I Wanna Be the Guy: Gaiden

About

This prequel to a notoriously tough indie platformer follows a similar formula of punishing precision jumps and deceptively simple level design. You control a character through increasingly chaotic screens filled with moving hazards, tight spaces, and one-way platforms that demand pixel-perfect timing. Progress is manual and unforgiving, with no checkpoints to cushion repeated failures. The single-player campaign leans heavily into its reputation for difficulty, offering minimal hand-holding or leniency. Despite its 2012 release, the game remains a staple in speedrun communities and challenge-focused circles. Its free-to-play model on PC keeps accessibility high, though completion rates hover around 10% according to player reports. Developer Kayin’s follow-up to their original title retains the same brutal charm, appealing to those who thrive on incremental progress and the satisfaction of finally beating a level that once seemed impossible. The lack of modern conveniences like save scumming or dynamic difficulty makes it a polarizing but dedicated experience.