Boss battles serve many purposes in video games - they provide tough challenges to test players and they also feature dramatic showdowns which carry the story forward. They might also feature a new gameplay feature, giving the player something new to experience that initially puts them out of their comfort zone. The first boss fight of a game isn't really supposed to be that important. In theory it should be the easiest one in the game, as the player is still gaining experience and introducing a tough challenge might force them to give up. On top of that, early match-ups don't have the build-up or drama seen in later bouts; the player is usually introduced to the boss in the preceding cutscene. Still, despite these limitations, some games manage to create memorable and exciting first boss encounters. They might introduce a gameplay mechanic in a fun and interesting way for example, or their entrance and appearance might leave a lasting impact on the player. Every entry on this list is the first boss fought within their respective games and for whatever reason, they left their mark and made sure they wouldn't be forgotten easily. If you can think of any bosses that have been missed, leave your thoughts in the comments below.
I have an addiction to achievements, a craving for new bands and a dream to become Captain America. I once finished second in a Mario Kart 7 tournament so I'm kind of a big deal.
