Top Ten Final Levels

[@BJGvideos]

One thing about the Area Zero story, the professor wasn't absent because they were dead, because they only died shortly before the game took place. That's what the paradox dragon is implied to be fleeing from over the intro. While you're filling out your academy paperwork, the professor is getting mauled. All those years they had no excuse for not going to see Arven. If you read their journals as you descend into the crater, you see that they had basically believed that if they finally achieved "Paradise", they could go home to him at last. But because of their zeal, they never could, even when they were alive. There was always more work to be done, always something else to study, and that thought outlived them.

[@Tyler-q3k]

@@BJGvideos I'm just glad Scarlet/violet is getting getting some love, it's actually a good game that was soured by a bad release. (=

[@BJGvideos]

@Tyler-q3k I love this game so much and the ending has a lot to do with it. It's also a genuinely fun game.

[@Tyler-q3k]

@BJGvideos as a modern pokemon fan, I approve this message.

[@BJGvideos]

@@Tyler-q3k Well hey if you want to see my love for it unfold I do have a playthrough...

[@Tyler-q3k]

@BJGvideos I might check it out, I usually watch playthroughs WITHOUT commentary though, I'm weird like that. Also Cinderace is under-rated, change my mind. 😜

[@spiritthesnowyowl8948]

8:28 I just wanna give a quick correction here. The AI professor was going rogue when it reached out to the player to stop the Time Machine. It had warned you that their programming will direct them to protect the machine at all costs once a threat to it is presented The battle we have is the Paradise Protection Protocol taking effect, and eventually locking all pokeballs not registered to the professor’s ID. To which your legendary beast’s ball is

[@BJGvideos]

Basically. The security system and the Protocol are what the professor wanted.

[@Tyler-q3k]

I really hope Arven gets therapy or something, because DAMN! imagine your neglected by your ultra famous parent, only to find out they're dead, and you and the new kid have been talking to a damn robot this whole time... I don't think I could handle that.

[@BJGvideos]

@@Tyler-q3k At least his dog is alive, though it was touch and go for a while. Also let's remember that Arven also found out his parent was a supervillain

[@Tyler-q3k]

@BJGvideos Crazy? Yes. Super villain? Not quite, yes the time machine COULD have destroyed the region and potentially even given us a situation similar to PMD Explorers of Time/darkness/sky, but that wasn't her intention, she was just obsessed with seeing the past. You do got a point though, good thing he's got freinds with him, who knows what could happen otherwise?

[@BJGvideos]

@@Tyler-q3k The professor knew their plan would endanger the ecosystem and dismissed this as "destruction is just a part of life". They also hooked their (artificial but clearly alive and sapient) assistant up to the security system, a program that forcibly overrides their own will and forces them to act against their own desires, reduced to a conduit for a violent program that would kill any intruder.

[@claytonrios1]

The Suicide Mission from Mass Effect 2 is definitely still one of Biowares greatest achievements to me. You have to make sure that you get all of the ship upgrades, do all of the loyalty missions and make the correct choices on which team member does what task in order to get everyone out of the Collectors hideout alive and it is so satisfying when you get it right.

[@shadowlinkbds]

That's one of my personal favorite final levels because of the high stakes. You gotta earn your happy ending.

[@claytonrios1]

@@shadowlinkbds I remember being so disappointed when I lost Jack because I didn't do her loyalty mission correctly. So when I saved everyone the second time it made up for the final boss being a bit of a letdown.

[@shadowlinkbds]

​@claytonrios1 Well mass effect isn't well known for its good bosses to be fair with a few exceptions.

[@claytonrios1]

@@shadowlinkbds Outside of the Shadow Broker.

[@anthonyortiz350]

​@@claytonrios1What did you do wrong for her mission and why did you not just load a previous save?

[@E-102GammaMKII]

That "Victory Road" on repeat is hilarious.

[@WillightRobinbine]

You got that right.

[@westonmyers239]

You want to know the scariest part about the Dead Lands? The deadlanders alpha, beta, and gamma do not willingly serve the giant creature that summons them. In reality, they fear it just as much as you, and the fact that the monstrous deadlander omega is still out there, makes it all the more terrifying.

[@Apolleh]

If you go back to the beehive and use the telescope, you can even see a giant shadow looming around where the dead lands are. It gives an even more terrifying sense of scale as to what the deadlander omega even is, or rather what it once *was.*

[@Tyler-q3k]

I'm just glad Bug fables got some attention, it's still pretty obscure by indie game standards.

[@Dragnarok1]

Oddly enough, the castle that never was is my ideal home. I would love to explore it beyond the three games it appeared in.

[@isenokami7810]

Same. Particularly the city, only real exploration we got of that was the dream version.

[@sjk8495]

Persona 5 Royal's 3rd semester palace might be a pick for one of the best final levels. It has one of the most fascinating antagonists in gaming, a final boss who can be a legitimate challenge and may require set-up and planning to neutralize easily even at level 99 for your party, decent challenges, and of course a moral dilemma that, like with the central conflict of Three Houses, people are still split on who to support. And arguably a better ending for Persona 5 than the original one.

[@purpleabsol2115]

Hmm top ten moral dilemma's in games could be interesting, both of these are really good examples

[@paulgrotebeverborg1119]

This ^^^

[@alvaroperez2349]

Very fitting for this kind of countdown considering this is uploaded on the last month of the year.

[@shadowlinkbds]

But technically not the last countdown of the year

[@alvaroperez2349]

@@shadowlinkbdsthat’s the idea, it’s only the prelude to the finale.

[@goldosprey]

@@alvaroperez2349 And I cant wait to see what he's got in store for that list

[@alvaroperez2349]

@@goldosprey the fails of 2024…

[@goldosprey]

@@alvaroperez2349 They're gonna be glorious

[@shadowvincent8718]

For me the best final level is The World That Never Was from Kingdom Hearts 2. The dark and melancholic atmosphere and music , The challenging enemies and the lore behind it. Just everything about it just screams final level and is the perfect setting for the games finale. Honestly the Kingdom Hearts series in general has incredible final levels. Not suprising that it is your favorite as well.

[@lightyoshiman]

Sacred moon to this day is still my favorite overworld theme in the series

[@jacobkohr7243]

Absolutely thrilled to see Area Zero on here. I get the SV have their flaws, but Area Zero might just be the coolest place in any Pokemon game including the Distortion World. And that track is absolute peak.

