RPGs with meaningful difficulty setting

[Vic]

What RPGs have a meaningful difficulty setting that requires you to change up your playstyle on higher difficulty and doesn't simply bloat stats. Unless the gameplay allows it, and stat bloat forces you to switch up your playstyle as well, like in Grim Dawn, higher difficulty means you have to absolutely dodge everything or you die, where on lower difficulty you can still take hits from area of effect and such while only avoiding the heavy hitters.

 

[Vic]

Bump, and also:

Is the "Insane" difficulty in BG:EE playable without having to cheese? Asking because I don't trust Beamdog to create anything good.

 

[Butter]

Dungeon Rats. The lower difficulties give you a statistical advantage and the highest difficulty means you're playing without it.

 

[Lt Broccoli]

Ironman mode for Wizardry 8 will certainly change your playstyle - ie. no reloading - saves only when exiting. Fallout Tactics also had a Tough Guy mode where you can only save between scenarios which is incredibly painful as the scenarios are so long. Incorporating your own 'Ironman' mode can be done on any game if you discipline yourself.

 

[Geckabor]

I suppose the hardcore modes of games like KC:D and F:NV are worth mentioning. They change your playstyle without bloating any stats in ways that also goes beyond combat. In KC:D, you have to be more careful of your surroundings and orient yourself properly, since you're not shown on the map. In F:NV, you probably need to spend a bit more money and hoard less due to needing more doctor's bags and food, etc.