The Ultimate Test: Unmasking the Hardest Challenge in SUPERHOT
The question of which challenge in SUPERHOT reigns supreme is a common one among fans of this innovative, time-bending shooter. While the game offers a suite of demanding trials, one, in particular, stands out for its sheer difficulty and requirement for near-perfect execution. So, what is the hardest challenge in SUPERHOT? The answer is unequivocally the NORESTART challenge. This challenge pushes players to their absolute limits, demanding not just skill but also mental fortitude and meticulous planning. It’s a gauntlet that separates the casual players from the true SUPERHOT masters.
What Makes NORESTART So Difficult?
The NORESTART challenge presents a unique and brutal twist on the core SUPERHOT gameplay loop. Typically, the game operates on the principle that time moves only when you move. This allows for strategic planning and calculated actions. However, the NORESTART challenge takes this mechanic a step further. Here’s the crux of the difficulty:
- Complete Time Stop: When you are completely still, time freezes completely. This might seem like an advantage, but it becomes a double-edged sword. Every move, every decision, has to be carefully considered.
- Single Run Through All Levels: The challenge requires you to complete all challenge-possible levels in a single, uninterrupted run. This means no room for error and immense pressure to maintain consistency. One mistake, and it’s back to the beginning.
- No Resets Allowed: As the name implies, there are no restarts possible during the challenge. If you die, you have to start again from the very first level. This adds a layer of psychological pressure, knowing that each level must be navigated perfectly to progress.
- Requires Perfection: The combination of complete time stop and the single-run requirement forces players to learn the layout of each level intimately. They must master the timing of their movements, the trajectory of their shots, and the positions of enemies.
Why is NORESTART Considered the Toughest?
Unlike some other challenges, such as Katana Only or Barehands, which change the gameplay parameters, NORESTART fundamentally alters the psychological experience. The pressure of a single, uninterrupted run, coupled with the need for perfection, creates a level of difficulty unmatched by other modes. The FULLSTOP CHALLENGE which features the time-stop mechanic alone is much easier since you are not required to complete all levels in one attempt.
The challenge’s difficulty is not just about mechanical skill. It’s also about:
- Mental Stamina: The need to maintain focus and precision across all levels is incredibly demanding. Players must remain calm and focused to not crack under pressure.
- Planning Ahead: Every moment of stillness becomes an opportunity to strategize. This involves thinking several steps ahead, predicting enemy movements, and carefully considering your own actions.
- Learning from Mistakes: While NORESTART doesn’t allow for in-run restarts, each failed attempt becomes a learning experience. Success hinges on analyzing your errors and adjusting your approach for future runs.
The Reward: Unlocking FUNFUNFUN
Completing the NORESTART challenge is not just about bragging rights. It unlocks one of the most coveted achievements in the game: the FUNFUNFUN achievement. This achievement signifies mastery of the game and marks a true accomplishment for hardcore players. Earning FUNFUNFUN means conquering the ultimate test that SUPERHOT throws at its players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About SUPERHOT Challenges
1. How many levels are there in Superhot?
The main campaign of SUPERHOT contains approximately thirty-one levels. This is estimated to have a similar length to that of Portal.
2. What is the “RED” time in Superhot VR?
In SUPERHOT VR, the “RED” time is a target time for each level. It’s displayed before the start of each level and beating this time is required for 100% completion. Achieving RED time is part of RTA IL (real-time attack individual level) speedruns.
3. What is the KILLING THROWS challenge in SUPERHOT?
The KILLING THROWS CHALLENGE in SUPERHOT requires you to defeat enemies using only thrown objects. You cannot use firearms or melee weapons.
4. Is there a way to skip the ending in SUPERHOT?
Yes, there is a way to manipulate the game files to skip the ending. Players need to find a string in the files that starts with “ZB” and change the letter “V” to “H”. This effectively skips the ending sequence.
5. How long does it take to complete the main story of SUPERHOT?
The main story campaign of SUPERHOT takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete.
6. Are there secret items in SUPERHOT?
Yes, SUPERHOT has 27 hidden terminals scattered throughout the campaign levels that serve as secrets to unlock. These can be found in levels such as 01KICK, 02ALLEY and 03CORRID.
7. Is SUPERHOT safe for kids?
SUPERHOT is rated Teen by the ESRB due to violence and drug references. While it lacks gore, it does depict humanoid enemies breaking apart upon being shot and has some adult themes.
8. What is the difference between SUPERHOT and SUPERHOT VR?
SUPERHOT is the original game. SUPERHOT VR is a separate game built for virtual reality, and features different levels, plot, mechanics, and some new weapons.
9. What is the final level of the SUPERHOT prototype?
The final level of the SUPERHOT prototype is BOSS FIGHT. In this level, the player must navigate through a series of rooms and ultimately defeat “The CEO”.
10. What is the RED ending in SUPERHOT?
A RED ending is achieved when you finish a challenge level within the time limit. This typically means moving quickly, avoiding unnecessary movements, and completing the challenge efficiently.
11. Who are the red enemies in SUPERHOT?
The red enemies in SUPERHOT are the default antagonists. They are humanoid in shape, completely red, and are often equipped with various weapons.
12. How can you 100% complete SUPERHOT VR?
To achieve 100% completion in SUPERHOT VR, you must complete real-time attack individual level (RTA IL) speedruns of all 14 main levels and achieve RED time on each.
13. Is SUPERHOT VR a horror game?
While SUPERHOT VR has some disturbing and unsettling elements, it is primarily an action puzzle game, and not considered a horror game.
14. Is it better to play SUPERHOT VR standing or sitting?
While SUPERHOT VR can be played seated, it is much better experienced standing up. This allows for full immersion and enables the intended feeling of being a “superhero”.
15. What are some of the challenges in SUPERHOT?
Some of the challenges in SUPERHOT include KATANA ONLY CHALLENGE, AD2013 CHALLENGE, GHOST CHALLENGE, FULLSTOP CHALLENGE, KILLING THROWS CHALLENGE, BAREHANDS CHALLENGE, SPEEDRUN CHALLENGE, and SPEEDRUNrt CHALLENGE.
Conclusion
In summary, while SUPERHOT offers various difficult challenges, the NORESTART challenge stands out as the ultimate test of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. Its unforgiving nature, combined with the need for a flawless, uninterrupted run, makes it the hardest challenge in the game. Conquering this challenge not only rewards you with the FUNFUNFUN achievement but also grants a true sense of accomplishment. It marks you as a master of the time-bending world of SUPERHOT.