Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
The majority of the time, players are all too eager to land the finishing blow that brings down a particularly challenging boss. Whether the mechanics of the fight are investing or the enemy has had sufficient build-up, there’s nothing quite like finally dropping that health bar to zero. Of course, certain games over the years have tried to flip that sense of accomplishment on its head, prompting gamers to look at their actions through a different prism and even feel a sense of guilt as a result. Nowhere is this better presented than with these clashes!
#3: Sif, the Great Grey Wolf
“Dark Souls” (2011)
What more do you need? It’s a giant, fluffy dog! Sure, it also comes armed with a massive sword and a desire to cut you to ribbons, but it’s still just an oversized puppy, one that even starts limping the more you damage its health. Things are made all the worse should you play the DLC, in which you befriend its younger self. No matter which way you spin it, you still have to kill a creature you would rather spend you time petting!
#2: The Colossi
“Shadow of the Colossus” (2005)
They make for some of the greatest boss fights in modern memory, their designs are breathtaking and have themes that are nothing short of epic. As a result, it didn’t take long for us to question why we were slaughtering these majestic creatures that just to be wanted to be left alone. Even if it was all to bring back Wander’s deceased lover, each kill made us realise that we were committing some kind of unspeakable wrong…
#1: The Boss
“Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater” (2004)
Mentor. Traitor. Patriot. The Boss was a figure of infinite complexity and sacrifice, one who was willing to take the blame of a nuclear tragedy and die as a war criminal, all because she adored her country. She would manipulate events that would lead up to her death, ensuring it was by the hand of her own student Snake. Honestly, making him pull that final trigger was the hardest thing we’ve had to do in the Metal Gear franchise. The fact we’re told of her heroics after her death just twists the knife in deeper.
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Greatest Metal Gear Bosses.
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