The Most Famous Video Game Quotes Of All Time (2024)

Throughout history, there has been a litany of video games that will never be forgotten. A lot of the time, they're memorable because of their stellar gameplay. Occasionally, though, it's their writing and dialogue that live long in the memory. While you probably don't remember entire scripts, certain quotes become timeless. Sometimes they are relatable and wise, while in other instances, the words are a bit humorous.

There are so many classic lines to choose from, but some are more famous than others. Players who have been obsessed with video games from the beginning of time understand the profound impact some quotes have had on their lives.

Updated August 6, 2024 By Ben Jessey: There are plenty of quotes from video games that have become famous for various reasons. We put the most notable examples on this list, and now we've returned to the piece to add more.

"The Numbers Mason, What Do They Mean?"

Jason Hudson (Call Of Duty: Black Ops)

Throughout Black Ops's campaign, protagonist Alex Mason is being interrogated. This serves as the story's framing, as his answers to the captor's questions play out as missions.

During the interrogation, Mason keeps being asked about an important sequence of numbers. The interrogator, later revealed to be Jason Hudson, continually shouts things like, "The numbers Mason, what do they mean?" He says it so much that it has been burned into every player's brain forever.

"Jason!"

Ethan Mars (Heavy Rain)

Early in Heavy Rain, you play as a man named Ethan Mars, who goes shopping with his family. Unfortunately, during this trip to the mall, Ethan's son, Jason, goes missing. So, you have to run around the place shouting his name to find him.

It's supposed to be a harrowing sequence, as you've lost your child. However, the fact that you can keep making your character say "Jason" and the strange delivery of the said line makes it quite comical. As such, 'Press X to Jason' instantly became a meme when the game was released, making the line famous.

"If I'm To Choose Between One Evil And Another, I'd Rather Not Choose At All."

Geralt Of Rivia (The Witcher 3)

Because The Witcher is a game series, streaming series, and book series, some of its lines gain fame from being in multiple adaptations. This is the case for Geralt's iconic quote about not wanting to choose between two evils.

It's also just a really interesting line about morality, which also gives insight into Geralt's personality. This is likely why it features in the trailer for The Witcher 3. So, before even getting the game, you can start to understand what sort of character you'll be playing as.

"What Are Ya Buying?"

The Merchant (Resident Evil 4)

The Merchant is one of the more mysterious and unusual characters in Resident Evil 4. His role in the game is to act as a shop. You can buy items from him or sell them. When you're looking to buy, he often utters the words, "What are ya buying."

This seems normal enough when it's written down. Yet, The Merchant says it so regularly and has such a distinctive voice that it's hard not to get it stuck in your mind as you play. Therefore, it has become a well-known phrase.

"Hadouken!"

Ryu (Street Fighter Series)

Street Fighter isn't the most talkative series, so there aren't many lines from the games that stand out. One that does, though, is "Hadouken!" This is the line Ryu shouts when performing his energy blast attack.

Since it's his signature move and he's the face of the series, it's a famous bit of dialogue. It helps that the delivery of the line is always a bit over the top, which makes it even more memorable.

"I’m Commander Shepard, And This Is My Favorite Store On The Citadel!"

Commander Shepard (Mass Effect 2)

In Mass Effect 2, you can get discounts at various places on the Citadel by recording a message for them. In the said message, you say that the particular store you're at is your favorite.

However, you can record the same message for several stores, and every time you enter them, it will play. As this gets you a discount, most players record a message for each shop. So, throughout the game, you may hear it a lot. This is why it's so famous.

"Ah S**t, Here We Go Again."

CJ (Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas)

One of the most iconic memes to spawn from the gaming industry is "Ah s**t, here we go again." It's the line CJ says in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas right before you're first given control of the character.

The quote became fairly famous because of the game itself since a lot of people have played San Andreas, and it's one of the first lines you hear when starting a new playthrough. Yet, it really became well-known once the meme got popular.

