10 Terrifying Video Game Bosses You Felt Bad For
6. Al Mualim - Assassin's Creed
Our mentor and surrogate father throughout the game, Al Mualim's betrayal at the end of the original Assassin's Creed was as tragic as it was shocking. The head of the Assassins from their castle in Masyaf, Al Mualim is so often the beacon of hope, wisdom, justice and freedom against the totalitarian regimes of the Templar enemies we meet in the game.
Al Mualim instructs Altair, the player's character, to travel across the great cities of the Holy Land during the height of the European Crusades and kill some of the land's most powerful Templars. As Altair learns more and more about himself, the Assassins and the Templars, he discovers the true power behind the Piece of Eden, the mysterious artefact that has been changing hands throughout the game.
Al Mualim ends up betraying Altair and the Assassins, stealing the Piece of Eden for himself and revealing his plans for world domination. Though he is technically the game's final boss, players don't combat a baddie who is driven by some selfish agenda here, instead tackling a weary old man who is far too stuck in his beliefs.
He openly expresses remorse over having to kill his former pupil and his eventual demise is far from a triumphant moment for either the Assassins or players.