8. Difficulty Spikes - Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
I loved Level-5's collaboration with Studio Ghibli last year, and for my money it was easily one of the best games of 2013. However, that didn't stop it from also presenting a surprising level of challenge, given the cutesy visuals and implication to many therefore that it was aimed at children. If, like me, you're not a completionist and just grind the sufficient amount to get through the next boss, then Ni No Kuni proved to possess some pretty startling difficulty spikes. Looking back at my playthrough now, I recommend that new players actually complete as many bounties and errands as possible before proceding onward, because you will have a far easier, less stressful time with the game. What shocked me the most was that I'd be able to take down regular foes no problem, but then I'd get to the next boss, and BAM, I'd be slain 8 times in a row, causing me to have to grind for a few hours before returning to it. Alas, this is both the curse and the benefit of JRPGs, that they generally allow players more freedom, but you need to use it wisely.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