"Wake The F**k Up, Samurai! We Have A City To Burn"

Johnny Silverhand (Cyberpunk 2077)

Interestingly, the most famous quote from Cyberpunk 2077 isn't actually uttered in the game. Instead, it's said in one of the early trailers. It's, of course, the line where Johnny Silverhand tells you to wake up and calls you a samurai in the process.

The reason for its fame is because while saying the words, Johnny takes off his glasses, revealing that he has the face of Keanu Reeves. The reveal that the popular actor would be a part of the title increased the hype around it significantly.

"Hey, You, You're Finally Awake."

Ralof (The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim)

Since its launch in 2011, Skyrim has been released on virtually every major console. Therefore, a lot of people have played the game. Yet, the adventure is so long that not everybody reaches the end.

However, they all witness the beginning, which is a lengthy carriage ride where a man named Ralof talks to you. His first words are an acknowledgment of you waking up. The sequence is so well-known that the first line has become famous.

"You Forget A Thousand Things Every Day, Pal. Make Sure This Is One Of 'Em."

Michael De Santa (Grand Theft Auto 5)

Ironically, one of the most famous and memorable quotes in Grand Theft Auto 5 is the one where Michael asks somebody to forget something. It's easily remembered because it's his signature line that he tells people who witness his crimes.

The line is also important to the overall GTA 5 story. Once Trevor hears it on the news, he realizes his old criminal buddy is actually alive. This moment sets the game's main plotline in motion.

"Nanomachines, Son."

Senator Armstrong (Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance)

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Many fans felt nanomachines became a storytelling crutch in Metal Gear Solid 4, as they were used to explain most of the strange and formerly supernatural elements of the series. This continues in the spin-off sequel Metal Gear Rising Revengeance when it comes to the final boss.

Senator Armstrong initially seems like a regular politician, but it's eventually revealed that he's an incredibly strong fighter. And he explains his superhuman strength by simply saying, "Nanomachines, son." It's a hilarious statement that has become a well-known meme.

"The Cake Is A Lie"

Rattmann (Portal)

In the original Portal game, the tyrannical AI GlaDOS does the majority of the talking. And she delivers a litany of great lines. Yet, she is not responsible for the most famous quote in the game.

That prize goes to an unseen character known as Rattmann. He has written "The Cake Is A Lie" all over the walls to warn you or any other test subject that GlaDOS is lying about the cake she is promising you for finishing the tests. The line subsequently became a meme and now lives forever in gaming history.

"You’d Just Come After Her."

Joel Miller (The Last Of Us)

The HBO series based on The Last of Us has made the game more famous. As a result, significant bits of dialogue are more famous, too, especially when they also feature in the show. This is the case for the final words Joel says to Marlene before executing her.

The quote stands out because it occurs during one of Joel's most brutal acts. Marlene just wanted a cure for humanity. Yet, Joel wouldn't trade Ellie for that, and he's willing to kill fairly innocent people like Marlene to protect her. The line in question proves that and adds extra impact to the scene.

"Had To Be Me. Someone Else Might Have Gotten It Wrong."

Mordin Solus (Mass Effect 3)

The Mass Effect series is filled with interesting companions. One of the most popular is the Salarian scientist Mordin Solus. The guy is mainly known for being highly intelligent and talking a lot. Due to the latter, he says a lot of words throughout the series. But the ones that live long in the memory are his last.

As he's about to sacrifice his life to unleash a life-saving cure, he points out that he had to be the one to do it because "someone else might have gotten it wrong." It's a perfect line for the character as it's witty and arrogant, just like him.

"It's A Me, Mario!"

Mario (Super Mario Series)

No character in gaming history is as recognizable as Mario. Even people who have never played a video game before have heard of the little Italian plumber. Part of the reason for the fame is that he's been around for so many years.

Yet, in that time, he hasn't said that many words. He's been mostly mute, but he still has a signature catchphrase, "It's A Me, Mario!" It's a standard greeting that stands out because of Mario's Italian accent.

