Best Boss Battles in Gaming History - Part Three

This article features spoilers, so please tread carefully. Warning given.

It's time for five more classic boss encounters with this installment of Best Boss Battles in Gaming History, and what a way to end the week! If you missed out on past entries, check out Part One and Part Two at their respective links. With that out of the way, let's get to kicking some boss butt!

Big Baby Bowser - Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (SNES)


After the primary battle against Baby Bowser in his playpen, the sinister magician Kamek uses his magic to transform his master into the gargantuan you see in the picture above. The quickly matured Bowser slowly marches forward, and if Yoshi does not stop him, Bowser will smash the platforms Yoshi is on, immediately killing the green dinosaur.

So how do you defeat this giant koopa king? Large red eggs fly in from side-to-side over the bottomless pits. Yoshi must collect these, aim carefully, and target Bowser, chucking them far into the background, hoping they connect. Hitting Bowser with one causes the tumultuous turtle to fall into the background more, giving Yoshi and Baby Mario some more time to work with. Meanwhile, the team must watch out for falling rocks and other debris. After enough eggs have smashed into Baby Bowser, he'll be defeated, Kamek will scamper off, and Yoshi and Baby Mario will rescue Baby Luigi and the stork that was transporting him. All in a day's work for one of our heroes, even in diapers.

Wizpig - Diddy Kong Racing (N64)


Wizpig is a tyrannical interdimensional pig who travels from planet to planet, laying waste to each once he's had his fun of them. Arriving on Donkey Kong's planet, Wizpig arrives on Timber Island, puts a spell on some of the inhabitants, kicks the island's genie from his mountain home, and turns anyone who goes against him into frogs. Timber the Tiger has had enough. He enlists the help from his friend and nearby neighbor, Diddy Kong, to collect four pieces of the Wizpig Amulet to open the way to face Wizpig.

In Diddy Kong Racing, the player faces off against Wizpig twice. The first time features a daunting kart race in the rain where following the perfect racing line above speed-boosting zippers will barely guarantee victory. The second race takes place in Future Fun Land, Wizpig's home, and it takes place in air. Through avoiding flying meteors, zooming through caverns, dodging dangerous lasers, and hot-stepping it through the final stretch, Wizpig's heavily-guarded throne room, Diddy Kong and friends defeat the evil porker, saving Timber Island from the brink of extinction.

Ultimate Bowser - Super Mario 64 (N64)


Players battled Bowser many times in the past, but in Super Mario 64, this was the first time they had done it in three-dimensions. Mario previously beat down Bowser in the Dark World and over the Fire Sea. Now it's time for the final showdown in the sky. The same concept works on Bowser as it did in the previous battles-- run around to Bowser's backside, grab his tail, rotate the analog stick quickly, and chuck Bowser into one of the various scattered mines around the arena. It's harder than it sounds. You need to time it just right.

Bowser's no slouch this time around either. Mario needs to chuck him into a mine thrice in order to finally put the king of the koopas in extended vacation. Every time he is slammed into a mine, Bowser smashes part of the arena apart, eventually turning the arena into a star-shaped platform. There's little room to maneuver, to run around Bowser and grab his slimy yellow tail, and Bowser spins much faster than in prior encounters. The koopa king also breathes out fire in battle which can cook the portly plumber's hind parts in an instant, making this one dangerous fight. After three throws into the mines, Bowser surrenders, Mario puts on his wing cap, and flies off into the sky, back to Peach's castle for his reward-- some cake.

Sigma - Mega Man X (SNES)


After dishing out damage and defeating his dog and taking out Sigma bot-to-bot, Sigma will literally become a-head of himself and enter the large, ominous machine in the background. The battle to restore peace to the world will begin. Sigma's weakness is Armored Armadillo's Rolling Shield weapon. Players can either wait for one of Sigma's hands to come down to leap upon, or they can time it just right and scale up the wall as X, dodging the hand completely. X can't stand on the hands willy-nilly as they will shoot out thunderbolts from the center. X can either jump off or take damage. By far the most deadly move Sigma can deliver is a fire breath attack that sweeps the floor. This move does a lot of damage to X, so fill up on sub-tanks definitely if you're not that confident in your abilities. Deal damage to Sigma's head as that is the giant robot's weakpoint. Once his life meter trickles down to zero, the leader of the Mavericks will be defeated, and Dr. Light's dream for a world where humans and robots can live together in harmony will be one step closer to fruition. ...Until Mega Man X2 and the ensuing sequels, of course.