[@Chaos_Vergil]

I personally think that Dojima HQ from Yakuza 0 is a really good final level. Not only is it cool how Kiryu's first level becomes Majima's last, but the music rocks harder than before and the story motivations behind the level are fascinating. It's not a matter of stopping the Dojima family for Majima. It's about revenge.

[@shadowlinkbds]

Final levels are pretty much like final exams or tests. Throwing everything they got at you and see what you've learned and experienced in your journey. And the best final levels are the ones you'll never forget and always want to come back to.

[@0XDDCC]

Does this list counts as a Top 10 Josh favorite games too? Curiosity really.

[@NotABot86]

Does anyone know the song at 28:48?

[@micahheyward5342]

Of course, sometimes the final levels can go too hard. Take Eggmanland from the Xbox/PS3 version of Sonic Unleashed

[@orangeslash1667]

@@micahheyward5342 Sonic Unleashed is not for beginners.

[@micahheyward5342]

​​@@orangeslash1667 It's still a big difficulty spike in the game

[@Algol_Veilios]

I'm so happy to see Hideout Helm make it on the list! There's lots of great final levels, but I was really hoping to see this one get some love! Very well put on what makes it so good!

[@Zodia195]

If the World That Never Was is not on here, I'll be shocked lol. Josh loves that world, if I recall.

[@kecleonfan7495]

Boy, have I got good news for you!

[@Zodia195]

@@kecleonfan7495 LOL! I've been watching Josh's content since 2011, so yeah lol. As a fellow KH fan, I do think this is still the best final KH world.

[@kylestubbs8867]

Is it ever called the “World That Never Was” in-game? Seems pretty elaborate for a place that shouldn’t exist.

[@lunaitc]

@@kylestubbs8867 It's never said out loud, but when you reach it it's' "named" as clearly as any other KH world.

[@Ori_Kohav]

This world delivers in spades. It’s especially epic if you play on critical mode.

[@mikkyasara5438]

Celeste's final level will always stand out for me. Not counting the extra levels, it's the longest level there is, basically having you go through miniature versions of all the previous levels before finally getting to the base of the summit. As you get closer, the game shows you how far away you are from the end, and during the final segment, it starts counting down in single digits as you finally make it to the end. Words can't do it justice, it's something that needs to be experienced first hand. I'm glad Josh and his team agrees

[@annagroelly]

glad you enjoyed it 🔥🩷

[@karenbonds264]

24:29 *Flashbacks to the numerous Pokemon dialogue “options”. Like being forced to lie to Kieran* Yes, definitely video material.

[@bluestreaker9242]

So the "No means yes" kinda options where it's the illusion of choice? Makes me wonder which games would be considered worse in that respect? I hated how Ocarina of Time did it with your first encounter with Kaepora Gaebora and have made it no secret I find that meeting completely pointless; his tip is how to view the map by opening the pause screen...you meet him for the first time after having cleared the first dungeon...why no, Mr. Owl, I DON'T know how to view the map, therefore I did not understand what you just said and want you to explain it to me again... *internal screaming at the swapsies of the default "Yes" / "No" options making me accidentally listen to his pointless drivel again* >.

[@BJGvideos]

@@karenbonds264 I WANTED to lie to him. I thought he was a time bomb who was dangerously obsessed with the ogre and he would be a risk to her if he found out the truth.

[@AznOmega]

For RTS games, Command and Conquer usually had great final levels for different sides. For Nod, it could be stealing the codes for the Ion Cannon so you can destroy an important structure such as the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben (IIRC), another British building, or the freaking White House in the first game. Then you had being able to launch the missiles at the GDI station Philadelphia and changing the entire world, or working with GDI to take down CABAL. GDI had you trying to stop Kane by storming Sarajevo (sp) and destroying everything Nod related, including potentially using the Ion Cannon on the Temple of Nod. The Soviets had several as well, ranging from destroying the Allies in Britain, destroying the Chronosphere and the last resistance in Point Hope, Alaska, storming Transylvania to stop Yuri, storming New York in RA3, or stopping FutureTech. The Allies had several, such as storming Moscow to take down the Soviets and finish off Stalin, going to Alaska to stop Yuri, or preventing Cherdenko from escaping to SPACE! But my personal choice for best C&C final level is Operation Chrono Storm. After General Carville's funeral, you lead the Allied Forces to Moscow by destroying the north Soviet base's power, while the rest of the Allies are chronoshifted to you. There, your job is to take down the Soviets and capture the Kremlin to arrest Romanov. You have to deal with three Soviet bases as well as nuclear weapons and the Black Guard, and yet it still is the best final C&C mission for me.

[@Chiro_Cody]

Legends say he's still singing Victory road to this very day

[@danielferrieri7434]

Here’s a Top Ten from Me: Top Ten Black Sheeps in Gaming Franchises, as in games that are not as liked as others games in a franchise or they are just bad games in good franchises. 1. Metroid: Other M 2. Paper Mario: Sticker Star 3. DMC: Devil May Cry 4. Super Mario Bros. Lost Levels 5. Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric 6. Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts 7. Dark Souls 2 8. Pokémon X and Y 9. Star Fox Adventures 10. Zelda II: The Adventures of Link Honorable Mentions Mega Man X7 Crash of the Titans and Crash: Mind over Mutant Devil May Cry 2 Gears of War: Judgement Bowser’s Inside Story DX

[@shanegiorgio4713]

So are these ranked in terms of quality in spite of being black sheeps, or just the notability of the game as a black sheep, or a bit of both?

[@danielferrieri7434]

I’m not entirely sure. I was kinda just jotting them down.

[@kamikazelemming1552]

Gears of War: Judgement. Not a bad game by any means, but when compared to the rest, it just seems very lackluster.

[@chrisriley2321]

5 could also be Somic 06

[@uknownhero2764]

I'd argue that DMC2 is a bigger black sheep. At least DmC is actually a good game, just not Devil May Cry. Meanwhile, DMC2 you can breeze through the game with just your guns and there is exactly one good line in the entire game.

[@Thechaosmaster1997]

Because we know that Josh is a Kingdom Hearts Fan, we all know that either End Of The World or World That Never Was will be on this list.

[@CN_CHAOS]

24:02 Love the Lance Archer reference there, his theme is great 😂 “EVERYBODY DIES!” 🩸🦅☠️

[@Solo_Sessums]

And the Super dramatic Rainmaker Okada theme song cover at the end!? It's so awesome!

