For as long as video games have existed, so too has the final boss. Almost every level or game must end at some point -- but not without building up to some sort of ultimate encounter, and the Legend of Zelda has this concept down to science. I covered antagonists in another on of my blogs, explaining how I felt about the depth of each character and giving my thoughts on their high points and shortcomings. While here we have a similar topic, today we'll be focusing solely on the battles. An epic and memorable final boss battle, or in many cases, series of battles, is the perfect closer to a Zelda game. Although each and every dungeon adds to the overall experience, the last thing in your mind when you finish a game is that final fight. But which on is the greatest? This is my opinion and in no way truth.
Number 3...
Vaati Reborn- Minish Cap
Even though he isn't the most popular choice (that would be Majora or Demise), I truly believe Vaati deserves a spot somewhere on this list. Always very tricky, I really enjoyed each of his three phases. This game was shockingly light-hearted and bright-colored until the final stages, creating a very grim but necessary contrast in the game. Vaati was very difficult to defeat my first time playing through the game, forcing the player to utilize many items in Link's arsenal to defeat him. The gust jar, the cane, the splitting ability of the Four Sword, the lantern, the bow; all of these items are required for the defeat of Vaati, something I wish they would try to emulate in future games. Though a pure sword fight is always fun, I prefer the usage of the items I've collected to remind me of my journey through the game.
Number 2...
Ganon- Ocarina of Time
Couldn't leave this one out, could I...
Who could forget the climactic ascend to the top of Ganon's tower, while the eerie organ playing grows louder and louder, and the classic phrase you read when you open the massive door "Thees toys are too much for you!". If playing probably the most epic game of tennis with the King of Evil isn't thrilling enough, Link must escape from the tower before it collaspes mid- way through battle. Link must then encounter the beast form Ganon. No descriptor needed. Just Ganon. This was a scary part of the game for me. He was simply enormous and you couldn't even tell what he actually looked like. My first time fighting him, and I didn't know what to do, and in a good way! I felt outmatched, I felt overpowered. Even Navi didn't know where his weak spot was for awhile, and I had to use my genius improvisation skills to stay alive. Of course that just makes it all the more satisfying when you finally plunge your sword right between his eyes.
Number 1...
Gannondorf- Wind Waker
I've come to the conclusion that Ganondorf in this game may just be my favorite incarntion of Ganon. He's extremely dramatic, but never to a point where it becomes ridiculous, he's absolutely odd in stature, and he's nothing less than deplorable. But unlike in past games, Ganondorf has legitimate hopes, human dreams for his future, and you come along and turn him into a helpless pile of rock. He wasn't the power-hungry, heartless monster he came off as in previous games; instead he was sincerely angry. Angry at the gods, angry at the Hero of Time, and most of all, angry at you. He's very accessible, almost human in a sense, and this makes him far more powerful as a character. In terms of build-up, he simply can't be beaten. You hate him straight from the moment you learn that he stole your little sister and sent your grandmother into a depressed, soup-making emotional breakdown. He goes on to attempt your murder at the Forsaken Fortress, and then of course there is that horrifying seen with Zelda in bed... And there begins the final battle. A gorgeous atmosphere; the destruction of Old Hyrule all around you as some amazing music blares in the background. A fitting ending, the sword duel to the death, with Zelda helping out the whole way, until that iconic final blow. How wonderful. A final boss from Zelda simply could not have been done any better than that.
Which Final boss is your favorite in the Zelda franchise? Comment below and thanks for reading!