In terms of difficulty, there are games of every stripe, from Elmo's Alphabet Adventure to Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne. There are games with high learning curves, like Final Fatasy Tactics, and games where chance alone determines victory.

Some people lack the time to invest in difficult games, or play games only to enjoy the story or characters, and are frustrated by challenging systems. Others love a good challenge. Among those, some prefer an intellectual approach, as in Zelda: Twilight Princess, and some get a thrill from a game in which the cards are stacked entirely against them, as in Baroque.

So, Mene, what kind of experience are you looking for, in terms of difficulty? And what makes a game difficult to begin with?

What's the hardest game you've ever played, but liked anyway? Conversely, which one's the game (or games) you never finished because it was too hard?

Answer any or all, and ask your own questions, too. There is so much to discuss across every genre. Let's get to it, gamers!