Summary
FromSoftware has risen from humble beginnings to become a developer everyone considers to be the gold standard of what to expect in an action RPG. The interconnected levels ofDark Souls, theworldbuilding ofBloodborne, and the open-world design ofElden Ringare a few of the many things that this studio has implemented and improved upon time and time again, refusing to rest on its laurels. Of course, it would be impossible to talk about FromSoftware without paying due credit to the boss fights in this game.
The cinematic spectacle and challenging moveset of these bosses make them a force to be reckoned with, and players must master the systems of the game to take on these challenges without being completely obliterated. The fact that both main and optional bosses are treated with the same level of care in these games shows FromSoftware’s respect for the player and the time they invest into uncovering encounters that may not even be necessary to complete the game.
Sekiro’s combat system isin a class of its own, with players having to learn the deflection mechanic inside-out if they want to stand a chance against the many challenging enemies that stand in their way. Players must dish out Deathblows to take out opponents since regular strikes don’t do a ton of damage. However, it’s possible that players can still scrape by without mastering the combat system all that well, but this will change once players encounter Lady Butterfly.
She will beat into players how important the Deflection mechanic is, punishing them for making too many errors. Players can skip this boss fight if they want, but doing so locks them out of the Purification ending. Instead, players must deflect all the time and pick their attack windows wisely. With enough perseverance, players can get skilled enough to take out a boss that is as swift and unpredictable as can be.
Dark Souls 2may have a problem with meaningful bosses, but there are times when players find encounters that require a ton of skill without feeling too cheap. Such is the case with one of the finest bosses in the game, Sir Alonne. This battle feels like a duel for the ages, with players dodging his deft attacks and trying not to have their lives drained by an attack that can be really hard to dodge.
The best part about this encounter is the attention to detail. As an honorable knight, players who school Alonne and don’t let him flex his skills will trigger a unique death animation where he commits seppuku. It’s a nice touch that makes this encounter all the more memorable and one of the best moments intheCrown of the Old Iron KingDLC.
Bloodborneis considered by some to be the best FromSoftware game ever made, which is hefty praise given the pedigree of this studio. Not only is the main path a joy to get through, but players can perform some convoluted actions to unlock an optional area that reallyleans into the game’s Gothic influences. Cainhurst Castle is a beautiful and haunting area to explore, chock-full of unique enemies, items, and a boss fight for the ages.
The decrepit visage of Martyr Logarius betrays his true nature, with this boss battle upping the ante when the situation calls for it. The leader of the Executioners sacrificed the rest of his life to protect the secret of the Vilebloods, and the Hunter has no chance but to kill this foe after a fast-paced and grueling battle. Players can unlock additional interactions with Alfred after this boss is defeated and the Queen of the Vilebloods is uncovered, which is great for lore hunters.
Dark Souls 3is a fitting end to the trilogy, with one of the best areas in the game being totally optional. It takes a ridiculous amount of analysis and guesswork to uncover the location of Archdragon Peak, where players encounter a puzzle boss in the form of an Ancient Wyvern before making their way to the Nameless King, one of the most important characters in the lore. Of course, most players won’t care at this point, given how ridiculously challenging this boss fight is.
The Nameless King takes no prisoners and features some tough attacks that players must adapt to at any cost. It’s a pain to get through, but players who persevere across both phases will be rewarded with the satisfaction of killingone of the toughest bosses inDark Souls 3. This king is none other than Gwyn’s firstborn, who was so fascinated with the strength of the dragons that he was exiled from Anor Londo for his insolent attitude.
A boss encounter most players love and hate in equal measure, Malenia is one of the most cinematic and engaging encountersin all ofElden Ring. Given the wealth of quality boss fights in the series, it’s a testament that Malenia stands tall as the toughest of the lot who wastes no time in showing players who’s boss. Her first phase is as tricky as they come, but it’s the second phase that shows how the corruption has both tainted and strengthened her.
The fact that she can heal herself by hitting the player means that dodging is imperative to prevent this battle from overstaying its welcome. The relentless combos can be a pain to deal with, but players with great reflexes can engage in a duel for the ages with this boss before eventually coming out victorious.
