What does my love for impossibly difficult video games say about me?

For many of us, immersing ourselves in video games is more than just a leisure activity – it's an obsession that can consume our lives. We've all been there: losing hours to Civilization, World of Warcraft or Football Manager, with the thrill of improvement and the rush of dopamine driving us forward.

But what drives this level of dedication? For me, it's the challenge. If a game tells me I'm not good enough, I become determined to prove myself. Grinding repetition can be tedious, but challenges are where my brain comes alive.

My journey into gaming obsession began with music games, like Amplitude and Guitar Hero. These games required mastery, and I was hooked on mastering every song on expert difficulty. Later, I discovered FromSoftware's Demon's Souls, a notoriously difficult game that pushed me to the limits of my patience and skill.

For many gamers, challenges are what drive us forward. But there's a fine balance between entertainment and frustration. Games like Dark Souls and Baby Steps walk this line, with their punishing difficulty and rewarding mastery. These games are not for everyone, but they're where I find my true fulfillment.

Of course, not all games are challenging. Some, like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, offer comforting repetition and rewarding tasks. But for me, it's the challenges that bring out the best in me – the sense of accomplishment and the rush of adrenaline when I finally overcome a tough level or boss.

So, what do your love of impossibly difficult video games say about you? Are you someone who thrives under pressure, who can channel their energy into something productive? Or are you more of a casual gamer, happy to pick up and put down as the mood strikes?

Whatever your answer, one thing's for sure: gaming has become an integral part of modern life. And if you're like me – a slave to the game – then you know what it's like to lose hours to a single title.

If that sounds familiar, here are some games that might be up your alley:

* Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (Nintendo Switch 2)
* Hollow Knight: Silksong
* Baby Steps

And if you've got a favorite game from this year, let us know! We're running a Pushing Buttons readers' games of the year special in December. Write in with your thoughts and suggestions by replying to this email.

Until next time, when I'll be reflecting on my own gaming journey – stay entertained, and keep those thumbs twitching.

I'm all about that gaming life ! For me, it's not just about having fun (although, let's be real, it's super important ), but also about pushing myself to the limit. I mean, have you played Sekiro? That game is like a dark mirror to my soul... in the best way possible . The feeling of mastering that one tricky level or defeating a tough boss is like no other rush .

I think what I love most about gaming is the sense of progression and improvement. When you're stuck on something, it's so satisfying to finally overcome the hurdle (even if it means dying like, a million times beforehand ). It's like, my brain is wired to seek out that challenge, that "aha!" moment when everything clicks into place .

Of course, not everyone shares this enthusiasm for punishing difficulty games... and honestly? I'm kinda obsessed with those guys too . Like, have you played Slay the Spire? That game is like a beautifully crafted puzzle box .

Anyway, what about you? Are you more of a " Casual Joe" or a hardcore gamer who's always looking for the next big challenge? Let me know in the comments below!

I think its really cool that people can get so invested in games but for me personally i feel like some of these hard as nails games are actually good for you? Idk maybe its the whole challenge and accomplishment thing but if u r gonna put urself out there to try and beat a super hard level or whatever, then im all for it . Plus gaming can be super relaxing too u dont have 2 pick between chillin in animal crossing or gettin lit in dark souls .

I'm so down for some hard-mode challenges in games! Like what drives u to grind for hours? Is it the thrill of beatin' a tough level or just tryna improve ur skills? For me, it's defo about masterin' every song on expert difficulty on music games. Amplitude and Guitar Hero were my jam back in the day! But I also got love for Dark Souls and FromSoftware's games - they're so punishing, but there's no feelin' quite like conquerin' a hard boss or level What about u? Are u more of a casual gamer or do u thrive under pressure?

I'm so down for those types of games that really challenge me ! I mean, who doesn't love the feeling of accomplishment when you finally beat a tough level? But at the same time, some games can be super frustrating... like, I'll spend hours trying to get past one boss fight . For me, it's all about finding that balance between having fun and pushing myself to improve.

I'm more of an indie gamer myself, so when I find a game that really speaks to me, I'm hooked ! Like, have you played Celeste? That game is like, the ultimate test of skill and perseverance . But hey, it's also super rewarding in its own way.

I think what I love most about gaming is how it makes me feel – like I'm part of something bigger than myself . Whether I'm exploring a new world or trying to beat a difficult level, I know that I'm exactly where I need to be right now .

gaming is like an addiction i get it, challenges are what drive us forward, but for me its just a never ending cycle of frustration & boredom i mean whats the point of beating some game if youre gonna play another one just as hard or even harder? and dont even get me started on the money spent on games & DLCs its like were all just trying to prove somethin to ourselves.

i think our love for gaming is super relatable... i mean, who hasn't spent hours playing the same level over and over trying to beat it? it's like we're all secretly competition with ourselves to be better. for me, it's not just about winning or losing but about how far i've come since i started playing. and let's be real, there's nothing quite like that feeling of accomplishment when you finally beat a hard level . does anyone else feel like gaming is a way to tap into their inner competitor?

