History Main / LegacyBossBattle

A Legacy Boss Battle is a boss from one game that appears as a boss in a later installment, often as a {{Superboss}} and as a result generally [[DifficultySpike much harder]] than the original boss fight, although some storyline bosses can fit as well. If the boss' game of origin is from another franchise, then these might be {{Mythology Gag}}s or {{Lawyer Friendly Cameo}}s as well.

Compare and contrast DegradedBoss, RecurringBossTemplate, PreviousPlayerCharacterCameo, HijackedByGanon, SuddenSequelHeelSyndrome, GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere. NostalgiaLevel is the Level version.

* ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'': Ridley, a SpacePirate pterodactyl/dragon-thing, has made an appearance for a boss fight in every game in the franchise except for four.[[note]]''VideoGame/MetroidPrime2Echoes'', ''VideoGame/MetroidIIReturnOfSamus'', ''VideoGame/MetroidPrimeHunters'', and ''VideoGame/MetroidDread''[[/note]] His appearance in ''VideoGame/MetroidSamusReturns'' (a remake of ''Return of Samus'') is perhaps the straightest example of this, as he was not in the original game at all, but reappears as [[spoiler:the TrueFinalBoss]] even if it doesn't make much sense in the long run.

A Legacy Boss Battle is a boss from one game that appears as a boss in a later installment, often as a {{Superboss}} and as a result generally [[DifficultySpike much harder]] than the original boss fight. Though some storyline bosses can fit as well. If the boss' game of origin is from another franchise, then these may be {{Mythology Gag}}s or {{Lawyer Friendly Cameo}}s.

* ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroes'': Destroyman is fought in every main game as a story boss, returning as the cybernetic twins New Destroyman in ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroes2DesperateStruggle'' and as Destroyman True Face in ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroesIII''.

Of important note is that most Legacy Bosses are only fightable in the post-game or side areas, and have little to no role in the plot. So BigBad FinalBoss examples don't qualify unless the BigBad of the game his cameo is in is different, or because the fight feels more familiar than the context would indicate.

Of important note is that most Legacy Bosses are only fightable in the post-game and don't have any role in the plot. So BigBad FinalBoss examples don't qualify unless the BigBad of the game his cameo is in is different, or because the fight feels more familiar than the context would indicate.

A Legacy Boss Battle is a boss from one game that appears as a boss in a later installment, often as a {{Superboss}} and as a result generally [[DifficultySpike much harder]] than the original boss fight. Though some storyline bosses can fit as well.

If the boss' game of origin is from another franchise, then these may be {{Mythology Gag}}s or {{Lawyer Friendly Cameo}}s.

* ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'': Ridley, a SpacePirate pterodactyl/dragon-thing, has made an appearance for a boss fight in every game in the franchise except for four.[[note]]''VideoGame/MetroidPrime2Echoes'', ''VideoGame/MetroidIIReturnOfSamus'', ''VideoGame/MetroidPrimeHunters'', and ''VideoGame/MetroidDread''[[/note]] He is also the ArchEnemy of the series's protagonist, Samus Aran, after having killed both her biological family and her adoptive Chozo family. His fights are always regarded as [[ThatOneBoss difficult]] [[AwesomeBosses/{{Metroid}} highlights]] of each of his respective games.

* ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog'':

* ''VideoGame/OctopathTravelerII'' has a full-blown boss fight against [[spoiler:Galdera, the TrueFinalBoss from [[''VideoGame/OctopathTraveler the first game.]]]]

[[/folder]]

** When Baal isn't the final {{Superboss}}, [[Franchise/{{Disgaea}} Pringer]] [[VideoGame/PhantomBrave X]] usually is. Unlike Baal, Pringer X has less plot surrounding him, coming off as a [[GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere random]] robot [[EverythingsBetterWithPenguins penguin]] that's insanely powerful.

* The TropeNamer is ''Videogame/DragonQuestIX''. In it, you can fight every single BigBad (and some Dragons) from all the previous games as some of the {{Superboss}}es. However they use the same [[RandomlyGeneratedLevels grotto]] system as the other {{Superboss}}, but with a few differences. Such as only one floor, and the fact that you can level up the bosses by giving up the EXP rewards. Beating them usually gives you some cosplay gear related to their original games or some Orbs.

* ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry''
** Both ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry1'' and ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry2'' feature a boss battle against a demon named Phantom. Strangely, Phantom's reappearance in ''2'' is given no explanation or acknowledgement from the characters despite being killed by Dante in the first game, and you need to fight him to progress the plot, making him something of a GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere as well.
** Though it's not exactly the same boss, [[spoiler:the true form of Arkham]] in ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry3DantesAwakening'' is definitely meant to evoke Nightmare from the first ''Devil May Cry'', right down to the BlobMonster aspect of their appearance being nearly identical.
** Lastly, there's Vergil, since you not only fight him thrice in ''Dante's Awakening'', but you also fought him transformed into ''Nelo Angelo'' back in the first game. [[spoiler:He returns for two more rounds in VideoGame/DevilMayCry5.]]

** [[TheGeneralissimo DJ Octavio]], who serves as the FinalBoss of the first two games' story modes. [[spoiler:In ''VideoGame/Splatoon3'' however, he's the ''[[DiscOneFinalBoss first]]'' boss.]]

** [[TheGeneralissimo DJ Octavio]], who serves as the FinalBoss of the first two games' story modes. However, in ''VideoGame/Splatoon3'', he's the ''[[DiscOneFinalBoss first]]'' boss.

** [[TheGeneralissimo DJ Octavio]], who serves as the FinalBoss of the first two games' story modes.

* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX'' has battles against the Four Fiends from the original ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyI'', though only one (Lich, though identified as "Earth Guardian" during the boss battle) is actually fought as a boss - the rest are CutsceneBoss battles and later fought as DegradedBoss encounters in Memoria (though Marilith's name is mistranslated as Maliris).

* ''VideoGame/LastScenario'' and ''VideoGame/ExitFate'', being made by the same person, actually have an enemy called "Pestilence" that appears in both games.

** The Octostomp was one of only two story mode bosses who debuted in the first game who would reappear in ''VideoGame/Splatoon2'', with the other being...

** Perhaps the most iconic example is [[Franchise/{{Disgaea}} Baal]], described as the strongest demon in existence and the strongest {{Superboss}} in each game he appears in. Despite this status, Baal has suffered from being DemotedToExtra in later Nippon Ichi games. [[VideoGame/ZettaiHeroProject One game]] actually has him explicitly replaced by ''VideoGame/MakaiKingdom''[='=]s [[UnexpectedCharacter Valvoga]].

* ''VideoGame/{{Splatoon}}'':

** [[TheGeneralissimo DJ Octavio]], who serves as the FinalBoss of the first two games' story modes, and appears set to reprise this role in ''VideoGame/Splatoon3''.

** Both ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry1'' and ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry2'' feature a boss battle against a demon named Phantom. Strangely, Phantom's reappearance in 2 is given no explanation or acknowledgement from the characters despite being killed by Dante in the first game, and you need to fight him to progress the plot, making him something of a GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere as well.
** Though it's not exactly the same boss, [[spoiler:the true form of Arkham]] in ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry3DantesAwakening'' is definitely meant to evoke Nightmare from the original ''Devil May Cry'', right down to their appearance being nearly identical.

* ''Franchise/Kirby'':

A Legacy Boss Battle is a boss from one game that appears as a boss in a later installment, often as a BonusBoss and as a result generally [[DifficultySpike much harder]] than the original boss fight. Though some storyline bosses can fit as well.

* In ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'', Omega from ''VideoGame/MegaManZero3'' appears as a BonusBoss in the N area. Defeating him nets you the Model O Biometal, the strongest in the game. If you have [[OldSaveBonus completed both Zero 3 and 4 in their cartridges]], linking them to the DS slot can let you fight 4 of each game's bosses in the same area and defeating them all gives you the same reward.

* The TropeNamer is ''Videogame/DragonQuestIX''. In it, you can fight every single BigBad (and some Dragons) from all the previous games as some of the {{Bonus Boss}}es. However they use the same [[RandomlyGeneratedLevels grotto]] system as the other Bonus Bosses, but with a few differences. Such as only one floor, and the fact that you can level up the bosses by giving up the EXP rewards. Beating them usually gives you some cosplay gear related to their original games or some Orbs.

** [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII Sephiroth]] appears as a BonusBoss in ''Videogame/KingdomHeartsI'' and ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII''. The first one as one of the coliseum matches with no context except for one ''Final Mix'' exclusive cutscene, the latter game has him cameo during the 1000 Heartless War where he asks where Cloud is, vanishes, and then taunts Cloud a little bit later.
** Axel, the only Organization XIII member who survives the events of ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsChainOfMemories'', returns as the prologue boss in ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII''. The ''[[UpdatedRerelease Final Mix]]'' update adds the Absent Silhouette {{Bonus Boss}}es, where you fight against the deceased members from ''[=CoM=]''.
** [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII Xemnas]] and [[VideoGame/KingdomHearts3DDreamDropDistance Young Xehanort]] invert the trope; they [[EarlyBirdCameo first appeared]] as {{Bonus Boss}}es in ''VideoGame/{{Kingdom Hearts|I}}: Final Mix'' and ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep'', respectively, albeit with their identity hidden from the characters (and the audience).

