5 of the Hardest Video Games Ever Made

Some video games are so hard they make the player throw the controller in frustration. Newer games have autosaving and tutorials to help the player. Many older ones seem nearly impossible to complete without breaking something. These video games are considered some of the hardest ever released.

Mike Tyson's Punch Out (NES)
Playing as Little Mac, you had to work your way up through the boxing circuit. Your character didn't have as many moves as the opponents and you needed to get a star before using the uppercut. The earlier bosses were fairly easy, but Mike Tyson was nearly impossible to beat. One of his hits could end the game, making the player restart from the very beginning. Guessing Tyson's movements was extremely hard. Without the use of cheats, timing his punches required lots of patience and practice. Mike Tyson is still considered one of the hardest bosses in video games.

Ninja Gaiden (NES)
This platforming video game is the first in the series that's known for being extremely hard. When it was first released, Ninja Gaiden was criticized for its difficulty, especially in the later levels. Every time a boss defeated you, the entire level needed to be replayed. Even the jumps Ryu needed to complete could be ridiculously challenging. While the newer games are also very hard, the first one has stages that are still considered the most difficult of the series. Ninja Gaiden demands attention and focus from the player.

Battletoads (NES)
Remembered as being one of the hardest video games ever, Battletoads was frustrating for even the most experienced player. There were levels were the player would need to dodge obstacles while traveling at high speeds. Hitting anything in the level resulted in instant death. Players must possess great reflexes or do the level over and over until the sequence was memorized. The underwater level had killer spikes and monsters everywhere. The final climbing level was very hard, as you must reach the top in order to defeat the Dark Queen. To make the game even harder, there was only 3 lives and no saving.

Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels (Wii Virtual Console)
Originally, The Lost Levels was the direct sequel to Super Mario Bros. Nintendo of America thought the game was too hard for the US and it was never released. Instead, Americans got a game that was given a Mario make-over. Players familiar with the original get a big shock with difficulty of Lost Levels. Mushrooms can kill rather then help and warp zones might take Mario back instead of forward. The premise of the game is the same, but the levels are more like obstacle courses with hidden areas that don't give their treasure easily. For fans who grew up with the original, it's worth giving Lost Levels a try. But, be warned it takes everything you know about Mario and turns it around.

Ghosts and Goblins (NES)
Playing as Sir Arthur, you had to fight demons, zombies, and all sorts of monsters in order to save the princess. What makes this one of the hardest video games is the amount of enemies that swarm you at one time. With only one weapon that can beat the final boss and armor that falls off with a slight breeze, this game is unforgiving. You could only be hit twice before you died and your lives were timed. If players managed to reach the final battle, you were told it was a trick. The entire game must be replayed with on a harder difficulty level in order to really beat it.

Sources:

Personal Experience

Ghosts and Goblins

Super Mario Bros the Lost Levels

Ninja Gaiden on 1up.com

Battletoads on ign.com

Punch Out