Top 10 Video Game Save Points

While the original “Metroid” utilized a password system, Nintendo’s favorite intergalactic bounty hunter was officially introduced to the savestation in “Metroid II: Return of Samus” on the Gameboy. Since then, she’s used this capsule-like chamber to backup data in practically all her adventures. Seeing how easy it is to get lost in the “Metroid” games, trekking to the nearest save station can be nerve-racking. So when you finally do track one down, you can finally take a much-needed breather.

They might be called safe rooms, but the red, metal doors and graffiti on the walls don’t make them look particularly calming. In the “Left 4 Dead” series, these barricaded rooms act as a safe haven for survivors to not only save their game, but stock up on supplies too. They have everything you could possibly need to survive a zombie apocalypse, from first-aid kits to an arsenal of weapons. Speaking of first aid kits, don’t forget to grab one before you leave, or your teammates will not be happy with you.

Inns are customary locales for players to save their progress in many RPG’s, but none are more memorable the ones from “Secret of Mana.” They offer many of the amenities you’d expect, such as a good night’s sleep and a welcoming environment. There’s just one solitary feature that makes these inns standout from all the rest: The groovy innkeeper! Always boogying behind the counter and sporting a turban, this hipster is infectiously delightful to be around.

It’s always comforting to hear another person’s voice, especially while on a long mission. In the original “Metal Gear Solid” trilogy, Snake and, ugh, Raiden save their memories via codec calls. After every save, the player is treated to a conversation with Mei Ling, Rosemary, or Para-Medic. Whether they discuss life, love, or Japanese monster movies, these conversations act as a great method to develop the characters and offer the player a refreshing break from hiding in boxes and chocking out stooges.

Better known as “Earthbound 2” to American gamers, the telephone save points from previous entries are replaced with an army of frogs. In addition to preserving your memories, they act as a bank of sorts to deposit Dragon Power…because who wouldn’t trust a talking frog with their currency? What’s more, they can be found in the most interesting locations, whether they’re inside barrels, umbrellas, or snakes.

In the midst of slaying shadow creatures and solving puzzles, Ico and Yorda occasionally find a moment to rest on a shining stone bench. It might not sound like much, but the image of these two benchwarmers waking up next to each other at the start of every game is surprisingly deep, atmospheric, and even touching. It’s small details like this that demonstrate what a wonderful game “ICO” truly is.

Safes Houses are among the many familiar staples of the “Grand Theft Auto” franchise. In the beginning, you’ll typically start off in a rundown, little hideout for free. As you progress up the ladder, though, you’ll eventually be able to acquire multiple swanked out pads all over the city. Aside from saving your game, safe houses allow the player to change outfits and store vehicles. Then when you’re officially tired of driving around and murdering hookers, take a load off by watching some quality trash TV.

“Dead Rising” might have used a bathroom as a save point first, but “No More Heroes” went the extra mile by having Travis Touchdown actually pull down his pants, sit on the toilet, and defecate in order to save. The way the save option cleverly covers Travis’ lower half earns bonus points too. Alone, at peace, and relieved, the crapper is literally and figuratively a getaway spot where you can kick back and relax.

Much like the benches in “ICO,” these save points are pretty simple while being incredibly fitting at the same time. In the “Dark Souls” games, bonfires provide the player a place to level up and heal. After a long day of exploring the land of Lordran, a warm, cozy fire is the idyllic hub to regroup for your next battle. Often subtly hidden from view or just out of reach, there’s nothing that warms a hollowed adventurer’s undead heart more than this comforting glow.

Before we reach the final save point, here are a few honorable mentions

Moogle
“Final Fantasy IX” (2000)

Camp Fire
“Red Dead Redemption” (2010)

The typewriters harbor a very menacing presence, not just because of their ancient appearance, or because of the clinkering sound they emit with every letter they type. No what sets the Typewriters apart from every other save point on this list is that you can only save a limited number of times before you run out of Ink Ribbons. They don’t call this type of game genre “Survival Horror” for nothing you know, so use your saves sparingly if you want to beat these games.

Do you agree with our list? What video game save point is forever engraved in your memory? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.