Version and platform
Find out which platform and version the author played. A game can change noticeably after updates and run differently on different platforms.
Reviews
Reviews
A review helps you decide whether to pick up a game, but with hard games especially, the author's opinion depends heavily on their experience and patience. In this section we explain how to read other people's reviews: what to look at, how to separate facts from impressions and what to check for yourself. We don't give scores or rankings of our own.
The same game can be "unbearable" to one reviewer and "the ultimate challenge" to another. What matters is working out which of them is closer to you.
How this section works: we don't give scores, compile rankings or retell other people's reviews. We explain how to read reviews yourself and what to rely on when choosing a game.
How to read someone else's review
Five questions worth asking of any review.
The reviewer's playtime
A review after the first few hours and a review after a full playthrough are different things. Hard games often take time to open up.
Facts vs opinion
Separate verifiable information — genre, platforms, available settings — from the author's personal impressions. Impressions are useful, but subjective.
Spoilers
A good review warns you about spoilers. If you haven't played yet, skip the parts about the story and ending.
Price and monetisation
Find out how payment works: one-time purchase, free-to-play with in-game purchases, or subscription. Check the terms on the game's official page.
What to look for in a review of a hard game
| Question | Why it matters | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Are there difficulty modes? | It decides whether the game suits someone who doesn't want endless retries | The game's official page, settings menu |
| Are there accessibility options? | They help people with different abilities and habits play | The game's official page, developer materials |
| How far back does a defeat send you? | How often checkpoints appear strongly affects how hard a game feels | Reviews that describe the playthrough, your own attempt |
| Does it require online play or other players? | Co-op can make things easier but needs a connection | The game's official page |
| What is the age rating? | It reflects the game's content, not its difficulty | ESRB, PEGI or 436-FZ rating on the game's page |
How we write our breakdowns
Our breakdowns describe how a game works: which mechanics matter most, where players usually struggle and which settings can help. We rely on official developer materials and on what can be checked in the game itself.
We don't give scores, don't call games the best or the worst and don't quote numbers that can't be verified. If information isn't available, we say so. Whether to play or not is your call.
Related sections
- Game catalogue
Games known for their difficulty and popular online games: studio, release year and what makes them hard — no scores or rankings.
- Guides and walkthroughs
Types of guides, how to use them without spoilers and how to check a guide is still up to date. Plus the article catalogue.
- FAQ
Answers about this reference, difficulty in games and account safety.
Sources
- Official websites of developers and publishers
- ESRB
- PEGI
- Federal Law No. 436-FZ
Game information is based on the official websites of developers and publishers. Release dates, update contents and game rules change, so always check them with official sources.