Summary
With the Nintendo Switch successor looming,The Legend of Zeldaprepares to enter a new console generation with a decidedly clear direction.Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomhave established the new direction Nintendo wants to take the series moving forward, but one thing that hasn’t changed isthe brilliant boss encounters.
Over the past three decades ofZelda, Nintendo has built a roster of iconic foes for Link to fight. Classic villains like Gohma, Dodongo, and Shadow Link have made multiple appearances and helped fill out an already hefty roster of formidable foes.
Nintendo’s firstLegend ofZeldatitle on their new 16-bit hardwarewas a remarkable achievement, translating the rough estimations of what these characters looked like on the NES and turning them into fully-featured images. InA Link to the Past,Link is once again thrust into the role of fending off evil monsters from the land of Hyrule and a whole host of new bosses stand in his way.
This all-new roster of boss characters ranges from the armor-plated Helmasaur King to the six Armos Knights that defend the Eastern Palace, as well as a beefy final battle against a new and fully-powered-up Ganon. This version of the Gerudo King is much nastier than any previous version seen to this point, a worthy finale to this legendary game.
Among the Nintendo 3DS' many incredible titles, one of its best is easily the remake ofOcarina of Time. With updated graphics, improved UI, and numerous quality-of-life changes, it’s thebest way to playOOTtoday. With that comes all ofOcarina of Time’sboss battles, including spectacular fights against the likes of Queen Gohma and Phantom Ganon.
The advancements in hardware from the SNES to the N64 allowed Nintendo to craft some of the biggest and most intricately designed bosses yet seen in the series, including impressive particle and water effects in the battle with Morpha. This evolution in Nintendo hardware powered the bosses just as much as it did Link.
The Switch remake ofLink’s Awakeningmaintains every bit of the magic andcharm of the 1993 originalbut remade in an absolutely beautiful art style. Nintendo also did right by the boss battles, keeping them pristine and intact for this new version. Old favorites like Shadow Ganon and Slime Eel return, just as challenging and fun to fight as ever.
Where the boss battles inLink’s Awakeningreally shine is when Nintendo makes use of hardware that far exceeds the original platform, as the Switch gives an added dimension to these classic encounters. The terrifying battles with the Angler Fish and Facade really stand out, as the new visuals make everything old feel brand-new again.
AsZeldatransitioned from 2D to 3D on the Nintendo 64, the first entry to be released on the GameCube brought a new cel-shaded art style and replaced the Hyrule Field with the Great Sea. As playersexplored the vast ocean, they encounter some of the franchise’s best boss battles.
The Wind Waker’sbeautiful art style added some unique character to previous bosses, like Gohma and Phantom Ganon, who return once more. Newcomers like Godhan feature in one of the more visually appealing fights of the game, while Kalle Demos and Molgera show off what Nintendo can really do with powerful new hardware. The visual effects at play in all these battles are truly astounding.
AfterThe Wind Waker, it was fair to say thatZeldafans were seeking something a bit more like something that Nintendo showed at Spaceworld 2000. They ended up getting something much better in the form ofTwilight Princess, a game that features some absolutely fabulous battles against tough opponents. Battles against Diababa inside the dreary Forest Temple, as well as anintense encounter with Armogohmain the Temple of Time, are some of the best in the franchise’s history.
Twilight Princessalso features what is easily the best Ganon fight, as this multi-stage showdown first sees the Gerudo King take control of Zelda and pit her against Link. The music spectacularly combines the melodies of “Zelda’s Lullaby” and “Ganon’s Theme,” culminating in a one-on-one sword fight between Link and his nemesis that is one of the series' best.
AlthoughTwilight Princesswas a cross-gen release between the GameCube and Wii, theZeldatitle that truly made good on the promise of thenew Nintendo hardware wasSkyward Sword. Making use of the Wii MotionPlus add-on, which improved the functionality of the original Wiimote. InSkyward Sword,Nintendo puts the Master Sword in the player’s hand and challenges them with a bevy of incredible bosses to vanquish.
Through multiple battles against the Demon Lord Ghirahim, escalating battles against The Imprisoned, and a sensational climax against the Demon King Demise,Skyward Swordis all about interaction with these bosses. No game in the franchise has truly let the player feel as connected to Link asSkyward Swordor offered up the same kind of energy that these heart-pounding confrontations do.
