10 Worst Multi-Phase Video Game Boss Battles

7. Reflux - Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc

Sister Friede
Ubisoft

Though Rayman 3's difficulty is generally pretty manageable, that all goes out the window for the final battle against Reflux, which forces players through an excruciating four-phase boss fight. Oof.

Each of the four phases requires players to use a different power in their skill-set, while also demonstrating absolute mastery of Rayman's traversal abilities.

If you let him, Reflux can easily make short work of you in any of the phases, which will send you right back to the beginning of the whole fight.

To make matters worse, the run-up to the boss fight from the last checkpoint is annoyingly long, and this being a game originally released in 2003, of course you're forced to sit through the cutscenes between phases during every single attempt.

It all adds up to a fight that's not simply difficult but also deeply irritating in refusing to appreciate that players have limited personal time and might not want to waste it watching cutscenes ad nauseum.

The sense of accomplishment at finally beating it was undeniable - if you did - but it was also a textbook example of how to deliver an intensely annoying multi-phase boss fight.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.