February 17th 2024.
When it comes to playing video games, difficulty is a common topic of discussion among gamers. Some prefer to stick with the default setting, while others may adjust the difficulty level to better suit their skills and preferences. Reader Grackle suggested this topic for our weekend Inbox, asking readers to share their thoughts on their own gaming abilities and whether or not they feel games offer enough options for different challenges.
Many of our readers seem to enjoy the flexibility of being able to choose their own difficulty level, often switching between settings even within the same game. Some shared specific examples, such as playing God of War 3 on easy for the final boss fight or adjusting the difficulty in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order for a particularly challenging boss battle. Others mentioned being able to beat notoriously difficult games like the Soulsborne series, not because of their high skill level, but because of their determination and refusal to give up.
There were also a few readers who preferred a more variable approach to difficulty, choosing to play certain games on easy for a more immersive experience, while opting for a tougher challenge in games like Call of Duty or Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. And while some may argue against the inclusion of an easy mode in games, others believe it can help make a game more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.
Of course, there were also those who stick to the default difficulty setting, believing that the developers have chosen the best balance for the overall gaming experience. However, there were exceptions to this, such as one reader who attempted to play God of War Ragnarök on a higher difficulty before realizing it wasn't as enjoyable as the default setting.
Some readers also shared their experiences with specific games, such as Wasteland 2 being so difficult that they had to quit and remove it from their collection. Others mentioned that racing games, in particular, were a genre where they preferred a more realistic and challenging experience.
As for the reasoning behind choosing a certain difficulty level, it varied from reader to reader. Some enjoyed the challenge and sense of accomplishment that comes with beating a tough game, while others preferred a more stress-free and enjoyable gaming experience. And for some, it simply came down to a matter of personal preference and the type of game they were playing.
Overall, it seems that most readers appreciate having the option to choose their own difficulty level, whether it's to challenge themselves or to make the game more enjoyable. And while there may be debates over the inclusion of an easy mode, ultimately, the most important thing is to have fun while gaming.
The topic of this weekend's Inbox discussion revolves around the concept of difficulty in video games. It's been suggested by one of our readers, Grackle, who was curious about how gamers approach the various challenges and options offered by different games. So, let's dive in and see what our fellow gamers have to say about this.
Many of our readers seem to have a flexible approach towards difficulty levels in games. They often switch between different settings, depending on their skills and preferences. Interestingly, a lot of people mentioned Mass Effect as the game they tend to adjust the difficulty for, although we believe it's just a coincidence as the game is not particularly known for being challenging.
Personally, I usually stick to the default difficulty setting in games. The only times I've lowered it to easy were for God of War 3 and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The Zeus fight in God of War 3 and the Third Sister fight in Fallen Order had me on the brink of quitting, but I managed to overcome them eventually. I wouldn't say I am a highly skilled gamer, but I do have a high tolerance for repeated failure and a determination to not give up easily. However, I must admit, I am not brave enough to attempt the challenge runs that some streamers do, like using a dance pad or adding extra difficulty mods. I am a normal person, after all, and not a masochist who enjoys punishing themselves.
There was one game that I did give up on and removed from my library - Wasteland 2. It was just too difficult for me and I felt like I was trying to drill a hole in a wall with my tongue. However, I recently played Wasteland 3 and found it to be a much more enjoyable and user-friendly experience. I would highly recommend it over the second game.
For some of our readers, the difficulty level depends on the game itself. Take Mass Effect Legendary Edition, for example. Some players don't mind playing on easy to focus on the story and immersion, while others like to challenge themselves with harder settings. Personally, I enjoy challenging myself with games like Call of Duty campaigns and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, where I feel like I've truly mastered the combat and gameplay mechanics. However, I don't agree with the idea that games should only have one difficulty level. I believe there should be options for all types of players, whether they prefer an easy or more challenging experience.
Another factor to consider is the balance between difficulty and enjoyment. One reader mentioned that they recently started playing God of War Ragnarök on a higher difficulty, but quickly realized that the combat was not designed for such frequent deaths. The enemies became tedious to fight and the game lost its fun factor. On the other hand, games like Larian's Baldur's Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin 2 were more enjoyable when played on a lower difficulty level. It's possible that the developers need to work on balancing the difficulty in the early stages of these games.
For some readers, difficulty level also depends on the genre of the game. Racing games, for example, are usually played on a higher difficulty setting to make it more realistic and challenging. However, once they've completed the game, they don't usually go back to play on a harder difficulty or aim for 100% completion. They prefer to move on to new games and experiences.
As we get older, our priorities and preferences may change. Some readers mentioned that they have less patience for difficult games now and choose to play on easy to avoid getting stuck on certain parts. After all, gaming is meant to be a fun and stress-free activity, not a chore. And at the end of the day, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the game, no matter what difficulty level you choose.
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