Reviews - Hotline Miami

Hotline Miami is a good example of how an indie game can be a piece of art, and it's not just because of the developers' odd decisions, like encouraging play the game through piracy. The game is as gory as you can get from an 8-bit top-down shoot 'em up, but it masterfully mixes this violence with surrealist environments, a hypnotic soundtrack, an unpredictable meta-narrative and fast-paced gameplay that isn't made for players who can't endure a degree of frustration. However, I think this game is a one-off, so it could feel like an LSD trip, leaving you wanting more.

I'd say aesthetics of Hotline Miami are its defining feature. Drawing inspiration from stuff like 2011 film Drive, it has been a source of influence for music and other video games. The glowing color palette is in line with any retrowave cultural production. The iconic characters have given birth to a multitude of video game crossovers. The atmospheric, addictive, and praised soundtrack is almost guaranteed to be found in any synthwave/cyberpunk music playlist. It's true that at first glance the graphics are nothing spectacular, and by some standards, they can even be too dull. But Hotline Miami doesn't need to rely on any AAA standard to deliver what it wants. In fact, low-detail graphics suggest more than they show, which is perfect for a game with an ambiguous message that isn't easily grasped. The gore is a bit over-the-top, but its contrast with the background gives a feeling of constant alertness, where anything can happen at any second and you have to react fast to stay alive. Transitions between action scenes, aftermaths, and more relaxed and nostalgic ambiences are done well and captivate the player into the gameplay and story.

The plot is exquisite if you're into the theme of blurring the line between reality and imagination. Story is told in a non-linear, fragmented manner and is lead by an unreliable first-person "narrator" who shows you what he sees without saying a single word. It's all set up in Miami at the end of the '80s, a backdrop where something is always going on, where decadence is at hand, and where speed and drug consumption make it difficult to tell what is real and what isn't. And as if figuring the base of the story isn't difficult enough, the plot gets more intricate as you progress, introducing dangerous characters and organizations. There is a system of secrets that somewhat rewards those who replay the game in search of answers. But there are also meta-narratives. While not explicit, in several parts Hotline Miami breaks the fourth wall and addresses the player directly, adding a layer of intricacy to the story.

The gameplay is simple to learn and intuitive but difficult to master. The player is as vulnerable as their enemies, so trial and error is a must to progress through the maps. Movement and shooting are well-paced, giving the game a clear level of difficulty that isn't impossible to overcome. There are some parts where the protagonist is dizzy, which is coherent with the somewhat unresponsive controls and is great for player immersion. There is also a good variety of weapons and, most notably, masks. Those are not just cosmetic, but they have different features that can be experimented with, providing a notable degree of variety in gameplay. Finally, there is a score system after clearing each map that rewards bold moves, constant weapon switching and "creative" killings, which aligns with the ultraviolent theme of the game. So, the surrealist ambience, obscure story and fast-paced gameplay come full circle to create an addictive experience that hooks you one way or another.

Despite what appears to be a diverse potential for different playing tactics, Hotline Miami is quite short and even with all the mentioned features it doesn't give much incentive for replaying, except if you're a maniac of achievements and self-improvement. The good news is there is a longer sequel available.

In sum, Hotline Miami is a game that people interested in indie games and/or good lore won't be disappointed with if they give it a try. It even has visual art and music that can be the sole point of interest for some people, and it is quite enjoyable. However, as addictive as it can be, one should not expect to spend many hours playing it, so it could be of further interest to research all the influences on the developers and interpretations of the story.

Amazing soundtrack, good pixelarts, brilliant plot.

I have never in my life played something like this game and I'm sure I'll never do as well. this is brutally unique and special, this game really sticks out all of the games in my gaming experience. I finished it about 5 times and each time it gets better and better, you don't randomly win or lose, you learn to get better at the game so if a level takes 30 minutes to beat in your first run, the second time you play the game you'll finish the level in 1 minute.
Also the story and characters are amazing you will never forget them.
the conversations are genius and well-written, the level design, and the audio...don't even get me started on how PERFECT the OST of this game is, it just takes you to a whole other world! you really get inside of the game and you suddenly change to a different person you've never met before...he was always there but you just needed this game and THIS game only to allow your inner animal to take over.
everything in this game is just perfect the way it's supposed to be.
but to see what I saw in this game you have to answer one question...
Do you like hurting other people?

exciting

My favourite Indie-Game.

im on the hotline to heaven! now im all alone... ;_;

Everyone should play it.

This game is utterly amazing. I can't wait till the Second one!

Brutal, violent, fun.
Excellent soundtrack and great 80's vibe.
You will die a lot but you will always get back to it.

one of the best ever made
MUSIC IS THE KING