It's-a Mario World: Mini-Boss Mayhem

by Kenneth Caldwell { Sep 12th 2008 at 8:05PM }

Last week we prompted some rich scholarly debate about Bowser's kids, as literally hundreds of comments (precise statistics unverified) argued back and forth as to whether the Koopaling characters are worth a damn. Today we return to pose another question: What are mini-bosses, exactly? Are they, like, regular Koopas after chomping down a few mini-mushrooms? Are they the less-popular bosses who have shrunken from our memories? What is so miniature about a mini-boss? Size? Reputation?

Well, neither, really. A mini-boss might be defined as an antagonist too powerful to be categorized as a standard henchman, yet too weak to provoke any controller-throwing frustration. Much like their more difficult counterparts--area and final bosses--mini-bosses are usually faced in an enclosed, 1-on-1 setting, albeit with considerably less fanfare. With some exceptions, no trumpets sound as they enter, and no medals are award when they are defeated. Mini-bosses occupy a liminal position in villainy as the halfway hurdles of an overarching challenge. Mario has encountered dozens of these types, a few of which have continued their careers as playable characters in sports and party titles. But do you recall the most famous ~~reindeer~~ mini-bosses of all? We hope so, because we've stuffed a piping hot new gallery full of 'em.

It's-a Mario World is a weekly feature in which the ubiquity of Nintendo's flagship character is celebrated: We'll incessantly ruminate about mustache wax, debate the curious whereabouts of the princess and covet the luminous power stars strewn about the galaxy. Check back here every Friday to find out what strange and wonderful thing has got us tipping our caps. And if that isn't good enough, check out the retro Mario you never knew in the latest, greatest Virtually Overlooked.

Tags: bosses, bowser, enemies, its-a-mario-world, joystiqfeatures, mario-brothers, minibosses, super-mario-bros

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Gewurztraminer says: Shinkuu Gadouken! @ Sep 12th 2008 8:54PM

"Dies in three jumps and nearly as many seconds. If you're in any way competent at pushing the A button chances are you will defeat Boom-Boom. You could probably do it by accident if you-- There, now see? He died while you read that"

hilarious =]

Mr Khan @ Sep 12th 2008 10:39PM

Very well written, kudos

But it needs more Big Bully. That mofo had horns. Yellow horns.

Kenneth Caldwell @ Sep 13th 2008 7:55AM

Totally! I almost threw in Chief Chilly and the rest of the bully clan. Even Baron Brrr from Super Mario Galaxy would have been fair game.

Ghen @ Sep 13th 2008 7:22AM

love this column

Just_a_guy @ Sep 13th 2008 1:32PM

I have to say that MINI bosses are any bosses you defeat to get to the main boss, which will complete either a major section of the game or the level. for example, in Zelda Oracle of Ages and Seasons, ther is a MINI boss half way through each dungeon which can be VERY tricky to defeat: some are harer than some of the easier bosses in my opinion.

Thats' why Birdo is a boss, all the koopa kids are bosses, and why someone like the wiggler isn't.