Whether it's the result of creative writing or improvization, the right words can ensure and enliven the legacy of a film.
"Here's looking at you, kid."
When Humphrey Bogart delivered those vaguely unintelligible yet wildly romantic words in Casablanca, the world of cinema ceased to be the same. It's in the spirit of Bogart's mystique that I'd like to investigate his analogs in the video game industry. Although they may not seduce women with such ease, these quotes will undoubtedly commit themselves to your memory.
Reducing the medium's most memorable monologues and quotes to a list of five was no easy task. Having said that, I'd like you, the Bitmob community, to reciprocate with your own lists. I've personally decided to stick to one-liners and short phrases, but you may not. Feel free to include monologues, speeches, or even entire conversations! But remember to include the tag, "gaming quotes" in your article.
So without further introduction, here are my favorites:
Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness
"Stop poking me!"
If you're a fan of the series, you're probably smiling right now and recalling the voice actor's spectacular delivery of this classic line. If not, allow me to elucidate. Warcraft 2 hit stores on the heels of its predecessor's wild success. While the graphics, strategy elements, and interface received major changes, they chose to maintain the subtle humor injected into their original real-time strategy game. Click an Orcish peon one too many times and you'll be rewarded with this awfully amusing line.
Breaking the fourth wall has never been so much fun — and neither has abusing Orcs.
Half-Life
The G-Man's closing monologue
Michael Shapiro's sequestered, nightmarish delivery haunts me to this day. Each lazily conveyed, protracted syllable only serves to enhance the G-Man's mysteriousness. Take a look (but not too close, you might be frightened):
[embed:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmgEN5Crr2c ]
I can't understate the salience of this speech. After closing the portal to Xen, escorting the Black Mesa staff to safety, and killing this thing, the G-Man's monologue consummated the game's narrative excellently. With room open for a sequel, we knew this wasn't the last we'd see of Gordon Freeman.
Starcraft
"Nuclear launch detected"
These are the three most dreaded, horrific words in the English language. If you hear this coldly delivered phrase, whether you're playing Starcraft or walking down the street, you'll probably cower in fear.
While the Terran's nuclear launch wasn't necessarily overpowered, it left you completely defenseless. By targetting your buildings, your opponent left you with few options beyond cowardly evacuation.
Ever suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of a nuclear barrage? You're not alone.
Unreal Tournament
"M-m-m-monster kill!"
While Halo's announcer was a tempting candidate for this accolade, the narrator from the Unreal Tournament series truly has no equal. If you've ever strung six kills together in close succession, you're probably familiar with the mind-numbing glee associated with hearing this audio award.
While the Unreal Tournament franchise can't boast its original relevance among first-person shooters, this announcer lives on in Counter-Strike and Call of Duty servers everywhere.
Slightly more intense than "mega kill" and less comical than "humiliation," this sound bite accurately explains the feelings associated with unquestionable domination. If you've just heard the announcer yell "monster kill," don't bother rubbing it in your opponents' faces — you've bruised their egos enough.
Mortal Kombat
"Finish him!"
You knew this would be here. How could I not include it? Spoofed a million times and quoted many more, the phrase "finish him" immediately signals the beginning of violence and destruction.
Besides one or two of Mario's more quotable catchphrases, Mortal Kombat's fatality slogan seems to be among the only video game tropes to escape from the industry and into popular culture.
Expect to witness the most gorey and blood-filled executions after hearing these frightening words. Or if you're like me, feel free to announce it before taking a test, eating a meal, or making out with your girlfriend — everyone loves it!
Runner-ups
"War. War never changes." — Introduction, Fallout
"Stay awhile and listen." – Deckard Cain, Diablo
"Snake. Snake? Snaaaake!" – Otacon, Metal Gear Solid
"Do you know where I can find some sailors?" – Ryo Hazuki, Shenmue
"Eat shit and die!" – Duke Nukem, Duke Nukem 3D