This or That: Demon’s Souls or Monster Hunter Tri

It is said that video games will not directly incite violence, but instead, they increase aggression. If you have played games for a long time now, then it should come to no surprise. For instance, when we play an extremely difficult game, how often do we curse when we lose? A lot. How often do we jump up and throw a fit due to frustration? More than you can count. While we frequently avoid these types of games, there are some that we can not resist.

Last year, there was such a game, Demon's Souls. The mere mention of this name would send shivers down one's spine. To say the game was difficult, would be an understatement. This game will continually kick your butt until you turn off the PS3 and tap out. Those who have played it will testify that this game will not let up. It is always one misstep that will make you fall to your death or it is that ridiculously strong monster that takes your character's life.

Another game with a similar difficulty scale is Monster Hunter Tri. Despite being easier than the PSP versions, tackling the Wii version is still a arduous task. Intrepid adventures may suffer at the hands of Barroth, one of the bosses that stand in your way of climbing the online ladder. If you are a new player, then prepare to die a lot. The game tries to hold your hand in the beginning, but the difficulty keeps ramping up as you progress through the game.

Despite these games being so tough, the feeling of overcoming these challenges are unmatched. People often say that conquering these obstacles is the reward in itself. I have to agree. While it is true earning that sweet new weapon is fun, rising above the challenges has its benefits. But, should there be a line to be drawn when a game is too difficult? I think so.

When I had bought Demon's Souls, I had been hyped to play it. As soon I as I started the game, I was beginning to regret my decision to purchase it. I was curious to know why I was never enthralled with the game. I had heeded all the warnings put forth by those who played it. Going in, I knew this game was going to be rough.

I think the main reason because of the unforgiving continue system that turned me off. After you lose, you have to start from the beginning. If you did not pull that level to open the door neat the entrance, you would have to travel through the same obstacles over again. The countless deaths did not bother me. It was the countless restarts that did the damage.

I much prefer Monster Hunter's format. If you die, then the boss is usually right where you left it. There is no monotony of going through previous obstacles over and over again. It is just you, your giant axe, and that giant dragon you need to kill. While a monster will give you fits, another shot at him is only minutes away.

Those second chances are what truly sets these games apart. You might say the atmosphere, game play, and other obvious differences separate these two, but those only scratch the surface. The experiences felt by these two are identical. There is a ridiculously difficult challenge and if you overcome it, you feel good about yourself. While it is true that there may be a promise of new equipment, but that will not match the utter joy of winning.

While playing Demon's Souls, I had no feelings of happiness. When a game kicks my butt, all I want to do is go back quickly and redeem myself. Monster Hunter allows me that opportunity, while Demon's Souls did not. Do I mind a butt kicking at the hands of a trap door or a giant dragon? Not really. Do I mind going through a level again because I forgot to pull a level? Yes, I do. Demon's Souls tipped the difficult scale a little far for my tastes. I would rather get beat up by Monster Hunter. At the very least, a second chance will not take me very long to get where I left off.