16) Boss Name: Bed of Chaos
Times Died: 3
Frustration -o- Meter: 9/10
The Bed of Chaos is an attempt by Dark Souls at a puzzle boss, and while I appreciate the idea, the end result is a let-down. He literally can be killed with three strokes of your sword, and hence there isn't any "fighting" required; figuring out how and where to hit him though, is its own challenge.
The problem is despite the Bed of Chaos being a puzzle boss, the game doesn't give you clues as to what to do. Because of this the fight feels more about luck than ingenuity. Forcing the player to randomly throw stuff against the wall until it sticks is bad design, plain and simple. Oh, and if you spend too much dawdling chances are you'll be knocked into the chasm that lines the edge of the room. Insta-kill. This fight feels pointless, and unless you're fortunate get ready to make the long hike back to the boss room from the nearest bonfire more than a couple times.
Times Died: 3
Frustration -o- Meter: 9/10
The Bed of Chaos is an attempt by Dark Souls at a puzzle boss, and while I appreciate the idea, the end result is a let-down. He literally can be killed with three strokes of your sword, and hence there isn't any "fighting" required; figuring out how and where to hit him though, is its own challenge.
The problem is despite the Bed of Chaos being a puzzle boss, the game doesn't give you clues as to what to do. Because of this the fight feels more about luck than ingenuity. Forcing the player to randomly throw stuff against the wall until it sticks is bad design, plain and simple. Oh, and if you spend too much dawdling chances are you'll be knocked into the chasm that lines the edge of the room. Insta-kill. This fight feels pointless, and unless you're fortunate get ready to make the long hike back to the boss room from the nearest bonfire more than a couple times.
15) Boss Name: Dark Sun Gwyndolin
Times Died: 0
Frustration -o- Meter: 3/10
While the fight itself is straightforward, it is this bosses' design and lore that places him this high. The only remaining god in Anor Londo and self imposed guardian over Lord Gwyn's honorary tomb, he attacks any trespasser who steps foot in it. The youngest of Gwyn's children, he was born with an affinity for the moon and was raised as a daughter as a result. He still retains his feminine personality.
Set in a never-ending hallway, Dark Sun Gwyndolin shoots a variety of spells from afar at the player who should liberally use the pillars that hug the walls to remain unscathed. Eventually, when you get too close, Gwyndolin will teleport further down the hallway, but not before you can get in a good few blows of your own. This fight is mostly about being a decent dodger, and there is little tactical or strategy work that needs to be done. Still, this bosses' unique style and arena in addition to the setting and lore is enough to rank this battle roughly in the middle of the pack.
Times Died: 0
Frustration -o- Meter: 3/10
While the fight itself is straightforward, it is this bosses' design and lore that places him this high. The only remaining god in Anor Londo and self imposed guardian over Lord Gwyn's honorary tomb, he attacks any trespasser who steps foot in it. The youngest of Gwyn's children, he was born with an affinity for the moon and was raised as a daughter as a result. He still retains his feminine personality.
Set in a never-ending hallway, Dark Sun Gwyndolin shoots a variety of spells from afar at the player who should liberally use the pillars that hug the walls to remain unscathed. Eventually, when you get too close, Gwyndolin will teleport further down the hallway, but not before you can get in a good few blows of your own. This fight is mostly about being a decent dodger, and there is little tactical or strategy work that needs to be done. Still, this bosses' unique style and arena in addition to the setting and lore is enough to rank this battle roughly in the middle of the pack.
14) Boss Name: Stray Demon
Times Died: 3
Frustration -o- Meter: 6.5/10
The Stray Demon is an optional boss that resides at the Undead Asylum. Personally, I think it's awesome you can go back to the game's starting point and pick up some neat new items and clean up a few loose ends. If you walk through the center of the main corridor the floor will burst apart sending you tumbling to the bottom of the prison where you-know-who is waiting for you.
Though similar in appearance and move-set to the Asylum Demon, the Stray Demon is much tougher. Armed with an AoE magic attack he uses regularly but not abusively (I'm looking at you Demon Firesage), getting in close can be a tricky ordeal. After a few tries however, the player should become adept at getting in behind him where he can deal damage at his leisure.
What stands out about the Stray Demon is his lore. The Asylum Demon was put in place by Lord Gwynn to prevent the undead from escaping. Is the Stray another guardian then: why is he "stray"? Why is he in the basement? Has he secretly set up shop at the asylum in order to feast on the flesh of the hollows (the floor is littered with bones)? We are not told. The Stray Demon is an enjoyable optional boss that concludes one of the more under-rated areas of the game.
Times Died: 3
Frustration -o- Meter: 6.5/10
The Stray Demon is an optional boss that resides at the Undead Asylum. Personally, I think it's awesome you can go back to the game's starting point and pick up some neat new items and clean up a few loose ends. If you walk through the center of the main corridor the floor will burst apart sending you tumbling to the bottom of the prison where you-know-who is waiting for you.
Though similar in appearance and move-set to the Asylum Demon, the Stray Demon is much tougher. Armed with an AoE magic attack he uses regularly but not abusively (I'm looking at you Demon Firesage), getting in close can be a tricky ordeal. After a few tries however, the player should become adept at getting in behind him where he can deal damage at his leisure.
What stands out about the Stray Demon is his lore. The Asylum Demon was put in place by Lord Gwynn to prevent the undead from escaping. Is the Stray another guardian then: why is he "stray"? Why is he in the basement? Has he secretly set up shop at the asylum in order to feast on the flesh of the hollows (the floor is littered with bones)? We are not told. The Stray Demon is an enjoyable optional boss that concludes one of the more under-rated areas of the game.
