We all expect some level of challenge when we play video games. After all, what is the point if you can simply head straight to the end credits without even trying? Would it just be an interactive experience? However, while challenging games such as Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Ninja Gaiden are brilliant in this regard, sometimes you just want to play without a “death threat” lurking around every corner.
Many games therefore have an easy mode for less experienced players and those who are simply looking to have fun after a busy day. Some developers, however, decided to have a little fun with this by adding animations and screens that literally bully anyone who chooses to play their games on the easiest setting. We selected seven of these games.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
The Metal Gear franchise also emphasizes more tactical and stealthy approaches at many points. Not everyone can adapt to that style, however, and some players end up dying multiple times while trying to get through certain sections of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
Whenever the player dies repeatedly, the game offers a peculiar response: it gives them a chicken hat. This unusual accessory not only makes it easier to hide from enemies but also lowers the final score for the mission. If the difficulties persist, however, the chicken hat is replaced by an even more humiliating one: the chick hat. This final concession makes the player practically invisible to enemies, but it also reduces their score to zero at the end of the mission.
Contra 4
The Contra series is a classic example of a love-hate relationship, where every mistake can seriously compromise the player's progress. In a “you against everyone on the screen” setup, Contra 4 tried to soften this dynamic somewhat by offering an easy mode. This apparent kindness comes at a price, however.
Upon reaching stage 7, the player will notice that the level extends beyond its usual length. After completing this prolonged stage, they are greeted with a clear and direct message: “you will never make it to the end playing on easy.” In other words, they must go back and choose at least Medium difficulty to truly complete the game. It is a harsh message for anyone who thought they would reach the end of the game while having fun on easy mode.
Wolfenstein: The New Order
The Wolfenstein game series is one of the most controversial and innovative in history. In the games, you embody the relentless B. J. Blazkowicz in an alternate future in which Germany wins World War II. The game features a tough protagonist in the style of American films from the 1980s and 1990s who hunts down and annihilates Nazis by himself.
It is almost obvious that a game like this would have some kind of prank for players, and the “humiliation” starts with the name of easy mode: “Can I play, Daddy?” But it does not stop there. In the menu, Blazkowicz can be seen wearing a baby bonnet and a pacifier. Hardly encouraging for anyone who wants to play on the easiest setting.
Streets of Rage 3
Streets of Rage is one of the most widely played fighting games from the early days of video games, when tolerance for easy mode seemed to be even lower than it is today. Although the game has this mode, as you progress you will realize that it is not the “correct” difficulty.
For those who choose easy mode, the game ends two stages before it truly finishes, leaving players to face the embarrassment of the stage 5 boss mocking their skill and declaring that “you play this game like a beginner.” As in Contra, the only way to reach the game's conclusion is to face the journey again on at least Medium difficulty.
Demolition Man
This game is based on the film Demolition Man, starring Sylvester Stalone, and was released in 1993 by Acclaim Entertainment. The game was developed for several platforms at the time, including Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and Game Gear.
In the game, players assume the role of the film's main character, police officer John Spartan, played by Sylvester Stallone. The gameplay is based on action and platforming, with players facing a variety of enemies as they advance through different stages, each based on events from the film.
If you chose to play on easy mode, Sylvester Stallone himself would appear to make fun of you.
Earthworm Jim
Old-school players who lived through the golden age of 16-bit consoles will certainly remember Earthworm Jim, a video game classic in which we control a skilled earthworm wearing a spacesuit capable of facing any challenge that comes his way.
Because of its popularity, many casual players tried to finish the game on easy mode, but the developers did not let those players off the hook. If you do so, you will be treated to a lovely passage of text containing facts about earthworms instead of enjoying the game's true ending.
Twisted Metal 2
Twisted Metal 2 is one of the most widely played games from the PlayStation One era. In it, players take control of a variety of armed vehicles, each driven by a unique character, as they compete in urban arenas filled with obstacles and enemies. The main objective is to destroy the opposing vehicles and be the last survivor.
The game offers players an easy mode, but immediately after the first mission, casual gamers are surprised by a “Stop” sign bearing the words “Losers are not allowed beyond this point.” It is certainly discouraging for anyone who thought about completing the game on easy mode.
