8 Early Video Game Bosses That Kicked Your Ass

It might not be fair to include Jetstream Sam's first encounter on this list, as technically it's an unwinnable fight that the player is scripted to lose, however thanks to the masterful nature in which it's implemented I think it's worthy o discussion right now.

You see, one thing that Metal Gear Rising does extremely well is offer an over the top power fantasy. In fact this is pretty much the key to all Platinum Games titles, that they pit you against overwhelming odds, but also give you the tools to make it through to the other side and feel like a rightous badass.

This is established very early on by having Raiden cleave the monstrous first boss in two alongside some truly fist pumping music, and therefore it's incredibly easy to buy into that power fantasy. This is what makes Jetstream Sam such a harsh dose of reality, that not only bursts your bubble but takes the pin it used to do so and rams it into your retina.

You simply cannot land a hit on Sam, and all of those cool attacks you were using to wipe the floor with enemies before now feel like trying to smash a turtles shell open with a paper fan. Couple this with the humilaiting beatdown you receive and you will not only have your ass kicked, but completely chopped off.

Hey at least it's only up from here right?