Few series in video game history have a stronger cult following or more positive nostalgia than the Earthbound series. Nintendo's endearing RPG trilogy spans three decades, dozens of unforgettable characters to meet and play as, and some of the most colorful environment and music that can be found in all gaming.
Don't let the aesthetic fool you, however. Some fights in this series, especially the boss encounters, can be woefully brutal for those unprepared. If Ninten, Ness, Lucas, and their friends want to save the world, they will have to go through several opponents who are as tough as they often are absurd. It's time to swing for the fences.
10 Starman Deluxe (Earthbound)
So iconic that they even grace the North American SNES box art, the Starmen are practically the mascot for 1994's now legendary Earthbound. The poster child for extraterrestrial threats in the Earthbound series, one of these beings stands head and shoulders above the rest.
The Starman Deluxe can cause massive trouble for Ness and his friends for a variety of reasons. For starters, he enters the battle with a PSI Shield already up, severely dampening your most powerful attacks. To make matters worse, the Starman Deluxe has PSI attacks of its own, including the infamous and deadly PSI Starstorm! There is a fortunate catch, however. He can be defeated using Jeff's Multi Bottle Rocket. Once defeated, all the other Starmen make a hasty and rewarding retreat.
9 Masked Man (Mother 3)
This fight is hard in every sense of the word. The Masked Man has been plaguing Lucas and his friends for the later half of their journey. Doing the bidding of the Pigmask army, this character and battle is just one of many reasons why fans are still patiently waiting for a Mother 3 worldwide release.
With over 5000 HP and a devastating array of PSI attacks, they are a serious force. The Masked Man has the ability to make short work of anything or anyone in their way. Lucas' best advantage is to equip the legendary Franklin Badge, which can reflect this foe's thunder back at them. The last fight sees Lucas going it alone against this mysterious marauder.
8 Barrier Trio (Mother 3)
Created by the Magypsies to protect the Tanetane Island Needle, this troublesome trio is indeed a barrier for many. Barrier Man, Barrier Gal, and Barrier Dude combine to form one of the toughest obstacles found in any Earthbound game.
They're capable of not only all elemental PSI attacks, but can also boost their already formidable fortitude with Defense Up. Further complicating matters, the poses they strike are actually a tell in direct correlation to their current weakness and immunities. Worse still, their one weakness is randomized depending on which member calls out the order to pose.
7 Carbon Dog/Diamond Dog (Earthbound)
This canine catastrophe is easily one of the toughest challenges Ness and his crew square up against. The boss begins the fight as Carbon dog. After the pressure of taking a couple of hundred hit points worth of damage, however? The transformation to Diamond Dog happens and the pain begins.
The damaging fire attack is now replaced with Diamondizing Bites, which can completely immobilize the effected party member. To make matters worse, it will also activate a shield upon transformation and even reflect the physical attack that caused it. Aside from its PSI and bitting attacks, it can also emit a glorious light that can potentially kill your party members in one hit. Take solace in the fact that, at least in victory, you receive the largest experience points reward in the game — 337,000 XP.
6 Titanic Ant (Earthbound)
It may be a cliché, but timing really is everything. The Titanic Ant is a very big problem for Ness in Earthbound, not because of his overall stats, but when he encounters him — when he's alone.
This incredulous insect is the first major challenge our hero faces on his journey. The guardian of the very first sanctuary location, this enemy has two Antoids accompanying them and can utilize both PSI and physical attacks. Its PSi attacks can steal Ness's PP, lower his defense, and even create a shield around itself for defense. It's even capable of a smash attack that can wipe out the player in one hit.
5 Dragon (Earthbound Beginnings)
In a scene that would make The Hobbit proud, Ninten and his party members have to square up against an actual living, breathing dragon. The Dragon is guarding the much-needed sixth melody. Interestingly, the Dragon won't even notice Ninten and his friends until they're at least level 25 and already have four melodies.
When this scaled scoundrel does deem you worthy, prepare for a world of hurt. Boasting incredibly high offense and defense, victory is no easy task. With a staggering 650 HP, the ability to lower a party member's defense, and access to devastating versions of PSI Thunder and Fire, the unprepared won't last long in this battle. You'll want to spam PSI-Block and Defense UP, in tandem with a well-timed Super Bomb from Loyd to ensure you live to see another day.
4 Giegue (Earthbound Beginnings)
The main antagonist of both Earthbound Beginnings and Earthbound (known as Giygas in the later), this alien menace is often referred to as the "embodiment of evil". You don't get that nickname by being a pushover. Upon failing to reclaim the powerful PSI attacks and maneuvers from humanity, this great destroyer instead settles on plunging all reality in infinite darkness. Ninten and his party are destined to have their hands full with the end boss of their adventure.
Like all the series' best fights, this is a deeply personal conflict. On the battlefield, our heroes' prospects are grim. Giegue is immune to all forms of damage. His HP is effectively bottomless. The only chance Ninten and friends have? Singing a certain nostalgic lullaby...
3 Natural Killer Cyborg (Mother 3)
Also known as the N. K. Cyborg, this fearsome robotic death machine is statistically the toughest in the game and serves as an end game skill check. It even has the single largest sprite in the game, casting an incredibly intimidating shadow over our protagonists.
This cyborg boasts incredible damage output and can even attack twice in one turn. To make matters worse, it can also inflect debilitating status effects on your party such as forgetfulness and poison, while still launching missiles at several targets at once. You'll once again want to make sure Lucas has his legendary Franklin Badge equipped, as it's only PSI attack is thunder based. This will give our hero a chance to reflect the damage and turn the tables.
2 New/Miracle Fassad (Mother 3)
At first glance, Fassad is the most despicable character in the entire Earthbound series. Their crimes range from holding a loved one hostage, repeated torture, and even single-handedly ruining the once idyllic town of Tazmily. Even more frustrating, the just won't stay dead.
When Lucas and his friends square off against the now-enhanced New Fassad, they can't speak, but still are able to inflict some serious punishment. New Fassad can throw bombs, utilize a shield, inflect status ailments, and heal themselves with the all-too-familiar Luxury Banana. Naturally, this hard-earned defeat doesn't stick. Upon his return towards the end of the game, Miracle Fassad can do all the previously mentioned, plus devastating PSI attacks such as PK Starstorm and PK Freeze.
1 Giygas (Earthbound)
The premier villain of the Earthbound series. Casting a sinister shadow over the first two Earthbound games, this force of evil travels back 10 years in the future with a simple mission: stop Ness and the Chosen Four.
During the course of the final battle, Giygas's cosmic power rages out of control. He's all but unstoppable and is capable of wiping your party out without much effort. Sporting three different forms over the course of this climatic battle, there are times when they'll be shielded and completely immune to any attacks. When finally vulnerable, PSI attacks and Heavy Bazookas are the team's best bet. In the end, however, it's Paula who ends up saving the day. She understands that the only way to beat despair is with hope. It might not be easy, but this final showdown proves that in the world of Earthbound, the greatest act is an act of kindness.