10 Times Video Games Admitted They Were Too Hard

Blending slick martial arts action with clever roguelike elements, Sifu is one of the most unique titles in recent years. It's also a brutally difficult one that requires that players master its in-depth mechanics to stand a chance at overcoming its demanding challenges. With plenty of deadly foes standing between the protagonist and their quest to avenge their father's murder, players can expect to die a lot in this game.

For as unforgiving as the combat is, developers Sloclap were committed to delivering an experience that rewarded patience and skill. They did this by adding feature like level shortcuts, permanently unlockable upgrades, and including more powerful skills as the protagonist aged after each death to keep the gameplay balanced. Despite these concessions, however, players struggled immensely, with reports showing that many were unable to progress past the second level.

Within weeks of Sifu hitting shelves, Sloclap announced that they'd be addressing the difficulty by adding an easier "Student" mode that would significantly reduce the challenge in several ways. This included simplifying the ageing mechanic, weakening enemies, and increasing the player's health.

However, the developers also added an even more punishing "Master" setting for masochists seeking an even tougher outing.