10 Most Unforgiving Checkpoints In Gaming History

10. Prologue - Nier: Automata

We begin with a checkpoint that is quite literally the game’s main menu. Nier: Automata has a 45-minute prologue where, if you die at any time, it’s back to square one.

The abandoned factory section is an absolute tour-de-force for the game: a long, surprising shoot-em-up section to kick things off, some exciting battles, and then a showdown with a gigantic, imposing boss.

If you’re the type to turn your nose up at playing anything on Normal or below, then you’ll be asked to back that claim up. The whole game is brutal on Hard, and the prologue is no exception. A first boss that can one-shot you should really say it all.

To make matters worse, whether you are able to get through the prologue in one go is really important. If you fail, you’ll be going through each part again - complete with lots of dialogue sections - since the first save is three quarters of an hour into the game.

Although hilariously, if you want to get a 100% run of Nier: Automata, you need to die in the prologue at least once to get one of the hidden endings… just maybe do it as soon as possible and not right at the end of one of the most gruelling openings in video game history.