Dr. Nefarious - Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal (PS2)


The dynamic duo of Ratchet and Clank have had a grand adventure together. Sure, they've explored perilous planets and had to tolerate that dolt, Captain Qwark, but now they've reached the climax-- the battle against Dr. Nefarious! The battle begins with Nefarious leaping around the arena, chucking bombs at the pair of heroes. He also spins around and shoots out a purplish beam that Ratchet must hop over. This is all the while doing damage with some high-powered weaponry of the awesome kind. Once Nefarious is downed, he'll beg for mercy. This, however, is merely a ruse as he retreats. Ratchet and Clank must pursue, dodging Nefarious' purple laser and stampeding through blockades of big bots.

Once the two reach the second platform of the fight, Nefarious will go back to his old tricks... with some new ones, too. He'll create multiple images of himself which will charge toward Ratchet as well as have the images claw at the heroic lombax. Jumping into the air is a beneficial way of dodging this assault. The mad robotic doctor will also shoot out bombs that once they hit the ground will produce massive shockwaves that must be hopped over to avoid massive damage. As Nefarious' health bar disintegrates into nothingness, the final stage of the fight will commence.

Dr. Nefarious will summon his butler, Lawrence. The pair will enter a gigantic robot and begin blasting at Ratchet and Clank. Luckily there's a ship nearby with one-hundred health points to save the day. A simple strategy is to circle 'round Nefarious' robot, never releasing the trigger to fire shot after shot into the bot. This allows Ratchet's ship to escape the barrage of missiles being fired at it, and enables Ratchet to finally take down Dr. Nefarious and Lawrence, restoring peace and order to the galaxy.

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That wraps up Part Three of Best Boss Battles in Gaming History. Do you like my picks? Let me know in the comments section. We'll see you in the coming weeks for Part Four!

Most Overlooked PSP Games - Part Three

It's been quite awhile since we've last checked on a platform's most overlooked titles. Well, consider that streak over as tonight we're checking out more of the PSP's titles that many of you missed out on (or illegally downloaded). We have a good batch of games tonight to share with each other, so let's get to it!

Hot Shots Tennis: Get A Grip

The critically-acclaimed Hot Shots series takes to the court once again for the first time ever on a portable. Saying it's one of the best handheld tennis games is no hyperbole. This game has it all from character customization to an easy-to-learn-hard-to-master system of gameplay. Not only that but at launch, this game was only $19.99. I know PSP software sales are bad, but give me a break!



LittleBigPlanet

The portable version of LittleBigPlanet couldn't even come close to the sales of its big brother on the PlayStation 3. It's a shame, too, since this capable platformer is quite good with Sony Bend at the helm. Creating levels was just as fun, the run and jump gameplay stood still stellar, and the presentation was still overwhelming cute. Another example of no sequel success with LittleBigPlanet-- PSP style.


Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier

Jak and Daxter have returned, and this time they've pillaged both the PSP and PlayStation 2. Unfortunately, neither version set the world on fire in sales or critical acclaim even though this adventure was a very enjoyable one. Take flight in air combat or take to Jak's feet in the traditional platforming fun. Even Dark Daxter had fun kicking butt in this excellent platformer/high flying shooter.


ModNation Racers

The PlayStation 3 version failed to light up the charts the way Sony wanted it to, so why would anyone expect its little PSP brother to do the same. Step your game up, Sony, I guess would be an ironic thing to say. With nearly all of the content of the PS3 version, the ability to devise your own tracks and characters, and a fun single-player campaign, ModNation Racers was one racer a lot of gamers should be kicking themselves for missing-- no matter the platform.


Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure

A truly overlooked title-- one that you could call niche to the max-- was Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure. This adventure game had your heroine trying to save the monster world from a slimy antagonist. With only her drill to take enemies out, our heroine (I can't remember her name to be honest) marches forth to save the world in this action-RPG/adventure game. If you can find this game, it's only twenty bucks, so there's really nothing holding you back.


Missed out on past PSP most overlooked games? Have no fear. Here are the links to them for your game-guzzling self!

