5th Gen The games are too easy, there's no challenge!

[Ho-Oh]

Nah, that's not the case.

So, Easy and Challenge mode. Did you try out the different modes? Was it worth playing through a new game for more of a challenge or did you want a nice relaxing playthrough?

For those that didn't bother: would have you used the various modes if they were absolutely available from your first playthrough?

 

[loser]

I have not played either, and I would definitely give it a shot if it was made possible from the beginning. I've actually heard that the hard mode is actually easier than the regular mode because since the trainers' pokemon are higher leveled, you get more experience and don't have to grind much.

 

[Ammy175]

I have not played either, and I would definitely give it a shot if it was made possible from the beginning. I've actually heard that the hard mode is actually easier than the regular mode because since the trainers' pokemon are higher leveled, you get more experience and don't have to grind much.

This is true, in a sense, but bosses also have more Pokemon with better movesets, and all of them have held items that aren't just Sitrus Berries.

I love the inclusion of Easy and Challenge modes myself, but I wish they were oh so much better implemented. I like going through on Challenge mode myself.

 

[Degurchaff]

No i haven't acually tried out the easy mode nor challenge mode as after i finished the game i did not really feel like going through the same thing again just for a little more challenge If there was a choice of picking a harder Difficulty at the start of the game However then yes i would pick it I want a challenge not a Spam one move over and over and you win Run Since all i had to do in the Gen 5 games was grind my Pokemon just a little higher than the opponent and then i won I don't want that i want a challenge that makes you Work for your Gym badge.

 

[Sydian]

I think it's silly that you have to beat the game before you can access the key, and then if you restart, you lose the key. And as I recall, you could only transfer it through local wireless. So it was like ????? idk. Kinda confusing.

Regardless, I did play through challenge mode and rather enjoyed it. I think BW2 are already among some of the harder games in the series, so adding to that with that mode helped a bit. I didn't find it as hard as I would have liked, though. But I thought it was a step in the right direction and I think that it's a shame it didn't make it into the next two generations, especially VI which I felt was too easy.

 

[Ammy175]

I think it's silly that you have to beat the game before you can access the key, and then if you restart, you lose the key. And as I recall, you could only transfer it through local wireless. So it was like ????? idk. Kinda confusing.

Yeah, this is what I meant when I said it wasn't implemented well. The only way you're going to experience Challenge mode is if you have a friend IRL who's beaten Black 2 to send you the key. Unless you're me and have both versions of the game and multiple DS's.

I'm reminded of a post a friend of mine made in regards to a difficulty system in Pokemon. Pretty interesting read, IMO: https://nicocw.tumblr.com/post/152795027091

 

[Earendilion]

I don't think this is the case, as i had a real hard time in Black 2 playing on the higher difficulty.. it seemed oddly hard for me compared to the other games.
Note that i didn't grind my poke's in the same area for hours.

 

[Rivvon]

They definitely should have made it so that the difficulty options were available from the start.

Aside from that, though, difficulty options were an outstanding addition to the games. I thought B2W2 was appropriately challenging on Normal Mode, but Challenge Mode was really great, even if I had to use it exclusively in the post-game. And difficulty options are a great middle-ground, allowing people to play how they like, be it with more of a challenge, or having an easier, more relaxed time.

I got Black 2 at launch, so no one was able to transfer me a key for Challenge Mode while I was playing through the story, but I did turn it on in the post-game. I remember my first battle was with Hugh, and the jump in levels was really noticeable. I played through all of Black Tower with it, and it got my team really high-leveled. Even though I would have really loved it if I could have had that option the entire time I played, it definitely added to my post-game adventures, so that's a plus.

I really wish an improved take on difficulty options would return for future titles.