A lot of us have faced and defeated countless, numerous bosses in many games, hundreds, thousands even, who knows how many, but there's always this ever-thriving question about their original designs, and their appearances... what are their inspirations behind their designs, such as references from past media spanning TV shows, movies, maybe even books of different kinds... or rather, other places outside of 'em? Even more, bosses also take some inspiration or reference to prior games.

A Twitter post from Daniel Barnes did say this when it comes to inspiration and references, "Good reference can come from all places. " - https://twitter.com/Danny8bit/status/1582462558795354112

Perhaps there are loads of inspiration to be found in many places in many shows, movies, games, etc., maybe even from several one-time threats seen in lots of TV shows' episodes. And, believe me, I have seen LOTS of 'em before(which I can't discuss here, because I'd spend too much time talking about that), and loads of their designs are rather unique, yet hardly touched upon.

This is where this discussion post covering this comes in. And, for those asking, NO. This does not mean several memes of different sources, even past, outdated memes people should stop re-enacting a lotta times. We need to maintain coherency and focus on our lives, here.

Now, to this...

When it comes to devising bosses in games, it can be often rough in coming up with their designs, but that doesn't mean its impossible. There are couple of bumpy roads people face on the way in that and game development, whatever the size and scope of any game may be, but no matter what, great solutions can be reached and they prevail in the end. Its always important to stay strong, remain positive, and never give up on the goals set by what people lay out. It also depends on what tools & programs people use for it.

I have come across some noteworthy bosses, and their inspiration and references behind their designs. In case some around here may not know or forgotten, have your curious minds ready or catch up on your memory.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Mecha Sonic, Death Egg Zone, Penultimate Boss. References - Mechagodzilla and Gigan from Godzilla series.

Same game above - Death Egg Robot/Egg Emperor(not the boss with that name from Sonic Heroes. that's what that boss is pretty much called in a game guide I remember looking at one time), same stage, Final Boss. Reference - ATM-09-ST Scopedog from Armored Trooper VOTOMS.

Mega Man 6 - Metonger Z, Mr. X Fortress Stage 3 Boss. - Reference - Mazinger Z. What model? Unknown, presently.

Freedom Planet - Syntax, Morpher Armor, Final Dreadnought, Round 1 Boss. Reference - surely Sevenforce from Gunstar Heroes.

Mega Man 5 - Dark Man 1 to 4, Proto Man's Castle, all Bosses. Reference - Hakaider Squad, Kikaider 01.

Mega Man 4 - Mothraya, Cossack Citadel Stage 1 Boss. Reference, Mothra from, well, the movie that bears its name.

Mega Man 6 - Mechazaurus, Wily Castle VI Stage 1 Boss. Reference - Mechasaurus monsters from Getter Robo.

There's more I could go on, but I don't want to over-exhaust myself.

Yeah, its no directory, but if anyone can come up with one centered around that, well, it'd be great. There's always so much to keep track of.

What have you come across worthy of its contribution?