Boss (video games)
A boss is an enemy-based challenge (or computer-controlled opponent) which is found in video games.[1] A fight with a boss character is commonly referred to as a boss battle.[2] Boss battles are generally seen at the climax of a particular section of the game, usually at the end of a stage or level, or guarding a specific objective, and the boss enemy is generally far stronger than the opponents the player has faced up to that point.[3]
History
The first interactive game to feature a boss was dnd, a 1975 computer role-playing game for the PLATO system.[4][5] One of the earliest dungeon crawls, dnd implemented many of the core concepts behind Dungeons & Dragons.[5] The objective of the game is to retrieve an "Orb" from the bottommost dungeon.[6] The orb is kept in a treasure room guarded by a high-level enemy named the Gold Dragon. Only by defeating the Dragon can the player claim the orb, complete the game, and be eligible to appear on the high score list.[4][7]
The first arcade game to feature a boss was Phoenix, a fixed shooter developed by Taito in 1980.[8] Phoenix includes five levels ("Rounds") which pit the player against swarms of alien birds. During the first two Rounds, the player is assaulted by the pigeon-like "Scouts", whereas the more formidable "Soldiers" are introduced in Rounds 3 and 4. On disposing these enemies, a giant mothership appears in the fifth and final Round.[9] In some games the end boss returns after being defeated, sometimes in a new form with alternate attacks, this can repeat a certain number of times before the player faces their final and most powerful form, after which they have beaten the game.
Characteristics
Bosses are "super-powered" in comparison with regular enemies, and are usually found at the end of a level or area.[10] Most games also include a "final" boss, which is usually the main antagonist in the story, at the very end of the game. Some well known final bosses are Bowser (Mario series), Doctor Robotnik (Sonic the Hedgehog), King DeDeDe (Kirby), Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII), and Ganon (Legend of Zelda). While most games include a mixture of boss opponents and regular opponents, some games have only regular opponents and some games have only bosses – for example, Shadow of the Colossus for the PlayStation 2 has no enemies other than bosses.[11] In games such as Duke Nukem 3D, the first boss even reappears throughout the game as a uncommon enemy, however they are weaker than the original.
Miniboss
A miniboss, also known as a middle boss or midboss, is a boss smaller and usually weaker than the main boss in the area or level. Some well known minibosses are Dark Link (The Legend of Zelda series), and Bowser Jr. (Mario (series). Minibosses are sometimes encountered later in the game as normal enemies.
References
- ^ Burt, Andy (2008-4). "No More Heroes: The Killer Boss Guide", GamePro vol. 235., pg. 66.
- ^ Top 5 boss battles. MSNBC. Retrieved on 2008-03-25.
- ^ Thompson, Clive. (2006-05-08) Who's the Boss? Wired. Retrieved on 2008-03-22.
- ^ a b Gary Whisenhunt, Ray Wood, Dirk Pellett, and Flint Pellett's DND. The Armory. Retrieved on 2008-04-08.
- ^ a b dnd (The Game of Dungeons). Universal Videogame List. Retrieved on 2008-04-09.
- ^ The History of Computer Role-Playing Games Part 1: The Early Years (1980-1983). Gamasutra. Retrieved on 2008-04-07.
- ^ Dnd (computer game). Spiritus-Temporis.com. Retrieved on 2008-04-03.
- ^ Sterbakov, Hugh. (2008-03-05) The 47 Most Diabolical Video-Game Villains of All Time. Gamepro. Retrieved on 2008-04-28.
- ^ Phoenix. Arcade-History. Retrieved on 2008-03-14.
- ^ Thompson, Clive (6 May 2004). "Tough Love: Can a video game be too hard?". Slate Magazine. Retrieved 1 March 2009.
- ^ Roper, Chris (2005). "Shadow of the Colossus Review". IGN. Retrieved July 21 200.
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