Suggestion: Boss Arena Idiocy

Boss-Arena Idiocy is about how a boss is completely invulnerable, except to some item that's conveniently placed in the area where you fight him, be it spikes, lasers, or whatever.

That means that Bowser in SMB, depicted in the image, is not an example: he is vulnerable to everything that also kills normal enemies, including fireballs and the mega mushroom.

For example, this Zelda pic◊ would be better. Or, even nicer would be using this image◊ followed by this one◊, from Iji (or, alternatively, this◊ and that◊).

I like the Iji example, but it doesn't come out quite as well as a picture. You'd need two frames to convey the trope properly, I believe.

That said, Bowser is unstoppable if you don't have those powerups, which frequently is the case.

In other words,

edited 13th Mar '12 3:38:10 AM by Feather7603

I don't really understand why this is a bad picture. It illustrates the trope quite nicely IMO.

Current picture is better than suggestions

Bowser from SMB 3 would be better anyway. He's immune to your Goomba Stomp (he doesn't damage you, you just bounce off), your Raccoon Tail, so if you don't have a powerup on you (which is a challenge in itself) all you can do is keep dodging his attacks until he smashes his way through the flooring.

There's also Wart from Super Mario Bros 2, who's immune to nigh everything but being force-fed vegetables. Conveniently, he has a machine spewing vegetables in his room. I don't think it'd translate well through an image, though...

Bowser being vulnerable to something conveniently placed in his room and regular attacks doesn't disqualify him. That's a good image. Can't tell what's going on in the others.

Well, it would be nice to have an image that's actually from a game. Can we see a shot of SMB 2 or SMB 3 please?

Wow, it's almost impossible to find a good, non-artifacted, correct resolution and aspect ratio image of the final boss from Super Mario Bros. 3 on GIS. So, here's a JPEG◊. I'd rather get a GIF or PNG of the moment where Bowser's about to butt stomp to his demise, though.

Super Mario Bros. 2 doesn't fare much better... NES◊, SNES◊, both JPEGS...

The problem isn't the quality, though, nor the actual examples. As you said, they don't translate into pictures that are good to show off or describe the trope.

edited 13th Mar '12 11:50:39 AM by Feather7603

Clock is set.

Since we have several suggestions here, how about a crowner?

I think the current picture is just fine. Technically, the Iji picture wouldn't count, as you can destroy Proxima if you're absolutely loaded with weapons.

I think the definition just needs to be expanded a bit. They don't have to be totally invincible, but having a huge weakness in the room is still noteworthy.

Blank crowner's hooked.

Bump for votes, Mario/Bowser's the only one in the green.

Aaaaaaand we're done. The page is tagged; locking up.