[@OmnicidalClown1992]

Fingers crossed for the World That Never Was from Kingdom Hearts 2. CALLED IT!!!

[@anionleader]

The final missions of the PS2 Ace Combat trilogy, I'd say, would be strong contenders, too, in story and gameplay.

[@derrickhaggard]

No argument there. Especially with the final mission of 7: Skies Unknown ending with a battle against a powerful drone-type superweapon then having to fly into a superweapon that is basically a giant rail cannon destroy it then fly out before the explosion as it's being destroyed takes you down,

[@anionleader]

@derrickhaggard I don't want to go "ackshually", but you mixed up some details of the Xbox 360 exclusive AC6: Fires of Liberation and the multi-platform AC7: Skies Unknown. 6 is where you fly down the barrel of the superweapon and blow it up from the inside. 7 is, after you wipe out the dual bosses, whoops, one of them is still alive and flies into the tunnel where the tunnel flying/trench running staple of the series happens, for the second time. You deal with the boss, and then, you fly out in a metaphorically awesome way.

[@jameslars7391]

@@anionleader I do love that final sequence of AC7 though I did get a good laugh last time I played through it since I crashed right away.

[@GwenDUNN-y4b]

31:34-The countdown has begun Now, which song is going to get parodied this year? We've already done We didn't start the fire, Welcome to the Internet, a Little List, and Ultimate Showdown.

[@JonathanBeckett-eg3yo]

If we're looking for a patter song that's reckoned "Stock Shout-Out"-able, then maybe turn our gaze upon the Modern Major General?

[@DarkyLonewolf]

​@@JonathanBeckett-eg3yoHe did that one in the SEGA Fails way back when, though :(

[@AAZ-yu5ss]

I’m really happy to see Bug Fables get on the list, and just as I finished the main game last week!

[@SoarinKasane1]

7:37 Sorry pardon my french but: DA FUCK!? TOBY FOX MADE THE AREA ZERO MUSIC!? Im not mad, in fact the opposite, thats awesome as hell

[@GPwildcat66]

On now we need worst final levels

[@AAZ-yu5ss]

Sticker Star’s “final level” truly was a whole lotta nothing!

[@thediabolicalraisin8953]

Final Fantasy III's is pretty bad.

[@jaketaller8567]

My honorable mention: Bowser's Moon Wedding (Super Mario Odyssey) Clear the launchway, Cappy! We’re taking this baby to the moon!

[@Ori_Kohav]

I have 2 more mentions: 1. Turnabout for the Ages (or The Grand Turnabout), Ace Attorney Investigations 2. Not only does it bring back some familiar faces (it’s always a treat to see Will Powers again), but it also brings stories from all the game’s previous cases full circle, and as you unfold the events of the SS-5 incident, you’re in for 2 quite insane plot twists, and in the end, Edgeworth finally decides on the path he should take. Out of all the Ace Attorney games, Investigations 2 has the best story imo. 2. The Well of Souls, The Legend of Spyro: Eternal Night. Not as good as in the Ace Attorney finales, but given the intel Spyro got the cutscene before it, and the grim atmosphere, it fits very well for a climax. It also has all sorts of challenges for the abilities you’re used in the game, there are plenty of combat encounters that will truly test you, the final fight with Gaul has a surprisingly epic second phase, and Sparx still gives some nice little humor to sprinkle in some light so you wouldn’t feel to depressed.

[@Tommedian]

I like how when you mention that Bowser’s castle is always the final level of a Mario game, one of the examples you show isn’t the final level

[@Warrior-Of-Virtue]

The true make or break of any story is the ending.

[@recentteen14]

I've got a couple of levels I'd like to add on: Mana Fortress - Secret of Mana. What's that, a long gauntlet with 4 bosses, makes you use all the tools at your disposal, and has to be done all in one go because there are no saves? Man, they really built final levels different back in the day. Black Omen - Chrono Trigger. Technically optional, but then again a lot of the game is by design - though if you want the full story, this will be your final stop before the final boss. To right one final wrong of the past and change the world for the better one more time before you confront the one who destroys the world in the far future. Queen Zeal isn't going to make it easy to reach Lavos, and will throw the entire might of the Magical Kingdom of Zeal at you. Luckily with the amount of endgame sidequests, you are more than ready to take everyone on and save all of time once and for all. Tree of Life - Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon. What's that, we're going to space? And we get to be fully evolved for the trip? Sign me up! It may be a temporary evolution for story purposes, but having you and your partner be evolved for the whole thing makes it so much fun to blast through. I'm sad we haven't gotten a proper Mystery Dungeon (Besides the Rescue Team remake) since, there's so much you can do with the series with 3 more gens of pokemon and mechanics. Temple of the Ocean King - Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. Yes, I'm one of those people who love the shit out of this game and this dungeon, it's whole design philosophy of opening up just a bit more every visit and giving you new shortcuts you can use with every new item is incredibly rewarding when you learn them. Add in the draw on map so you don't forget things and the final trip giving you a chance to kill the Phantoms, the whole trip is satisfying whether you love or hate it.

[@-memoria-2136]

Holy shit you're so real for the Temple of the Ocean King. I completely get why people dislike it but the final run with the Phantom Sword is a genuine blast. Hell, Phantom Hourglass has an incredible final act in general

[@CTSael]

Secret of Mana and Chrono Trigger are two of my absolute favorite games. I have both Meridian Dance and Singing Mountain as ringtones.

[@deadly-swordsman]

Area zero is so damn beautiful especially when we go to the very core

[@keiththompson9435]

24:14 Just amused by the Doctor Dances and Lance Archer Theme choices

[@shadowldrago]

The World That Never Was being number one doesn’t even begin to shock me. And I don't blame him, it’s great.

