I am a gamer through and through. With thousands of video games spread across dozens of genres, single-player experiences have always been my thing. There was a time when difficulty in video games was something limited to multiplayer titles. But that’s not the case anymore. While video game difficulty is a subjective matter, certain games are universally known for their extreme challenges. If you’re like me, you either are curious or want to steer clear of these. I was the former, so I sat down and ranked the hardest video games of all time. If you’re interested, let’s jump right into it.
10. Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy
Getting Over It gameplay screen
Image Courtesy: Bennett Foddy
Release Date: 6 December 2017
Developer(s): Bennett Foddy
Platform(s): Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Mac operating systems
I begin this list with the one damn game that made me break my mouse. Yes, it was that stressful. Released back in 2017, Getting Over It is a seemingly simple climbing game that adds a touch of simulation to it. This comes in the form of your mouse that controls a man in a cauldron. Players have one painful task: use the tool in his hand to guide him to the top. Sounds simple? Well, it’s not.
Not only does the game have the wonkiest controls I have seen, but the amazingly annoying narration drove me to the absolute edge. If you make a single wrong step, you risk starting from the beginning. Oh, that voice in your ears? It never shuts up and even taunts you. I must have climbed for hours and still never finished it. After uninstalling this pesky game, I decided it definitely deserves a spot on this list.
Getting Over It actually inspired some other creations. Another frustrating alternative is a game called Only Up. The game has been intentionally bugged to make players’ lives hell and can cause you a solid headache due to its stupid-level design. If you really want to hurt your brain, you can try it. However, I would suggest sticking to Getting Over It if you want to play a fair, challenging game.
Play Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy
9. Flappy Bird
Flappy Bird gameplay screen
Image Courtesy: Dong Nguyen
Release Date: 24 May 2013
Developer(s): Dong Nguyen, .Gears
Platform(s): Android, iOS
Remember Flappy Bird? Another simple yet frustrating creation back in the day. Flappy Bird was a game where players must keep tapping on the screen to keep the bird afloat and away from obstacles. Although it may sound simple, the game quickly got under your skin. Conversely, it even had you addicted to the process of trying to win. This insane combination had a lot of players stressed back in the day, and most remember it until now. I know I do.
While the original Flappy Bird isn’t widely available anymore, a lot of online-based alternatives exist, too. We have linked one below, so try it out and get the frustrating nostalgia back.
Play Flappy Bird Online
8. Spelunky 2
Spelunky 2 cover
Image Courtesy: Mossmouth
Release Date: 15 September 2020
Developer(s): Mossmouth, Blitworks, Mossmouth, LLC
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S
In 2020, a sequel to an already popular platform game, Spelunky, came out. Well, it did not just arrive on the scene; it said to its old version, “Hold my drink.” Spelunky 2 took platformer complexity to another level and made you think about every action. You not only struggled with the randomness of the enemies, but also dropping useful tools became a huge issue. Spelunky 2 was a that made players struggle in every beat and we hate it for that.
Play Spelunky 2
7. Ninja Gaiden
Ninja Gaiden Cover for worse video game franchises list
Image Courtesy: Team Ninja
Release Date: 2 March 2004
Developer(s): Team Ninja, Tecmo
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox, PlayStation Vita
The arcade version of Ninja Gaiden games was pretty enjoyable. Following that trend, the 2004 version of the game came out with the same flavor. But there was a catch: Ninja Gaiden suddenly became very difficult. Despite all the responsive controls, the gory and violent gameplay was unforgiving. While the sequels somewhat continued the game’s legacy, the 2004 Ninja Gaiden’s strength was its violent and unbeatable hard difficulty.
Play Ninja Gaiden
6. Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels
Super Mario Bros. The Lost Level homescreen
Image Courtesy: Nintendo
Release Date: 3 June 1986
Developer(s): Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development, Nintendo
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, Famicom Disk System, Wii, Game Boy Advance, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS
While 2D platformers have always been challenging, it is about time we give props to one of the classics, Super Mario Bros. 2, a.k .a. The Lost Levels. The game was released in 1986, a year after the original. The game retains a lot of the original feel, which was a good game but added a bucket full of difficulty. There were more challenging obstacles and even poisonous mushrooms. Nintendo did not skip a beat when they were deciding how tough to make this game, and it’s still evident.
Play Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels
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