"Remember, No Russian."

Vladimir Makarov (Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2)

There is an abundance of iconic Call Of Duty missions, particularly in the Modern Warfare series of games. The most famous one, though, is No Russian. This is, of course, the mission where you join the evil Makarov in mercilessly killing a bunch of civilians in an airport. The villain's goal is to frame America and trigger a new major conflict.

This is why he needs to make sure his team doesn't give away that they're actually Russian. This is the purpose of the level's opening line, "Remember, No Russian," which is almost as famous as the mission itself.

"Nothing Is True, Everything Is Permitted."

Various People (Assassin's Creed Series)

Naturally, in most of the Assassin's Creed games, you play as a member of the Assassin Brotherhood. This Order has its own set of codes and rules, which are passed down by each generation. They also have certain beliefs and commonly used phrases, such as "Nothing Is True, Everything Is Permitted."

The exact meaning of those words is debated. Series favorite Ezio believes that "Nothing Is True" means that society is fragile and they must be the shepherds of their own civilization. As for "Everything Is Permitted," he thinks it's about living with the consequences of your own actions. Regardless of the meaning, though, the phrase is uttered a lot throughout the games, which makes it very memorable.

"It’s Time To Kick Ass And Chew Bubble Gum…And I’m All Outta Gum."

Duke Nukem (Duke Nukem Series)

A lot of things about the Duke Nukem games haven't aged well. And that is not solely down to the technical limitations of the time. The whole personality of the main character is questionable when viewed with a contemporary moral code.

That being said, Duke Nukem still serves as a memorable video game character. So much so that his most used catchphrases also live long in the memory. For example, nobody could forget his classic bubble gum chewing line. The phrase originally comes from the 1988 movie, They Live, starring famous wrestler Roddy Piper. Yet, a lot of people remember those words because of Duke.

"Where’s Everyone Going? Bingo?"

Leon Kennedy (Resident Evil 4)

Throughout Resident Evil 4, Leon Kennedy proves to be one of the funniest characters in gaming. However, much of it is accidental, as many of his lines are so cheesy they're hilarious. The most famous one comes early in the game when the horde of infected he is fighting all walk away at the same time. Leon responds by asking if everyone is going to Bingo.

The line is so silly, especially since the protagonist was just fighting for his life several seconds beforehand. The ridiculousness of the quote helped it become infamous. As a result, it was one of the only lines not rewritten for the remake.

"Get Over Here!"

Scorpion (Mortal Kombat Series)

Mortal Kombat has been around since the early '90s. And throughout all that time, Scorpion has been one of its most recognizable characters. In fact, he's among the famous gaming characters in general.

He's been more talkative in recent games due to the extra focus put on the game's stories. But the line he's most known for is "Get Over Here." He commonly uses the phrase when dragging people towards him with his Kunai. And he's been doing it since the original game. The fame and longevity of the Mortal Kombat series have made the quote famous.

"Would You Kindly…"

Frank Fontaine (Bioshock)

The original Bioshock is a beloved FPS game for several reasons. Fans love the atmosphere, visuals, and main story. Part of the reason the story is so great is the late twist, where you find out that your guide is actually the villain, Frank Fontaine.

Not only does he lie throughout the game, but he also subtly controls the protagonist with the phrase "Would You Kindly." He does this by continually saying the line and turning it into a hypnotic trigger. It's so important to the story and said so often that it's impossible to forget.

"Niko, It’s Roman! Let’s Go Bowling!"

Roman Bellic (Grand Theft Auto 4)

While playing Grand Theft Auto 4, your allies will occasionally call you up and ask to hang out. Niko's cousin Roman seems to do it more often than most other characters. And the activity he usually wants to partake in is bowling.

So much so that his insistence to hit the lanes became a meme shortly after the game's release. The constant jokes about his love of bowling have made the verbiage of his invitation famous. People who haven't even played the game know it.

