Video games are made to entertain, but some titles take the challenge to another level. There are games that test the patience, skill, and even sanity of players, becoming true landmarks of difficulty in the industry. If you used to cry out of frustration while playing Pac Man, Alex Kid, or Fantasia on the Mega Drive, in this list, we will explore the 10 hardest games in history, with comments from experienced players, opinions from their creators, and some curiosities about each one. If you have managed to finish at least 3 of them, maybe you are not from this planet.
They are:
1. Dark Souls (2011)
The Dark Souls series redefined the concept of difficulty in modern games. With a punitive combat system, scarce checkpoints, and relentless enemies, any mistake can be fatal. The “die and learn” mechanic became the franchise’s trademark.
Curiosity: Hidetaka Miyazaki, the series creator, revealed that the inspiration for the difficulty came from his childhood when he tried to read complex books and only understood parts of the story, which encouraged him to keep going.
Player’s opinion: “Dark Souls is not just difficult, it’s fair. If you die, it’s your fault, and that’s what makes it so satisfying.” – Reddit user.
2. Battletoads (1991)
Rare’s NES classic became synonymous with frustration, especially for its motorcycle level (Turbo Tunnel), where the speed increases and the player’s reflexes are tested to the extreme.
Curiosity: The developers themselves admitted that the game was designed to be extremely difficult as a way to prolong its duration since NES cartridges had little space for content.
Player’s opinion: “I spent months trying to pass the motorcycle level when I was a kid. I never beat this game!” – YouTube comment.
3. Ghosts ‘n Goblins (1985)
The protagonist, Sir Arthur, dies with just two hits, and enemies appear from all sides. To make it worse, the game requires the player to finish it twice to see the true ending.
Curiosity: Director Tokuro Fujiwara stated that the high difficulty was intentional to make players return to arcade machines.
Player’s opinion: “It’s like the game is laughing in your face while it destroys you.” – Steam review.
4. Ninja Gaiden (1988)
Enemies reappear immediately if the player takes a small step back. The game requires absurd reflexes and surgical precision to advance.
Curiosity: The development team admitted that the enemy programming ended up being more aggressive than planned.
Player’s opinion: “You can be a master at other games, but Ninja Gaiden will humble you.” – RetroGamer forum.
5. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)
Unlike Dark Souls, there is no character evolution mechanic to make the game easier. You need to learn enemy patterns and perfect combat to survive.
Curiosity: Miyazaki revealed that he almost gave up on the project because the combat was too difficult even for the developers.
Player’s opinion: “Sekiro is not about RPG, it’s about really improving your skills.” – Streamer LobosJr.
6. Cuphead (2017)
Inspired by 1930s cartoons, Cuphead combines charming visuals with brutal gameplay, where each boss requires memorization and sharp reflexes.
Curiosity: The developers mortgaged their homes to finance the game, making the victory even more personal for them.
Player’s opinion: “I didn’t know whether to cry out of frustration or admiration for the graphics!” – Twitter comment.
7. Contra (1987)
With no continues and enemies appearing from all sides, Contra became famous for its absurd challenge. The famous Konami code was the salvation for many players.
Curiosity: The Konami code (↑↑↓↓←→←→BA) emerged because a programmer wanted to test the game without dying all the time.
Player’s opinion: “If you beat Contra without the Konami code, you deserve a medal!” – Facebook post.
8. Super Meat Boy (2010)
With extremely fast and precise levels, the game requires sharp reflexes and perfect control of movements.
Curiosity: Developer Edmund McMillen said that the game was inspired by old titles that tested players’ patience.
Player’s opinion: “If you miss by a pixel, it’s over! But you can’t put the game down.” – GameFAQs forum.
9. I Wanna Be the Guy (2007)
Made as a parody of impossible games, I Wanna Be the Guy has unexpected traps and chaotic design that defies any logic.
Curiosity: The game was developed by a single fan who wanted to create “the most annoying game of all time.”
Player’s opinion: “I laughed, I cried, I broke my keyboard and played again.” – Steam review.
10. Elden Ring (2022)
With the largest open world ever created by FromSoftware, Elden Ring combines the difficulty of Dark Souls with a vast map full of challenges.
Curiosity: George R.R. Martin, author of Game of Thrones, helped build the game’s lore but admitted he could never play it because of its difficulty.
Conclusion
Whether in classic platforms or modern titles, extreme difficulty has always had a special place in games. Some players love the challenge, while others prefer to avoid frustration. In the end, it is these games that create epic stories and unforgettable moments for fans.
Sources:
- Dark Souls: Interview with Hidetaka Miyazaki, IGN.
- Battletoads: Rare Replay documentary, Microsoft.
- Ghosts ‘n Goblins: Tokuro Fujiwara in an interview with Edge Magazine.
- Ninja Gaiden: Tecmo archives, published by GameInformer.
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice: Miyazaki’s comments in Famitsu.
- Cuphead: Making of, released by Studio MDHR.
- Contra: History of the Konami code, Kotaku.
- Super Meat Boy: Interview with Edmund McMillen, Eurogamer.
- I Wanna Be the Guy: Creator Kayin Nasaki in a Reddit interview.
- Elden Ring: Interview with George R.R. Martin, The New Yorker.
Which of these games was the hardest for you? Leave your opinion in the comments!
