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SHORT AND HARD
Remember the good old days when a game didn’t need more than five levels to be considered long? Those were not only simpler but also much harder times. It made sense - there was only so much space to cram the game on cartridges.
Considering what people had to work with back in the day, it is a miracle that we got so many classics that are still worth playing. However, the shorter the game the harder it would seem to be.
The developers had to justify the length of the game, so making it harder would make it technically longer. It was an achievement to say you’ve beaten Contra (without Konami Code) or Ghosts ‘n’ Goblins even once without getting that „true“ ending. Both relatively short games, but not something you can beat in one afternoon. Games were harder, sometimes to the point of being punishing and we loved it. Heck, we still do.
However, there is a fine line between a hard game and a punishing one.
JUST ENOUGH TO NOT BREAK A GAMEPAD
Hard games lure you in with responsive controls and visual flair, but once you start playing you just keep dying, and you know it is your fault. It has a lot to do with our impatience and rushing to win, because, well, you’ve just lost for the 100th time and you just want to move on with the game, explore new levels.
Even if you rage quit, because the game is good, you will probably try it again and again until you beat it.
POSITIVE RAGE
Quite often our time with the game can get too personal. The game mocks you, taunting you for that missed jump or miscalculated punch. Game over? Start over! You can’t let the game win that easily.
We love a good challenge, even to the point of frustration. It can seem like something negative, but quite contrary. There is no better feeling than beating a level after 100+ tries. You fell down so many times, and yet you jumped on your feet over and over again, cursing in the meantime. It is a special kind of fun, but definitely not for everyone.
WHEN FRUSTRATION IS FUN
So, if it wasn’t obvious from everything said, hard game are a frustrating experience, but it is also a ton of fun, especially when playing with friends. Humor often comes out of someone's misery, and while that might be a strong word for this example it is true that watching someone die over and over on the same part of the level or get to the very end only to get killed by an unexpected enemy can lead to a lot of laughter.
Point is, hard and difficult does not mean lack of fun, quite contrary. But try to be gentle with your gamepads and keyboards - they are fragile.
If you feel adventures and don’t mind frustration, anger, and even some tears, you can’t go wrong with Dark Souls, and not just one game but a whole trilogy. There is a reason why “You Died” screen from the game became a meme. If you fancy something more cartoony, you can try Cuphead. Don’t let the visuals fool you, it is a tough game to beat, especially if you are going for the achievements.
Get in the Game ! 
