Difficulty spike

Video game concept

At some point over the course of the game, the difficulty jumps up disproportionally high compared to anything previous. Often only temporarily (e.g. one level).

games

platforms

Robot Odyssey I: Escape from Robotropolis

DOS 1985

Cave Story+

SWTC 2017-06-20

Wolfchild

SNES 1993-06

Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars

WIN 2007-03-28

Iji

WIN 2008-09-01

Ecco the Dolphin

DC 2000-06-16

Robot Odyssey I: Escape from Robotropolis

IIE 1984-12

Wolfchild

SCD 1993-11-06

Trine

PS3 2009-07

Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition

WIN 2016-04-27

Cave Story ~ Doukutsu Monogatari

GP2X 2007-09-05

Trine

LIN 2011-04

This is likely the point where casual players stop playing the game, for good.

Does not refer to difficulty spike when comparing two or more difficulty levels.

Games by year

The first Difficulty spike video game was released in 1983.

Nicalis, The Learning Company and Microsoft Studios published most of these games.

Platforms

Windows		11
Linux		7
Mac OS X		4
Apple II E		2
MS-DOS		2
Tandy Coco		2
PS2		2
SNES		1
Xbox		1
NES		1
Master System		1
GP2X		1
Mega Drive		1
Dreamcast		1
X360		1
PS3		1
Wii		1
Mega-CD		1
Archimedes		1
Atari ST		1
NEC PC9801		1
Game Gear		1
Switch		1
C64		1
Amiga		1
Mac OS Classic		1

Most common companies

Nicalis	5
The Learning Company	5
Microsoft Studios	3
Electronic Arts	3
Virgin Games	2
Virgin	2
Frozenbyte	2
Double Fine Productions	2
Core Design	2
Sega	2
Majesco	2

Difficulty spike

Video game concept

Popular tags

Games by year

Platforms

Most common companies