"Do A Barrel Roll!"

Peppy Hare (Star Fox 64)

While Star Fox hasn't maintained relevance as well as some other long-running gaming series, the early titles are remembered fondly. Yet, you could argue that one single line from the series is more famous than the games themselves.

This line is, of course, "Do A Barrel Roll." It isn't a particularly remarkable piece of video game dialogue. But there is something about Peppy Hare's delivery of the line that makes it stand out. And these days, it's incredibly famous due to it becoming a popular and heavily used meme.

"Snake? SNAAAAAAAKE!!!"

Various People (Metal Gear Solid Series)

The Metal Gear Solid series is known for providing excellent stealth gameplay and compelling narratives. It's also a series known for being over-the-top. One of the most famous examples of the series' outrageousness occurs when Solid Snake dies in a few of the games.

As the Game Over screen loads in, one of the hero's allies reacts to their friend's demise by repeating his name and even shouting it at the end. It's a pretty silly and hilarious line that nobody is likely to forget.

"Requiescat In Pace."

Ezio Auditore (Assassin's Creed Series)

The Assassins in the Assassin's Creed series aren't just cold-blooded murderers. They do show empathy and respect to those they kill - or, at least, they're supposed to do so. In service of that, when Ezio Auditore kills someone important, he delivers the line "requiescat in pace," which is Italian for "rest in peace."

As he's the protagonist for three entries in the series, he ends up saying the line a lot. As such, it has become a very memorable quote in the gaming realm.

"I Used To Be An Adventurer Like You. Then I Took An Arrow To The Knee."

Various Guards (The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim)

Developers give unimportant NPCs dialogue to make an open-world game feel more alive. However, in large games, it's hard to provide every one of them with unique lines. As such, some quotes are often repeated on many occasions by different people.

This is the case for the iconic "I used to be an adventurer like you..." line from Skyrim. Many guards in the game deliver this bit of dialogue. So much so that it has since become a meme in the gaming world, which has helped it become one of the most famous quotes ever.

"You Were Almost A Jill Sandwich!"

Barry Burton (Resident Evil)

The original Resident Evil game is memorable for many reasons, as it was a landmark game in the survival horror genre. Yet, as much as people praise its atmosphere and puzzles, the title is perhaps best remembered for its infamous dialogue.

The game has some of the worst writing and voice acting in video game history. So much so that several of the title's lines have become iconic, including the classic "Jill Sandwich" remark. Barry Burton delivered this very odd piece of dialogue right after saving Jill from being crushed to death. And it has since been referenced time and again.

"Did I Ever Tell You The Definition Of Insanity?"

Vaas (Far Cry 3)

The Far Cry games tend to provide colorful and charismatic antagonists. This all began in the third game with Vaas. Every scene with the unhinged villain is compelling, and he is the most memorable part of the FPS.

Throughout the game, he delivers several captivating monologues. While they all include some great lines, his question about whether he's told you the definition of insanity is the one that people usually remember. He says the line a few times, and it's always chilling.

"War… War Never Changes"

Narrator (Fallout Series)

Fallout remains one of the most beloved RPG series of all time. This is understandable, as there have been several great installments, each different from the rest. One thing they all have in common, though, is that they begin with an introduction scene that explains what has happened to the world.

The video is different each time and is tailored to its respective game. However, a constant in each of them are the words "War... War Never Changes." Therefore, the line has grown in fame alongside the series itself.

"Kept You Waiting, Huh?"

Snake (Metal Gear Solid Series)

In the Metal Gear series, Solid Snake and his father, Big Boss (a.k.a Naked Snake), have plenty in common. One of those things is a signature line. During the series, both characters continually ask people if they've kept them waiting.

While they usually query other characters about it, Metal Gear's frequent breaking down of the fourth wall means they're likely talking to you, too. After all, several years usually passed between MGS titles, so fans were regularly kept waiting for the next release.

