Man this game is damn hard.
I had to switch to easy mode and even with easy mode i'm having a tough time.
I hate it when they make games extra hard just to artificially extend the number of hours to beat the game.
i think the developers overdid it with the difficulty level. either that or i'm getting too old for these games.
this game is in a serious need for a "super-easy" mode.

I didn't find it hard at all, just painful on the fingers.

Kind of ironic, given your screen name.

I find it very difficult also, but very rewarding when I do beat a level also. Just keep at it.

pause the game so the options menu appears
u can use the perfect mode cheat for the ps2: on the ps2: hold down, L1, L2, R1, R2 while entering the code below
perfect mode: cir, down, tri, x
invulnerability: squ, cir, squ, up
restore health: squ, squ, cir, cir

for the xbox version {hold down L and R} of the pefect mode: enter code: B, down, Y, A.

if u do it correctly, you will hear a sound indicate success.

anyone have success entering the perfect mode for the xbox version? i can't see to do it right. didnt hear a sound.

I thought those only worked after you beat the game?

I just picked up the game last night and it's not too difficult or too easy. I love it so far.