I know games back then increased the difficulty to up the play time, but Castlevania 1 for the NES feels like it goes a bit overboard on that.
Still a fun game, but be prepared to die a lot. Or if you're emulating, to use a lot of save states. Or both.
Also had planned to start the second game next, but I feel a bit burnt out after beating the game, so will go for some other game first. "<.<
They didn't have great storytelling skills/budget then, so good=hard, and if you can't beat it, get game genie or git gud.
Final fantasy is one of the first to break that mold.
The team who made Ninja Gaiden would like to have a word with you.
I had that original game and will die on that hill. 😁
I died on a lot of its hills. And valleys. And boss fights. Those goddamned eagles. 😡