Do massive damage
From throbbing body parts to glowing hit zones (like in the above image from Reddit's iwilding), big ass buttons and suspicious growths, it's hard to miss what's staring you in the face. These deficiencies are so obvious that they were practically screaming for their own list. Read on for a tribute to the enemies that are cocky (and/or reckless) enough to wear their weak spots with pride...
Haybot's big red button (Conkers Bad Fur Day)
I'll admit Haybot's giant honking button is easy pickings. After all, it is included in the game to mock giant, honking weak spots. In fact, it's almost as if the developers knew a game site from the future would need low-hanging fruit for a feature on gaming weak spots. For that (and for making Haybot a dead-on Terminator parody), I salute you Conker's Bad Fur Day.
Giant Enemy Crab's underbelly (Genji: Days of the Blade)
The Giant Enemy Crab's weak spot isn't obvious because of its appearance, but rather the fact it was broadcast live to millions of potential players when the game was first announced. Game Republic lead producer Bill Ritch shared the handy crab-killing tip during Sony's E3 2006 demonstration, after which the Giant Enemy Crab gained notoriety as a tongue-in-cheek mascot for weak points and historical accuracies. Whether or not they really existed (these guys come close), we may never know. Thanks to Ritchs meme-worthy comments, gamers will forever know exactly where to hit 'em if and when they do decide to come back for round two.
Gradius' everything (Gradius)
The Vic Viper ship's mission isn't easy, but knowing exactly where to shoot definitely gives humanity an edge. Easily identifiable weak spots are a hallmark of horizontal shooters, though Gradius--arguably the game that set the standard for all shooters that came after--is more guilty of this trope than most. And if knowing exactly where to focus our attacks isn't helpful enough, players can count on the unforgettable Konami Code to ensure they have more than enough (well, probably) lives to get things right.
The heads of House of the Dead
Arguably, House of the Dead's hand-holding may have been useful in an arcade setting. And maybe more recent console editions are just keeping the joke alive. Still, I like to imagine a Sega big shot smashing his plastic gun, turning to his fearful developers and shouting, Can anyone tell what I'm suppose to be aiming at?!
King Hippo's blubber (Punch-Out!!)
Punch-Out!! pros will note it takes a jab to the mouth to get Sir Hippo to expose his belly, after which a few jabs to his gut will open his head up for a pounding. This makes Hippo's belly a crucial part of Little Mac's winning strategy, and thanks to Hippo's girth, its nigh impossible to miss the mark. Im in no position (or shape) to suggest a better defense strategy, but how about moving those bandaids somewhere else or, you know, losing them altogether? Please dont hurt me, your majesty. Im only trying to help!
The colossi's sigils (Shadow of the Colossus)
Don't get me wrong, hunting down and ascending just one of the colossi is a challenge in and of itself. But the mystery location of exactly where to stab the monster? Not so much. Far be it from me to give this majestic race of giants any survival tips, but maybe try making those sigils a little smaller? Less bright? Or maybe just put a scarf over it? Look, its totally your call.
Andross's palms (Star Fox)
Andross's weak points aren't out of place among the despots evil armada. Luckily for Fox and his plucky gang of fighters, most enemies have some hit me right here, idiot box to make their encounters that much easier. Of course, in the event you can't suss these out yourself, you can be sure Slippy will chirp all about it on the headset just so youre extra, crystal clear.
Those Hyrulian eyes (The Legend of Zelda)
Eyes aren't the only obvious weak points in The Legend of Zelda. Every boss has a conspicuous bump, organ, or appendage screaming to be poked with whatever item Link stumbled across ten minutes earlier. Clearly evolution in the animal kingdom of Hyrule doesnt work the same as it does on Earth, or these enemies would have died off ages ago. If Darwin were alive, hed have a ton to study in Kokiri Forest alone.
Whomp King's Crack (Super Mario 64)
To Whomp King's credit, he does trade in his band-aid bullseye from Super Mario 64 for a less obvious star symbol in Super Mario Galaxy 2. Then again, that's akin to replacing a bullseye with an arrow. During that comeback, he mutters, No! Crushed again! Really, Whomp King? At this point, it's like you're just in it for the pain.
The Akrid's glowing bits (Lost Planet)
Come on, just look at those things. It's hard to think hyper-intelligent insect race when the Akrid are a-OK with prancing around topside with their vulnerable bits all aglow. The Akrid brought glowing weak points into the 360/PS3 generation, with eye-grabbing growths on their limbs that imply glow sticks and highlighters are the sole source of food on E.D.N II. Cover those spots up, you aliens bugs, Im embarrassed for you.
Trust your instincts
And if you're looking for more, check out 8 ways to tell a boss fight is about to happen and 8 tired boss fight tropes that need to die.
