The climactic showdown against a game’s final boss serves as the ultimate narrative culmination, presenting players with a significant test of their acquired skills and knowledge—much like the intense duel with Vergil in Devil May Cry 3.
While the anticipation of facing a final boss already carries considerable weight, game developers can enhance the experience through various creative approaches. One notably intriguing concept is the idea of players embodying the final boss themselves.
The term “you”in this context can have multiple interpretations. It could refer to a character under your control for a significant portion of the game, a former ally turned adversary due to the storyline, or a reflection of yourself through a character that mimics your abilities—testing your mettle on somewhat equal footing.
Some games even allow players to assume the role of a formidable enemy, causing chaos among lesser foes, although this is predominantly a narrative device. Whichever method a game employs to position you as this unique final boss, it can elevate the encounter into a memorable gaming experience. Here, we present some of the most notable instances.
To be eligible for this list, a final boss must meet one of the following criteria: be a main character previously controlled by the player, act as a mirror match against a character with similar abilities, or offer direct control over the boss for an impactful encounter.
Warning: Major spoilers follow for the games mentioned.
10.Shadow Of The Colossus
Sleep Wander
In Shadow of the Colossus, after slaying all sixteen colossal beasts, Wander finds himself transformed and twisted by their collective essence. This unsettling transformation leads to a dire confrontation with Lord Emon’s forces, who stab Wander through the chest. However, this act does not signal his end.
Revived through Dormin’s influence, Wander re-emerges as a colossus-like figure, towering over Emon’s men in the Shrine of Worship. Players gain control over this massive entity for a fleeting moment, utilizing sheer strength to decimate Emon’s troops while they futilely attempt to retaliate with arrows.
Subsequently, Emon casts Wander’s sword into water, unleashing a whirlpool that siphons away Dormin’s essence, leaving only a fragment of Wander. Despite attempts to flee, it soon becomes inevitable that Wander will share the same fate.
9.Lies Of P
The Nameless Puppet
After defeating Simon Manus in Lies of P, the protagonist discovers Geppetto, who offers to turn him into a “real boy”by reviving his son, Carlo. However, this requires the protagonist to relinquish his heart—the P-Organ. Choosing not to make this grave mistake leads Geppetto to unleash his personal puppet, the Nameless Puppet, who is modeled after the protagonist.
As a direct combatant, the Nameless Puppet mirrors the protagonist’s fighting style, utilizing scissors in attacks and displaying agility to keep the player on their toes. As the battle progresses, he grows stronger and more unpredictable, employing abilities reminiscent of the protagonist’s skills. If defeated, the Nameless Puppet almost delivers a fatal blow to the protagonist before Geppetto intervenes to save his son.
8.Doom Eternal
The Dark Lord
The climax of Doom Eternal features the Dark Lord as the final boss in the Ancient Gods DLC. This formidable foe turns out to be a clone of the Slayer, crafted from the Luminarium’s power, emphasizing the concept of facing one’s own reflection in battle.
Although the Dark Lord employs a different fighting style from the Slayer, there are notable similarities that add layers to the encounter. He wears a twisted version of the Praetor suit and wields a demonic variation of the weapons the Slayer uses, including a unique version of the Crucible.
The encounter culminates dramatically when the Dark Lord, defeated and on the verge of demise, asks the Slayer if there are any final words before his end.
7.NieR: Automata
9S/A2
Throughout the concluding segment of NieR: Automata, 9S and A2 battle their way up a mysterious tower. While A2 aims to eliminate the tower to end the proxy war, 9S, driven by fury over 2B’s death, is beset with chaos and conflict, attacking anything in his path.
The player alternates between controlling 9S and A2, culminating in a final battle where they face off against one another. Each character showcases familiar combat abilities, adding emotional weight and a sense of inevitability. Depending on the outcome, A2 sacrifices herself to save 9S, while if 9S triumphs, he kills A2 before succumbing to his injuries, leaving a somber conclusion for both characters.
6.Prototype 2
“Alex Mercer”
In Prototype 2, the first game’s protagonist, Alex Mercer, reappears as the central antagonist, having fully embraced his monstrous nature, posing a threat to humanity. Conversely, the protagonist James Heller stands against Mercer, who uses an amalgamation of his previous tactics, powered up through absorbed enemies.
The battle showcases Mercer cycling through his familiar powers, forcing Heller to adapt his strategy continuously. A climactic quick-time event highlights the intensity, as Mercer utilizes all his forms, leading to Heller’s final act of destruction, as he absorbs Mercer’s essence and memories, symbolizing the struggle between both characters’ ideologies.
5.Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
Terra-Xehanort
In the convergence of Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep, the narrative resolves as Aqua searches for Terra, who has succumbed to Master Xehanort’s darkness. Upon confronting him in Radiant Garden, Aqua faces a twisted version of her friend and must engage in battle against Terra-Xehanort.
Utilizing a mix of Terra’s combat skills augmented by Xehanort’s dark influence, the fight presents a bittersweet challenge. Aqua’s struggle to save her friend culminates with her victory, but it’s a hollow triumph as Terra remains lost to darkness, forcing her to sacrifice herself to rescue him—showcasing the heavy emotional toll prevalent throughout the series.
4.Pokémon Gold And Silver
Red
In the realm of Pokémon, while you might encounter various challenging trainers, the true final boss of the second-generation games is Red. To face this iconic character, players must conquer both the Johto and Kanto leagues, eventually leading them to Mt. Silver—the pinnacle of Pokémon Trainers.
Red, the silent protagonist from the original Pokémon games, conveys a powerful presence despite saying little. His formidable team, boasting fully evolved starters, challenges players to engage in a battle that reinforces Red’s legendary status within the Pokémon community. After a hard-fought victory, Red silently departs the mountain, embodying the essence of a true Pokémon Master.
3.In Stars And Time
Siffrin
In the climax of In Stars and Time, Siffrin experiences a downward spiral, influenced by numerous loops that have left him emotionally unhinged. This culminates in a confrontation with his party as he attempts to single-handedly challenge the King.
The ensuing fight showcases Siffrin’s overwhelming power but ends with his allies intervening in his darkest moment. As Siffrin’s emotional turmoil manifests physically, he grows to a titanic size, leading to a heartfelt plea from his friends that ultimately restores him. This confrontation signifies the importance of unity and support, while also addressing mental instability.
2.Black Myth: Wukong
Stone Monkey/Great Sage’s Broken Shell
By the conclusion of Black Myth: Wukong, the protagonist has fully embraced Wukong’s identity. He possesses the necessary skillset, relics, and bearing, having even acquired Wukong’s fragmented mind. The final showdown pits him against Wukong’s residual remains, initially as the Stone Monkey.
While the first form offers limited resistance, upon defeat, Wukong’s true power emerges as the Great Sage’s Broken Shell, employing familiar combat styles. The culmination of this battle allows the protagonist to embody Wukong’s full potential, although the conclusion varies based on players’ actions against a hidden adversary.
1.Live A Live
Oersted/Odio, Lord Of Dark
After conquering the seven main scenarios in Live A Live, players gain access to a secret eighth narrative, following Oersted, a knightly hero, on a quest to defeat the Lord of Dark. Unforeseen circumstances lead Oersted to be wrongly accused of becoming the very villain he sought to defeat, prompting him to embrace that dark legacy.
This act initiates a climactic final confrontation where players control the other heroes against Odio, now a manifestation of Oersted’s resentment. For those seeking an alternative route, players can choose to embody Oersted, defeating each hero, casting a shadow of despair over the world. This unique mechanic presents a profound exploration of story and character conflict.
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