[@TheRoflcer]

One of my all time Favourites would be 'Twilight of the Gods' from Warcraft III Firstly putting all 4 factions in one map, 3 against 1 but that one is heavily stocked. The two factions you are defending you mastered in previous chapters of the game and are lead by last notable survivors of the their factions (Sans Cairne) while the Undead Antagonists are fighting on behalf of the Demigod bad guy that's been built up as near unstoppable for 2/3rds of the game. The several secret Goldmines, Troll & Furbold Camps and Goblin Shop that can reward the player provided they were taking the time to explore the map despite the ever-attacking threat of the Scourge. The Cutscenes that play should you fail to protect Jaina and Thralls encampment, both letting previous player-heroes get an interaction chance against Archimonde before escaping, knowing they can't help from now on, and the understanding to the player that the enemy is just increasingly coming closer and closer to your own base. Archimonde losing patience in the last minute and running in to bulldoze what's left of the resistance. All capped off with that absolutely beautiful final cutscene with the explosive at Mount Hyjal's Tree

[@WhiteFangofWar]

I also liked A Symphony of Frost and Flame in the expansion. Very tough map where Arthas has to regain his lost power (leveling from 1 to 10 on one map) battling against 3 armies and heroes united to take him down for good, culminating in the creation perhaps of the most iconic villain in the franchise.

[@gagejoseph91]

Very fitting #1. I can't say more without spoiling it but yes. Absolutely, genuinely, yes.

[@mikkyasara5438]

I'm surprised with how Josh tried to argue that Ace Attorney killers count as bosses, he didn't try to argue that the cases count as levels. I have soft spot for the first Trilogy's Final cases, but knowing him, he probably would've gone with Turnabout for Tomorrow, which is a solid choice as well. *Spoilers for Ace Attorney Dual Destinies* Turnabout for Tomorrow is one of the final cases in the series that has the advantage of having a setup case beforehand. Because of that, they don't need to linger too long establishing the new settings and new characters. Edgeworth's return serves as great payoff for his arc, seeing him come so far as the chief prosecutor. The ruined courtroom is pure spectacle, but dang is it cool, and The opening scene of the trial is epic as hell. Then of course, the reveals and eventual confrontation with the Phantom were great. Athena finally overcoming her trauma, and the whole Wright anything Agency, with Blackquill's help taking down the Phantom was satisfying Again, not my personal choice for best AA final case, but a very solid one.

[@ericb3157]

that remind reminds me of something i read about one of those games: one of Phoenix Wrights'' most useful tools is a gadget that can tell of someone is lying. but ONE villain in ONE case CAN FOOL IT! so you need to put a LOT more effort into gathering evidence and searching for clues than in any other case!

[@lightyoshiman]

To this day sacred moon is one of my favorite track in the franchise

[@kevinreilly4611]

I don’t know if it'll be on here but Legend of Heroes Trails of Cold Steel 4 finishes with the Endgame of all video games. Almost every hero and ally from 9 games come together to save the world (almost 60 characters). Not really a level but it’s called Operation Millee Mirage. It's amazing.

[@truindividual]

A Smackdown: Here Comes the Pain reference was not in my bingo card in the countdown but great list

[@chrisriley2321]

Three of my favorites Dojima HQ from Yakuza 0. The music rocks, the fight is climactic it's just AWESOME . Peach's Castle from Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Imside Story. Mario, Luigi, Bowser, and yes, Starlow too vs. Dark Bowser, Fawful, and the Dark Star in a fight for the WORLD . And Destroyer's Rift from Borderlands 3. Say what you will ablut the game there weresone KICKASS names like Desolation's Edge . And the fight against Tyreen the Destroyer was satisfying because you finally get to shut up the other annoying half of the self-proclaimed "God twins"

[@gazeffmhu2374]

we need the impossible lair on this

[@DrRexie]

If something is in a regular occurrence that means it's so impactful that you can't help but put it on the list the passion of it overwhelms the person and it makes them compelled in order to speak about it I get that completely because there will always be moments in movies and games that I also have that feeling happened to me

[@xanderwardwell-gaw7472]

23:59 "Everybody lives, Rose. Just this once!! EVERYBODY LIVES!!!!"

[@bsgfan1]

Cyberpunk 2077 - Don’t Fear the Reaper You choose how the final level plays out depending on the friends and relationships you’ve made during your playthrough. This particular ending sees you choosing to storm Arasaka by yourself; outnumbered, outgunned, and no friends to help you. Even worse is saving becomes disabled, no checkpoints, and permadeath is activated. If you die, that’s it. Your story has ended. But if you manage to pull it off, it’s one of the most intense and satisfying final levels I’ve ever played in my 26 years of gaming.

[@WhiteFangofWar]

TWTNW is one of my all-time favorites. A few other honorable mentions: If The Moon is too overused, how about The Sun? Digital Devil Saga's finale sends you to meet with God... which in this case is the Sun, which has 6 oddly organic tissue-looking layers of deadly demons and rematches with every plot-related boss from 2 games. It's almost too long, but the checkpoints stop it from being overwhelming. Not too many of the final levels of the Mega Man series stand out after so many Skull Fortresses, but Sigma's flying fortress in the first X game has better plot-relevance than usual, spaces out the boss rematches better, and perhaps most impressively, manages to be fairly difficult without overusing pits and spikes like some levels.

[@LeramieCrump]

28:47 Man, hearing that music made the pro wrestling fan in me so happy.

[@ianmurphy9335]

What's it called?

[@LeramieCrump]

@ianmurphy9335 It's Kazuchika Okada's theme, specifically the Dillon Spears version, but the original version is just as good if not better.

[@ianmurphy9335]

@@LeramieCrump Thank you

[@ya-kiri794]

Some of my top Final Levels include: The Gurren Lagaan-esque climax of Blaster Master Zero 2. Ragnarok's Core from Mega Man Zero 4 The World That Never Was from KH2 Temporal Tower from Explorers of Sky Area Zero from Pokemon Violet The final zone of Route C of Nier Automata The final Abyss of Romancing Saga 3 The Cathedral in Saga Frontier (Emelia's story) The Final sync in AI Somnium Files The Forest in No More Heroes 1 The Temple of Eternity from SMTV Hyrule Castle from Twilight Princess N's Castle from Pokemon White Giygas's Lair in the Past from Earthbound

[@HarbingerYT]

For the first one, you referring to the entirety of Area Omega?

[@ya-kiri794]

@HarbingerYT Yep. The part with all your allies coming together and firing that blast together with the reflection of the departed pilot and Elfie showing at the last second before the blast was so awesome.

[@kittysmak1799]

Honestly, if this list was on final WORLDS as in a group of levels, I’d suggest Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze’s final world - Donkey Kong Island. That world’s levels are all based on each world in DKC Returns, and seeing how the Snowmads desecrated those locales makes it personal for those that have played Returns before Tropical Freeze. Not to mention, it takes the title and makes it part of the world with the snowy environments, as well as factors like freezing waters in Seashore War. Plus, it’s really rare to see a freezing area as a game’s final world.

