Hardcore mode is the only way to play. For those who aren't in the know, hardcore mode gives you one life and only one life. You die and that's it--you're done. You have to start all over again from scratch. You lose all the gear you had on you at the time. It may seem harsh but it really adds a level of intensity to each encounter with enemies. The game can get kinda boring in softcore mode so that's why I tell everyone who asks about the game to try hardcore. I assure you if you play hardcore you'll never play softcore again.