Places ten through six
For as long as the video game has existed, so has the end boss. Almost every game entails a build up to the inevitable encounter with some bad-ass, armour-clad, chain-gun-wielding homicidal maniac. Well maybe not that specific, perhaps some bad memories lurking in there somewhere but never mind, we'll push forward. As I was saying; Boss Battles, no matter how many panic induced nightmares we suffer, how many loved ones we lose and how many gamepads we destroy in fits of rage, we all love taking the big foes down and consequently dancing around in our underpants, screaming “Hail to the king, baby!”. Well we do, don't we?
Although I've vanquished many a boss and have countless favourites, I decided to pull together a list of my most memorable encounters. Those that are so breathtaking, challenging and intense that, for better or for worse, will stick with me forever.
Let's get started shall we?
10. Silent Hill 2 - Pyramid Head
Probably one of the most disturbing battles I've ever had the pleasure of playing through. After interrupting Pyramid Head raping yet another victim, he decides it's time to make you pay. I figured this one definitely needed a video, as it's the only way to capture the creepy atmosphere.
9. Metal Gear Solid – Psycho Mantis
He can read your mind, he knows every move you're going to make before you've even contemplated it, he knows how you’ve been playing the game and even other games you enjoy. Hell, he can even move your controller with the power of his mind!
Of course he's just reading your memory card and activating your controllers rumble feature but back in the day this was pure psychic power at its best.
8. Super Metroid – Ridley
The ultimate boss in the Metroid series, he sees and controls all. Hidden away deep in his lair within central Norfair, Ridley is one bad-ass, armour-plated beast. I lost count of how many missiles to the face this guy took and yet still managed to grab me with his hind legs, smashing me into the floor.
7. World of Warcraft – C'Thun
As you travel through the subterranean Temple of Ahn’Quiraj, the old God C’Thun whispers demoralizing messages in your ear with the hopes of driving you insane. Doesn't particular make him evil, pretty much makes him my other half while I'm busy gaming.
6. God of War – Hydra
God of War's trademark boss battle. At the very beginning of the game set upon a wrecked ship in the midst of a thunderstorm, Kratos is faced with not one, not two but three heads of a pretty miffed Hydra. After eventually pinning the two small heads down with some well placed harpoons, Kratos is able to climb to the top of the mast and take on the last head, eventually engaging in God of War's signature sequences of context-sensitive commands and finally subduing the sea-monster by impaling its head on the mast.