Boss fights are often the most thrilling moments in action games, pitting the player against a powerful foe and testing their skills and strategy. From classic platformers to modern RPGs, there have been countless boss fights in video gaming history. Some of the best boss fights include Bowser from Super Mario Bros, Dr. Robotnik from Sonic the Hedgehog, Artorias the Abysswalker from Dark Souls, Gehrman from Bloodborne, Psycho Mantis from Metal Gear Solid, and The End from Metal Gear Solid 3. Boss fights are a staple of the action game genre and can make a game truly unforgettable.
Battle Like a Boss: Reviewing the Best Boss Fights in Action Games
One of the most thrilling and memorable moments in any action game is the boss fight. These epic battles pit the player against a powerful foe, testing their skills and strategy in a way that regular enemies cannot. From classic platformers to modern RPGs, there have been countless boss fights in video game history. In this article, we will be reviewing some of the best boss fights in action games, spanning across various genres and consoles.
Platformers
Bowser (Super Mario Bros)
No list of boss fights would be complete without a mention of Bowser, the ultimate antagonist of the Super Mario Bros franchise. Throughout the series, Bowser has been the final boss in numerous Mario games, from the original NES game to the latest Nintendo Switch title. The first encounter with Bowser is a classic example of a boss fight: he is large, menacing, and requires precision to defeat. Players must jump on his head to stun him, then dodge his fireballs and jump over him to hit the axe and send him plummeting into the lava.
Dr. Robotnik (Sonic the Hedgehog)
Another iconic platformer villain, Dr. Robotnik (also known as Eggman) has been a recurring boss in the Sonic the Hedgehog series since the very first game. His attacks are based around machines, and in each game he crafts a new robotic contraption to try and defeat Sonic. One notable battle is in Sonic Adventure 2, where the player faces off against a giant mech in a cityscape. The battle requires using Sonic’s speed and agility to dodge attacks, while also hitting weak points on the mech to damage it. It’s a fast-paced and intense fight that feels like a true climax to the game.
Action RPGs
Artorias the Abysswalker (Dark Souls)
The Dark Souls series is known for its challenging and memorable boss fights, and Artorias the Abysswalker is one of the most iconic. This boss battle takes place in a dark and eerie forest, and Artorias himself is a Knight with a greatsword wielded with both hands. The fight requires quick reflexes and good timing, as Artorias has a variety of powerful attacks and can quickly close the distance between himself and the player. The battle is made even more memorable by Artorias’ tragic backstory, which is revealed through the game’s lore.
Gehrman, the First Hunter (Bloodborne)
Bloodborne is another action RPG known for its challenging boss fights, and Gehrman is the final boss of the game. He is a skilled hunter with a variety of weapons and abilities, and the battle takes place in a dreamlike setting with a haunting musical score. What makes the battle unique is that it tests both the player’s combat skills and their understanding of the game’s story. The final choice the player makes in the battle determines the ending of the game, making it a rewarding end to the player’s journey.
Third-Person Shooters
Psycho Mantis (Metal Gear Solid)
Metal Gear Solid is a series known for its unique boss fights, and Psycho Mantis is perhaps the most famous. This boss has psychic abilities that allow him to predict the player’s movements and even control their controller. To defeat him, players must unplug their controller and switch to a different port, so that Psycho Mantis cannot read their movements. It’s a clever and memorable fight that plays with the player’s expectations and their understanding of how video games work.
The End (Metal Gear Solid 3)
Another Metal Gear Solid boss fight, The End is a sniper battle that takes place in a dense jungle. The player must use camouflage, stamina management, and careful positioning to outsmart this elderly sniper. What makes the battle unique is that it can be approached in multiple ways: the player can ambush The End before the battle begins, or engage in a long-range sniper duel that can last over an hour. It’s an intense and immersive battle that showcases the depth of the game’s mechanics and design.
Conclusion
Boss fights are a staple of the action game genre, and the examples listed above represent some of the best and most memorable battles in video game history. From classic platformers to modern RPGs, these fights test the player’s skills, strategy, and understanding of the game world. Whether it’s a giant dragon or a psychic villain, a good boss fight can make a game truly unforgettable.