In Mega Man 2, the difficulty modes largely affect the amount of damage Mega Man deals and receives, as well as altering the behavior of some enemies. When you're deciding which setting to play on, here are the primary differences you can expect between Normal and Difficult modes: 1. Enemy Damage: On Difficult mode, enemies generally take more hits before being defeated, as your attacks do less damage compared to Normal mode. This requires more precision and resource management, as you will need to use your weapons more effectively. 2. Player Damage: Conversely, Mega Man will often take more damage from enemy attacks in Difficult mode. This means you must be more cautious in combat situations and better at avoiding enemy attacks to preserve your health. 3. Enemy Behavior: While most enemies behave the same in both modes, some have altered attack patterns or increased speed in Difficult mode, providing a greater challenge. 4. Boss Difficulty: Boss fights, often a significant challenge in themselves, are noticeably tougher in Difficult mode. You'll find that Robot Masters have more complex patterns and may also require more hits to defeat. 5. Number of Enemies: In some instances, you'll encounter more enemies in certain areas during Difficult mode, adding to the overall challenge. 6. Energy Consumption: Some players have noted that weapon energy depletes more quickly in Difficult mode, meaning you'll need to be more strategic with your special weapon usage. It's worth noting that what's referred to as "Difficult" mode in most international releases of Mega Man 2 is actually the standard difficulty in the original Japanese version of the game, known as Rockman 2. The "Normal" mode was implemented for international versions to make the game more accessible to a wider audience. Choosing between Normal and Difficult mode can significantly affect your experience with the game. Normal mode can offer a more forgiving introduction to the Mega Man franchise, whereas Difficult mode can provide a satisfying challenge for seasoned players or those seeking a more hardcore gaming experience. Regardless of the mode you choose, Mega Man 2 remains a celebrated and influential title in the action-platformer genre, offering compelling gameplay that has stood the test of time.