Game Over, Then History: 10 Boss Fights That Defined a Generation

2. The Psychological Warfare of Psycho Mantis in Metal Gear Solid

In 1998, Metal Gear Solid introduced players to Psycho Mantis, a boss fight that broke the fourth wall and redefined player interaction. Known for reading the player's memory card and making the controller vibrate, Mantis's psychological tricks left a lasting impression. Players had to switch controller ports to defeat him, a move that was both innovative and unsettling. This battle highlighted the potential of video games to engage players on a deeper level, using mind games as a tool to enhance storytelling and gameplay immersion.