History EliteMooks / VideoGames

** In ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamCity'', there is a team of Elite Mooks called Tyger, which are the top mercenary group of Ex-Special Forces that were specially trained to go head to head against Batman. Well, in-universe, anyway. They are, most of the time, as easy to defeat as other Mooks. There are also inmates armed with knives (or broken bottles) and electrical sticks, and new enemies [[ShieldBearingMook using shields]] or body armor. They aren't exactly elite fighters anymore (any mook can pick up a knife dropped by another one, for example), but they ''are'' harder to beat.

** The Reapers have their own variants, in the form of the [[GiantMook Brute]], a monstrosity with the body and strength of a [[BloodKnight krogan]], and the head and intelligence of a [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy turian]], which results in lethal efficency, the [[InsectoidAlien Ravager]], a [[BeePeople rachni]] husk, repurposed to bring heavy fire onto enemies, and have it's babies brainlessly swarm you, and, worst of all, the [[EldritchAbomination Banshee]], a Reaper-fied [[DeathBySex Ardat-Yakshi]] asari, who can hit you with an attack that deals damage to you over time, [[TeleportSpam biotically rush you]], [[ImpaledWithExtremePrejudice pick you up, and gut you with their long claws that would make a]] [[VideoGame/Left4Dead Witch]] [[ImpaledWithExtremePrejudice jealous]], and get their name because of their [[HellIsThatNoise pants-wettingly horrifying scream.]] In the early stages, Marauders are built up as this, playing the role of coordination/enhancement units for the basic cannon-fodder Cannibals, but literally the next stage of the mission where they're introduced lets you meet your first Brute, and Marauders are instantly relegated to being little more than Cannibals with shields.

*** While Barons of Hell and Hell Knights are straightforward bigger and stronger [[TheGoomba Imps]], [[LeanAndMean Arch-Viles]] are more sophisticated variants: not only they are [[LightningBruiser tough and extremely mobile]], but they can resurrect their fellow demons, and instead of throwing fireballs at you, they ''[[InterfaceScrew set you on fire]]'' as the sign that they will [[MadBomber blow you up]].

*** As more sophiscated versions of [[TheGoomba Imps]], [[LeanAndMean Arch-Viles]] enter this category too: not only they are [[LightningBruiser tough and extremely mobile]], but they can resurrect their fellow demons, and instead of throwing fireballs at you, they ''[[InterfaceScrew set you on fire]]'' as the sign that they will [[MadBomber blow you up]].

*** The UsefulNotes/PlayStation port of ''Doom'' has an exclusive monster in the name of the Nightmare Spectre, a faster and stronger version of the Spectre (invisible Pinkies).

*** Considered by the developers as superior Imps, the [[LeanAndMean Summoners]] can move (or rather [[TeleportSpam teleport]]) extremely fast and can... [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin well]]... [[EnemySummoner summon fellow demons]] to make your game even harder. The sequel replaces them by the [[RankScalesWithAsskicking Archviles]] who not only summon enemies, but give them a StatusBuff, and create a fire line which forces you to stay in movement.
*** Prowlers are the same shape as Imps, but also the same capacities, more resistance, teleportation powers, and a SpreadShot attack. Stone Imps don't have all these powers, but are extremely resistant to compensate.

** In ''VideoGame/PaperMario64'', the Koopatrols who guard Bowser's castle are as resistant as they are powerful, and their spike helmets forbid you to jump on their heads. The Antiguy of Chapter 4 also counts to some degree, as he has more health than the average Shy Guy and is monstruously powerful.

** The classic ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' game has the first episode bosses who [[DegradedBoss become this afterwards]], and ''VideoGame/DoomII'' introduces a weaker and more common version of them with three elite versions of enemies from the first game. Except for the Chain Gunners, they all remain in ''VideoGame/Doom64'':

*** The UsefulNotes/PlayStation port of ''Doom'' has the Nightmare Spectre, a faster and stronger version of the Spectre (invisible Pinkies).

