But Phalanx still isn't quite as memorable as one of the most divisive boss battles in the history of video games. I am of course talking about The End from Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, the seemingly interminably old sniper who lies in wait for you in the jungle, with the intention of draining your stamina and then simply taking you back to the jail from which you first escaped, effectively forcing you to repeat the whole battle again. The first time I played this fight, it took me around an hour, and though it did prove frustrating, it was like nothing else I had ever played. Hideo Kojima is nothing if not an innovator, and this battle truly tested the patience and resolve of players, especially on the higher difficulties. Players could cheat by moving their PS2 clock forward by a week to make The End die of old age, but there's little reward in that: the fun is in tinkering around with your gadgets (namely thermal goggles) to find a way to sneak up on The End and put him down before he does it to you. It is everything a great boss battle should be: it's telegraphed extremely well, it's inventive, intense and really darn challenging. I can't wait to see what Kojima serves up with MGS V later in the year. Which other awesome battles didn't quite make the list? Let me know!
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.
