10 Loveable Video Games That HATE You

We're long suffering, us gamers.

Those who don't play videogames have no idea of the arduous challenges we face, the horrendous challenges evil gaming developers make for us to conquer. You know the ones - we're talking about the sweaty palm, sitting on the edge of your seat, eyes unblinking kind of challenges that take you literally hours to complete.

The worst thing is, these challenges are usually in the most loveable of videogames! Despite looking like a cutesy cartoon with great characters, these games are secretly evil beings who will stop at nothing to cause you almost biblical amounts of punishment.

If you're like me though, these challenges and the frustrations they bring with them, are the ultimate high in gaming. There's nothing quite like finally beating that horrendous challenge that you've played for so long you know have a permanent controller button imprint in your finger.

That's why despite these games throwing everything they can at us, basically screaming WE HATE YOU in big, flashing neon letters, we persevere. Love and hate is a fine thing my friends: just don't expect these games to love you back.

They really do hate you. Lots.

It's hard not to love the silent and unnamed protagonist of Hollow Knight.

While aesthetically he may not be the most pleasing of characters - he is basically an anthropomorphic insect - you'll learn to adore the quiescent bug throughout your time delving into the kingdom of Hallownest.

In fact, the entirety of Hollow Knight itself, despite its dark and foreboding atmosphere, is positively oozing with lashings of charm from top to bottom. Whether it's the crazy cast of characters you meet (including best girl Hornet) or stumbling upon a bizarre secret tucked away in the most far-flung corner of the nest, there's so much here to enjoy.

With that said - Hollow Knight absolutely HATES you. This is a game that pulls absolutely no punches. What looks on the surface like a bug-filled, slightly-cutesy take on the metroidvania genre is instead a relentless, soul-crushingly-difficult game packed full of darkness, despair and plenty of controller-flingly-frustrating moments.

You'll really be put through the wringer with this one. Bosses hit hard and fast; basic enemies can and will kill you with their diverse range of movesets and Hallownest is so massive - and the map, honestly, isn't the best - so you'll find yourself lost many a time too.