Have you ever played through a video game and encountered a boss that makes you ask yourself, “Wait, didn’t I defeat you already?” Sometimes this all happens within the one game, other times, the boss reappears in another game within the same franchise. The question is–are recurring bosses vital for brand recognition or evidence of laziness?
I believe the answer, in part, lies whether there is a narrative reason for the recurring boss. I will use The Legend of Zelda franchise for this banter. For example, King Bulbin in Twilight Princess is a commanding officer for Zant and therefore relentlessly pursues link until his ultimate surrender. It narratively makes sense, and the setting and/or mechanics change up each time.
While King Bulbin helps further the plot with each appearance–by invading Ordon Village, kidnapping the children, protecting the base at Arbiter’s Grounds, and commits to a final showdown at Hyrule Castle, we also have The Imprisoned from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. It is sealed and tries to break free three times. Other than a few additional mechanics with each fight, there isn’t much to it but frustration and perhaps boredom. I feel one works…but not so much the other.
Then, we have recurring bosses throughout the Zelda franchise as a while. Our first example is Moldorm. This worm-like baddie appears in A Link to the Past, Link’s Awakening, and Link Between Worlds. Jalhalla appears in The Wind Waker and Four Swords Adventures. Perhaps the most famous example in this franchise is Gohma, appearing in several entries, including, but not limited to: The Legend of Zelda, Ocarina of Time, The Wind Waker, Twilight Princess (as Armogohma), and Oracle of Seasons.
Image Credit: Nintendo
On one hand, it may come off as lazy from a creative standpoint; however, I feel there is more leeway with longstanding franchises, providing fans a sense of nostalgia. I personally am okay with the occasional recurring boss, but as an exception, not the rule.
What are your thoughts on recurring bosses? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.
Pow Block Podcast – A Nintendo Podcast by Boss Rush
Pow Block Podcast is the Nintendo podcast for The Boss Rush Network and Boss Rush Media. Each week, Edward Varnell, Corey Dirrig, and their friends from around the internet discuss the week that was in the world of Nintendo, including news, rumors, new and upcoming games, NSO, answer listener questions, discuss their weekly snacks, and more. New episodes now release on Tuesdays for everyone.
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