Sometimes, suffering isn't such a bad thing. Especially in pursuit of beating a highly challenging game.
We've put together this list of the five games that gave us the most trouble in 2021. It's great for getting in the mood for some upcoming releases, including the long-awaited Elden Ring!
Returnal
Possibly the most 'daring' exclusive on the PlayStation 5, Returnal is a rogue-lite in which you'll die over and over until you master the puzzles and reach certain checkpoints.
The difficulty of Returnal lies precisely in this mastery of the levels, in order to find better equipment. Achieve this, and there's nothing a room holds that can scare you. Otherwise? Fail, fail, and fail again until you learn.
Getting to grips with each new biome and its inhabitants is certainly easier saiid than done.
Shin Megami Tensei V
Atlus' hardcore JRPG franchise has stuck to its principles in this fifth episode.
Shin Megami Tensei V will prove to be a challenge, constantly offering up boss fights that will quickly teach you that the right to progress is not a given.
You'll need all your wits in order to optimize and merge your demons, and master resistances if you hope to rid Tokyo of its impurities.
Ghosts 'n' Goblins Resurrected
The revival of one of the original games for sadists, playing Ghosts 'n' Goblins Resurrected is to sweat and keep sweating.
Capcom's cult title does add a few options to make the experience a bit smoother, but overall it's still geared towards failing at almost every turn.
While the remade graphical style won't be for everyone, the heart of this game lies in the monstrous challenge it presents.
Back 4 Blood
The developers at Back 4 Blood certainly didn't plan for their game to turn out quite this difficult, and there are several patches planned to calm things down.
In the meantime, Back 4 Blood is a game that wants to hurt you. There'll be waves upon waves unleashed without warning, which can quickly turn a session sour.
If the outrageous difficulty doesn't put you off, it's still one of the best co-op experiences of the year.
Metroid Dread
Who would have guessed that Metroid Dread would turn out to be quite this difficult?
If you're not used to 2D action games, or the series in general, then mastery of its counter mechanics will prove to be both a challenge and essential.
This is particular true of the brutal boss fights, with a special mention going to the gruelling final boss -- which is sure to really put your nerves to the test through three distinct attack phases.
Good luck, is all we'll say!
With families coming together for the holiday season, there's nothing better than a good session together. Here are some of the best local multiplayer games for the occasion.
