Platform video games stand out as a widely recognized category in the video game world, given their role in creating many timeless gaming characters. In fact, other genres have either been inspired by platform games or incorporated some of their features to enhance their own challenges. For example, Metroidvania and first-person adventure games often borrow aspects from platform games for their gameplay.
These games are frequently considered beginner-friendly due to their cute characters. Yet, some of these games increased the difficulty, requiring players to be exact in their jumping and navigation. Meanwhile, others aimed to challenge players beyond just precision by including various traps, unexpected surprises, and other elements that quickly sent players into a platforming nightmare.
9. Spelunker
Introducing the Mr Glass of Platforming Mascots
- Developers: MicroGraphic Image (original), Tamtex & TOSE (NES).
- Platforms: Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64, Arcade, NES, MSX.
- Release: 1983 (original), December 1985 (NES).
The classic game known as “Spelunker” is often recognized as the pioneer of the genre known as ‘platform hell’ games. Notably, its NES version stands out due to its cave-exploring character who can be eliminated by various hazards – bats, ghosts, his own flares, and falls exceeding his own height. This implies that he could perish mid-air from falls that even Mario from “Donkey Kong” could survive. Hence, the Spelunker’s character can be considered the weakest video game hero ever created, which undeniably extended its 6-level playtime by presenting a challenging and demanding experience for players.
The Atari and arcade editions granted extra advantages through additional power-ups, showing more leniency. However, the NES version ultimately became the most impactful iteration of the game. Its challenging nature served as inspiration for the roguelike platformer “Spelunky,” the “SteamWorld” series, and even a remastered version in “Spelunker HD.” Additionally, it led to a delayed sequel titled “Spelunker World.
8. Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels
Some Things are Better Left Undiscovered
Nearly everyone who’s online is aware of this tale now: “Super Mario Bros 2”, initially, was essentially a re-skinned version of “Doki Doki Panic” since the real SMB2 was excessively challenging for Americans to finish. When it was reimagined for “Super Mario All-Stars”, it was renamed “Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels”, and its difficulty became an allure. The new title seems more appropriate, as it feels more like additional levels for the original game rather than a separate sequel.
The Lakitus and Hammer Bros are tough enough on their own, but the game introduces even more sinister obstacles seldom seen in the series. For instance, players must navigate through strong gusts of wind to reach subsequent platforms, while Poison Mushrooms work against Mario by draining his power instead of boosting it. And forget about finding shortcuts via warp zones, as some will reset Mario back to the start of the game.
7. Kaizo Mario World
How a ROM Hack Became a Shorthand for Platform Hell
- Developer: T. Takemoto.
- Platform: SNES.
- Release: 2007-2012.
Nintendo aimed for seasoned players to conquer Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels by incorporating a difficulty progression, though it started at a challenging level. On the other hand, Kaizo Mario World is an entirely different story. Essentially, it consists of three separate games, each being a modified version of Super Mario World. T. Takemoto created these games to test his friend R. Kiba, or perhaps to test their friendship itself. Later, these games were distributed online, rapidly gaining notoriety around the world.
Super Mario World earned its reputation as the pioneer of challenging platform games due to its levels containing unexpected hazards. For example, players may need to spin-jump on specific enemies to clear obstacles or jump cautiously because a hidden block might send them plummeting into nothingness. Since then, numerous ‘Kaizo’ games have been developed based on this concept, ranging from Kaizo Mario 64 to Kaizo Minecraft.
6. I Wanna Be the Guy
Surely There Are Easier Ways to Become the Guy Than This
In the late 2000s, it seems like challenging games that put people’s skills and endurance to the test were quite popular. This is when Michael ‘Kayin’ O’Reilly created “I Wanna Be the Guy“, similar to when T. Takemoto was developing “Kaizo Mario World“. However, while the former tested players based on their knowledge of “Super Mario World“, the latter deliberately aimed to frustrate the player instead.
In this game, players aid The Kid in transforming into The Guy™ by navigating through pits and spike-filled areas while fending off enemies and massive bosses using a small gun. The platform puzzles can be quite challenging; even avoiding the sea of spikes isn’t enough, as the game’s cunning traps – like objects falling upwards into them instead of down – make things trickier. Although its popularity has waned over time, it continues to leave an impact through fan remakes and the numerous heated YouTube videos it sparked during its height.
