Which difficulty gives a more "authentic" ghosts 'n goblins experience?

[Uncle Jon]

I mean one that's more similar to the original games? I want to play through the game being only able to be hit two times like the original games. From what I understand that is only for the hardest setting, the other ones don't do that?

[Chocos Ramabotti]

Correct, every other difficulty setting alters the formula of G&G by allowing you to get hit more and spamming you with checkpoints. The game was designed to be played on "Legend" difficulty, that's why it's the topmost option, the cursor starts on it, every other options are compromises made for casual orientated players.

[usa423]

Start on Legend.

[MaXXX]

Legend is the most authentic, but you don't HAVE to start on it if it's too hard for you (It probably will be)

Nothing wrong with trying an easier level (Doesn't have to be easiest) Then doing Legend after

[muxilla]

It's a bit of a mixed bag. I was in the same position as you, feeling that enduring more than two hits in a game like GnG just didn't feel right. So yes, the Legend difficulty setting is the only one that offers the two-hit mode.

However, there's a catch: IMHO, this setting can't really be compared to its predecessors. The number of enemies is excessively high, and since you have unlimited lives to reach subsequent checkpoints, the overall game experience changes significantly. It becomes more about surviving brief but incredibly punishing segments with bursts of extreme difficulty that surpass the other games in the series by a significant margin. There's also the skill tree, which adds a unique aspect to the game. As you progress, you'll acquire powerful magic skills that can be used to facilitate challenging situations.

I find that even in Knight mode (3 hits), it remains ultra-challenging, and I've found myself relying on the rebirth-points as well. Nevertheless, it still feels excessively difficult, and the sense of genuine achievement isn't quite present. Instead, it often feels like achieving success relies more on occasional luck rather than actually mastering the game.

I would suggest beginning with the Legend difficulty and gradually lowering it as you progress. Keep adjusting until you find the sweet-spot between where it feels suitable and when it becomes too demoralizing for your self-esteem to lower it any further.

[Chocos Ramabotti]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von muxilla:

and since you have unlimited lives to reach subsequent checkpoints, the overall game experience changes significantly. It becomes more about surviving brief but incredibly punishing segments with bursts of extreme difficulty that surpass the other games in the series by a significant margin.

The series was always like this, asides from the arcade games. Even the NES game had unlimited continues.

[muxilla]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Chocos Ramabotti:

The series was always like this, asides from the arcade games. Even the NES game had unlimited continues.

You are correct - sorry for the confusion. So yes, this doesn't change the experience in that aspect, nevertheless I feel like this installment is insanely hard compared to its predecessors. The issue I personally have is more about the feeling of progression. Sure, with lots of dedication, you will get through it, nevertheless I can't get over the feeling of "this time I was just lucky, wouldn't want to play that section ever again" - without having the impression that I actually improved my gameplay.