November 25th 2024.
When asked about the most memorable final bosses of the 90s, GameCentral has compiled a list of 10 iconic boss fights from the SNES, Mega Drive, and original PlayStation. The final boss is a crucial part of any video game, especially those from the 90s. It serves as the ultimate test of skill for players and can be a satisfying reward for completing a game.
There are many elements that contribute to making a final boss stand out. While difficulty can be a factor, it's not the only thing that makes a boss iconic. An overly challenging or frustrating final boss can leave a negative impression. The most unforgettable fights are those that strike the perfect balance between gameplay, music, visual design, and overall atmosphere.
After carefully considering the best games of the 90s from Sega, Nintendo, and PlayStation, we have compiled a list of the final bosses that defined the decade for a generation of gamers.
Bowser, the iconic villain from the Mario franchise, may have been overused as a final boss by 1996. However, his boss fights in Super Mario 64 stood out for their innovative gameplay. The player had to grab him by the tail and throw him out of the arena, which was a new concept at the time when 3D movement was just emerging. The third and final fight with Bowser was especially memorable as the player had to throw him three times while the arena collapsed around them.
The original Sonic The Hedgehog's final boss was underwhelming, but the Death Egg Robot in the sequel was a significant improvement. It offered a more intimidating challenge as players had to hit it from behind. This boss has appeared in multiple Sonic games and was even featured in the live-action movie.
By 1997, Castlevania fans had faced off against Dracula many times, but his appearance in Symphony Of The Night is considered the most memorable. The dramatic voice acting and satisfying gameplay made this fight a fitting reward for completing the game's second act. It may not be the most challenging boss, but it is enjoyable and purposeful with the right strategy and equipment.
In The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time, just when players think they have defeated the evil Ganondorf, he transforms into his monstrous form, Ganon. This boss fight was the first time Ganon was depicted in 3D, and his terrifying design, coupled with the dark and stormy atmosphere, was a frightening experience for 90s kids.
Giygas is not just one of the most iconic final bosses of the 90s, but of all time. It's not just the fight itself, but the ending that makes this boss unforgettable. We won't spoil it, but the formless alien creature with its red and black swirling mass and incomprehensible words and attacks made for a disturbing yet satisfying fight.
In Gunstar Heroes, the best boss is Seven Force, but Golden Silver is the final boss. This character stands motionless, not flinching as the player unloads bullets into him. It's only when players realize they must shoot the floating gems above him that they can defeat him. This trick often catches players off guard, making this boss one of the best of all time.
For a game series centered around fighting Nazis, it's only fitting that the final boss of Wolfenstein 3D was Adolf Hitler himself. After fighting through waves of enemies and a mech suit equipped with chainguns, players must face the Führer in a final stand. This iconic imagery has been remembered for decades and remains a classic boss fight.
Mother Brain is another iconic Nintendo final boss from the 90s. At first, the fight seems to be a repeat of the original Metroid's final boss, but upon her defeat, she rises again with a grotesque new body. The addition of the baby Metroid and its ultimate sacrifice make this boss fight both challenging and emotional.
After spending the entire game running away from Nemesis, finally defeating it in the climax is immensely satisfying for both the player and protagonist Jill Valentine. This boss takes on an even uglier form and requires players to use the environment to defeat it. The Resident Evil 3 remake may have omitted Jill's iconic line, but the original fight remains a fan favorite.
The one-winged angel himself, Safer Sephiroth, is one of the most memorable final bosses of all time. The combination of Nobuo Uematsu's masterpiece of a final boss theme, the heavenly backdrop, and the high difficulty level (especially at level 99) make this fight a true masterpiece. His signature Supernova attack is a sight to behold, making this boss a gold standard for final boss fights in Final Fantasy games.
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