In the realm of gaming, FromSoftware has long reigned supreme with its notoriously difficult Soulslike titles, demanding players to 'git gud' to conquer them. Elden Ring, while challenging, stands out as the studio's most accessible entry—a gateway for newcomers to the genre. But for those who've mastered it and crave an even steeper challenge, the question arises: are there games that push the limits of skill and patience further? The answer lies in the golden age of 8-bit and 16-bit classics, where brutal difficulty stemmed from unforgiving mechanics, limited tech, and intentional design. Players could spend hours, even days, stuck on a single level, battling frustration as much as foes. As we look back in 2025, these retro gems remain timeless tests of endurance. Here are 10 retro games that outshine Elden Ring in sheer difficulty, proving that modern challenges pale in comparison to old-school grit.
- Prince Of Persia
Can you rescue the princess in just 60 minutes? That's the daunting task in this 1989 action-adventure, where players control an unnamed prisoner navigating treacherous palace dungeons. With Jaffer holding the princess hostage, the game combines platforming, puzzles, and boss fights across 12 levels in the MS-DOS version or 20 in the SNES port. Despite the extra time in SNES, it's no walk in the park—every misstep could mean failure. Why endure this? For its innovative design and relentless pace, it's a must-play for hardcore enthusiasts.
- Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels
Imagine picking up a mushroom only to have it kill you instantly—that's the cruel twist in this Japanese Famicom classic. As Mario, players face deceptive traps like invisible Kaizo blocks and deadly power-ups, turning familiar platforming into a nightmare. With infinite continues allowing restarts from the last world's first stage, it offers a sliver of mercy. But is it worth the rage? Absolutely, for its clever level design that redefines challenge in the Mario universe. 😤
- Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
If Elden Ring's Consecrated Snowfields felt tough, this SNES title starts on a slippery snowy mountain, forcing an uphill battle against relentless enemies. Luke Skywalker's lightsaber swings awkwardly like a baseball bat, and each hit deals massive damage—with minimal health restoration. Players get only three retries before a game-over screen featuring Yoda. Why subject yourself to this? For its faithful movie recreations, including AT-AT walker battles and Darth Vader duels, it's a rewarding grind.
- Contra III: The Alien Wars
What makes a run-and-gun game legendary? For Contra III, it's the requirement to beat Hard mode for the true ending, despite offering Easy and Normal options. With just six stages, players wield dual power-ups and screen-clearing bombs, but limited lives amplify the pressure. Is it more accessible than other Contra entries? Slightly, but it still outpaces Elden Ring in intensity. 💥
- Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
Who hasn't cursed flying Medusa heads and treacherous stairs? This NES title features Trevor Belmont battling enemies that chip away health rapidly—hearts serve as ammo, not healing, and scarce meat restores HP. With only 16 health bars, players can take just eight hits before death. The real agony? Mid-jump knockbacks into pits. Why play it? For its multiple characters and branching endings, it's a masterclass in punishing gameplay.
- Contra: Hard Corps
Could this Sega Genesis gem be the best Contra ever? With four playable characters, unique power-ups, and six endings, it starts with city chaos and escalates to stopping an alien conspiracy. Its brutality is infamous, demanding precision against overwhelming odds. Is it worth the pain? Yes, for its depth and replayability that eclipses modern titles.
- Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom
How does five continues sound for a game that demands aggression? This NES sequel improves mechanics with the Dragon Spirit Sword for extended range, but players must restart from Act 1 after exhausting continues. It's tougher than its predecessors, yet fun—proving that limited retries heighten the thrill. 🗡️
- Silver Surfer
Ever died by touching a wall? In this bullet-hell shooter, the Silver Surfer perishes from any contact—enemies, projectiles, or stage elements—with visuals that blend threats into backgrounds. It feels unfair, bordering on bad design, but asks: can you stay hyper-aware? For masochists, it's a sanity test.
- Battletoads
Why avoid co-op? Friendly fire makes this beat-'em-up a nightmare with friends, as Rash and Zitz rescue allies from the Dark Queen. Levels like the Turbo Tunnel require split-second reactions, and mobs chip health relentlessly. But with stunning visuals and a killer soundtrack, it's frustratingly addictive. 😱
- Ghosts 'N Goblins
Is two hits all it takes to end Sir Arthur's quest? Yes, in this NES classic where enemies feel like bosses and time pressure forces reckless play. After six levels, a twist reveals it was all an illusion, demanding a harder replay to save Princess Prin-Prin. Why endure it? For its pure, unadulterated challenge that rewards patience like no other.
In 2025, these retro games stand as monuments to gaming's hardest eras, offering lessons in perseverance. While Elden Ring welcomes players, these classics demand mastery—proving that true difficulty is timeless. 🎮