Final Fantasy: 15 Most Brutal Boss Battles

13. Garuda (FFIII)

Final Fantasy III is notoriously tricky, possessing many old-school sensibilities that have long since been eradicated in today's era of games holding the player's hand lest they return it at the first sign of trouble (apologies, Dark Souls). From dungeons entirely devoid of save points to sudden hikes in difficulty only passable with the clairvoyant ability of the Delphic Oracle, the third entry in the still-nascent franchise was punishingly unforgiving, almost gleefully so. And it wasn't even the most heinous offender of the 8-bit era.

Step forth Garuda, FFIII's poster-boy for pitiless cruelty. Rather than appearing in the traditional spot at the end of an arduous dungeon, Gigameth's transmogrification appears suddenly following an amiable meeting with the King of Saronia, like the unwelcome uncle who unexpectedly arrives to ruin Christmas. In a matter of moments, everything has gone to pot.

Truth is, Garuda is a piece of Christmas cake if you're prepared - but that preparation involves reading the game's cryptic clues to turn your entire party into Dragoons. And there was no GameFAQs back in 1988. Just misery.

Cactaur Needles O' Pain: 25

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.