13) Boss Name: Taurus Demon
Times Died: 4
Frustration -o- Meter: 6/10
People may disagree with this boss being this high, but I found him so satisfying to beat I couldn't bear to place him lower. First off, I thought the Undead Burg was a brilliant level and a great run-up to the battle. Then you have the long thin bridge book-shelved by two towers. As you cautiously trek across, suddenly a massive beast with a gigantic axe drops down from the far tower, most likely scaring the bejeezees out of you. Holy crap, a boss fight!!
This battle just feels epic on so many different levels from the run-up, to the crumbling bridge you duel on, to the opponent himself. While most people say that "the true Dark Souls starts here" moment occurs with the Gargoyles, for me it was the Taurus Demon; I had a wail of a time bringing this guy down. It was only later I learned he can be nerfed by plunging attacking from one of the towers which, while not foolproof, does make the fight far less interesting. Overall, the Taurus Demon is a fun boss with a cool arena but can be easily exploited.
Times Died: 4
Frustration -o- Meter: 6/10
People may disagree with this boss being this high, but I found him so satisfying to beat I couldn't bear to place him lower. First off, I thought the Undead Burg was a brilliant level and a great run-up to the battle. Then you have the long thin bridge book-shelved by two towers. As you cautiously trek across, suddenly a massive beast with a gigantic axe drops down from the far tower, most likely scaring the bejeezees out of you. Holy crap, a boss fight!!
This battle just feels epic on so many different levels from the run-up, to the crumbling bridge you duel on, to the opponent himself. While most people say that "the true Dark Souls starts here" moment occurs with the Gargoyles, for me it was the Taurus Demon; I had a wail of a time bringing this guy down. It was only later I learned he can be nerfed by plunging attacking from one of the towers which, while not foolproof, does make the fight far less interesting. Overall, the Taurus Demon is a fun boss with a cool arena but can be easily exploited.
12) Boss Name: Asylum Demon
Times Died: 0
Frustration -o- Meter: 5/10
Up to this point, the only enemies you had defeated had been hollows with hardly the sense to fight back. "I thought this game was supposed to be hard", you said to yourself. Then, this guy dropped down. Reluctantly, you charged up to him, broken sword hilt in hand and got trashed so fast you felt dizzy. Am I right?
The Asylum Demon is a beautiful boss in that he accurately embodies how most boss fights are going to go down while gently encouraging the player that more often than not there are ways to make the fight manageable if you're willing to see them. The first time you fight Asylum you are actually supposed to run through a doorway and avoid the battle altogether. Later on, only when you're better prepared and are given a free plunging attack opportunity do you down him. Those who couldn't figure out the clues, though, were most likely pummeled by his hammer again and again. The Asylum Demon is a memorable and fantastically designed tutorial boss who sets the tone for difficulty and quality for the rest of the game.
Times Died: 0
Frustration -o- Meter: 5/10
Up to this point, the only enemies you had defeated had been hollows with hardly the sense to fight back. "I thought this game was supposed to be hard", you said to yourself. Then, this guy dropped down. Reluctantly, you charged up to him, broken sword hilt in hand and got trashed so fast you felt dizzy. Am I right?
The Asylum Demon is a beautiful boss in that he accurately embodies how most boss fights are going to go down while gently encouraging the player that more often than not there are ways to make the fight manageable if you're willing to see them. The first time you fight Asylum you are actually supposed to run through a doorway and avoid the battle altogether. Later on, only when you're better prepared and are given a free plunging attack opportunity do you down him. Those who couldn't figure out the clues, though, were most likely pummeled by his hammer again and again. The Asylum Demon is a memorable and fantastically designed tutorial boss who sets the tone for difficulty and quality for the rest of the game.
11) Boss Name: Iron Golem
Times Died: 0
Frustration -o- Meter: 4/10
I enjoyed as well as appreciated the Iron Golem and not because I didn't die to him. After the grueling and uncompromising fortress of Sen filled with plenty of bad turns and fatal traps, the game is simply at a point where it needs something basic, and this is exactly what the Iron Golem is. There is no trick, no puzzle to unwind or uncover. He is merely what he appears to be; a large imposing, powerful boss with a weapon that can incinerate your health bar with one hit.
The most likely way to die is getting tagged and flying over the edge so be sure to watch your step. The good news is that almost all his attacks can be dodged by rolling through his legs. Once you do enough damage, apparently his ankles give way (wuss), and he'll fall down, letting you inflict damage at your leisure. An enjoyable and epic-feeling boss after a trialing level whose defeat is a final pat on the back before the now-the-fun-and-games-are-over land of Anor Londo.
Times Died: 0
Frustration -o- Meter: 4/10
I enjoyed as well as appreciated the Iron Golem and not because I didn't die to him. After the grueling and uncompromising fortress of Sen filled with plenty of bad turns and fatal traps, the game is simply at a point where it needs something basic, and this is exactly what the Iron Golem is. There is no trick, no puzzle to unwind or uncover. He is merely what he appears to be; a large imposing, powerful boss with a weapon that can incinerate your health bar with one hit.
The most likely way to die is getting tagged and flying over the edge so be sure to watch your step. The good news is that almost all his attacks can be dodged by rolling through his legs. Once you do enough damage, apparently his ankles give way (wuss), and he'll fall down, letting you inflict damage at your leisure. An enjoyable and epic-feeling boss after a trialing level whose defeat is a final pat on the back before the now-the-fun-and-games-are-over land of Anor Londo.