Sometimes characters don't have a reserve of extra guys to give them a second chance. Sometimes, they just die. When its set up as an integral part of a game's narrative, watching a beloved character die can be a moment that is simultaneously memorable and heart-wrenching. We've paid our respects to departed heroes before, but a lot of games have come out between then and now. Several new characters have fallen, and we're here to bid them a fond farewell. Note: This article is full of SPOILERS, so read at your own risk.
Johnny Gat
In a selfless move that saves the lives of other Saints, Johnny Gat single-handedly steals a plane and holds off an advancing crew of rival gang members. It turns out to be too much for the hotheaded Gat (who played key roles in both previous Saints Row titles), but at least he dies doing what loves: shooting. Or does he? Given the fact that players never witness his death, speculation about whether or not Johnny Gat actually kicked the bucket runs rampant. Until Saints Row IV resolves the debate, he goes on the list. We owe him that.
Lee Everett
Whether you know The Walking Dead from the comic, the show, or the game, you're familiar with one consistent truth: people die. Even so, that knowledge doesn't dull the pain from this shocker. After spending five episodes fighitng off walkers and protecting Clementine, Lee gets the lethal bite that seals his fate. When this happens to a central character, you almost some sort of serendipitous event to save them at the last minute ("Great news, Lee! We found a cure!"), but no such luck. At least he gets the chance to exchange some final words with Clem.
Cole MacGrath
Players are presented with two choices at the end if Infamous 2. In the canonical ending, Cole activates a device that kills almost all of the conduits (i.e. super-powered people) in the world, himself included. It seems like a high price to pay, but the death of those thousands save billions, since the device also wipes out a deadly plague. Zeke takes Cole's body out on the ocean to say goodbye, and their boat is struck by a lighting bolt, hinting that Cole may be alive. Like Johnny Gat, we're going to keep Cole on the Dead List until Infamous 3 proves us wrong.