** The classic ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' game has the first episode bosses who quickly become this, and ''VideoGame/DoomII'' introduces two elite versions of enemies from the first game. Except for the Chain Gunners, they all remain in ''VideoGame/Doom64'':

*** As they are considered superior versions of [[TheGoomba Imps]], Arch-Viles enter this category too: not only they are [[LightningBruiser tough and extremely mobile]], but they can resurrect their fellow demons, and instead of throwing fireballs at you, they ''set you on fire'' as the sign that they will blow you up.

*** Considered by the developers as superior Imps, the [[PowerFloats Summoners]] can move (or rather [[TeleportSpam teleport]]) extremely fast and can... [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin well]]... [[EnemySummoner summon fellow demons]] to make your game even harder. The sequel replaces them by the [[RankScalesWithAsskicking Archviles]] who not only summon enemies, but give them a StatusBuff, and create a fire line which forces you to stay in movement.

*** Considered by the developers as superior Imps, the Summoners can move extremely fast and can... [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin well]]... [[EnemySummoner summon fellow demons]] to make your game even harder. The sequel replaces them by the Archviles who not only summon enemies, but give them a StatusBuff, and create a fire line which forces you to stay in movement.

*** Pain Elementals have the same resistance as Cacodemons, but they are smarter as they don't mindlessly [[FeedItABomb eat the grenades you throw at them]], and they can create an unlimited army of [[ActionBomb Lost Souls]].

*** The Summoners can move extremely fast and can... [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin well]]... [[EnemySummoner summon demons]] to make your game even harder. The sequel replaces them by the Archviles who not only summon enemies, but give them a StatusBuff, and create a fire line which forces you to stay in movement.

** The classic ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' game has its three episodes bosses who quicly {{Degraded Boss}}es in ''VideoGame/DoomII'' and (except for Spider Masterminds) ''VideoGame/Doom64'':

*** The [[BreakoutVillain Cyberdemon]] started as [[TheDragon demons' army general]], then became [[DegradedBoss a mixture between a mini-boss and an Elite Mook]] in later games. However, he's still as [[LightningBruiser strong, tough and fast]] as his original iteration and is placed in strategic places in arenas absolutely not made for a face-to-face with him.
*** The [[MyBrainIsBig Spider Mastermind]] had the same treatment, being degraded from the BigBad of the first game to a stronger version of the Chain Gunner.
** ''VideoGame/DoomII'' has ''all its newly introduced enemies'', and all these examples (sans Heavy Weapon Dudes, Revenants and Arch-Viles) remain in ''VideoGame/Doom64'':

*** The [[DemBones Revenants]] are [[GlassCannon not much resistant compared to the other examples]], but their [[HomingProjectile homing head missiles]] and their impressive mobility make them dangerous enemies.

*** The [[FatBastard Mancubi]] are [[MightyGlacier extremely slow]], but [[{{Kevlard}} are almost as resistant as a Baron of Hell]], and their {{Arm Cannon}}s shoot powerful missiles they don't throw directly at you, but [[ATeamFiring by following a subtle pattern]] [[SmarterThanTheyLook to make sure you will take them]].
*** The [[NoisyRobots Arachnotrons]] are [[DegradedBoss degraded versions]] of the Spider Mastermind from the first game, except they use [[MoreDakka rapid-firing]] {{Plasma Cannon}}s: they are less resistant than the Mancubi, but more mobile ([[AchillesHeel when they're not firing]]) and as destructive as them. They're even worse in ''Doom 64'' as they hold ''two'' plasma cannons each.
*** The [[LeanAndMean Arch-Viles]] are not only [[LightningBruiser extremely mobile and resistant]], but they only need to see you to hurt you with [[PlayingWithFire their flames]], and their ability to [[MookMaker summon]] or [[MookMedic resurrect]] lesser mooks makes them primary targets, forcing you to expose yourself to their flames.
** ''VideoGame/Doom64'' has the Nightmare Imps who are [[GlassCannon as frail as]] [[TheGoomba Imps]], but their fireballs are more powerful and faster, making them harder to dodge.

*** Tyrants are the equivalent to classic Cyberdemons, aesthetically and gameplay-wise: while they are [[MightyGlacier slower than they used to be]], they are still resilient and powerful, and extremely aggressive.

