10 Iconic Skill Check Bosses in Non-Souls Games
The gaming landscape is littered with formidable foes, but some stand out as exceptional tests of skill, demanding precision, strategy, and a healthy dose of perseverance. While the “Souls-like” genre has popularized punishing difficulty, these intense encounters aren’t exclusive to FromSoftware’s creations. This article dives into 10 of the most iconic skill check bosses found in games outside the Souls universe, bosses that can leave players battered, bruised, but ultimately, triumphant. Get ready to reflect on some tough encounters – you might even learn a strategy or two!
1. Mike Tyson in Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!
The final boss of Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! is arguably one of the most infamous skill check bosses in video game history. Mike Tyson, in his digitized form, is a relentless powerhouse capable of knocking Little Mac out with a single punch in the early rounds. Success depends on pattern recognition, impeccable timing, and unwavering focus. Players must memorize Tyson’s attack patterns, learn to identify subtle tells, and exploit brief windows of opportunity. The fight is a masterclass in risk-reward gameplay, as even a single mistake can lead to a swift and devastating defeat. There’s no way of truly cheesing the Tyson fight; it’s a matter of timing, and learning the tells. This is what sets this fight apart. If you’re looking for a skill check, look no further, as Mike Tyson in Punch-Out is probably the hardest.
Decoding the Champ’s Attacks
The key to defeating Mike Tyson lies in understanding his patterns. His infamous “Haymaker” punch, delivered with blinding speed, can be anticipated by watching for a very subtle flinch in his eyes. This faint visual cue is your only warning, and reacting quickly is crucial. Blocking is essential, but only temporarily. You need to counter-punch immediately after blocking to create an opening.
Exploiting the “Blink”
Tyson occasionally blinks rapidly before launching an attack. This is a slightly longer telegraph, providing a fraction of a second more time to react. Use this to your advantage, and always be prepared to dodge or block. The faster your reactions, the better your chances.
Patience and Persistence
This fight isn’t about brute force. It’s about patience and precision. Don’t get greedy with your attacks. Wait for the opportune moment, deliver a calculated blow, and be ready to defend. It may take multiple attempts to master Tyson’s patterns, but the satisfaction of finally defeating him is unparalleled.
2. Emerald Weapon in Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII is renowned for its compelling story and memorable characters, but its optional superbosses, particularly Emerald Weapon, present a brutal challenge that truly separates seasoned players from the rest. Emerald Weapon, found lurking beneath the waves, boasts an absurd amount of HP and a devastating array of attacks.
Underwater Combat Limitations
The fight against Emerald Weapon takes place underwater, which introduces several limitations. Players are on a timer due to their oxygen supply, requiring strategic use of underwater Materia such as Underwater. Without this essential Materia, the time limit will make it virtually impossible to win.
Aire Tam Storm and Physical Power
Emerald Weapon’s signature attack, Aire Tam Storm, deals massive fixed damage to the entire party, ignoring defense stats. This necessitates having characters with high HP and the ability to heal efficiently. Equip your party with accessories that boost HP and consider using Materia combinations that enhance healing spells. Another thing is the brute force of Emerald Weapon. It’s going to hit hard, and fast, so be prepared to heal.
Knights of the Round and Mimic
One popular strategy involves utilizing the Knights of the Round Summon Materia, often considered one of the most powerful attacks in the game, in combination with the Mimic Materia. This allows characters to repeatedly cast Knights of the Round without consuming MP, effectively overwhelming Emerald Weapon with relentless damage. This strategy however requires a good understanding of the materia system.
A Test of Preparation
Emerald Weapon isn’t just a test of combat prowess; it’s a test of preparation. Players must optimize their Materia loadouts, equip the right accessories, and develop a solid strategy before even attempting the fight. This meticulous planning is what makes Emerald Weapon such a rewarding challenge.
3. The Nameless King in Dark Souls III
While Dark Souls III is already known for its difficulty, The Nameless King is a significant step up in challenge even compared to the other bosses in the game. Found in Archdragon Peak, The Nameless King is a two-phase fight that demands mastery of both aerial and ground combat.
The King of the Storm (Phase 1)
The first phase pits players against The King of the Storm, a massive King of the Storm ridden by The Nameless King. This phase requires locking onto the King of the Storm and targeting its head. Success depends on precise timing, dodging fire breath attacks, and exploiting openings to land blows on the King of the Storm’s head.
The Nameless King (Phase 2)
Once the King of the Storm falls, the true battle begins. The Nameless King, wielding a weapon, is a swift and agile opponent with a diverse moveset. He’s resistant to lightning damage, so adjust your equipment accordingly. Learning his attack patterns is crucial, as mistiming a dodge can be fatal.
Aggression and Patience
The Nameless King encourages a mix of aggression and patience. Be aggressive when opportunities arise, but don’t overextend yourself. Bait out his attacks, punish his openings, and maintain a safe distance when necessary.
A True Test of Skill
The Nameless King is a true test of Dark Souls skill, requiring players to master dodging, spacing, and attack timing. His aggressive moveset and unpredictable attacks demand constant vigilance and precise execution. Defeating him is a badge of honor for any Dark Souls player.
4. Senator Armstrong in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Senator Armstrong, the final boss of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, is a bombastic and over-the-top villain who serves as a final exam of the game’s core mechanics. His nanomachine-enhanced body grants him incredible strength, speed, and durability, making him a formidable opponent.
Blade Mode Mastery
Senator Armstrong forces players to fully utilize Blade Mode, the game’s signature slicing mechanic. Precisely cutting through his attacks and exploiting his weak points is essential to dealing damage. Practicing Blade Mode before the fight is crucial.
