Here are some tips for hard mode lv. 1 in Portrait of Ruin.
Main game:
-Equip good items. High defense works well, along with the Magus Ring.
Richter mode:
-Use Maria for most bosses. Her attacks are spamable and since you die after a hit or two, it helps to kill things quick.
-Use Richter's Grand Cross as a shield. Works well when the Vampire sisters are using the giant ice crystal.
-Use Richter's whip as a shield. Spin it to block projectiles. Works well against the ice blizzard attack.
-Spam super jump with Richter in the right corner of the boss room with The Creature. Maria will beat the crap out of him from behind and he won't be able to hit you. He will ignore her.
Sisters mode:
- Try not to stay off the ground too long. You don't want to be stuck without magic.
-Use Lorreta mainly, she attacks really quick.
Old Axe Armor:
- Hold up and he will raise his axe. Anything touching it takes constant damage.
- Avoid anything you can. He isn't strong and has no partner.
Maria only mode (glitch):
-....spam, and get as far as possible.
All Modes:
-save often
-if attacking doesn't work, switch characters or use sub-weapons.
-learn the special combos. They are pretty usefull. Example: Jump and press down + L to make Richter do a backflip.
I hope this helps.