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Multi-Stage Boss Fights Are the Worst Video Game Mechanic of All Time

Boss fights with second stages and replenished health bars is the worst video game mechanic of all time.

Lead image for “Multi-Stage Boss Fights Are the Worst Video Game Mechanic of All Time”.
Image: Polygon
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Boss fights with second stages and replenished health bars is the worst video game mechanic of all time.

The short version

  • Boss fights have existed for almost as long as video games have.
  • They serve various purposes: defeating them may be required for story progression, or perhaps they're optional, guarding rare loot.
  • A fight may be against an entirely unique enemy, with new mechanics and animations, or it could be a tougher version of a similar foe you've already fought.

What happened

They all have one thing in common though: winning a boss fight is one of the most satisfying things you can do as a player. That's all well and good when it's a straightforward boss encounter.

Why it matters

Some bosses — I'm looking at you, FromSoftware and the Souls games — have a second (and sometimes even a third!) phase where the enemy essentially transforms into a more powerful version, complete with new attacks and animations.

Summary by Nerd News Network. Read the full article at Polygon via the links above and below.

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