The very definition of "stupidly hard", Nicalis Inc.'s 1001 Spikes was built from the ground-up to be as uncompromisingly brutal as possible. You've probably heard of how modern games hold your hand too much - the whole "Go here, shoot this, now blow this up, go back" etc.? Well 1001 Spikes actively slaps your hand away before spitting in your face and sporting a grin so smug, it knows only a certain amount of people will stick around. They don't want it any other way either, as titles like those on this list have always been a response to the easier 'mainstream' ones, beckoning only to a select few that have the patience to conquer them. 1001 Spikes came out to rave reviews too, as along with other retro titles like Shovel Knight it seems they've both found an audience specifically because of just how easy more well-known titles have become. Gameplay-wise Spikes is a tight 2D platformer, requiring pixel-perfect jumps in levels that pulsate with rows upon rows of instant-killing spikes, meaning that not only do you have to navigate chasms and corridors as other things get in your way, but if you get the timing wrong even when trying to rest, it's game over. Throw in optional items the game taunts you to attempt to collect before exiting, and you have an experience that's as off-putting and abrasive as they come. Which other titles feel like they were programmed just to annoy you as much as possible? Let us know in the comments!
