Video Games are mostly known for their ability to pit dozens of tactless lackeys against your lone protagonist. No matter how hard they try, in greater and greater numbers, they will still fall under the hands of the hero. Instead of providing proper burials, Most power mad final bosses find it necessary instead to provide them all with ways of self destruction when bested in battle, just to cut costs on funeral arrangements. These are just a few examples of such:
Spontaneous Combustion
Best Example: Several RPG’s including Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger
When most of your enemy soldiers lack a certain physical movement outside of shaking once in awhile for an attack, one can only assume the best course of action when defeated is to just burn into thin air. Such is the like of these kinds. A bright flash, a burning sound, and poof, you’re done for. Not much you can do afterward, and no sloppy mess left aside from the invisible item dropped for the party. Very convenient.
Blinking into Obscurity
Best Example: Arcade Brawlers such as Final Fight etc.
Rigor Mortis sets in immediately after a few stiff bounces from a defeat. So when you’re not able to burn, why not blink a few moments before cutting out of the world completely? Such is these types of enemies, who basically give up on life so badly that they actually manage to eventually disappear after a few tries.
Multi-Miniture ‘Esplodings
Best Example: Metal Slug, Mega Man
When it comes to ding, one giant explosion really can’t cut it, especially if you’re a bigger enemy than the regular pawn. That’s why it takes several miniature explosions all around to get the message across before dying completely. Why not? Go out in style with a bang, or several. be a tribute to your death by creating a light show for the victor. If you weren’t good enough to defeat him, at least you’ll be good for a few fire works.
Falling Downward/Falling Outward
Best Example: Little Nemo, Duck Tales, Chip n’ Dale Rescue Rangers(NES)
Being hurled into one singular direction is usually the way to go, cutting out into the obscure void of the edge of screen where you can never be found again. Some enemies however manage to bounce up and out, downwards into what would possibly be the pit of inferno. Defying all logic in dimension by swooping easily downward over the crust of the earth into your demise. It’s a magical way to go, and you’ll never have to give out the secret trick.
Ragdoll Lifelessness
Best Example: Most First Person Shooters such as Bioshock etc.
Sometimes it’s best to just fall down, lose all movement and let gravity do its business. Such is the ragdoll physics of most 3D first person shooters. It’s mostly entertaining to get a kill on a staircase, just to see all the, now-boneless limbs, wiggle and bend in various directions on the way down. So you’re not likely to disappear in this situation, but you might as well forget about your body when the opponent decides to plant five more rounds into your face.
Melting
Best Example: Resident Evil 4
This leaves a bit more of a mess than it should, but bubbling out into the earth is a good way to go especially when you’re a walking, soulless corpse. But who knew you could also display some affection to your destroyer by leaving a nice bag of gold goodies or maybe some firearms to take out the rest.
Painfully Agonizing, Fiery, Exploding Death (w/wildly flailing limbs)
Best Example: Rocket Knight Adventures, Some Castlevania enemies
Haven’t had the best luck in the world fighting? Well, you can always go out with a show, throwing up your arms like a whining, screaming banshee throwing a tantrum because like you lost a million dollars. Why not, you’re dying so what does it matter? Live your last moments going a bit crazy. After all, you deserve it. You tried your best, now act like a complete moron on fire.
