Booyakasha wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 9:02 am
I'd say '1001 Spikes' is way,
way harder than 'Contra'. I've beaten 'Contra' (without the Konami code). I've gotten about two-thirds through NES 'Ninja Gaiden', for that matter. Comparatively, I've barely gotten anywhere in '1001 Spikes'.
I got a decent ways into 1001 Spikes. I typically dislike the type of game it is (I lump it in with Super Meat Boy type stuff), but I found it addicting. Eventually I felt overwhelmed and put it down, but I still consider it good.
Anyway, most NES era games count for me. Even though there's some I like, I find the vast majority to be too difficult. I generally dislike trial-and-error game design, which is essentially what they all used to mask their short length.
SNES was much better in this regard but it was still a prominent design choice, sometimes just to combat rentals rather than being a necessity though.
Here's a few that usually come to mind from the SNES:
Hagane: The Final Conflict. It is unbearably difficult and complex. Even with liberal use of save states its fun is simply ruined by this. It's otherwise a very nice looking, sounding, and controlling game which makes the instant difficulty unfortunate.
Zombies Ate My Neighbors seemed impossible to me as a kid, and I doubt it'd be much easier now. It seemed like there were endless levels, and even the first one isn't exactly a cakewalk. The controls are a bit stiff and level design isn't the most fair, but it's really fun. It's like a more silly, arcade-like version of Resident Evil in a way.
Earthworm Jim (series). These are wacky and hilarious games, it's too bad they're so frustrating. Progress isn't always straightforward and the platforming is very demanding. There's also tough mini-games and combat is a bit spotty (especially since ammo is limited).
I'd probably play Zombies Ate My Neighbors if it got released on Switch. I could then maybe find somebody to play online with who is good enough to carry me through it.
I haven't really play EWJ or ZAMN in decades, but I discovered Hagane under a year ago, I think.
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