Playing games is a fantastic way to spend free time, as there are so many options for any taste. For those who are looking for something relaxing, there are Sound Shapes, Flower, and Proteus. And those who enjoy taking risks can try blackjack or poker. But what if you want something more challenging? Then these hard games are for you.
These games are known for their extreme difficulty, challenging mechanics, and annoying gameplay. But despite their difficulty, they have won quite a few loyal fans who appreciate the sense of achievement that comes from defeating bosses or monstrous levels. Let’s break down what these games are all about.
Celeste
Celeste is an indie platformer in which players control a character named Madlen who tries to climb to the top of Mount Celeste. The game is known for its challenging levels that require great coordination, patience and skill. But Celeste also offers a story of self-empowerment and growth, which makes the game even more appealing to those willing to meet the challenge.
Cuphead
Cuphead is an indie run-and-gun game with a unique, hand-drawn art style inspired by 1930s cartoons. The game offers linear 2D levels, in each of which you must first overcome minor enemies and, at the end, fight a difficult boss by finding a special approach to it. Cuphead’s captivating visuals and catchy soundtrack have helped it gain popularity among players who enjoy exciting challenges.
Super Meat Boy
Super Meat Boy is a fast-paced platformer in which players control a bouncy little character as he navigates through dangerous levels filled with saws, spikes, and other deadly obstacles. The game’s difficulty lies in its uncompromising pace and precision required to complete each level. Its original art style and addictive gameplay have attracted many devoted fans.
Ghosts ‘n Goblins
Ghosts ‘n Goblins is a classic arcade platformer known for its extreme difficulty. Players control a knight named Arthur trying to save a princess from evil demons. The game offers a limited number of lives, and players will have to traverse many dangerous levels to succeed.
Takeshi’s Challenge
Takeshi’s Challenge is an iconic Japanese game created by actor and filmmaker Takeshi Kitano. The game is known for its absurd challenges and unpredictable gameplay, making it one of the most challenging and confusing games of all time. For example, one of the absurd challenges requires the player to simply leave their gamepad for 1 hour without pressing a single button to advance further in the game. This is just one of the many unexpected and bizarre things players will encounter in Takeshi’s Challenge.
Dwarf Fortress
Dwarf Fortress is a complex settlement simulator where players have to manage a colony of dwarves, build a fortress and confront various dangers. The complexity of the game lies in the huge number of mechanics, micromanagement and random events that can lead to disastrous consequences for your settlement. Despite its complexity, Dwarf Fortress attracts many players with its deep and engaging gameplay.
Ninja Gaiden
Ninja Gaiden is a series of challenging action games where players control a ninja named Ryu Hayabusa. These games are known for their challenging battles, multiple enemies, and treacherous traps. To complete the Ninja Gaiden series games, players will need excellent knowledge of the mechanics, patience, and the ability to adapt to the relentless challenges.
Dark Souls Game Series
The Dark Souls trilogy is an action RPG known for its brutal difficulty and unforgiving gameplay mechanics. In a vast world filled with ruthless enemies and treacherous bosses, players have to rely on patience, strategy, and skill to get ahead. The popularity of the games is due to the immersive worlds, deep mythology, and the immense satisfaction of overcoming each challenge.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an action-RPG developed by FromSoftware, the same studio as the Dark Souls series. The game combines the chiseling complexity characteristic of the studio with unique parry and counterattack mechanics. Players must have excellent reaction skills and master the combat mechanics to succeed in this gritty world of Japan.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is another game from FromSoftware Studios, co-developed with George R. R. Martin, author of A Song of Ice and Flame. The game is an action-RPG with a huge open world and many implacable enemies and bosses. Elden Ring’s difficulty is based on player skill and strategy, as players must learn and use a variety of abilities and weapons to confront the many dangers of this dark world.