Brooding Mawlek's... Reward?

[Rapscallion]

Hi, I'm new to the game, I just got the hadouken spell (whatever it's named, it's probably the first skill you get in the game) and before going to new areas I decided to explore a little. While exploring I found this guy and got my ♥♥♥ kicked. It took me like 20 tries (and quite some frustration), but I finally beat him... and was very disappointed with the reward. A piece of a mask? that's it? Come on, I just bought one for like 200 coins...

I understand that I fought him while underpowered (I only got the map upgrades so far and the ranged spell I mentioned earlier) but I really cannot fathom that all there is to that fight is a quarter of (what I assume is) a life upgrade. Other Bosses opened up a new area, or gave something else, like the false knight who gave a "city crest" which I have no idea what it's for (my instinct tells me it's some kind of key but I'm not sure), but at least it's something.

Am I missing something? is that all there is to this fight? if so, should I expect more (mostly) pointless optional bosses?

EDIT: Some spelling

[Epic_Caesura]

Masks are much harder to get than you think. You can't just keep buying them for 200.

[Darc Vader]

Pretty much; out of the 30ish bosses in the game, only 4 or 5 are actually required (though knowing which ones are optional is nearly impossible until a second playthrough. Some of them are clearly optional, but others seem like they’re mandatory until you know exactly what’s required to finish the game). The other 25 or so guard other things, among them Mask Fragments, Charms, and the occasional new ability.

[Rapscallion]

OK, thanks for the info. Getting charms, new abilities or open new areas are worthy rewards in my opinion, the mask fragments not so much (if only they were full hp upgrades... but alas).

[Kaza_IA]

well you need 4 fragments to get another hp, which you probably already figured out. You might not like ti now, but later you will appreciate it.

[L4z3r]

Exploration is basically the point of this game. Crazy stuff around every corner keeps it interesting :)