From Polygon · Ford James · · 1m 40s
Multi-Stage Boss Fights Are the Worst Video Game Mechanic
Boss fights that heal mid-fight frustrate players, especially in games like Control Resonant.
In brief
Boss fights that heal mid-fight frustrate players, especially in games like Control Resonant. Multi-stage boss fights that heal during mid-fight cutscenes frustrate players by resetting progress after defeating a boss. Originally reported by Polygon.
Boss Fights Have Been Around Since Video Games Started
Boss fights have existed for almost as long as video games have, serving purposes like story progression or guarding rare loot.
Some Bosses Have Hidden Second Stages
Some bosses, like those in FromSoftware's Souls games, have second or third stages where they transform into more powerful versions.
The Dancer Boss Fight in Control Resonant
The Dancer in Control Resonant is a second or third boss that players beat but then enters a second stage, healing mid-fight.
Players Feel Cheated When Bosses Heal Mid-Fight
When players defeat a boss only to have it heal during a mid-fight cutscene, it evokes frustration and takes away achievement.
Souls Games Handle This Better
Souls games are less frustrating because players expect second stages, making the anticipation part of the process.
The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Example
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's Ganondorf fight has a second stage that feels intimidating but isn't particularly tough.
Players Need Checkpoints Between Stages
Adding a checkpoint after each stage would prevent players from restarting the fight after dying in the second stage.
Fixing the Problem Would Help Players
If the second phase starts when health is at halfway, it would feel less like a cheat and more like a visual mind trick.
The headline
Multi-stage boss fights that heal during mid-fight cutscenes frustrate players by resetting progress after defeating a boss.
