Highlights
The Undead Giant in Bloodborne's Chalice Dungeons is a repetitive boss enemy that appears frequently and can be a chore for returning players.
The Undead Giant's different variations pose a challenge, but the chained version stands out for its frustratingly erratic and unpredictable chain movements.
The mechanics of the Undead Giant don't align well with the Chalice Dungeon boss arenas, leading to uneventful encounters in simplistic and empty rooms.
The Chalice Dungeons in Bloodborne are often criticized for their repetitive nature and unpredictable rewards. While there are some notable bosses that make the Chalice Dungeons worthwhile, many of the enemies, like the Undead Giant found in multiple layers of the Pthumerian Chalice collection, fail to impress.
Initially appearing relatively harmless, the Undead Giant seems to bridge the gap between Bloodborne and Dark Souls 3, even featuring a weak spot that would later be used for a boss in the latter game. However, the constant appearance of the Undead Giant throughout the Chalice Dungeons, coupled with the awkward physics of FromSoftware, can make this boss feel like a frustrating obstacle on the way to facing more challenging foes like Lady Yharnam or the Loran Darkbeast.
The Undead Giant's Variants Add Difficulty Through Unpredictability
The initial encounter with the base Undead Giant in the first layer of the Pthumeru Chalice Dungeon is a delightful surprise. This boss is unique to the Chalice Dungeons and provides a refreshing change from the creatures encountered in the main world of Yharnam. It serves as a manageable introduction to the additional areas. However, for experienced players who have mastered Bloodborne's combat, revisiting and challenging the Undead Giant may not be as enjoyable.
The later variations of the Undead Giant, however, present an added layer of difficulty with their simple boss mechanics. There are two additional versions of the Undead Giant that can appear in the various Chalice Dungeons in Yharnam. One variant is equipped with a powerful cannon in the center of its chest, capable of inflicting heavy damage if the player remains too far away and adopts a passive approach. The final version is undoubtedly the most challenging, as it wields chains with heavy weights and slicing blades that accompany its regular attacks.
The Unfortunate Circumstance of Bloodborne's Chalice Dungeons
The inclusion of these variations adds an element of freshness and challenge to the core boss encounters. However, the chained version of the Undead Giant proves to be a formidable obstacle that pushes the boundaries of Bloodborne's physics engine. While the initial attacks that trigger the subsequent chain reactions are distinguishable and come with their own distinct telltale signs, the erratic and unpredictable manner in which these chains bounce around seems unplanned and unforeseen by the game's developers. As a result, players must contend with an adversary that doesn't clearly communicate its actions, preventing it from achieving the same level of excellence as Bloodborne's most impressive bosses.
The attention to detail in FromSoftware's boss design often goes unnoticed by fans, particularly the seamless integration of captivating arenas that complement the boss battles. While there are certain instances in their portfolio where this synergy falters, like the cramped space where players confront Dark Souls' Capra Demon, the majority of custom-crafted bosses and their arenas harmoniously unite. Unfortunately, the Undead Giant suffers from being confined to Chalice Dungeons, resulting in the need for plain, spacious arenas capable of accommodating a range of distinct bosses.
The Undead Giant is unable to showcase its potential due to the lack of a specially designed arena that would complement its wide swings and effectively trap players in its weak spot. The boss arenas in Chalice Dungeons are generic and not tailored to any specific boss. Consequently, the Undead Giant is left occupying dull rooms towards the end of monotonous dungeons, missing out on the opportunity for a distinctive encounter similar to Bloodborne's Martyr Logarius. Bloodborne is currently accessible on PS4.