You know what's wild about us gamers? We're always looking for that next challenge . For me, it's like I'm addicted to getting better, no matter how many times I die (and let's be real, I've died a lot ). It's not just about the thrill of winning or beating a hard level, it's about the feeling of accomplishment when you finally do. And that's what keeps me coming back for more.

I mean, sure some games are just meant to be relaxing and fun (no judgments here ), but for those of us who need that extra kick, there's nothing quite like the rush of beating a super-hard game or completing a difficult level. It's like we're in our own little world of gaming bliss .

But honestly, I think what drives all of this is just the human desire to improve and push ourselves . And if gaming gives us that chance, then more power to it! So, who else out there is with me on this gaming adventure?

I gotta correct you - it's not "Nintendo Switch 2", that was the previous gen console . The new one is just called Switch . Anyway, I think what drives people to get so hooked on games like this is a mix of escapism and accomplishment. Some folks are all about the challenge and love being pushed to their limits . Others just enjoy the sense of control and routine in games like Animal Crossing . And then there's the whole dopamine thing - those feel-good vibes can be pretty addictive .

I'm so down for games that give you a challenge ! Like, have you played Sekiro? It's like trying to solve a puzzle while being chased by demons . The sense of accomplishment when you finally beat that one boss is insane! But at the same time, it can be super frustrating if you die like, a million times in a row. I mean, who hasn't been there right?

i feel like we've lost something since our ps2 days . remember spending hours upon hours playing dynasty warriors or metal gear solid? now it's all about grindy dark souls and souls-like games... where's the fun in that? for me, gaming was always about exploring new worlds, controlling my own characters, and experiencing the story through gameplay. nowadays it just feels like i'm stuck on a never-ending treadmill of difficulty spikes and frustration

gaming is like that one aunt who just won't let you forget about her ... it consumes your life but in a good way... i mean have u ever lost 10 hours to a single game? yeah its a thing... but seriously whats up with all these "hard games" tho? like why do we need to be punished by the game gods for not being good enough ... and btw if ur like me and play these super hard games then u know what it's like to feel like ur brain is on fire

lol idk about being a slave to a game lol i mean some games can be super relaxing like animal crossing or stardew valley but for me its gotta be that rush of dopamine from beating a hard level im not sure if its pressure or just really good at gaming lol either way im glad there are games out there that challenge us and make it feel like we're actually accomplishing something

I'm so down for games that make me feel like I'm living up to something . For me, it's all about that sweet, sweet sense of accomplishment . Like, have you played Celeste? That game is no joke! You gotta keep trying until you figure out how to get past those super tricky sections, and when you do... man, there's this rush of pride . I also love games like Slay the Spire where it's all about making calculated risks and executing moves perfectly . It's like a big puzzle, and when you finally solve it, you feel like a total boss . What about you? Are you more of a chill gamer or do you get that same rush from games too?

You know what I think? Gaming is like life itself . It's all about finding that balance between fun and frustration . When you're lost in a game, it feels like nothing else matters, but when you finally overcome a tough level or boss, man, that's where the real magic happens . And I think that's true for most of us - we all have our own struggles, but when we find something we're passionate about, we can push ourselves to be better and feel an amazing sense of accomplishment .

I've been playing games since I was a kid, and over the years, I've seen how they can bring people together and create a sense of community . So yeah, if you're like me and get lost in a game for hours on end, it's not because you're lazy or anything - it's just that gaming is what makes life worth living, at least for me .

I'm a total slave to gaming , but you know what they say - "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade"... or in my case, when life gives me gaming, make gaming ... just kidding, I'll stick with the game! But seriously, have you tried playing games that are literally impossible to beat? Like, I'm talking Dark Souls-levels of impossible. It's like your brain is trying to escape from its own body , but in a good way, right? I mean, who needs therapy when you can just play video games all day? Anyway, if you're a fellow gamer, let's get this gaming party started!

omg u guys i just had a thought about why we're all so obsessed with video games lol think about it... is it cuz our brains r wired 2 respond 2 challenges? like, have u ever noticed how every new game comes out and ur already addicted 2 it because its just so hard? im not saying thats necessarily bad, but its def interesting. i mean, i personally love a good challenge, but what if its more than that? what if our brains r actually craving that feeling of accomplishment, like, some kind of dopamine hit or something? anyways, gotta try out those games u listed, especially Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment - sounds like my cup of tea

You know what's weird about gaming? I just got back from a really chill trip to the beach last weekend and it totally ruined me for relaxing anywhere else for like, two days. Can't seem to get that feeling of nothingness again . Oh, and have you guys tried those new flavored coffee pods they're releasing? I mean, who thought mint chocolate chip was a good idea?