15 Most Brutally Hard Video Games Of The Generation (So Far)

12. Nioh

Another entry in the 'Souls genre' (or whatever we're calling it), Team Ninja's attempt at a balls-hard actioner is one of the most refined and meticulously balanced of the bunch.

Centred on "William" (based on real-world adventurer William Adams) exploring the islands of Kodama, the best mechanic comes from the idea of battling other deceased players who've died in their respective games, leaving a ghost A.I. to battle for better loot. These are peppered across the landscape alongside standard enemies that'll come at you in groups - and then there's the bosses who range from one shot-killing vampire-ladies to lightning fast samurais you'll clash with in wheat-covered fields.

Miraculously - because the final version is still a very demanding game - difficulty was toned down from the initial Alpha and Beta demos. Where enemies would rush you with many stupidly quick stabs, now you at least have a chance to catch your breath or chow down on some health-restoring items - only to be flattened from behind as a random heavy decides to have your head for breakfast.