"Thank You Mario! But Our Princess Is In Another Castle!"

Toad (Super Mario Bros.)

Mario has featured in many impressive games over the years. His first appearance, outside of the Donkey Kong titles, was Super Mario Bros.

In it, he goes on an adventure to rescue Princess Peach. However, it takes some time as he can't locate her. He enters enemy fortresses and makes his way to the heart of them only to find Toad, who delivers the now iconic line about the Princess being in another castle. That exact situation happens so often in the game that Toad's words got stuck in many fans' minds.

"All We Had To Do, Was Follow The Damn Train, CJ!"

Big Smoke (Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas)

GTA: San Andreas provides many memorable missions. Yet, the one named Wrong Side Of The Tracks is remembered for the wrong reasons. Partway through the mission, you and Big Smoke attempt to chase down a train with several Vargos men on top of it.

It can be a bit tricky, as it's easy to fall behind the locomotive. If you do just that, Big Smoke verbally laments your failure. He says the same exact line every time you mess up, and as a result, the dialogue has become infamous.

"You Died"

Dark Souls

Developer FromSoftware has received tremendous praise for Dark Souls and its incredibly relentless and brutal gameplay. No matter how skilled you are at the game, there's without a doubt that at several points, you'll see the giant red letters flash on your screen: You Died.

After all, trying to survive Dark Souls's brutal and unforgiving nature is a unique experience in video games that requires the hardest will to complete. The overall success of Dark Souls and its extremely hard difficulty birthed a new subgenre in games.

"The Right Man In The Wrong Place Can Make All The Difference In The World. So Wake Up Mr. Freeman, Wake Up And Smell The Ashes."

G-Man (Half-Life 2)

Half-Life 2 starts ominously. G-Man's face appears on the screen, and he talks directly to Gordan Freeman while staring into your eyes. The quote in question is one of the lines he delivers during the tone-setting scene.

It doesn't provide a wealth of information, but it does signify how important Freeman is in this universe. Meanwhile, the line also helps establish how mysterious and unsettling G-Man can be, particularly for those who haven't played the original title.

"I Survived Because The Fire Inside Me Burned Brighter Than The Fire Around Me."

Joshua Graham (Fallout: New Vegas)

Joshua Graham says this line during Honest Hearts in Fallout: New Vegas and this character is more popular than some unique weapons. He was thrown into the Grand Canyon after his sentencing to be burned to death, and this is how he explained why he survived.

Many describe Fallout: New Vegas as the pinnacle of the series, and quotes like this push the game to new boundaries. It is powerful and wise, which is why so many players connected with it and how it became a motivational saying on t-shirts and necklaces.

"Hey! Listen!"

Navi (The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time)

Nintendo has developed some of the greatest games of all time, including many that star our hero from Hyrule. Arguably the best game in The Legend of Zelda series, Ocarina of Time was a generation-defying experience on the Nintendo 64 that many still hold in high esteem today.

One of the biggest additions Ocarina of Time made to the series was the introduction of the fairy, Navi. Before leaving the Kokiri Forest, the Great Deku Tree summons Navi to accompany Link and aid him during his journey in stopping Ganondorf from taking over Hyrule. Throughout the game, Navi tries to grab Link's attention toward valuable items or important areas to solve puzzles and progress forward. Without Navi, it's hard to say whether Link would've been able to save Hyrule.

"I Don't Need A Weapon; My Friends Are My Power!"

Sora (Kingdom Hearts)

When Disney and Square Enix came up with the bright idea of combining classic Disney and Final Fantasy characters together in one glorious ensemble, a lot of people started wondering what was in the water over there? But somehow, Kingdom Hearts was born from this ambitious venture, and it continued into a massive series.

With most Disney or Final Fantasy encounters, there might be a few cringy interactions. Some might think Sora's undying love and loyalty to his friends is cringy, but it actually shows what an amazing protagonist he is. Sora doesn't care about glory or riches; all he cares about is rescuing his friends and returning home. That's why when he transformed into a Heartless, his love for his friends was enough to restore himself and defeat the Heartless.

