Your Favorite SHMUP Boss

[Ascending Wordsmith]

Sometimes you encounter a boss or mid-boss that's not only challenging, but appealing in its own way. Maybe it's the way it looks, moves, attacks, or even explodes when you defeat it. I, myself, have come across so many bosses that I was reluctant to destroy because of its aesthetics and other redeeming qualities.

Here's a few that I like;

http://www.classicgaming.com/shmups/reviews/gradius3/gradius3_049.gif

This Gradius III entity is one of my favorite bosses. It's cybernetic yet the crystalline appearance gives it such appeal.

http://www.klov.com/screens/C/xCarrier_Air_Wing.png

This sleek beauty is a B-1B jet bomber from Carrier Air Wing. In a later level, you fight against a much tougher golden version.

http://www.fantasyanime.com/garden/museum/parodius_shot11.gif

This isn't really a boss but, the originality is there. SHMUPS need more go-go dancers, and Parodius features one. Watch out because she's invincible and won't hesistate to crush you under her rhinestone heels!

What are some of your favorite SHMUPS bosses?

[E Nice]

Keio Flying Squadron had a bunch of interesting looking bosses but my fav I think would have to be Dr.Pon's cat contraption. It had a big cat head, which would spit out fireballs in a ring that swirl, like a spiral as it travels out. Everytime you shoot it the cat meows. :lol:

[Dire 51]

Love that Crystal Core boss...

One of my favorites would have to be Xiga, the final boss of Radiant Silvergun. The first time I saw him, my jaw literally dropped.

[ROBOTRON]

I would have to say the Crab Boss at the end of level 2 on Viewpoint. I don't know if any of you have a Neo-Geo as I do, but the graphics, the dificulity to destroy him is just right. Also, hook your Geo up to a nice surround sound system and listen to the intense James Brown and Prince inspired music and it becomes super intense!

Honarable Mention-Dire 51 is correct, Xiga in Radiant Silvergun is indeed awesome!

Dire, I think there is a boss after Xiga...a crystal thing appears after Xiga, removes your weapons, and fires at you...you have to dodge his bullets, you can't fire back....he's the final boss isn't he?

[Dire 51]

Robotron - yes, the crystal. I guess you could say he's the real final boss of RS. I just say Xiga is because he's the last boss you can actually shoot at.

On another note, it was nice to see the crystal pop up again in Ikaruga...

[Neo-Jorge]

I would have to say the 1st and 2nd boss in R-type.
Everytime I hear the name of R-type those 2 come to mind.



Thanks

[Dire 51]

How could I forget the Krell and the Gomanda? The Krell is just plain awesome - and it's shown up in just about every R-Type.