** The classic ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' game has its three episodes bosses who quicly {{Degraded Boss}}es in ''VideoGame/DoomII'' and (sans Spider Masterminds) ''VideoGame/Doom64'':

*** The Heavy Weapon Dudes are slightly more resistant than [[TheGoomba Zombiemen]] and [[GlassCannon Shotgun Guys]], but way more deadly, as they traded the shotgun for a chaingun (many players call them "Chain Gunners" for this reason), allowing them to [[MoreDakka fire bullets at repetition]] and to kill your character in few seconds.

** The classic ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' game has an example which quickly became a DegradedBoss, and ''VideoGame/DoomII'' has plenty examples which remain in ''VideoGame/Doom64'':

*** The [[DemBones Revenants]] are [[GlassCannon not much resistant compared to the other examples]], but their [[HomingProjectile homing head missiles]] and their impressive mobility make them dangerous enemies. They don't come back in ''Doom 64'', however.
*** The [[FatBastard Mancubi]] are [[MightyGlacier extremely slow]], but [[{{Kevlard}} are almost as resistant as a Baron of Hell]], and their {{Arm Cannon}}s shoot powerful missiles they don't throw directly at you, but [[ATeamFiring by following a subtle pattern]] [[SmarterThanTheyLook to make sure you will take them]].
*** The [[NoisyRobots Arachnotrons]] are [[DegradedBoss degraded versions]] of the Spider Mastermind from the first game, except they use [[MoreDakka rapid-firing]] {{Plasma Cannon}}s: they are less resistant than the Mancubi, but more mobile ([[AchillesHeel when they're not firing]]) and as destructive as them. They're even worse in ''Doom 64'' as they hold ''two'' plasma cannons each.
*** The [[LeanAndMean Arch-Viles]] are not only [[LightningBruiser extremely mobile and resistant]], but they only need to see you to hurt you with [[PlayingWithFire their flames]], and their ability to [[MookMaker summon]] or [[MookMedic resurrect]] lesser mooks makes them primary targets, forcing you to expose yourself to their flames. Like the Revenants, they don't come back in ''Doom 64''.

*** While [[TheGoomba Imps]] are now faster and more agile, Hell Knights are as well, and [[LightningBruiser they combine this with their strength and resilience]] to create {{Shockwave Stomp}}s you must dodge at the last minute. The Barons of Hell do it better and unlike their underlings, they can throw fireballs at you as well. The sequel introduces Dread Knights, which are intermediate between Hell Knights and Barons of Hell, and the latter were upgraded into Fireborne Barons who are as fast and strong as they originally were, but also ''tougher'' and ''more aggressive''.

* ''VideoGame/{{Warframe}}'': Numerous. The Grineer have elite lancers above their basic lancers, and the Corpus have elite crewmen above their regular crewmen. Technically any unit above the most basic lancers, crewmen, and chargers (for Infested) count. However, the most obvious are the Eximus units, which are regular units with heavily enhanced stats, health, and a special ability like energy drain or a frost aura.

* ''Franchise/{{Doom}}''

*** The [[BreakoutVillain Cyberdemon]] started as [[TheDragon demons' army general]], then became [[DegradedBoss a mixture between a mini-boss and this trope]] in later games. However, he's still as [[LightningBruiser strong, tough and fast]] as his original iteration and is placed in strategic places in arenas absolutely not made for a face-to-face with him.

*** The [[NoisyRobots Arachnotrons]] are [[DegradedBoss degraded versions]] of the Spider Mastermind from the first game, except they use [[MoreDakka rapid-firing]] {{Plasma Cannon}}s: they are less resistant than the Mancubi, but more mobile ([[AchillesHeel when they're not firing]]) and as destructive as them.

*** The [[BreakoutVillain Cyberdemon]] started as [[TheDragon demons' army general]], then became [[DegradedBoss a mixture between a mini-boss and this trope]] in later games. However, he's still as [[LightningBruiser strong, tough and fast]] as his original iteration and with an arena absolutely not made for a face-to-face with him.

*** While [[TheGoomba Imps]] are now faster and more agile, Hell Knights are as well, and [[LightningBruiser they combine this with their strength and resilience]] to create {{Shockwave Stomp}}s you must dodge at the last minute. The Barons of Hell do it better and unlike their underlings, they can throw fireballs at you as well. The sequel introduces Dread Knights, which are intermediate between Hell Knights and Barons of Hell, and the latter were upgraded into Fireborne Barons which are as fast and strong as they originally were, but also ''tougher'' and ''more agressive''.

