Best Times Video Game Boss Characters Were Playable

Highlights

Certain boss characters in video games can become playable, often depending on the game’s genre and design.
Some games, like
Metal Slug
and
Kingdom Hearts
, allow players to control traditionally huge or powerful boss characters.
Unlocking and playing as final boss characters, such as Xemnas from
Kingdom Hearts
or Rootmars from
Metal Slug
, can be a rewarding gaming experience.

As a long-time fan of video games with a particular fondness for RPGs and fighting games, I can’t help but be in awe of the unique and intriguing characters that have graced our screens over the years. Some of these characters start off as seemingly unbeatable foes, only to later become playable allies or even protagonists.

Any avid gamer is familiar with the fact that bosses are frequently pivotal elements in this form of entertainment. Engaging in battles against these adversaries can be an intense experience in video gaming. In specific situations, certain bosses have the ability to transform into playable characters. The feasibility of this occurrence relies on the game genre. For instance, fighting games or LEGO action adventure games have mechanics that make it simpler for a boss to assume the role of a player.

Sometimes, I find myself facing bosses who are overwhelmingly large or powerful, making it difficult for me to fully enjoy the game. Yet, there are other titles that delight in allowing players to take control of these formidable foes. Regardless of their size or power, these encounters offer unique and exciting experiences.

5 Rootmars

Metal Slug

Best Times Video Game Boss Characters Were Playable

In many Metal Slug installments since the second one, extraterrestrial beings, mainly referred to as Mars People, have played essential roles. These Mars People frequently collaborate with the Rebel Army or manipulate them into forming alliances through deceit. The head of this alien group is Rootmars, who serves as the final adversary in Metal Slug 3. Given that most playable characters in Metal Slug games are much smaller than humans, the concept of commanding such a colossal alien seems far-fetched and amusing.

In “Metal Slug 6,” the Regular, Rebel, and Martian Armies join forces to combat the Invaders, extraterrestrial beings who pose a threat to the inhabitants of Mars. This alliance comes about due to Rootmars, the Mars People’s leader, being severely wounded, leaving the defense of Mars weakened and allowing the Invaders to make their move.

Despite a setback, Rootmars eventually re-emerges, offering an alternative route for the game’s fourth mission. On this path, players encounter an armored Rootmars outfitted with vulcan guns as the formidable “Rootmars Slug.” This indestructible vehicle can take down enemy aircraft. A drawback is that while Rootmars is impervious in this state, its riders are not, necessitating their protection by Rootmars to avoid harm. Later on, Rootmars resurfaces once more to aid the player during the final mission.

I’m thrilled to share that in the newest version of Metal Slug Attack, titled “Reloaded,” both Rootmars, along with the Invader King from Metal Slug 6, are now playable characters! Isn’t it amazing to have these iconic figures join the tower defense game?

4 Xemnas (And The Rest Of Organization XIII)

Kingdom Hearts

In the Kingdom Hearts series, Organization XIII acts as the primary antagonistic group. Xemnas, their initial leader, appears as the final boss in Kingdom Hearts 2 and is featured as a recurring opponent in various other games. Notably, he transforms into a playable character in the DS-exclusive title 358/2 Days, during its Mission Mode. Other members of Organization XIII are also playable characters from the beginning of the game, such as Marluxia, who serves as the final boss on Sora’s route in Chain of Memories.

In the Kingdom Hearts series, the eleven other main characters, including Riku and Xion, take on boss roles in different games. Riku, a frequent boss in earlier installments, can be accessed in Mission Mode. Xion, who was the final boss in 358/2 Days, is also playable, although she doesn’t have all her forms from that game.

In many cases, the pre-determined artificial intelligence (AI) version of a final boss in a video game is less challenging than when players face off against each other. Akuma from the Street Fighter series is often cited as an illustration of this occurrence.

3 Luc

Suikoden 3

In Suikoden and its sequel, the person who partners with you as an ally, and who holds the True Wind Rune’s power, starts having ominous visions of a barren world. Troubled by these visions, he transforms into the game’s antagonist, determined to bring about the destruction of the True Wind Rune and himself. He goes to great lengths to acquire all the other runes, leading to a confrontation with Hugo. Eventually, he is defeated and left for dead.

If the right circumstances arise, Luc’s character could become playable again in a new storyline, offering a fresh perspective on Suikoden 3’s narrative from his point of view.

2 Galactus

Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3

In many fighting games, boss characters are a usual feature that players can engage with. However, there is a specific category of these bosses in fighting games who frequently go unnoticed. These massive adversaries are typically overshadowed by their more standard-sized counterparts. For instance, in the series “Marvel vs Capcom,” the final bosses, such as Onslaught and Abyss from earlier installments, were not playable at all. This trend persisted in “Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds,” where Galactus, like before, remained unplayable.

In most games, the colossal villain like Galactus isn’t available for players to control in its entirety. Even popular titles such as LEGO Marvel Superheroes reduce him to a smaller version when playable. However, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 introduced an exclusive mode called “Galactus Mode,” which allows players to engage with this cosmic entity in his true form. In this gameplay setting, Galactus towers over the standard fighters as an imposing force.

1 Master Hand

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

In every installment of the “Super Smash Bros.” series, Master Hand, the notorious adversary with a white hand, has posed a formidable challenge. Defeating him without hacking the game is typically an insurmountable task for players. However, in certain games like “Brawl” and “Ultimate,” Master Hand has been controlled by other villains, such as Tabuu from Subspace Emissary and Galeem from World of Light.

In the game World of Light, after being liberated from Galeem’s grip, Master Hand becomes a controllable character for the first time without requiring hacking techniques. He then faces off against 50 deceptive fighters and assists players in overcoming both light and dark forces. This experience showcases the enduring appeal of the Super Smash Bros franchise, making it a joy to play as this once formidable adversary.

2024-07-22 14:34