[@TreyBullard573]

I definitely agree with the primordial thicket that area had several challenges to go through even the night mission were tough since they put not 1 but 2 smoky proggs and a baldy long legs in one on the missions.

[@jonathanbarr9764]

One of the best final levels that I've experienced is the first Marvel Ultimate Alliance game which is Castle Doom where you charge in to confront Dr. Doom who possesses the powers of Odin, you do battle against his army of corrupted heroes and dark clones including Captain America, Thor, Colossus, Cyclops, and Spider-Man (there's also his army which includes Iron Man duplicates) all with the threat of total universal destruction if you don't beat Dr. Doom. The only complaints I have about the final level is that I wish the soundtrack was better and that the game would remove the corrupted heroes from the playable character roster because it's weird that you can fight Colossus while also playing as him.

[@CeHee123]

My picks Bowser's Galaxy Generator Super Mario Galaxy 2 Hollow Bastion Kindom Hearts Space Xenoblade Chronicles Wily Fortress Mega Man Halo: Combat Evolved Mother Brain's Lair: Metroid/Zero Mission and Super Metroid Asura the Destructor: Asura's Wrath Victory Road: Pokemon

[@eamonndeane587]

Hollow Bastion is the Penultimate World in KH1. The final world in that is The End of the World.

[@joefire567]

My personal choices 10. The Three Trials (Kid Icarus Uprising 9. Ouranos Island (Sonic Frontiers) 8. The end of the Dream (Fire Emblem Three Houses) 7. Empire Porky Building (Mother 3) 6. Hyuponia, Kingdom of Sorrow (Klonoa 2, Lunatea's Veil) 5. Everdawn Basin (Dust: An Elysian Tail) 4. Final Dreadnought 4 (Freedom Planet) 3. Area Zero (Pokémon Scarlet and Violet) 2. Eye of Eden (Sky; Children of the Light) 1. Giant's Lair (Bug Fables)

[@SilverJ17]

As a fellow Kingdom Hearts fan, I have to go against that. I strongly prefer End of the World more. I just love the air of mystery when you first arrive and the various areas you traverse to essentially get right back where everything started.

[@prismason]

@@SilverJ17 i liked the atmosphere of that area and how there's zero cutscenes throughout the entire thing, just you slowly making your way towards the beginning of the game

[@thieviuspopstar1077]

If you want to look examples of cartoon final "episodes" (that is another word for levels), look at Come Undone from Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated, Together Again from Adventure Time, Change Your Mind from Steven Universe, The Hardest Thing from Amphibia, A Regular Epic Final Battle from Regular Show, CI from Samurai Jack, Sozin’s Comet from Avatar: The Last Airbender, Weirdmageddon from Gravity Falls and The Last Problem from My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic!

[@averyblurryduck749]

oh my lord im so glad to see bug fables on this list, such an underrated gem!

[@ClockwerkSamurai12]

We’re playing together.. Will it be fair? Well.. If I’m being honestly, it’s quite hard to tell.. But we gotta finish our quest Won’t be bedeviled! (be bedeviled) As JoshScorcher counts down the best.. FINAL LEVELS!!

[@Danny-tf3fd]

I remember when I was a kid and I beat Hideout Helm for the first time. I stood up and cheered, I think.

[@Rediscool9]

12:39 YOU REMOVE THE ORIGAMI KING FROM THAT PILE THIS INSTANT

[@a1joryj]

Nah it earned its spot

[@Rediscool9]

@@a1joryj Next to freaking Sticker Star? I don’t think so.

[@thatman666]

Origami King was at least decent and learns from the mistakes Sticker Star and Color Splash has created.

[@galeden5700]

It was good, I beat it, but it just wasn't as good as the original and TTYD.

[@Rediscool9]

@@galeden5700 Doesn't mean it deserves to be called a "disappointment".

[@MGscribe]

Using Okada’s theme…well done, Josh, well done!

[@peachymiku6432]

I have my own bias that I want to add as an honorable mention. It's from a game called Athenian Rhapsody. Now some might look at this game and assume it's too similar to Undertale. Since there is a mercy system. But along the way, some things may not feel right. And not just that, but doing a pacifist run is simply not enough. In order to get the True ending, not only do you need to go completely pacifist, but you also need to get all 16 allies. Only then can the real truth come out You learn not only the truth about the EXP system, but how a certain choice makes it go out if whack for a bit! Eventually, in your attempt to go against the Goddess Athena, where your kindness does not get through and everything goes wrong in her eyes, she turns her anger on the player. And after learning a new legend, that fits what we did, we try to go back into our file and discover an old pal is back to his former self. Everything about the land is wrong and he knows exactly what's going on. Getting the three guardians in his side, he tries to find us but James indicates we are not well. For me, after this bit, it's just so satisfying as we fight the darkness within to regain control, and not only that, when we do come back, we can take Athena out easily! The game doesn't even get on your case if you do defeat enemies on the way, only if you take the path of True but get locked out. Now the reason I have no problem thinking of this as an honorable mention? Because while I enjoy it immensely, I can see it maybe as not everyone's cup of tea. Plus, what we hear in the end can probably diminish the impact for some, breaking the fourth wall long enough to admit that things will just go back the way they were because it loops back to the beginning each time. Although hearing that line does make me feel better because I did a Lullaby run after this and felt so guilty. It's okay, Peachy... James and everyone else is okay.

[@pokedude720]

My honorable mention: Castle Bleck from Super Paper Mario You got to briefly explore parts during Peach and Luigi's interludes but now you get full access, using all the tricks you've learned. Each stage is capped by a fight with Bleck's right-hand minions, but after each fight you lose one of your heroes; Bowser and O'Chunks stopping the celing from collapsing, Peach saving Mimi from a pit opening, and Dimentio doing ...something to Luigi. Leaving just Mario for just the last stretch. Amd of course capped by the fights against Bleck and Super Dimentio (and the beautiful "Ultimate Show")

[@jacobcole1232]

Wasn’t expecting Lance Archers theme on this list through me off

[@shinraset]

15:04 by the way from what I understand bug Fable has actually received an update with new areas and potentially more story

[@turbobist2889]

I think Radical Highway(Shadow Generations) deserves an honorable mention. Its such a phenomenal stage to end the game on. I love how it starts off normal but odd only to distort more and more, and then it becomes chaotic in act 2(especially reflected by the brilliant music). It has numerous paths and is challenging but fair

[@BurningAzure]

For some other choices I could add Maruki's Palace (Persona 5 Royal) Track 11: The Needle Drop (Hi-Fi Rush) Cortex's Lair (Crash Bandicoot 4)

[@justinteer9210]

29:02 he has that actual jar in his house and you will not change my mind ... Ari is probably useing it for the fire twins college tuition

[@Not_so_Lucky_Luke]

My honorable mention: Mount Sumeru from Indivisible (an underrated gem imo). The challenge and feels go hard with this one.

