I always found the hard mode hacks to be really over the top and kinda cheesy, haven't found one I liked yet. I did see one someone made for FF9 "alternate fantasy" that made me wanna try it. Maybe it just doesn't feel authentic when its done, but thats just my opinion.
Altho nowdays I always play every game on the highest difficulty when I start it because most are made for brain dead gen Z. Surprisingly Tales of Arise is kicking my *** on hard mode with the second lord, can't seem to beat him with the limited items I came with lol, but I don't know if theres a purpose to the hard mode since it says you can change it.
Playing hardmore BOf3 its so much better than i expected Rei plays like a Redmage a hybird thief/RDM/ with nukes and thf strikes + A randomizer Dice roll that can cast any spell on foes or heal/buffs onurself (rei) Its *** insane, the exp is like 1 per mob, its fixed mobs give like 4 if 4 mobs, Plays like a DND game, ryu is a Holy knight/paladin, Teepo so far is a battle mage on crack, Mobs hit like 4 times harder, its so much fun, cant find herbs on vendors tho, cant wait to see how Garr plays he is my fav character lore wise.
Hoping the Dragon transformations and mixing not changed
Love BoF, 4 was my favorite. I'm trying to get a figure made for Ershin because its the best character.