10 Best Skill-Check Bosses In Gaming History

Years before any game with a difficulty level higher than sucking your thumb and picking your nose at the same time was referred to as "The Dark Souls of [insert genre here]", Ninja Gaiden Black was the go-to comparison for any game that offered a stiff challenge.

Unlike the previous entrant, which at least brought you dinner before bringing out the whip, Ninja Gaiden wastes no time in bringing the player to their knees.

After button-mashing your way through a horde of disposable ninjas in the game's tutorial level, the player comes across protagonist Ryu Hayabusa's imposing instructor, Master Murai.

Being a teacher, Master Murai wastes no time in instructing the player of the skills needed to conquer Ninja Gaiden Black's many, many challenges. Simply hammering the attack button results in poor Ryu being nunchucked to death by his overzealous instructor, forcing the player to adapt to the rhythms of Ninja Gaiden's combat in order to pass this literal do-or-die exam.