*** The Cyberdemon started as [[TheDragon demons' army general]], then became [[DegradedBoss a mixture between a mini-boss and this trope]] in later games. However, he's still as [[LightningBruiser strong, tough and fast]] as his original iteration and with an arena absolutely not made for a face-to-face with him.

*** While Imps are now faster and more agile, Hell Knights are as well, and [[LightningBruiser they combine this with their strength and resilience]] to create {{Shockwave Stomp}}s you must dodge at the last minute. The Barons of Hell do it better and unlike their underlings, they can throw fireballs at you as well. The sequel introduces Dread Knights, which are intermediate between Hell Knights and Barons of Hell, and the latter were upgraded into Fireborne Barons which are as fast and strong as they originally were, but also ''tougher''.

* ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' has an example which quickly became a DegradedBoss, and ''VideoGame/DoomII'' has plenty examples:
** Starting in the first game, the [[BigRedDevil Barons of Hell]] behave like [[TheGoomba Imps]], but are way tougher and stronger. The Hell Knights introduced in the sequel are a downgraded version of them. Even worse, [[LikeCannotCutLike neither of them can hurt each other like other enemies]].
** The [[DemBones Revenants]] are [[GlassCannon not much resistant compared to the other examples]], but their [[HomingProjectile homing head missiles]] and their impressive mobility make them dangerous enemies.
** The [[FatBastard Mancubi]] are [[MightyGlacier extremely slow]], but [[{{Kevlard}} are almost as resistant as a Baron of Hell]], and their {{Arm Cannon}}s shoot powerful missiles they don't throw directly at you, but [[ATeamFiring by following a subtle pattern]] [[SmarterThanTheyLook to make sure you will take them]].
** The [[NoisyRobots Arachnotrons]] are [[DegradedBoss degraded versions]] of the Spider Mastermind from the first game, except they use [[MoreDakka rapid-firing]] {{Plasma Cannon}}s: they are less resistant than the Mancubi, but more mobile ([[AchillesHeel when they're not firing]]) and as destructive as them.
** The [[LeanAndMean Arch-Viles]] are not only [[LightningBruiser extremely mobile and resistant]], but they only need to see you to hurt you with [[PlayingWithFire their flames]], and their ability to [[MookMaker summon]] or [[MookMedic resurrect]] lesser mooks makes them primary targets, forcing you to expose yourself to their flames.

* ''Franchise/{{Kirby}}:

** Double subverted in ''Syphon Filter 3'' level "Convoy", with Afghan rebel forces providing high threats to the player due to their durability and accuracy, despite most of them are not even wearing bulletproof vest (save for their three snipers), making the level one of the most frustrating parts of the series.

** The [[NoisyRobot Arachnotrons]] are [[DegradedBoss degraded versions]] of the Spider Mastermind from the first game, except they use [[MoreDakka rapid-firing]] {{Plasma Cannon}}s: they are less resistant than the Mancubi, but more mobile ([[AchillesHeel when they're not firing]]) and as destructive as them.

** Starting in the first game, the Barons of Hell behave like [[TheGoomba Imps]], but are way tougher and stronger. The Hell Knights introduced in the sequel are a downgraded version of them. Even worse, [[LikeCannotCutLike neither of them can hurt each other like other enemies]].
** The Revenants are [[GlassCannon not much resistant compared to the other examples]], but their [[HomingProjectile homing head missiles]] and their impressive mobility make them dangerous enemies.
** The Mancubi are [[MightyGlacier extremely slow]], but [[{{Kevlard}} are almost as resistant as a Baron of Hell]], and their {{Arm Cannon}}s shoot powerful missiles they don't throw directly at you, but by [[ATeamFiring following a subtle pattern]] [[SmarterThanTheyLook to make sure you will take them]].
** The Arachnotrons are [[DegradedBoss degraded versions]] of the Spider Mastermind from the first game, except they are more common and use plasma cannons.
** The Arch-Viles are not only [[LightningBruiser extremely mobile and resistant]], but they only need to see you to hurt you with their flames, and their ability to summon or resurrect lesser mooks makes them primary targets, forcing you to expose yourself to their flames.

