Recently I’ve been working on boss mechanics, finishing boss’ sprites, just generally making all the bosses unique and memorable, so it’s a given I’ve been brainstorming about what makes a boss unique, entertaining and memorable. Not personality wise, but mechanic wise.
Here’s my conclusion. Bosses bend the rules of the game, surprise and challenge the player. They should and have to hit you with things you don’t expect from
normal enemies.

In my opinion that’s a good way to make fights feel more fresh and interesting. Not sticking to the same strategies, mechanics, habits.
Being force out of the comfort zone.
But also at the same time, that comfort zone is a good thing, as it allows you to pinpoint what rules to bend.
For example in Crimson Shift, the guard is generally an important tool to use if you want to survive. That’s why a boss fight where the boss can make you unable to use it is essential. It makes you think in a different way than usual.
Or at least it did for me.
Anyway, no more rambling. Working on boss fights, here’s some teaser pics.
First picture I can’t talk about, second is a shapeshifter :P