If you’ve played video games, you’ll know that at the end of the game or an important section, you will have to overcome a challenge. The music will swell, you’ll be in some dramatic environment and have to come face to face with what is very clearly a “boss.” But did you know that you can run into them in real life as well?
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RELATED:It’s not just video games that feature “boss fights,” they are a staple part ofmartial arts films(or most action cinema in general), table top roleplaying and, if you really stretch it, a key part of the hero’sjourney. Humans just have an understanding of the world where “winning” or achieving something does mean you have to “beat” some sort of major challenge.Of course, this idea is probably the most prominent in video games. However, as you may have noticed, “boss fight” is a term that is mostly gaming-exclusive. We wouldn’t call Rocky fighting Ivan Drago his “boss fight” even if it fits the form. In general, the best explanation for this term comes from the games popular in the 80s and 90s, where the final “boss” would be “in charge” of the othercharacters.All in all, games make sure the player understands that the opponent they face isn’t “normal,” that this is abigger challengewith, hopefully, bigger rewards. Typically, this will be communicated with musical stings (or even theme music, which is also common in films) to make sure the person playing knows what is happening.The main thing, as in video games and these pictures, is that whatever is in front of youisn’t typical. It’s bigger, scarier, more impressive. It has, as gen Z slang would say, an unmistakable “aura” that sets it apart from anything else. Just take a look at some of the entries here, if you put your mind to it, it’s not hard to imagine the soundtrack that is playing.This drama is an important part of visual and audial storytelling ingames, films and really any non-written media. How do you know that something is important? It’s got spikier armor, it’s bigger, there are flames coming out of it or, at the very least, you see other folks clearly in awe of it.In non-gaming circles, this might be generally called the “big bad,” the primary antagonist. The aforementioned Ivan Drago, for example, would qualify for this term. It originated, surprisingly, withBuffy the Vampire Slayer, in the episode “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,” but can be used these days for anyantagonistthat isn’t a minor character.Of course, all this rhetoric makes it sound like everyone here is some sort of supervillain, when in most cases it’s just a cool image, or, at worst, an interesting person. Indeed, in some cases, these are downrightcool people. However, if you happen to be an artist and designer and need some inspiration, I’m sure there is something useful in this list.Ultimately, what makes any of these images memorable is that they have the aforementioned “aura,” just a sort of energy to them that is both impressive and interesting. It catches your eye, it intimidates, it maybe even inspires you. It has an, well, “it factor” that can’t be easily described, but you definitely know it when you see it.See Also on Bored PandaContinue reading with Bored Panda PremiumUnlimited contentAd-free browsingDark modeSubscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign InWhile the thrill of a video game boss fight often ends onscreen, some have dared to experience that type of pulse-pounding moment in real life.Stefan Janković’sclose encounter with a bearevokes the same kind of drama and tension seen in a challenging game or film showdown.See Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored Panda
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It’s not just video games that feature “boss fights,” they are a staple part ofmartial arts films(or most action cinema in general), table top roleplaying and, if you really stretch it, a key part of the hero’sjourney. Humans just have an understanding of the world where “winning” or achieving something does mean you have to “beat” some sort of major challenge.Of course, this idea is probably the most prominent in video games. However, as you may have noticed, “boss fight” is a term that is mostly gaming-exclusive. We wouldn’t call Rocky fighting Ivan Drago his “boss fight” even if it fits the form. In general, the best explanation for this term comes from the games popular in the 80s and 90s, where the final “boss” would be “in charge” of the othercharacters.
It’s not just video games that feature “boss fights,” they are a staple part ofmartial arts films(or most action cinema in general), table top roleplaying and, if you really stretch it, a key part of the hero’sjourney. Humans just have an understanding of the world where “winning” or achieving something does mean you have to “beat” some sort of major challenge.
Of course, this idea is probably the most prominent in video games. However, as you may have noticed, “boss fight” is a term that is mostly gaming-exclusive. We wouldn’t call Rocky fighting Ivan Drago his “boss fight” even if it fits the form. In general, the best explanation for this term comes from the games popular in the 80s and 90s, where the final “boss” would be “in charge” of the othercharacters.
All in all, games make sure the player understands that the opponent they face isn’t “normal,” that this is abigger challengewith, hopefully, bigger rewards. Typically, this will be communicated with musical stings (or even theme music, which is also common in films) to make sure the person playing knows what is happening.
The main thing, as in video games and these pictures, is that whatever is in front of youisn’t typical. It’s bigger, scarier, more impressive. It has, as gen Z slang would say, an unmistakable “aura” that sets it apart from anything else. Just take a look at some of the entries here, if you put your mind to it, it’s not hard to imagine the soundtrack that is playing.
This drama is an important part of visual and audial storytelling ingames, films and really any non-written media. How do you know that something is important? It’s got spikier armor, it’s bigger, there are flames coming out of it or, at the very least, you see other folks clearly in awe of it.
In non-gaming circles, this might be generally called the “big bad,” the primary antagonist. The aforementioned Ivan Drago, for example, would qualify for this term. It originated, surprisingly, withBuffy the Vampire Slayer, in the episode “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,” but can be used these days for anyantagonistthat isn’t a minor character.
Of course, all this rhetoric makes it sound like everyone here is some sort of supervillain, when in most cases it’s just a cool image, or, at worst, an interesting person. Indeed, in some cases, these are downrightcool people. However, if you happen to be an artist and designer and need some inspiration, I’m sure there is something useful in this list.
Ultimately, what makes any of these images memorable is that they have the aforementioned “aura,” just a sort of energy to them that is both impressive and interesting. It catches your eye, it intimidates, it maybe even inspires you. It has an, well, “it factor” that can’t be easily described, but you definitely know it when you see it.
See Also on Bored Panda
Continue reading with Bored Panda PremiumUnlimited contentAd-free browsingDark modeSubscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign In
Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited contentAd-free browsingDark mode
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Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign In
While the thrill of a video game boss fight often ends onscreen, some have dared to experience that type of pulse-pounding moment in real life.Stefan Janković’sclose encounter with a bearevokes the same kind of drama and tension seen in a challenging game or film showdown.
While the thrill of a video game boss fight often ends onscreen, some have dared to experience that type of pulse-pounding moment in real life.
Stefan Janković’sclose encounter with a bearevokes the same kind of drama and tension seen in a challenging game or film showdown.
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