[General Discussion] Hardest game(s) you've ever played

The hardest classic game I can remember is Iron Sword: Wizards and Warriors 2. The main reason being that the game is about as easy and painless to control as holding a king jellyfish covered in astroglide. The game had some of the most unforgiving controls and play mechanics that I can remember from way back when, and it was an exercise in futility to try and get anything done.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Encephalon

And, of course, Ikaruga. This game is harder than a Jessykins' nipples while walking blindfolded through a fish market. I've never seen the ending for this game either but I'm told that if I sink enough hours into the game I can opt for infinite continues, so this one may have hope yet.

I really didn't find Ikaruga exceedingly difficult with the exception of Chapter 4, when you're just constantly being raped from all sides by enemy fire AND enemy jets. That level is completely and utterly unforgiving, but the rest of it is pretty manageable with enough practice.

I'd go so far as to call it one of the most pristine examples of a fair but difficult challenge that was common with old school games. I don't know what people are talking about when people say old school games are inherently unfairly difficult. They aren't. If they're well-made, they're tough as nails but they're balanced, and with enough practice, the end is certainly attainable. Some of these newer old school revival titles are made too hard for their own good just so they can say "OMG OLD SCHOOL GAMING!" It's rare when a game actually nails the kind of fair difficulty that came with a well-made classic game, and Ikaruga is definitely one of them.

There's nowhere I can't reach.