Daily Debate: What is the Most Creative Zelda Boss?

Throughout the run of the Zelda series, there have been over 120 main bosses to be found in the various dungeons, castles and caves that Link has traversed. There has been a lot of variety in boss designs over the years, but there are some that stand out among the rest. Stallord is a fan favorite for the exhilarating speed of riding the spinner on rails. Phantom Ganon in Ocarina of Time is literally picturesque. The ghost horseman jumps in and out of paintings while Link attempts to pin him with an arrow. Looking back to A Link to the Past, Moldorm is pretty distinct. That worm can knock the player off the stage, forcing Link to trudge all the way back to the boss room and restart the fight. Talk about frustrating.

Which Zelda boss do you think was the most creative? For me, it is Crayk from the Temple of Courage in Phantom Hourglass. This giant crab cloaks itself in an invisibility field and runs around the arena. If he hits Link, it will do one half-heart of damage. With only five hearts available at the time, if the player gets smacked too often, he will quickly expire. The novelty comes through the most clever use of the Nintendo DS’s two screens. The lower screen controls Link as he runs around the arena, loosing arrows and dodging the phantom crustacean. The upper screen shows the battle from Crayk’s perspective. There is something frightening and exhilarating about seeing the big old crab charging at you from behind, while at the same time making Link whip around and shoot an arrow right in Crayk’s face. A successful hit from an arrow will make Crayk visible for a short time, allowing Link to get off some sword swings. Do this a few times and victory is yours.

What boss in the Zelda series did you think was the most unique and creative? Let us know in the comments below.