[@thediabolicalraisin8953]

And the fact that it's the 3rd(4th?) time you tried to get up there, you know what to do for most of the early sections.

[@drunkdrag0n]

Sad to see there was no Megaman on this list; ZX/ZXA's final levels are one of my favourites, not to mention the bosses that come straight after them.

[@lilsunny7399]

Derris Kharlan from Tales of Symphonia It's a looooooooooooooong dungeon full of challenging battles, simple puzzles, the map isn't a huge labyrinth like some final dungeons, the final boss fight was incredible the story beats and character moments leading up to it are incredible and there's a lovely moment with Raine if you didn't meet with her on the final evening (I got Collette) My only problem. literal only problem is, this is it, the end. Some of the more modern Tales games have like, a post-game dungeon or optional challenges after the credits. In Symphonia you have to do everything you want to including the super boss before the finale. Because once you finish that fight, you go into NG+

[@Kingcole6]

All stories end, someday, and we need to see them through as part of a long journey. Some of these merely show the end of a chapter while others pretty much close the book. We all have our final levels to beat in life; let's see what these bring us. Also, today's my birthday, I've been with Josh and his videos for a long time; best way to cap this birthday off. TWO LISTS LEFT FOR 2024, FOLKS! FINAL ROUND, LET'S GO FOR THE KO!

[@kamikazelemming1552]

Bowser's Castle, from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. Easily the toughest part of the game, Bowser's Castle throws everything at you. You've got Goomba's and Koopa's and pretty much every classic Mario enemy coming for your head, as well as the Seven Koopaling's as individual boss fights with their own unique mechanics, plus Fawful and Cackletta at the very end.

[@twilightwinter3899]

The World That Never Was is definitely one of my favorite final levels in gaming with very few matching my love for it. And even more so very few final bosses are as great as Xmnes in my mind too, he had everything I could ever ask for when it comes to a final boss.

[@ripple-effect-mlp]

Using World of Goo for the actual counting part of the countdown... Much respect!

[@TheSpongyMallard]

I love how this channel still feels like old KZbin.

[@MarioKartGamerDude]

Hey, the guy narrating Paper Mario sounds familiar! ;) 😎

[@Shantae1188]

Number 4: If you mean Storywise, then yes. But gameplay wise, it adds 2 new bosses. Wait, what was wrong with Stellar Blade? I admittedly didn’t hear much about it outside of fanservice

[@AzureMoebius22]

I've heard like one or two people compare it to Nier, but I haven't heard anything bad about it. Quite frankly, I've been wanting to try the game myself, but am waiting until it gets a Switch 2 port. I refuse to shell out $500 for a PS5

[@KrimsonKattYT]

Stellar Blade is a decent game even though it's a blatant NieR Automata ripoff. At least Yoko Taro gave his blessing to it. The main stuff about Stellar Blade was terminally online Twitter/Reddit/KZbin drama where far right "anti woke" channels were praising Stellar Blade to high heaven as "the woke destroyer" but then when the game released the devs changed a few outfits to cover SLIGHTLY less skin, they removed an unintentionally offensive graffiti from the game, (there was graffiti on one wall saying "word" next to a graphic of the latter n, fully spelling out "n word." The devs didn't realize because they were Korean and it got fixed pre launch) and there was a statue in the game of the Greek god hermadaphroditus (intersex God of trans people and say gex, yes he was a legit deity in ancient Greece) which is a very famous real world statue. The cringe anti-woke accounts then turned on Stellar Blade, the game they've been hyping up as the "savior of gaming" for months, calling it "woke trash" and blaming the VERY MINOR changes on Sony with no proof when it was likely the devs decision to change the outfits, remove the graffiti, and have that famous statue in the game. Since Stellar Blade released the anti-woke people have shifted to shilling Black Myth Wukong as the "saviour of gaming" because it has some bizzare statement in its TOS where you can't be LGBT+ or criticize the CCP and play the game or you'll be banned from playing and because the devs have said some openly bigoted things online. Which, duh. They're Chinese and CCP shills (you have to be in China or you get disappeared) and China is arguably the most racist and generally bigoted country in the world maybe other than Taliban-led Afghanistan. (China is 3rd worst in the world for human rights after Afghanistan at #1 and North Korea at #2. Russia is #4.) So yeah, just terminally online woke vs anti woke drama. Nothing really major enough to make the list.

[@DarkyLonewolf]

​​​@@KrimsonKattYTWhile we're at it, I do kinda hope that the list gets a dishonorable mention of the "woke content detector" megalist, because that one... Is just hilariously embarrassing. Especially because it's 100% in earnest :/ Also FYI, the graffiti placement that got changed was originally saying "Hard R", which... Well, means the same thing as the N-word. The anti-woke crowd also latched onto one random OTHERWISE FAVORABLE IGN review, particularly one line about Eve's character design, the "it's like the devs have never seen a woman" one, which... Was kinda in poor taste, but it was one line out of an entire article full of mostly good things said about the game.

[@Shantae1188]

@ So something outside the games fault, got it. To be honest, it was a good idea to get rid of that. That, and the adding more clothing as well

[@0XDDCC]

29:05 Some worlds technically don't seem to impact the main story at all, but that's just from my game experience really. 30:19 A artificial Kingdom Hearts not the real actually. 30:32 Tell that to Xehanorth epic final battle on Scala Ad Caelum from KH3. 30:52 Not really. It really only ended in KH3. 31:13 And i respect that Josh. While me personally KH3 Final Levels, story development, battles, bosses, and the final clash against Xehanort and his Organization 13, are way even better, like a World That Never Was 2.0. I know i said that a lot of times but like Josh is with KH2 Final Levels, i feel the same way but its with KH3 that at least to me and the majority out there it has surpassed the second game, not only technically but in story material as well. I feel like people underate or underestimate KH3 way too much, it deserves more respect, it is a worthy sequel and a great conclusion of a epic saga. And who knows, maybe the future new fourth game may even surpass KH 1/2/3 combined as well. Only time will tell. Just saying. Its only my opinion. Ok?

