Some games are tough. Other games are testing. Mega Man 9 is next to impossible. After a brief taster at this year’s E3, we realised it was always going to be a challenge, but nothing could’ve prepared us for the unforgiving, pixel-perfect talent that’s required even to get through a single level. We’re surprised it doesn’t come with a health warning as those with a short fuse will more than likely go through multiple controllers as they die for the millionth time. The thing is, the ninth Mega Man has been deliberately designed this way and to be honest, is all the better for it.

It would take a dull person not to come over all giddy with nostalgia as you witness the NES-like graphics, and the sense of satisfaction of actually overcoming a stage is akin to ecstasy. Hell, just getting to the boss is an achievement in itself and if you actually manage to take them down, feel free to call yourself one of the greatest gamers of the last decade.

Speaking of Achievements, Mega Man 9 could truly posses the hardest set we’ve ever seen. If anyone has enough skill, and patience, to clear the game in 60 minutes or less, finish it without dying or somehow get the end credits five times in a single day (!), we highly advise you contact Microsoft and ask for a special insignia to be placed next to your GamerTag. In short, such a feat would be amazing!

Obviously such a harsh difficulty level will make this unplayable for some, especially those who spend the majority of their time on Hexic, but anyone wanting an old-school experience that stays true to the days of yesteryear will literally gush over this. If your age means you’ve never had the privilege, we cannot recommend this highly enough – it serves as the perfect window into a lost art.