Top 10 Most Quotable Lines In Video Games

#10: “What is a Man? A Miserable Pile of Secrets”
“Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” (1997)

If you’re a literary buff, you might know that this line actually originated from the French novelist, André Malraux. If you spent your childhood playing video games instead of reading books, though, you’ll likely recognize the quote from “Castelvania: Symphony of the Night” when Richter Belmont first confronts Dracula. The voice acting might be a little cheesy, as is the dialog itself. Yet, Dracula’s analysis of mankind is the perfect way to transition into battle as Richter shows the vampire king what men are really made of. Although the line did get tweaked in the PSP version to sound a bit more…well, like English, it still doesn’t have the same ring to it….

#9: “Why, that’s the second biggest monkey head I’ve ever seen!”
“The Secret of Monkey Island” (1990)

The “Monkey Island” series is renown for its quirky dialog reminiscent of a great Saturday morning cartoon. As would-be pirate Guybrush Threepwood first arrives on the island, he stumbles upon a giant monkey head idol. As glorious as the monument is, Guybrush notes that he’s seen bigger. One can’t help but wonder where Guybrush could have seen an even larger monkey head and just how big it was. Although it remains a mystery, this quoteepitomizes the clever writing that made “The Secret of Monkey Island” an unparalleled comedic adventure.

#8: “I used to be an adventurer like you, then I took an arrow in the knee.”
“The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” (2011)

What makes “Skyrim” such an addicting game is its vast, seemingly inhabitable world. It feels like everything and everyone has a backstory, including random guards. At some point you’re bound to encounter a nostalgic guard who gave up adventuring after a fatal accident. Seriously, one arrow to the knee stopped you? Imagine what this pansy would do if a vampire bit him or dragons attacked. Regardless, it’s tidbits of dialog like this that demonstrate how detailed Skyrim is, making you want to explore every corner and talk to every character.

#7: “Would you kindly.”
“BioShock” (2007)

It’s the buildup and shocking payoff that makes these three simple words immortal. Throughout “BioShock,” the voice of Atlas guides Jack through Rapture, kindly asking him to do the occasional favor along the way. As often as this phrase is repeated, you rarely think anything of it. At the game’s climax, however, it’s revealed that Atlas was truly the sinister Frank Fontaine, who has manipulated Jack into killing Andrew Ryan. In addition to headlining one of the great video game betrayals, the line makes for a fascinating commentary on free choice.

#6: “You were almost a Jill sandwich!”
“Resident Evil” (1996)

Anybody who’s a fan of “Resident Evil” can identity this infamous quote from the franchise’s first outing. As Jill Valentine, you find yourself trapped in a room where the ceiling is gradually collapsing. Fortunately, Barry Burton is there to kick the door down. With Jill out of harms way, Barry delivers a line that’s hilarious in all the wrong ways. The one-liner’s corniness is only made more ridiculous by the stinted voice acting. As silly as it might be, “Jill sandwich” was sorely missed in the 2002 GameCube remake although it does re-appear in Revelations 2.

#5: “Did I ever tell you the definition of Insanity?”
“Far Cry 3” (2012)

Vaas Montenegro is insanity incarnate. Just staring him in those dead eyes is enough to send a chill up anyone’s spine. As the disoriented player opens his eyes, he finds himself at the mercy of the last person anybody would want to wakeup to. In a monologue worthy of Shakespeare, or at least Tarantino, Vaas discusses how insanity stems from doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results. Vaas’s final question brings his rant full circle, encompassing the endless loop of insanity that is his mind.

#4: “It’s dangerous to go alone. Take this.”
“The Legend of Zelda” (1989)

The old man from “The Legend of Zelda” can be royal pain, making you pay for his door repair. It’s hard to stay mad at the old timer, though. After all, he did give the ill-equipped Link his first sword free of charge and send him on his quest with one of the most famous lines in gaming. Without his generosity, exploring dungeons and ultimately defeating Gannon would be infinitely more challenging. Despite being a cheapskate, the old man doesn’t want to see Link meet with a terrible fate (Xref).

#3: “The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world.”
“Half-Life 2” (2004)

The G-Man is one of the most mysterious figures ever to grace the gaming universe. As “Half-Life 2” opens in a psychedelic sequence, he awakes Gordon Freeman and places him in City 17. Fading away like a bad dream, G-Man leaves the man of no words with these unforgettable words. The line is every bit as cryptic as the G-Man himself, making the player wonder how he’s planning to take advantage of Gordon’s services. All we know is that Gordon is once again the right man in the wrong place.

#2: “Thank you Mario! But our princess is in another castle!”
“Super Mario Bros.” (1985)

When gamers first popped “Super Mario Bros.” into their NES, many assumed they had reached the game’s conclusion at level 1-4. It turned out the Bowser before Mario was a fraud, however, and his princess was in another castle. Get used to an annoying little toad telling you this at the end of almost every world as you travel through the Mushroom Kingdom. But upon arriving at the final castle, the persistent plumber at last defeats the real Bowser and rescues the princess in the most satisfying of endings.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

“Tell my wife, I had another wife.”
“Saints Row IV” (2013)

“Another visitor, stay awhile, stay forever.”
“Impossible Mission” (1984)

“The cake is a lie.”
“Portal” (2007)

“Stay a while, and listen!”
“Diablo II” (2000)

“It’s time to kick ass and chew bubble gum…and I’m all outta gum.”
“Duke Nukem” (1991)

#1: “War. War never changes.”
“Fallout” series (1997-)

Although Solid Snake might disagree, the “Fallout” series has asserted time and time again that war never changes. This line sticks with us not only because it’s repeated at the beginning of virtually each game, but because of its poignancy. While every war has it’s own unique signature, the horrors of combat are perennial regardless of the technology utilized, the forces involved, and the year it takes place. Whether you’re fighting in the civil war or a post-apocalyptic war, war will always be hell.
Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite quote from a video game? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.