[@ogre589]

Gonna put my personal choice here but Bomberman 64: The Second Attack has my personal favorite final level: Warship Noah. You could technically access this place after the 5th level but to get the true final boss and the best ending, theres two of them and the bad ending is very bad, you needed to finish all the levels and obtain all 7 gems, beat the mini boss and NEVER get hit by her one shot attack. The entire level is one gigantic test for every challenge you have completed over the course of the game and it feels great when you piece every puzzle together and make it to the inner tower. The only blemish this level has is the room after the mini boss...the boiler room. You need to use ice bombs to cross a lake of lava without taking too much damage from your own bombs, scale up to both rooms on either side of the tower to unlock it and all while under a time limit. The lava itself needs to have fire bombs tossed in to raise the lava so you can actually reach the platforms to enter the tower. At least the devs had the foresight to add boxes to the side of the entrance with fire down powerups to reduce the chance of damage from your own bombs. You can then get a full fire powerup right before going into the tower. It all culminates with a 3 boss gauntlet: Boss #1 is Rukifellth. He challenges you as soon as you enter his room. He deals between 2 to 3 hearts per attack and requires you to be quick on your feet while catching him out with your bombs. Boss #2 is Sthertoth in his base form. He jumps all over the room, dashes at you quickly and can stun you if you aren't careful plus your bombs need to be placed right as kicking them won't blow up but instead bounce off him and he can slide backwards to dodge their blasts. Boss #3 is either the full released Sthertoth, if you didn't get all the gems or got one shot by the mini boss, or the god of creation, who wants to remake the universe and you have to fight them to prove the universe is worth saving...no pressure right? They both utilize the elements in different ways and are very tricky to dodge. The God of Creation has three phases, each adding more attacks and elements to the mix and will even drop a chasing spirit bomb that you need to counter with the one bomb in your list that can kill you if you're not careful. This boss is basically the RPG joke of "hero kills rats then fights god" meme but realized and it is so much fun to win plus the ending is just...perfect.

[@herowatcher8403]

Wow solid list you got some of the my picks like Dominion of Hate,Azure Tree,Primordial Thicket, Palace of Shadows, Temporal Tower,& BOTW Hyrule Castle. My Personal picks Warcraft 3’s Twilight of the gods like Malfurion said “To arms my brethren! To arms Brave Orcs & Humans! Twilight falls & The Enemy awaits” The final defense mission against Archimonde & His Burning Legion. Starcraft Brood War’s Omega 1V3 match that pits your Zerg Brood against the Dominion,UED,& Protoss armies & Victory places Kerrigan as The Queen of Blades & Blizzard’s greatest villain!(Well before the 2010s but that is a story for another time…)

[@iancharles1571]

Den of Bohemoths from Bloodstained is pretty cool. Not sure if it would qualify, as it isnt the final final area, but Glacial Tomb is so small that it feels like the Den is the final area in spirit. Awesome concept too, with you being ant sized in an upscaled garden

[@andrewseet4408]

31 days left for another masterpiece by The Josh Scorcher. The Fiery Joker himself!!!

[@aduck8842]

for all the flak Scarlet and Violet get, I'm so happy Area Zero is the way it is. everything you say about it in the video holds true, but i wanna shoutout the AI professors for being the coolest final bosses in the series. not only the tonal shift, but also a nice difficulty spike. The professors use a very strong team of pokemon that theres a good chance you don't know the typings of, especially Turo, who, despite appearance, uses no Steel types. I lost to the professors 3 times on my initial run, theyre not like Cynthia, where most of the challenge comes from you being likely underleveled. GOD i love Scarvio's endgame....

[@BJGvideos]

Coolest and most tragic! They don't want to fight--they just know they have no choice.

[@jedimasterpickle3]

I will always have a soft spot for Cannon's Core from Sonic Adventure 2. Eggman gets his way and collects the final Chaos Emerald, but now the Space Colony ARK is on a collision course to Earth. Everyone (barring Shadow who's in A Mood) has to team up to clear the way for Sonic to get to the core and stop the colony's descent. I love the baton pass element of it all, and it's so fun working *with* Eggman for a change. 5/6 playable characters take turns, ending on Sonic, and setting up for Shadow's Biolizard boss fight. Music's great, level's great, and I love the unique timestop mechanic present.

[@gamerkingdom1442]

Yeeeaaaaah, I thought that was going to be #1…. 😅 That aside, glad you gave #2 to LiveALive. That final stage was long, but the finale was perfect! Especially the FINAL BOSS!! It’s almost up there with FF6 and FF7.

[@WanderingRustus]

I have to throw out there that the most memorable final level for me is, without a doubt, the Blood-Stained Sanctuary of Cave Story's best ending. The sign you're greeted with just inside says everything you need to know about this place: "Welcome to Hell" And Hell it is. It will absolutely test EVERYTHING you know about this game, from platforming to combat. It throws everything AND the kitchen sink at you. Thankfully, you're not alone in this fight; at the end of the first room, you find your partner, unconscious, and at the start of the third room, she joins you in battle, firing shots directly behind you as you advance. All of this culminates in a harrowing final boss fight against the entity responsible for all of the madness you just endured through the entire game. (Also fun fact: if you made it all the way here with no Missile Launcher at all, it will give you one with a capacity of 100 missiles if you pick up the upgrade here.) Additionally, Running Hell, the BGM for the area, is in the running for one of my favorite songs in all of gaming A few definite other favorites would be Malhalla from Dragon Quest Builders 2, the whole endgame dungeon of Octopath Traveler 2, and the true final area of Blaster Master Zero

[@monkeyofchaos13]

I'd watch a Hyrulle castle ranking list

[@ericb3157]

i remember someone saying that getting the best ending in Mass Effect 2 was the most Stressful thing he'd ever done. it's not JUST having the right team, OH NO, just ASSEMBLING the right team takes THE ENTIRE GAME! if ANY of the important characters dies, in ANY earlier mission, you have to re-do THAT entire mission to get back on track! so you have to keep your teammates from EVER dying, in ANY mission! AND make the appropriate dialogue options, in EVERY dialogue in the entire game!

