Current Events > So what does an ideal hard mode do?

(+) Yeah! (+)

I guess it depends on the game and genre, but I think it goes without saying that simple damage multipliers are usually not enough to make a satisfying hard mode.

Some hard modes add new enemies or limit ammo. In some games, they even give enemies (especially bosses) new moves, or make them faster, whoch can be interesting.

What do you hope for in a game's hard mode?
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It should add new enemies, bosses, and challenges, or at least switch things up, like having late game enemies in starting areas.
Also have item and puzzle locations switched up as well.
If there is loot, then it should have it scaled appropriately and have new items able to drop.
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Perfect Dark's added higher level objectives which I thought was a good approach

AI can still be pretty rough, but ideally I'd like for hard mode to be reflected in smarter AI

making enemies damage sponges or limiting what your character can do never felt like a good reason to play hard mode
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Good thoughts. Adding endgame enemies to the start of the game is an especially good one.
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The difficulty matches skill level not unfair cheap game mechanics.
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Something like Ninja Gaiden Black.

From Normal to Hard you get:

- Stronger enemies stat-wise, upgraded enemies ( On Normal, you fight Brown Ninjas and White Ninjas Later. On Hard, The White Ninja's take the Brown Ninja's spots, and Black Ninja's Take the White Ninja's spots.
- Entirely New enemies.
- Rearranged Item Locations
- Most Bosses are now accompanied by minions. Obviously makes the fights tougher, but can be used to your advantage to beat the bosses even faster ( through use of their essence)
- Prices are increased, somewhat offset in that you are fighting stronger opponents, and thus, will get more money from them
- Healing Item limit decreased.
- AI changes/ AI is quicker to stomp your bad habits.
- More/ new tools available
- Endurance trails are longer, enemy formation and reward may change
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improved AI intelligence and reduced player 'cheaty' features, rather than AI cheating turned on

in games without instakill traps and the like, a one-save mode. (divinity original sin can suck my dick with regard to this)
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- Improved enemy AI/health
- Resource scarcity
- Less opportunities to (auto)save
- In some games, better loot availibility
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Well, it depends on what I'm playing, but in general;

1. Better AI. Not necessarily something that predicts your every movement, but AI that seems to act a little more realistically or strategically.

2. Gameplay that forces you to adapt different techniques instead of just one tried and true method.

3. More enemies in appropriate areas that can accommodate them.

4. Different abilities or techniques used by bosses, or different hazards that you need to look out for in a particular stage. I don't like going expecting the same fight, only with a boss that hits a little harder.
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