Players have recently been flocking to Resetera, taking part in a thorough discussion about bosses in video games that excel in buildup and atmosphere but ultimately fall short in terms of mechanics. Users have been sharing their experiences and frustrations with these disappointing encounters, sparking a passionate debate within the gaming community.
One character frequently mentioned in the discussion is Ganondorf, the final boss in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. This boss is introduced with a captivating setup and a haunting soundtrack, setting an intense atmosphere. Players however clearly found the mechanics lackluster, consisting of repetitive and predictable attacks that failed to challenge their strategic thinking. Many gamers have already expressed their disappointment, feeling that Ganondorf was a missed opportunity, given its initial promise.
“The buildup, finally making your way up the tower, hearing the sound of an organ playing, you run up the revolving stairs and enter a gorgeously lit room with stained glass, Zelda is trapped in a crystal above and Ganondorf is just there playing the damn organ like a boss,” Lightjolly explained about the encounter. “The whole buildup and setup was beyond amazing even to this day. But man the battle itself seemed much more epic as a kid. Stand in a spot and play some electric tennis.”
Another character which has been garnering significant attention is Malenia from Elden Ring. The game sets up this boss to be a fearsome force of destruction, but the actual battle proves to be disappointingly straightforward, lacking complexity and failing to deliver on the immense buildup, at least according to some players. Gamers have been expressing their desire for a more memorable and engaging encounter, citing overly simplistic mechanics as the primary culprit.
“Boring, uninteresting moveset without anything special,” NightmaresHunter explained in reference to the boss. “They had to give her an annoying ability and broke one of her attacks to make her harder. One of the most disappointing From Software bosses.” DaciaJC added that “I so very much want to love her boss fight, because she has a fantastic aesthetic and most of her moveset is really enjoyable to learn to dance with, but Waterfowl Dance ends up trashing the experience every single time.”
The consensus among gamers in the ongoing discussion is that both of these bosses and many more promised much, but delivered little. The disappointment stems from the stark contrast between the captivating buildup and the comparatively dull mechanics that followed. Players emphasize the importance of well designed encounters that offer engaging and challenging gameplay, allowing for true immersion in the experience.
The goal is of course to create boss encounters that live up to the anticipation and excitement surrounding them, providing a harmonious blend of atmosphere and mechanics. In an industry driven by innovation and player feedback, these discussions contribute to the ongoing evolution of gaming, helping developers deliver exceptional experiences that leave a lasting impact on players.