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Multiple endings refer to a case in entertainment (usually video games) where the story could end in different ways, depending on the actions of the characters. Audience interactivity is usually an important factor in determining which ending to use.
In Movies
It is rare for a film to have true multiple endings, but one notable example is the movie Clue. Three different endings were used in the final version of the film, with each having a different killer. This is a unique case in that the theatrical release had only one of the three endings, depending on the theater. For the DVD and video releases, all three endings were included, preceded by screen text such as, "That's how it could have happened..." A fourth ending (where the butler did it all) was filmed but scrapped. Clue was chosen to be made this way in part because it was based on a board game which could have multiple outcomes. The stage version of Clue also has multiple endings to a certain extent; the killer is randomly selected before the show. However, the true mastermind is always the same at the end. DVDs often include an alternate ending as a special feature. These are often interesting in terms of characterization and provide insight to the production team's vision for the movie, but are usually not considered canon.
In Literature
Since multiple endings usually require audience participation, books are able to capture the concept better than movies or television. However, for the sake of telling a story, this device is rarely used. The best example is the popular children's Choose Your Own Adventure series. However, even in this case, there is usually only one "true" (or "happy") ending - usually the one that results in the longest narrative.
The Charles Dickens novel Great Expectations underwent a change in ending just before publication. Modern editions often print both versions.
In Video Games
Due to their interactive nature, multiple endings have become popular in video games. This device is most often used in games that are story-driven, such as RPGs or certain Survival Horror games, as opposed to games that are action-driven (like puzzle games, first-person shooters, platform games, or sports games). Many such games will artificially enhance their length by encouraging more than one play-through via multiple endings. Generally, endings have to be vastly different in terms of plot to be considered multiple endings; having obtained certain characters to get slightly different results at the end of the game (as in Final Fantasy VI or the Suikoden series) does not count as a distinct ending. Also, the "Game Over" outcome is usually not counted as an ending in this context.
Examples of multiple endings in video games:
- Bubble Bobble was possibly the first game to feature multiple endings (or at least the forebearer of the concept). The player would receive different outcomes at the end of the game depending on whether the second player was alive, and whether they had completed the "bonus" levels.
- Clock Tower had different endings based on where the player goes and which methods are used to escape. They may escape by themselves, or with other members of the party.
- Chrono Trigger (and its sequel, Chrono Cross) is the most prominent early example of multiple endings. A few endings could be obtained on the first play-through depending on the player's choices during the game; however, most of the endings were granted as a bonus available on subsequent play-throughs, depending on when the player transported to defeat the final boss.
- Metal Gear Solid has two endings concerning the fate of the character Meryl Silverburgh. At one point, the player is presented with a choice; either they must endure and survive a torture, or submit to the torture. If they choose to submit, Meryl dies. Because of the multiple endings, fans debated which ending was canonical until it was announced she would return in Guns of the Patriots.
- In Shadow the Hedgehog, Baldur's Gate, and Fable, the player can choose whether to side with the forces of good or evil. This will affect many aspects of the game, including the ending.
- Meteos has multiple endings in the Space Trip mode, depending on what path you take.
- The Silent Hill series has become known for its multiple endings, each with a different outcome for the player and thus a different theme or tone to view the entire game's events. Most of the games have also included a "joke" ending, for the consummate gamers.
- Resident Evil and Resident Evil 3's multiple endings varied in the fates of their respective final bosses.
Multiple Endings and Continuity
In terms of continuity, only one of a film or game's different endings could possibly have occurred. Sometimes this is left unresolved, allowing an individual to interpret the end of the story as they will. However, if a sequel is made, it usually becomes important to establish a narrative conclusion to the previous story. Generally, one of the multiple endings is explicitly established as the "true" ending through the description of past events, with the other endings assumed to be speculation as to what might have happened. However, in some cases (such as the Resident Evil games), elements of more than one ending are drawn together to create a story that doesn't quite make sense if only one ending is to be accepted as canon. This is usually seen as a plot hole. Sometimes, like in the Sonic the Hedgehog games, the player must beat more than one or all of the possible endings to reveal the "true", or canonical ending.
See also
"Multiple endings"