** Cynthia, [[VideoGame/PokemonDiamondAndPearl Sinnoh's champion]], appears as a BonusBoss in ''VideoGame/PokemonBlackAndWhite''.

* ''Franchise/TheElderScrolls'': ''[[VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim Skyrim]]''[='s=] ''Dragonborn'' DLC has a BonusBoss fight against the ghost of Karstaag, a Frost Giant slain by the PlayerCharacter during ''[[VideoGame/TheElderScrollsIIIMorrowind Morrowind]]''[='s=] ''Bloodmoon'' expansion.

* ''VideoGame/GoldenSunDarkDawn'' has two optional fights against the Star Magician and the Dullahan, two of the strongest {{Bonus Boss}}es of the previous game, now even ''stronger''.

** In the UpdatedRerelease of ''VideoGame/Persona5'', you have the option to fight [[spoiler:the Protagonists of ''VideoGame/Persona3'' and ''VideoGame/Persona4'']] as {{Bonus Boss}}es.
* Both the ''VideoGame/DigitalDevilSaga'' games does this with it's [[BonusBoss bonus bosses]]. The first game features [[spoiler:[[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiNocturne the Demi-fiend]]]] and the second game features the return of [[spoiler:[[VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiII the Four Archangels, Seth, and Satan]].]]

** In the main game, all the optional bosses that can be fought in Archylte Steppe are either exactly the same as or functionally identical to Cie'th Stone mission bosses from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII'' - Ochu, Gigantuar, Immortal and Long Gui are taken from the previous game (though Long Gui is severely downgraded in terms of difficulty), while Yomi fights exactly the same way as BonusBoss Vercingetorix from the previous game.
* Plenty of bosses in the ''VideoGame/WildArms'' series appear in multiple games. Sometimes, they're important to the storyline, sometimes they're not. For the biggest example, you have the BonusBoss Ragu O Ragla, whom appears in all 5 installments.

* ''[[VideoGame/ExtrapowerStarResistance EXTRAPOWER Star Resistance]'': Dark Force isn't fought in-story until ''[[VideoGame/ExtrapowerAttackOfDarkforce Attack of Darkforce]]'', which this game is the prequel to, but he can be fought here as an optional SuperBoss in the BossRush mode.

* Many Creator/NipponIchi games in this genre have {{Bonus Boss}} battles against characters and bosses from other Nippon Ichi games. Often, the boss will be unlocked after defeating them.
** Perhaps the most iconic example is [[Franchise/{{Disgaea}} Baal]], described as the strongest demon in existence and the strongest BonusBoss in each game he appears in. Despite this status, Baal has suffered from being DemotedToExtra in later Nippon Ichi games. [[VideoGame/ZettaiHeroProject One game]] actually has him explicitly replaced by ''VideoGame/MakaiKingdom''[='=]s [[UnexpectedCharacter Valvoga]].
** When Baal isn't the final BonusBoss, [[Franchise/{{Disgaea}} Pringer]] [[VideoGame/PhantomBrave X]] usually is. Unlike Baal, Pringer X has less plot surrounding him, coming off as a [[GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere random]] robot [[EverythingsBetterWithPenguins penguin]] that's insanely powerful.
** And then there's [[DemotedToExtra Asagi]], who may be the silliest example here. In her [[VideoGame/MakaiKingdom initial appearance]] she was an EarlyBirdCameo BonusBoss for a game still in development. When that game got cancelled, she reappeared as a BonusBoss in other games in order to pull a HostileShowTakeover. Since the player beats her, she tragically fails each time.

* In ''VideoGame/KirbysReturnToDreamLand'', [[spoiler:Galacta Knight from ''VideoGame/KirbySuperStar Ultra'']] appears as an extra boss in [[BossRush the True Arena]]. In this game, he cannot be fought everywhere else.
* In ''VideoGame/KirbyTripleDeluxe'', [[spoiler: Dark Meta Knight from ''VideoGame/KirbyAndTheAmazingMirror'']] acts as the final boss of King Dedede's mode.
* In ''VideoGame/KirbyPlanetRobobot'', [[spoiler:clones of Dark Matter from ''Kirby's Dream Land 2'' and Queen Sectonia from ''Kirby Triple Deluxe'', as well as the real Galacta Knight]], are the last three bosses of Meta Knight's mode.