PSP - Part One
PSP - Part Two

Most Overlooked Gamecube Games - Part Three

For about a year now we've been taking a look at the most overlooked and unappreciated games in each consoles' extensive libraries. Today we'll be doing the same with the Gamecube on this third edition. The Gamecube sold the least last generation, so it's obvious that it had the most glanced over games in its catalog. No longer as we explore the various overlooked games in the purple lunch box's library.

Donkey Konga 1 & 2

The bongo drum peripheral, like many Nintendo peripherals, was used but for a handful of games. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat held the most extensive use of the controller. Regardless, that didn't stop the trio of Donkey Konga games (the third never reached anywhere but Japan) from being drum-banging good times. As the colored circles hover over the impact zone, you use the left and right bongos or both in conjunction to play in time with the music. You are also told to clap during certain parts of the song. Of course, my hands were already rubbed raw, so I just smacked the side of the bongos. With a varied music selection, many modes, and hilarious multi-player action, the Donkey Konga franchise is a great music game to get your heart beating along with the music.


Mega Man X: Command Mission

Mega Man in an RPG? That's like putting Mario in an RPG only not as good! Despite it not being the best RPG on the block, it was extremely commendable that Capcom tried something new with the Mega Man X franchise. Overall, they succeeded with an intriguing story, good old fashioned turn-based combat with three members in your party at the same time, plenty of enemy types and bosses to tackle, and lots of zenny and experience to earn. For RPG-starved Gamecube owners, this game among others was like a breath of fresh air.


Skies of Arcadia Legends

This Dreamcast port with added features such as new boss battles brought with it a lot of hype with the message board Gamecube faithful and scored highly with critics. Unfortunately this didn't bring awesome sales. It doesn't matter though as this game is now deeply sought after and fetches a pretty high price on eBay and other sites of its ilk. There's lots of combat and exploration to be had in this sky high world including airship battles and turn-based affairs. Add in a delectable soundtrack, and you have the makings of a memorable RPG. Yes, the random battles can come as too frequent (and this was actually worse in the Dreamcast version), but overall, Skies of Arcadia Legends is a fantastic and worthy addition to anyone's Cube collection.


Baten Kaitos Origins

Getting about average reviews and coming at the end of the Gamecube's life cycle, Baten Kaitos Origins wasn't your typical turn-based RPG. That just wasn't in the cards. Speaking of cards (did you appreciate my segue?), that was the main focus of the game-- cards. You bought cards, you sold cards, you gained cards through battle and as spoils of war, and you used them for everything from attacking, using magic, and even leveling up. There were over 600 cards to collect in all, and each one taunted you that it wasn't in your collection. This addicting nature added in even more hours to the already long wide-open quest for players to adventure on.


Super Mario Strikers

Some know it as soccer while the rest of the world refers to it as the more understandable name of football. No matter what you call it, Super Mario Strikers takes the sport and kicks it up a few notches. While it didn't sell poorly, it didn't really get a fair shake from critics who called the game lackluster and lacking options. The sequel, Mario Strikers: Charged, definitely changed that by upping the ante with more modes, more items, more characters, and online play thrown in to boot. The original Strikers was a fun local multi-player game with plenty of hectic action and crazy goals. Sure, Mario never ran around the field with his shirt draped over his face, but what can you do?


There goes another edition of Most Overlooked. Stay tuned in the near future for a look at some of the most overlooked Game Boy Advance titles! Did I miss one of your favorites? Let me know in the comments section.

Most Overlooked DS Games - Part Three

It's time again to un-overlook various DS games in the platform's extensive library. The DS is very much the Playstation 2 of its generation with all genres covered. The following games listed could have been overlooked by my gaming peers, consumers, and/or fellow reviewers. If you'd like to be caught up to speed on past installments, check out the following parts:

Part 1

Part 2

With that out of the way, let's get into the next five DS games that get the honor of being inducted into the Most Overlooked!

Super Princess Peach

One could say that Super Princess Peach was the appetizer to New Super Mario Bros. It came out the February before NSMB's release, and it had plenty of platforming goodness to share. The game featured Peach who could use the power of emotions to access new areas and beat bad bosses. She could cry tears that could get beanstalks to grow allowing her to reach higher heights or stomp in a furious anger, leveling all baddies in her way. While on the easy side, Super Princess Peach is a charming little game with fun platforming and a great soundtrack, too.


Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime

Just reviewed yesterday, Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime puts you in command of Rocket, a little slime who is charged with the task of rescuing all 100 of the townspeople of Boingburg. If scouring the seven lands for fellow slimes isn't your thing, perhaps the colossal tank battles are more up your alley. With about ten hours to single-player content, multiplayer tank battles, and plenty of cuteness, Rocket Slime is a great adventure oozing with saccharine sweetness.


Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker

But maybe Pokemon-styled monster catching, collecting, and battling is more your thing. Enter the 3D world of Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker where capturing and collecting monsters from the Dragon Quest series is all the rage. Collect over 200 different monsters with different abilities and skills, take part in Wi-Fi play as you battle players from around the world, or finish off the 30 hour single-player campaign in this content-heavy game. If Pokemon doesn't do it for you, perhaps Dragon Quest Monsters will.


Contra 4

Are you ready to have your ass handed to you by a DS game? Then pick up a copy of Contra 4. Made by the development studio behind Shantae, Contra 4 features nine levels of progressively more difficult stages, two-screened areas, diabolical bosses to blast away to smithereens, and more power-ups than you can shake a flame-thrower at. As stated before, this game can be crazily difficult, so easily-frustrated gamers need not apply. Contra veterans will love all the bonus content the game has including a museum filled with past Contra games.


Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword

Another game from a series that can put your butt through the wringer, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword features an intuitive control system where you slash and slice enemies with your stylus. The game is played in a storybook style position with the DS held on its side. If the sheer amount of enemies doesn't kill you, the crafty bosses surely will. Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword unfortunately failed to set the world on fire sales-wise, but that doesn't stop the game from being a blast to play.

Have any suggestions for future installments for DS, PSP, Wii, PS3, or 360? Feel free to post a comment to let me know.

Most Overlooked Wii Games Part Three

Last week, we discussed five more games that were overlooked on the Nintendo DS. This week we're focusing once again on the Nintendo Wii. A lot of folks are angry that games aren't localized to North America and Europe, but they completely overlook the great games that were released on this side of the world. Here are five more of such games.

Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure

Our first game is one that just might have been doomed to fail. The game's aesthetics were too Saturday morning cartoon for adults, and the game's huge difficulty was too hard for younger gamers. Thus, Zack and Wiki became niche from the word "go". Those who delve into the game were rewarded with mind-bending puzzles, an irresistible charm, and a worthy game for their collections. Just turn down the volume for the "ZAKU" cries from Wiki.


Bully: Scholarship Edition

Jimmy Hopkins is a trouble-making student who has bounced around several schools, getting expelled at each one. When he reaches Bullworth Academy, it's his goal to become king of the school. Released for the Wii as well as the 360, the Wii version featured intuitive motion and pointer controls, plenty of story and side missions to complete, and a whole locker full of variety. Those looking for a GTA-like experience without all the rated "R" humor will find a lot to like with Bully: Scholarship Edition.


Ghost Squad

Join up with the Ghost Squad with this arcade-style shooter. There's only three missions, but each mission has multiple paths and choices that unlock as you complete them. Each round of gameplay, you gain experience points that reward you with new levels, new costumes, and new firearms to take down terrorist scum in the steamy South American jungle, a mountainside resort, and Air Force One. The game is an absolute blast with friends or alone.


Boom Blox: Bash Party

The original Boom Blox was a blockbuster unlike any other. This sequel takes the gameplay of the original and adds a host of new content. The aim of Boom Blox is to play several block puzzles from knocking down a tower of blocks in as few throws as possible to Jenga-like challenges. You can download new puzzles from EA servers or create your own to share with the world. Boom Blox sunk under the radar and sold a fair share of copies. Perhaps Bash Party is doing the same.


Tenchu: Shadow Assassin

The Tenchu series stealthily made its way onto the Wii early this year and the PSP later on, and it's a fantastic journey. Stealth is the solution for all of your problems as getting noticed with caused your ninja to receive damage and have to start the area all over. The goal is to sneak through rooms and areas, carefully picking off foes in the process. Subtle motion controls enhance the experience, but they don't work all the time. Regardless, Shadow Assassin was a great game to pick up full price, and now you can get it for cheap.


Those interested in past Wii game entries, check out the following installments.

Part One

Part Two

Catch you around later for more Overlooked entries!