Video games, like life, are imperfect. Sometimes, those imperfections manifest as glitches that can either enhance the experience with hilarity or send controllers flying across the room in frustration. Let’s explore some of the most memorable glitches that have made us both love and hate our favorite games even more.

1. The Flying Mammoths (The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim)

Ah, Skyrim. A land of dragons, magic, and…flying mammoths? This glitch has become legendary among gamers. Witnessing a mammoth take to the skies is a surreal experience, often accompanied by fits of laughter. It’s a reminder that even in a high-fantasy epic, the unexpected can happen, making the game’s vast world feel even more magical.

2. MissingNo. (Pokémon Red/Blue)

The infamous MissingNo. glitch in the original Pokémon games was both a boon and a curse. On one hand, encountering this glitched Pokémon could give you unlimited items, a dream come true for any aspiring Pokémon Master. On the other hand, it could corrupt your save file, turning your game into a pixelated nightmare. Love it or hate it, MissingNo. is a glitch that defined a generation of gamers.

3. The Backwards Long Jump (Super Mario 64)

Speedrunners rejoice! The Backwards Long Jump (BLJ) glitch in Super Mario 64 allows players to break the game in the most entertaining ways. By manipulating Mario’s jumps, players can skip entire sections of the game, making for some jaw-dropping speedruns. It’s a glitch that showcases the ingenuity of gamers and the unintended fun of game mechanics gone awry.

4. The Giant Soldier (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2)

In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, a hilarious glitch could transform a regular soldier into a giant. This oversized combatant would tower over the battlefield, creating a mix of awe and confusion. While not game-breaking, this glitch provided endless amusement and a much-needed break from the intense action.

5. The Face Glitch (Assassin’s Creed Unity)

Assassin’s Creed Unity had its fair share of issues at launch, but none were as unsettling as the face glitch. Characters would appear with missing facial features, leaving only eyes and teeth floating in a void. It was nightmare fuel, to say the least. This glitch, while horrifying, became a symbol of the game’s troubled release, making it both infamous and unforgettable.

6. The Elevator Trick (GoldenEye 007)

GoldenEye 007 is a classic, but it’s not without its quirks. The elevator trick allowed players to clip through walls, accessing areas they shouldn’t be able to. This glitch was a playground for those who loved to explore the game’s limits, turning a straightforward shooter into a sandbox of possibilities.

7. The Goat Glitch (Goat Simulator)

Goat Simulator is a game built on glitches, embracing them as part of its charm. One particularly hilarious glitch lets your goat character stretch and contort in impossible ways, leading to endless comedic moments. It’s a game that proves glitches don’t always need fixing—they can be the entire point.

These glitches, whether they make us laugh or cry, are what give video games their unique character. They’re the unscripted moments that remind us games are made by humans, and like humans, they can be beautifully flawed. So next time you encounter a glitch, embrace it. After all, it might just be the most memorable part of your gaming experience.