the idea of the video game "boss" starts in the early 1980's, as programmers needed some way to refer to the more powerful and dangerous enemies who sent their minions out as fodder ahead of them.
soon after, as video game software grew more capacious, these enemies were often given individualized theme music; defeating a boss became a momentous event, often a keystone moment in the player character's progress, and a source of narrative and in-game rewards.
nowadays, boss battles are frequently downright operatic, serving firstly as an opportunity for game developers to evoke awe in the player, and eventually as the ultimate test of the player's skill.
on this labor day, we scorn those bosses who would treat anyone as expendable; we stand resolute in our efforts to oust them; and we call upon some absolutely badass tunes to carry us through whatever fights lie ahead. the players, united, will never be defeated!