"It Might Be Handy If You, The Master Of Unlocking, Take It With You."

Barry Burton (Resident Evil)

The "Master of Unlocking" quote is spoken by Barry Burton in the early stages of the original Resident Evil. It's a very awkwardly delivered line, which is why it's so well-remembered.

Its fame is shown by how many times it has been used as the name of an achievement or trophy. Naturally, plenty of Resident Evil games have used it, but so have the likes of The Evil Within, River City Girls, and Tacoma. A line referenced this much by other games is clearly famous.

"No, You Know About Loss. Sacrifice Is A Choice You Make. Loss Is A Choice Made For You."

Conrad Roth (Tomb Raider)

Lara Croft and Conrad Roth had a conversation in Tomb Raider that gave players a new perspective on the idea of sacrifice and loss. There are not many instances where a game will make you reconsider your worldview, and this is one of them.

Throughout video game history, Croft has always dealt with loss in some way, shape, or form. Whether it's discovering new secrets about her family or trying to stop evil corporations and men from destroying the world, Croft is, unfortunately, a bonafide expert when it comes to dealing with sacrifice and loss.

"Stand Amongst The Ashes Of A Trillion Dead Souls And Ask The Ghosts If Honor Matters. The Silence Is Your Answer."

Javik (Mass Effect 3)

There is a lot of discussion over this quote, which Javik in Mass Effect 3 said as players debate its exact meaning. Some say the fight for honor shouldn't have been more important than the survival of a race, while others say that honor should come before anything else.

This debate has kept this game and the quote alive, which is why it is one of the most famous video game quotes of all time. There are so many lines from this game to choose from, but this rose to the top because of its significant wisdom. The unfortunate part of this quote is for people who experienced Mass Effect 3 when it first launched in 2012 might've missed it, as Javik was part of added content post-launch. Luckily, the Mass Effect Legendary Edition contains Javik so it's highly recommended you add him to the Normandy crew.

"Finish Him!"

Announcer (Mortal Kombat)

Mortal Kombat has been around for ages, and the rumbling voice of the announcer is something players will remember. You might even hear someone say this during an argument or at the end of a fight, as they throw it back to the time this game was the best there ever was.

The fact that it is still being uttered to this day shows the impact that it had on players as they will always reminisce about the command that this announcer gave to them. Hearing the announcer bellow this phrase is typically met with relief for finally defeating your opponent, but sometimes, also anxiety to perform a devastating finishing fatality.

"It's Dangerous To Go Alone! Take This."

Old Man (The Legend Of Zelda)

The one that started it all. The Legend of Zelda in 1986 was the beginning of one of the greatest video game series in history. The premise was simple: rescue the princess from the evil guy. The Legend of Zelda introduced fans to a bevy of iconic characters, like Link, Ganon, and Zelda. But one unnamed character, sometimes, gets overlooked.

In the very first cave of the game, the young hero, Link, stumbles upon an old man. Not yet knowing how dangerous his journey might be in rescuing Princess Zelda, the old man gives Link a sword. this phrase has been spoken, memed, and plastered on all manner of objects because it's one that shouldn't be forgotten.

"Sir. Finishing This Fight."

Master Chief (Halo 2)

When you think of Xbox, you think of Halo. The two go hand in hand, like peanut butter and jelly. After Master Chief escapes another Halo installation, he boards a ship heading straight for the Covenant. When Terrence Hood and his crew identify the chief and ask him what he's doing, Spartan 117 utters what's arguably the most badass line in video game history: finishing this fight.

In what many consider the greatest game of the series, Halo 2 ended with fans jacked up at the thought of finally ending the war against the Covenant and saving humanity. There are few games that can be held in the same breath as Halo 2, and it's because of epic quotes like this that truly separate games from being great and timeless.