Ranking the 10 Hardest Games Pre-2000
Kids these days have it easy, being able to save their games at any moment with just a button in case things get tough. But before the 2000s, that wasn't part of the gaming experience. You had to finish your game in one sitting and pray to the gods that nothing happened to your console while you went for a bathroom break.
Those times forged some of the toughest video games in all of history, with some of them remaining as impossible classics to this day. Whether they had masterful level design or were really wonky, lots of games in the first home consoles weren't meant to be finished. They still created games with the arcade mentality of asking for quarters when you lost, so you didn't stand a chance.
Either way, gamers usually agree on what the most difficult games are before the 2000s, so here's a ranking of the hardest games pre-2000.
Sonic Spinball
Sonic games weren't that hard, but when he turned into a ball in Sonic Spinball, you couldn't go further than Level 2.
OG Contra
A classic among classics. So hard, it's one of the reasons for the iconic Konami code that grants extra lives.
Comix Zone
Great premise and story, but too hard to see its conclusion.
Castlevania III
Unforgiving nightmare a bit above the rest of the franchise because some parts really felt unfair to the player.
Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels
Japanese developers thought Mario was too hard for Western audiences, so they released a different version of Super Mario Bros. 2 in the West. Years later, they released the original Super Mario Bros. 2 in the USA and called it Lost Levels. It was then confirmed that Western audiences weren't ready for it.
Ghost 'N' Goblins
Considered one of the toughest games ever, with sequels that keep the challenge going.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Some games weren't meant to be completed. In an era with no save games or memory cards, it was pretty much impossible to win Zelda II.
Battletoads
If you met someone who won Battletoads, they're lying. Another gem that is impossible to play with a friend, thanks to friendly fire.
Ninja Gaiden
A classic that starts like every other game, but becomes impossible as you progress through. Not even the Angry Video Game Nerd could win this.
Punch-Out!!
The final boss is none other than Mike Tyson, and that stuff was impossible to beat. Too realistic, you could say.