5. Rick Dangerous
Giving European Gamers PTSD Since 1989
- Developer: Core Design.
- Platforms: Commodore Amiga, Atari ST, Acorn Archimedes, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Sam Coupé, MS-DOS.
- Release: 1989.
In the gaming world, SMB: The Lost Levels, Kaizo Mario, and Super Meat Boy are known for their intentionally challenging gameplay. Rick Dangerous, developed by Core Design, is an example of a game that became difficult unintentionally. Originating as an MS-DOS adventure inspired by Indiana Jones, Rick Dangerous may have inadvertently pioneered Kaizo traps decades prior to the release of Kaizo Mario.
Core Design directly tested the game and became skilled enough to navigate its hazards effectively. On the other hand, home players faced challenges such as sudden arrow attacks, hidden spikes that blend with the surroundings, aggressive opponents, and more, without any prior knowledge. They started from scratch and had only six lives, no extra chances. If they lost their lives, the game was finished for them.
4. You Have to Win the Game
A Task Easier Said Than Done
- Developer: Minor Key Games.
- Platform: PC, macOS, Linux.
- Release: May 2012.
Instead of the other items on this list, “You Have to Win the Game” stands out as it presents a degree of leniency. This game is classified as a free-exploration platformer, allowing players to choose their own path towards the end without requiring them to acquire one specific ability or power-up in order to advance further. They can easily traverse its C64-styled monochrome levels.
If players aim for a complete conquest and unearth all hidden treasures within the game, they’d need to meticulously examine every single screen. This seemingly casual platformer will then evolve into an intense challenge that pushes their platforming precision skills to the limit. Particularly if they opt for YOLO mode, where a single mistake could mean falling onto spiked surfaces, fragile floors, or daring jumps of faith.
3. 1,001 Spikes
Living Up to Its Title and Then Some
For those who find multi-game platforms frustrating, there are enthusiasts who delight in exploring its intricate depths. Some even create their own extremely difficult platform games, such as the one known as “1,001 Spikes“, which draws inspiration from games like “Challenger” and “Rick Dangerous“. Filled with numerous traps to catch unsuspecting players off guard, this game can have its levels completed in under a minute if the player is skilled enough.
To navigate this level successfully, players must be aware of the locations of all spike traps, identify which walls shoot lethal darts and which ones don’t, and discern between hazardous falling blocks and those intended for traversal. Players will likely burn through a substantial number of lives as they learn these intricacies before eventually running out. Additionally, acquiring a physical copy of the game may strain one’s budget, as it is less readily available compared to its digital counterparts.
2. La-Mulana
How to Make an Already Difficult Game More Testing
Back in 2006, I stumbled upon a gem known as La-Mulana, crafted by GR3 Project as a nod to the classic MSX games, reminiscent of the challenging Maze of Galious. We, the developers, felt that modern games were missing that hardcore difficulty level, and we wanted to create something that would truly test our players’ skills. The beauty of La-Mulana is its open-ended structure, allowing you to explore in any direction you fancy, but beware, not all discoveries are pleasant!
As a gamer, I can tell you that this base game is no walk in the park. Every move demands careful consideration as I dodge each perilous hazard. Yet, no matter how hard I ponder, I’m still falling into those unseen pits, getting impaled by homing spikes, and triggering hidden traps within its ominous Hell Temple. To make things even more frustrating, the solution to the temple’s final puzzle demands replaying the entire game from scratch. Some levels, it seems, aren’t worth conquering.
1. Super Meat Boy
The Gateway Game to Platform Hell
In 2010, Meat Boy made a leap from Newgrounds to retail stores as the upgraded version, Super Meat Boy. Unlike its original Flash-based counterpart, it challenged players with 300 levels that progressively ramped up in difficulty. The goal was to rescue Bandage Girl from the clutches of Doctor Fetus and his crew. By all accounts, even those who usually remain calm found themselves boiling over with intense frustration while playing.
In simpler terms, this game made it easier for players because levels were brief and they could keep trying them without worrying about running out of lives. It also didn’t use unfair tactics like limited lives or hidden dangers. However, mastering all of Meat Boy’s skills, such as wall-jumping, sliding, and floaty jumps, was crucial to avoid spikes, circular saws, and other challenges. Despite the game being fair, players should expect plenty of mistakes during their journey.
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2025-01-15 18:34