I believe i found a way to increase difficulty

So im playing through again for like the 9th time since i re purchased this game about a year ago actually the day i signed up for this forum is the day i bought 7 , 8 , and 9.
any ways i have about 8 saves on my memory card, all in the northern crater, they all are different play throughs,… i’ve beaten this game probably 23 or 24 times since 97 and i’ve never had as much trouble on any playthrough in battles as im having this time, And no im not losing my touch my characters are pretty stacked right now there all 30 + and i havent even enetered the cave of the g.i yet…It, i turned the battle speed up to max wich i’ve never done before and i can most definently feel an increase in difficulty …maybe its just cuz i turned the battle speed up? but a deathclaw shouldnt be hitting me for 200 hp…and i’ve died 3 times already LOL 3 times…..something is most def goin on. i wish i could show you guys what im talking about…i thought it might have something to do with all my high level saves from different playthroughs?

Ff8 did this to me at a point after you receive the space ship ragnarok. Minor enemies were nearly impossible to kill and I would only receive about 200 xp. I had to quit as I was emulating and only had 1 save. I just thought it glitched