** The Mancubi are [[MightyGlacier extremely slow]], but [[{{Kevlard}} are almost as resistant as a Baron of Hell]], and their {{Arm Cannon}}s shoot powerful [[HomingProjectile homing head missiles]] they don't throw directly at you, but by following a subtle pattern [[SmarterThanTheyLook to make sure you will take them]].

*** Mehrunes Dagon, the Daedric Prince of [[DestroyerDeity Destruction]], has a number of lesser Daedra who serve him in a variety of ways. They range from CannonFodder Scamps, to his LegionsOfHell Dremora, to GiantMook Daedroths. The most powerful of his servants are the Xivilai, gigantic humanoid Daedra, of whom even a single one can turn the tide of battle. Even among the Dremora, the [[AsskickingEqualsAuthority higher-ranking]] individuals are much more powerful than their lower-ranking kin [[BossInMookClothing while not being all that different in appearance]]. Each are prevalent throughout ''Oblivion''.

* In ''VideoGame/{{Tyranny}}'', the Disfavoured are an EliteArmy while their counterpart the Scarlet Chorus are an ArmyOfThievesAndWhores made up mostly of SlaveMooks. Because they're all [[TheSocialDarwinist Social Darwinists]] who believe in AsskickingEqualsAuthority, however, those mooks who make it to the top of the Chorus hierarchy are very, ''very'' good at individual combat. The [[AmazonBrigade Scarlet Furies]], [[PraetorianGuard Crimson Spears]] and [[BloodMagic Blood Chanters]] are the elite mooks of the Scarlet Chorus and are individually some of the hardest enemies in the game if you get on the Chorus' bad side.

* ''VideoGame/DragonQuestI'''s [[TheVeryDefinitelyFinalDungeon final dungeon]] is guarded by the deadliest, [[DemonicSpiders most demonic]] variations of the Mooks you've faced: Knight Aberrants, Knight Abhorrents, Blue Dragons, Dread Dragons, etc. They have high defense stats, deal massive damage, and have the most devastating spells, such as Snooze (Knight Aberrants have both this and Fizzle, preventing you from using your own Fizzle), Midheal and Sizzle (the Armored Knight has ''both Midheal and Sizzle''). If you aren't sufficiently [[LevelGrinding leveled up]], you can kiss your ass goodbye here. Some of these are invincible to magic. And sometimes, the only winning move is not to fight.

** The Mancubi are [[MightyGlacier extremely slow]], but [[{{Kevlard}} are almost as resistant as a Baron of Hell]], and their {{Arm Cannon}}s shoot powerful [[HomingHeadMissiles homing head missiles]] they don't throw directly at you, but by following a different pattern [[SmarterThanTheyLook to make sure you will take them]].

* ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' has an example which quickly became a DegradedBoss, and ''VideoGame/Doom2'' has plenty examples:
** Starting in the first game, the Barons of Hell behave like [[TheGoomba Imps]], but are way tougher and stronger. The Hell Knights introduced in the sequel balance between the basic enemies and the {{Elite Mook}}s.
** The Revenants are [[GlassCannon not much resistant compared to the other examples]], but their homing head missiles and their impressive mobility make them dangerous enemies.
** The Mancubi are [[MightyGlacier extremely slow]], but [[{{Kevlard}} are almost as resistant as a Baron of Hell]], and their {{Arm Cannon}}s shoot powerful homing head missiles.

* The Arch-Viles are not only [[LightningBruiser extremely mobile and resistant]], but they only need to see you to hurt you with their flames, and their ability to summon or resurrect lesser mooks makes them primary targets, forcing you to expose yourself to their flames.

** The infamous Hammer Brothers in most games.
** The Bandits in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld2YoshisIsland''.
** Koopatrols and the BonusBoss Anti-Guy in ''VideoGame/PaperMario64''.

*** All of the various piranha plant-type enemies pale in comparison to...the "Piranha Plant". The namesake enemy itself is in fact more deadly than any of its knockoffs.