Summary
One of FromSoftware’s most defining traits is its vast collection of excellent boss fights. Some of the most laudedFromSoftware boss fightsaren’t just those that boast the most visually impressive movesets and models, but ones that evoke some kind of deep emotion in the player, whether that’s through lore, animations, or music. TheDark Soulstrilogy is home to more than its fair share of these emotive boss fights.
There are multiple boss fights in theDark Soulstrilogy that have been designed to evoke some kind of emotional reaction from the player.Dark Souls 2’s husk of a king Vendrick, andDark Souls 3’s doomed Lothric Princes and climactic Soul of Cinder are just some of the best examples ofDark Souls' more emotional boss fights. But even then, none of those have been able to live up to the emotional heights of one originalDark Soulsboss, and it’s unlikely that FromSoftware will ever be able to surpass it.
FromSoftware May Never Be Able to Top Dark Souls' Sif Fight
Dark Souls' Sif Fight Is Deeply Emotional
Most likely encountered a good few hours into the firstDark Souls' runtime,Great Grey Wolf Sifcan be found deep within the Darkroot Garden, in a silent cemetery. Unlike the fantasy gargoyles and demons that players have slain before, Great Grey Wolf Sif is a realistically designed wolf, albeit an incredibly large one wielding a huge greatsword in its mouth. Many first-timeDark Soulsplayers won’t think too deeply about this adversary, with it technically being the aggressor in the fight, at least from what players can initially tell.
But for any dog lovers, fighting what’s essentially a large dog is likely going to elicit some kind of emotional reaction off the bat, and that feeling only grows worse as the fight continues. Once players have taken Sif down to the point of near death, the gigantic wolf starts to limp, and its attacks become slower and much easier to avoid. If Sif tries to perform the same multi-hit spinning combo from before, they instead fall to the ground in pain and struggle to get back up. Players are then forced to put Sif out of their misery. What makes this boss fight even more tragic is that it’s mandatory, forcing players to kill Sif every time they want toexperienceDark Soulsin full.
Sif’s Lore is Heartbreaking
But Sif’s boss fight only gets more tragic when players learn about their lore. Years before the events ofDark Souls, Sif was the primary companion ofKnight Artorias, the Abysswalker. When the mysterious Abyss started engulfing the world, Artorias set out to defeat it, with Sif at his side. Artorias was consumed by the Abyss, but his final act was to save his furry companion from the same fate. In the years since then, Sif has sat atop Artorias' grave, protecting his ring, and ensuring that no one will ever meet the same fate as his former master. All Sif is trying to do is protect the player from themselves.
Dark Souls' Sif Fight Only Becomes More Tragic After The DLC
InDark Souls' Artorias of the Abyss DLC, players take a quick trip back in time, where they attempt to seal the Abyss after Artorias is consumed. Before facing off against Manus, the Father of the Abyss, players can save a young Sif and summon them for the boss fight. If players save Sif and finish the DLC before they fight them in the base game, they receive an alternate cutscene at the start of the fight. In this cutscene, Sif pounces on the player but recognizes their scent. There’s a moment of connection between the two, and the player-character reaches their hand up to pet the wolf. But before they make contact, Sif pulls away and howls at the moon, knowing it must fight the person who once saved them.
Dark Souls
WHERE TO PLAY
Re-experience the critically acclaimed, genre-defining game that started it all. Beautifully remastered, return to Lordran in stunning detail. DARK SOULS: REMASTERED includes the main game plus the Artorias of the Abyss DLC. This marks the franchise’s debut on a Nintendo platform, and for the first time ever can be played on-the-go with Nintendo Switch™.Deep and Dark Universe— Delve into an epic dark fantasy universe stricken by the Curse. Explore its intricate world design, full of hidden passages, dungeons and secrets.Each End is a New Beginning— Each playthrough surprises you with new challenges and discoveries.Gameplay Richness and Possibilities— Use hundreds of unique weapon, armor, magic, and crafting combinations to create your own playstyle and gaming experience.The Way of the Multiplayer (up to 6 players)— Whatever your motivations are to play online – collaboration or confrontation, support or betrayal – you’ll find your true home among the nine covenants.
