Why, why, WHY is it that after all these years, game conclusions seem to be about as well thought out as organized religion? So many times has a fine game met an abrupt, and simply lack-luster ending to what often times is a great game. Great intro, great cinemas, disappointing ending! Example: The original Ninja Gaiden: great, lengthy, satisfying ending that made us feel like we really, really accomplished something. Example: Devil May Cry 2, Dante's ending: Drives off on his bike. The end.

I'm not saying that older games had better endings. Rampage for the NES was a two-hour destruction fest, only to be greeted at the end with a poorly spelled "Congrdulations!" Viewtiful Joe has a great, upbeat ending that not only makes you feel genuienly good, but also tops off the experience and sends you merrily on you way. It seems that endings in games can't follow a consistent line of quality among various titles.

Now, that's not to say that we only play games for a great finish. Rather the opposite, it's the experience of the game itself we crave. Yet at the same time, we tend to look towards rewards for our hard work, be it small bits of animation after downing an especially vicious enemy, or that incredible item that enhances our characters abilities. Even mastering a particular hard spot in Shin Contra is a reward, but a nice satisfying ending not only is a great pat on the back, but it can also top off a game's presentation and story elements.

This bings me to Shadow of the Colossus: one of those games that not only is a wonderful experience, but concludes with one of the best endings I have yet to see in a game. 28 min long, it not only gives you a feeling of accomplishment, but it truly acts as a fine curtain to a great story. 

So why is it that companies seem to miss this final stage of a game so, so many times?  All I ask for, is a rewarding ending to games that deserve them. I'll be honest: I like a long ending with some nice content. Few games hit it, soo many don't. In the end, do you really care?