-punch that left you questioning the very act of playing.

Without spilling too many beans (because spoilers are the worst), the game’s twist flips the narrative on its head. You’re not the hero you thought you were. In fact, the game forces you to confront the consequences of your actions in a way that feels deeply personal.

It’s like peeling back the layers of an onion, only to find tears and self-loathing at its core. Yeah, Spec Ops: The Line doesn’t just twist the story—it twists YOU.

3. The Last of Us Part II (2020) – Sympathy for the Villain

If you thought the first Last of Us broke you emotionally, buckle up for its sequel. Naughty Dog goes all-in, blurring the lines between hero and villain, right and wrong, until you’re a puddle of conflicted emotions on your couch.

Without spoiling too much, the game’s most shocking twist isn’t a single moment—it’s the way it forces you to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. You see perspectives you never considered and start to sympathize with characters you initially hated. It’s like realizing the “villain” in your favorite movie had their own heartbreaking story all along.

By the time the credits roll, you’ll be left questioning who you were really rooting for. And that’s exactly the point.

4. Undertale (2015) – Breaking the Fourth Wall (and Your Heart)

At first glance, Undertale looks like a quirky, low-budget indie game with some funny dialogue and retro graphics. But this game has layers—like, Inception-level layers.

What makes Undertale so unique is the way it twists the relationship between the player and the game. Depending on your choices, the story can turn sweet, dark, or downright horrifying. Here's the kicker: the game remembers your actions, even if you restart. Yeah, it’s like that one friend who never forgets what you said five years ago.

The twists in Undertale don’t just shock you—they make you deeply uncomfortable. It’s a game that asks tough questions about morality and accountability, and it doesn’t let you hide from the answers.

5. Doki Doki Literature Club! (2017) – Not Your Average Dating Sim

“Wait, why is Doki Doki Literature Club! on this list?” If that’s your reaction, then you clearly haven’t played it yet. On the surface, it looks like a cheerful visual novel about adorable anime girls in a high school literature club. Spoiler alert: it’s not.

The game lulls you into a false sense of security, only to yank the rug out from under you. It dives into psychological horror territory so fast, you won’t even see it coming. Think of it like biting into what looks like a sweet chocolate chip cookie, only to taste wasabi. Yeah, it’s that kind of twist.

By the end, the game completely unravels, breaking the fourth wall in ways you didn’t think were possible. Just trust me on this one—you’ll never look at “cute” games the same way again.

6. Red Dead Redemption (2010) – A Somber Farewell

Rockstar Games is known for crafting sprawling open-world adventures, but Red Dead Redemption stands out for its unforgettable ending. Just when you think you’ve completed your journey as outlaw-turned-family-man John Marston, the game pulls the rug out from beneath you in the most tragic way.

The twist isn’t flashy or over-the-top—it’s quiet, heartbreaking, and sticks with you. It’s like watching the end of a Western movie, where the hero doesn’t get the happy ending you hoped for. And that’s what makes it so impactful.

7. Portal (2007) – The Cake is a Lie

Ah, Portal. The puzzle game that launched a million memes. At first, it’s all fun and games. You’re solving mind-bending puzzles, guided by the soothing (and slightly sarcastic) voice of GLaDOS. But as you progress, things start to feel… off.

The game starts dropping hints that maybe, just maybe, GLaDOS doesn’t have your best interests at heart. By the time the twist fully hits, you’re knee-deep in a sinister conspiracy. Let’s just say that the promise of cake isn’t the only lie you’ll uncover.

It’s a twist that sneaks up on you, and by the end, you’re fully invested in toppling one of gaming’s best villains.

Why We Love Games with Twists

Here’s the thing about games with twists: they stick with you. Years later, you’ll still remember exactly where you were and how you felt when the twist hit. These games keep us engaged, constantly guessing, and on the edge of our seats. Plus, they remind us that storytelling in gaming can be just as powerful—if not more so—than in books or movies.

So the next time you pick up a game, keep your eyes peeled. Who knows? There might be more than meets the eye.