Nowadays, it’s pretty rare to see a video game released that is nearly impossible to beat. Sure there are those titles where it’s difficult to get all the trophies or achievements without really hunkering down and dedicating hours, but for the most part, games these days are pretty easy to beat. There are exceptions to the rule of course. Back in the earlier years of gaming however, it was quite common to run across a new game that had you ripping your hair our and smashing controllers. It’s these ultra-difficult games that we’ll be looking at today. Many are from gaming’s past, but there are some that have graced our consoles this generation that hold their own in terms of frustration. Of course, we’re leaving broken games off the list. Those aren’t intentionally difficult. Superman 64 anyone?
Alien vs Predator (Atari Jaguar)
Despite AvP originally appearing on the first 64-bit console ever and being one of the premier titles on the console, most gamers still might not remember it or think we’re talking about the much easier multiplatform release from Sega in 2010. Rebellion originally made a much more difficult version on the Jaguar that was equal parts original, impressive and frustrating as f***! It didn’t matter who you chose, the game was hard. If you dare pick the marine to play through, you were in for a world of hurt from aliens. If you are up for a challenge, track down a used Jaguar and AvP for one of the toughest games to complete.
Zelda II: The Adventures of Link (NES)
After The Legend of Zelda for NES became such a big hit, Nintendo decided to release a sequel in Zelda II: The Adventures of Link that had some very different gameplay. Link went from a top-down game into the world of a side-scrolling RPG adventure game with leveling up and platforms to hazard. While fun to a point, the game was not very well tested for difficulty. Players are given only three lives to beat the game and if all three of those are used up, then you have to start over completely from the beginning, unlike later Zelda games, which are much more forgiving. The dark maze of Death Mountain was one of the most challenging parts of this game. Players could spend hours upon hours trying to find their way through one of the most complex puzzles in Zelda history. Also, every time Link dies he returns to level one. Very cruel.
Doom 2 (Multi-Platform)
Doom 2 is noted as one of the best shooters of all time, but the creators also wanted to give it the distinction of being the most difficult game of all time too. By introducing difficulty modes, they allow for you to go up to the very top, "Nightmare Difficulty." There are also custom levels created with extremely impossible difficulty. One called Cyberdemon Hell has 1500 cyberdemons to destroy and the player has only a pistol for a weapon. Doesn’t seem very fair now does it. If you have a virtual death wish, you can find Doom II just about anywhere.
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