[@SuperHexer123]

Through the entire video I was thinking on my personal favorite final level, and reached the conclusion of "The world that never was"...and then I hit #1 lol. KH2 basically seared itself into my brain and the final world was such an amazing capstone. Plus to add its not the same throughout the areas, as simple as the world is it is constantly evolving visually, to the point that the capstone of the area is you literally staring down the game's title. However if I may indulge in another pick it would be from FF14's Ultima Thule. Yes technically 14 is still going, but that area acted as the ending for the 10 year long story so screw it im counting it. Its a beautiful ever evolving area that shows all the efforts your WoL went through to get there and I will leave it at that. Since 14 has had a big boom I don't want to spoil those not at Endwalker yet, but if you know you know.

[@voltron77]

Can’t believe palace of shadows was on there, but not peach’s castle from bowser’s inside story, that thing is one of the best final levels ever.

[@douglewisamaanthro383]

i would of put King Of The Pile from Rabbits Go Home as an honorable mention, being it's both a gantlet while also the music adding to it's how deadly your own hand mad tower has become

[@gimmeyourrights8292]

Honorable Mentions: Fear The Reaper (Cyberpunk 2077) Going in gun's blazing alone with upscaled enemies, hell yeah! American Venom (Red Dead 2) A great set up for the tragedy to come in John Marston's life. Dark Beauty Castle (Epic Mickey) Returning where you started to settle things with the monster that dragged you into this world. The chase scene is intense as it starts ripping the castle grounds from underneath your feet, and proceeds to tear into the walls with nothing but hate in its heart. Eggmanland (Sonic Unleashed) Challenging platform sections , smooth transitions into the werehog, before sending you back to the main platforming areas. Eto (Gravity Rush 2) Not really a final level, only a final chapter that allows you to learn more about Kat's past before setting up interesting puzzle sections, high stakes, and two final bosses back to back.

[@shotpack8374]

Clyde’s castle from South Park the stick of truth is so good. At this point in the game your probably overpowered and you defeated Al gore as well as the exotic creatures. There are two ways to enter the castle, you can shrink and go underground and help an underpants gnome or go on a frontal assault. You get to have some pretty good loot(yet again depending on the current gear you have) you also have to go up Mr slave’s ass and go on a questionable adventure and aborting(literally) a hidden nuke. The best part: you get the vibroblade which is one of the most powerful weapons in the game plus princess kenny is a pretty good final boss

[@ARTSONICFAN990]

9:22 😂 Why the hatred on Carmine? She didn't ruin the DLC. It's Kieran who almost ruined the DLC when he became an edgy rival in The Indigo Disk.

[@BJGvideos]

@@ARTSONICFAN990 They both suck and I want to punt them both off Oni Mountain. I resent the game for insisting that they were suddenly my friends.

[@jedimasterpickle3]

I believe it's because she forces the player to lie to Kieran and actively gaslight him. My understanding is that he becomes an edgy rival in The Indigo Disk because he's lied to by his sister and new friend.

[@ARTSONICFAN990]

@jedimasterpickle3 Now that you mentioned it, it kinda makes sense if you think about it.

[@joefire567]

​@@ARTSONICFAN990 How did you not notice that?!

[@ARTSONICFAN990]

@@joefire567 I did noticed. I just don't get why the hatred on Carmine. If it's for the whole lying to Kieran thing, I can understand that, it's totally reasonable.

[@McBehrer]

20:44 ... what is this supposed to mean? "Profilic" isn't a word. I assume he means "prolific," but that doesn't make any sense here. Prolific means someone that creates a bunch of something, like how Oda (mangaka of One Piece) is a prolific artist because One Piece is so damn long.

[@zacharypayne2903]

OH MY GOD I WASN'T EXPECTING BUG FABLES TO BE ON HERE!!!

[@mdg456]

an honorable mention i believe that was missed is sword and shield, the whole game there is something going on in the background, but ur also told: "nah dont worry about it, just do ur gym challenge." only for your fight against leon to get canceled due to chairman rose basically bringing eternatus around early (if i remember right he wanted to use its power for infinite energy) so you go to get the legendary duo only for them not to (initially) come to help, you then go to eternatus and c that leon gave it the works and failing to catch it, only then is it ok for ur character to take front and center and save the day (with the help of zamazenta and zacian who appeared after), its not victory road, its going back to where u started in the forest at the beginning of the game and into fighting the pokemon league staff who were on board with chairman rose's plan which for me actually made sword and shield pretty good despite how mid of a game it was in its entirety

[@joshuaweston6531]

The suicide mission in Mass Effect 2 is filled with tension, especially on your first playthrough. You realize very quickly that you can lose many, if not all your valued teammates simply by being a terrible leader. I'm also with you on KH2. That finale is pure spectacle and dueling Xemnas with his "not lightsabers" is a whole lotta fun!

[@raikaria3090]

You know, I had to think, and I think I'd say Veldin from Ratchet and Clank. It's a gauntlet which tests your arsenal, and pushes your ammo count. You have to make your shots and bolts count. It has it's platforming sections too; or fighting on platforms. And there are very few checkpoints. And then there's the Drek fight. A legitimate challenge, impressive for the 2000 era it came out in, and again, you have to make your shots count, using all the weapons you can, or pay through the nose for the PDA to come out on top. Things can be easier if you explored and did side content, such as having more bolts; weapons, up to 8 health instead of 4, and the PDA that was mentioned before; but unless you grinded out the RYNO, Drek and Veldin isn't gonna be a pushover. Oh; and of course, your adventure ends where it began. It's the combination of all these factors that make Veldin a great climatic level. Hell; the final boss arena even has grind rails youcan hop on to outpace one of Drek's attacks where he chases you while you fire back at him with the Blaster or another mid-range weapon. It uses Clank's jetpack abilities to stop a countdown. It has Swingshot and platforming in early phases... it tests everything except swimming and the hacking gadgets.

[@w1ndgeneral226]

Here's an idea for a future video if you're interested: *Top ten game villains that deserved better.*

[@BJGvideos]

@@w1ndgeneral226 Chairman Rose, Pokémon SwSh. How does a two minute "day with" event in a gacha spinoff manage to establish his character better than the entire base game does?