15 years on, Dark Souls 1's best boss is nearly undefeated fighting Elden Ring's bosses, and one of his KOs definitely doesn't count

short-reviews Jan 27, 2026

Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, is a Mickey Mouse champion who does not deserve to be in the hall of fame. His fight feels more like a spectacle than a true challenge, lacking the depth and strategy that define a memorable boss encounter. The reliance on gimmicks undermines the skill-based gameplay that fans expect. - His mechanics are repetitive, making the battle feel tedious after the first few attempts. - Unlike other iconic bosses, Rykard's design lacks a compelling backstory, failing to engage players emotionally. While visually striking, his encounter doesn’t hold up against the timeless designs of Dark Souls bosses. Ultimately, Rykard serves as a reminder that style without substance is a missed opportunity in game design.

Source

Tags