The 50 Greatest Video Game Villains Of All Time

Credit: Matt Becker (compilation); Capcom, NetherRealm, Nintendo (artwork)
Credit: Matt Becker (compilation); Capcom, NetherRealm, Nintendo (artwork) /
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Mother Brain
Credit: Nintendo /

Greatest Video Game Villains – #31 Mother Brain

Game(s): Metroid series

Background: This unique organic supercomputer is the recurring antagonist and boss in Nintendo’s Metroid series. This massive brain AI system was created by the ancient Chozo race, but turned against them when space pirates invaded their planet. Mother Brain decided to “ally with” (read: control) the pirates and use them to help her “reset” the world. She takes the form of a literal giant red brain with spikes coming out of her head and a singular menacing eye. In Super Metroid she has a more mechanized form and is capable of a number of attacks including shooting energy beams, bombs, and powerful lasers from her eye. She is the final boss Samus must face at the end of the game to save the world from destruction.

Why She’s One Of The Greatest Video Game Villains: In addition to her creepy and impressive appearance, Mother Brain’s intellect and thirst for world destruction makes her a classic villain. She takes a hands-off approach to world domination throughout the games, commanding her army of minions from within her underground lair like a true evil mastermind. The final boss encounters against this insane AI are some of the most iconic and climactic battles in video game history. The final battle against Mother Brain in Super Metroid was the truly defining moment for that game and really what made her into the iconic villain she is now. She became more than just a floating brain in a glass container, but a mechanical bipedal monster. A list of greatest video game villains would not be complete without the inclusion of this hideous monstrosity.

Next: 30- Liquid Snake