The Impact of One Boss Archetype in FromSoftware's Experiences: A Double-Edged Sword

Highlights

Boss battles in FromSoftware titles are absolutely pivotal and make a deep impact on players, particularly with remarkable bosses such as Starscourge Radahn, Malenia, and Morgott from Elden Ring.

Varied boss fights are crucial, incorporating diverse elements and extra adversaries to enhance the challenge and ensure each battle stands out. Nevertheless, certain boss-level menaces can prove exceptionally daunting, such as the formidable Godskin Duo and the dual encounters with the formidable Valiant Gargoyles in Elden Ring.

Among the Dark Souls series, the showdown against Ornstein and Smough remains one of the most unforgettable boss fights. Their synchronized assaults established the benchmark for group-based boss battles. Ornstein's animated armor has since made notable appearances in subsequent games, demonstrating their enduring influence.

Boss fights in modern FromSoftware games are incredibly important. They represent the pinnacle of the gameplay experience and leave a lasting impression on players. FromSoftware's design work has turned many bosses into legendary figures within the gaming community. In Elden Ring, for example, the Great Rune-holding demigods like Starscourge Radahn, Malenia, and Morgott are remembered as standout moments in numerous playthroughs. While the sheer number of bosses can sometimes be overwhelming, they continue to impress overall.

One of the reasons why some bosses make a lasting impact while others feel like a chore is the aspect of variety. Elden Ring ensures that each boss fight offers something different, whether through unique elements or the addition of additional enemies. This extends to other boss-level threats as well, resulting in some of the most challenging battles in the game. The Godskin Duo, for example, is a notorious encounter in Elden Ring's endgame, and many players have horror stories to share about it. Similarly, the double Valiant Gargoyle fight is considered just as difficult. This pattern of intense and challenging boss fights has been a characteristic of FromSoftware games for a long time and is no surprise for fans of the genre.

Ornstein and Smough Stand As One of Dark Souls’ Highlight Boss Fights

Dragon Slayer Ornstein and Executioner Smough are two of the most memorable bosses from the original Dark Souls game. While Dark Souls had other fights against multiple opponents, this particular battle is widely regarded as the best in the game. Ornstein and Smough's reputation grew due to the challenge they presented, often blocking players from progressing to the later stages of the game. Their unique designs and the difficulty of the fight made them a favorite among fans. Their influence can be seen in future Souls games, with Ornstein's animated armor making multiple appearances. What stood out about the fight against Ornstein and Smough was the way they worked together as a team. Their attacks and tactics complemented each other, requiring players to keep track of both opponents simultaneously. This level of coordination, combined with opportunities to exploit their weaknesses, has become a defining characteristic of the best group bosses in FromSoftware's games. The Throne Watcher and Throne Defender from Dark Souls 2, the Demon in Pain and Demon from Below from Dark Souls 3, the second phase of the Sister Friede fight with Father Ariandel in the same game, and the Shadows of Yharnam in Bloodborne are all memorable examples of bosses that followed the example set by Ornstein and Smough.

Many FromSoftware Duo Bosses Show How Rough Those Fights Can Be

The Godskin Duo in Elden Ring, while reminiscent of Ornstein and Smough, is not as beloved. These bosses were already formidable individually, and their strengths are magnified when fought together. The same can be said for the Valiant Gargoyle fight; both are significantly tougher than the Dark Souls bosses that inspired them and have not been adequately adapted for their new paired context. Defeating them consistently requires exploiting one of Elden Ring's most overpowered builds, which only adds to the frustration of players trying to figure out which strategies actually work.

The dissatisfaction that arises from FromSoftware's missteps with duo bosses is unavoidable. In Demon's Souls, for example, the Maneaters stand as a formidable obstacle in the Tower of Latria. Despite being nearly identical to Dark Souls' Belfry Gargoyles, players often compare them to the notorious Bed of Chaos. Their erratic AI, flight abilities, treacherous terrain, and powerful attacks make their encounters feel like a game of chance. Ensuring fairness is crucial in determining FromSoftware's best and worst duo bosses, and this principle will continue to guide the developer as they explore new variations of this challenging format.

Elden Ring is an expansive and enthralling fantasy action-RPG adventure. It takes place in a meticulously crafted world that is the result of a collaboration between two visionary creators: Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mastermind behind the influential Dark Souls video game series, and George R.R. Martin, the renowned author of the best-selling fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire. This partnership has given birth to FromSoftware's most ambitious game to date, brimming with perilous encounters and astonishing discoveries around every corner. Leading the charge is Hidetaka Miyazaki, the esteemed president and game director of FromSoftware, who has a remarkable track record in helming critically acclaimed titles, including Armored Core and Dark Souls.

Platform(s) PS5, Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PCReleased February 25, 2022Developer(s) From SoftwarePublisher(s) Bandai Namco Entertainment, From SoftwareGenre(s) RPG, Action