Perfect Parrying
Parrying is vital for surviving Senator Armstrong’s relentless attacks. Mastering the timing of parries is essential for deflecting his blows and creating openings for counterattacks. Perfect parries are key to staggering him and unleashing devastating combos.
Nanomachines, Son
Senator Armstrong’s catchphrase, “Nanomachines, son,” encapsulates his incredible resilience. He can heal himself using nanomachines, requiring players to maintain constant pressure and prevent him from regenerating too much health.
Embracing the Absurdity
The fight against Senator Armstrong is as much about embracing the game’s over-the-top absurdity as it is about mastering its mechanics. The bombastic dialogue, the over-the-top action, and the sheer spectacle of the fight make it a memorable and satisfying experience.
5. The Mantis Lords in Hollow Knight
The Mantis Lords in Hollow Knight are a trio of agile and deadly insect warriors who guard the path to Deepnest. They represent a significant skill check for players early in the game, demanding precise platforming, quick reflexes, and a solid understanding of the combat mechanics.
A Coordinated Assault
The Mantis Lords attack in a coordinated fashion, requiring players to manage multiple enemies simultaneously. Each Lord has a unique attack pattern, and learning these patterns is essential for survival.
Mastering Movement
The fight against the Mantis Lords emphasizes precise movement and platforming. Players must utilize dashes, jumps, and wall jumps to avoid attacks and create opportunities for counterattacks.
Patience and Observation
The key to defeating the Mantis Lords lies in patience and observation. Watch their attack patterns, identify openings, and strike when the time is right. Don’t get greedy with your attacks; focus on staying alive and chipping away at their health.
A Rite of Passage
The Mantis Lords serve as a rite of passage in Hollow Knight. Defeating them is a clear indication that the player has mastered the game’s core mechanics and is ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
6. Sephiroth in Kingdom Hearts II
While Kingdom Hearts II isn’t generally considered a brutally difficult game, the optional fight against Sephiroth is a significant challenge that demands skill, strategy, and a well-leveled character.
A Symphony of Light and Darkness
Sephiroth’s attacks are a dazzling display of light and darkness, and they hit hard. Players must be adept at dodging, blocking, and utilizing defensive abilities to survive his onslaught.
Reaction Commands
The fight against Sephiroth heavily relies on reaction commands, contextual actions that allow players to parry attacks, counter-attack, or execute special moves. Mastering these reaction commands is crucial for turning the tide of battle.
Limit Form and Strategy
The Limit Form transformation grants Sora access to powerful abilities that can deal significant damage to Sephiroth. Combining Limit Form with a well-thought-out strategy is essential for victory.
A Clash of Titans
The fight against Sephiroth is a clash of titans, a spectacle of light and darkness that tests the player’s skills to the limit. Defeating him is a testament to their mastery of the Kingdom Hearts II combat system.
7. The Weapon in Wild Arms 3
Wild Arms 3 features a hidden boss called The Weapon and it is considered to be the hardest boss in the game. This boss boasts a large amount of hit points and has many moves. The weapon is an ultimate test.
Understanding the Attacks
The Weapon has attacks that will affect party members both individually and as a whole. Pay close attention to the attack pattern as it will take a few tries to figure them out.
Proper Party Set-Up
It is best to use specific characters and a dedicated healer. Also, be sure to use specific frames that can protect against instant death attacks or status ailments.
A Completion Test
The Weapon is something that requires great patience and preparation. Make sure that your characters are leveled appropriately.
8. Psycho Mantis in Metal Gear Solid
Psycho Mantis is a boss that requires some clever thinking and isn’t just about having good reflexes. He is fought early on in the game. Psycho Mantis is known for reading the players controller and save game data.
Using Controller Port 2
Psycho Mantis is best known for reading the player’s controller. To circumvent this, a player can switch the controller to port 2 on the Playstation or PC.
Breaking the 4th Wall
Psycho Mantis will directly talk to the player and he is aware that he is in a video game. This adds to the complexity of the fight and makes him an iconic boss in video game history.
A Unique Encounter
Psycho Mantis is a great boss to talk about due to his unique nature. If the player does not know about the trick to defeat him, then it can be considered a major road block to the game.
9. Bloody Mary in The Wolf Among Us
The Wolf Among Us is a Telltale Games adventure title that is known for a compelling story that can change depending on your actions. At the end, you fight Bloody Mary and it requires quick reflexes.
Quick Time Event
The Wolf Among Us makes extensive use of Quick Time Events during combat. Bloody Mary is no exception and it will require specific inputs to avoid certain attacks.
Environmental Awareness
The fight takes place in a mirror world and Bigby Wolf can use the environment to his advantage. This is a fight that requires using everything that you have learned.
A Test of Reflexes
Bloody Mary is fast and she will go for the kill. This fight is considered one of the best boss battles in the Telltale Games franchise.
10. Sans in Undertale
Sans is the final boss in Undertale and he is considered one of the most powerful video game bosses. He is notorious for his hard-hitting attacks and the need to learn his attack pattern to memorize when to move.
Using Mercy
Sans requires the player to use the mercy option in order to progress through the game. To get to his fight, you must take a specific route.
Dodging Attacks
Sans makes use of a lot of projectiles and it is necessary to know how to dodge. You must memorize his attack pattern and learn how to avoid death.
A Memorable Encounter
Sans has a lot of dialogue and funny attacks that keep players entertained. This fight requires a lot of patience and he tests the player for their ability to learn from their past mistakes.