- Note: Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number was played across all available PlayStation platforms and this review covers them all, since each version is pretty much the same except for controls.
The first Hotline Miami was groundbreaking, as it tried something unique with the classic top-down genre and, not only did it succeed in what it was trying to do, it also managed to gather a huge following of fans, and rightfully so. It had everything from an interesting art style to well-balanced level design that never felt too hard, but always challenging, and a twisted, but clever plot-line. Also, the soundtrack for it is still known as perhaps one of gaming’s greats in recent times. So, you can guess why everyone was so excited about the new iteration in the series.
Before I start praising the game for what it has done right, let’s get the shortcomings out of the way. One thing that the game manages to miss this time unfortunately is the balance in its level design. As mentioned before, the first game’s levels were designed so cleverly that they never felt too hard, but always felt challenging. Unfortunately, they haven’t quite managed to find the balance this times round as the clutter of too much content, makes the game needlessly difficult at times. In fact, all of a sudden you are plunged into these huge areas that are being patrolled by goons carrying around different sorts of firearms. In these sections it is not only hard to survive the onslaught of bullets, but it is also very hard to distinguish between what the enemy can and can’t see through.
Half the time I would take cover behind something thinking that it can be used as barrier. Unfortunately, I was only right half of the time as it is quite challenging to distinguish what some of the new items are used for. For example, some props that look like tables can very well be a tall standing shelf, or the other way around. So, most of the time, whatever strategy you have come up with may be hindered in that respect.
I was hoping that the open areas would be there for only a few levels, but the game is unfortunately littered with them. In the first game, with the way the levels were designed, although challenging, it was possible to come up with a strategy and see it through. However, in this sequel, the levels seem so randomly populated that whatever you are thinking will probably not stick. Still, that does not mean you should completely stay away from the game as it is still delightfully fun. Your arsenal of action has been upgraded with new weapons, masks and animations. If you thought the first game was brutal, wait till you get a load of this. Each animation is designed with gruesome details that would either make your stomach twist a bit or shout “cool” like a teenager watching an adrenaline pumping 80’s Stallone movie (which I did).
Most of the game plays similarly to the first instalment, but this time around due to the upgraded placement of enemies and how fast things can get difficult, the pace feels more brisk. The game actively tries to encourage you to use different firearms too. I understand that there were a lot of purists who played the game without having to rely on firearms, and undoubtedly with some masks it would make sense, but due to the game’s shaky level design it would make more sense for you to rely on firearms a bit more in this instance.
The mask mechanic is still my favourite, where each mask has a different attribute that while beneficial to one aspect will hinder another. If you keep dying through a level, you may want to make sure to choose the right mask for the occasion. The masks are still designed with influences from various animals and now you can even dual wield some weapons as an added bonus.
The story is still as menacing as the first game, but twice as twisted, making you question your actions at every turn. Although it does take you a while to get your head around the plot, it isn’t anything overly complicated. The game does have a few controversial scenes, with some that have garnered a lot of bad press. Personally I think that a lot of media outlets unprofessionally and unfairly bashed the game for it. This is fiction, a work of art and like the majority of art, half the people would like what they see, while the other half would scream foul (the later probably wouldn’t even play the game anyway). However, the main thing to note here is that the game gives you a clear option to skip these scenes the first time you boot it up, so there is always that option.
One thing I really like about the game, is the design of the User Interface on the pause screen. Every time you pause the game, it feels as if you have paused an actual VHS tape, giving a huge dose of 80’s nostalgia. The screen starts flickering, it’s an amazingly creative touch, one that really matches the game’s neon-noir setting, and one that I could keep talking about for some time.
If you have already played the first game on the PlayStation Vita or the PS3, the controls would be familiar to you. However, the PlayStation 4 controller really makes the game feel complete. Due to how ergonomic and detailed the controller is, console players can finally play the game in a much more responsive and straightforward manner, as it was originally intended. Of course there is no difficulty in controlling the PC version due to the convenience afforded by a mouse, but now with a PS4’s DualShock 4 controller, the experience feels really smooth and responsive.
If all of this doesn’t make you want to play the game, then maybe the incentive of Cross-Buy on the PlayStation platforms would. Basically, if you were to buy the game for any one of your chosen PlayStation platforms , you will be granted a license for the other PS formats at no extra cost. It is without a doubt, not only a money-saver and it even has the added benefit of Cross-Save which lets you pick up and play the game from where you left off, no matter what console you switch to (which is particularly handy for PS Vita owners on the go). It really works well, and I never ran into a problem with it. Lastly, the soundtrack is absolutely brilliant and features twice the amount of tracks that were available in the original game. Each track has been uniquely designed to pump your adrenaline and get you through the levels as stylistically as possible. Furthermore, the soundtrack, which is now available for purchase comes with tons of tracks at a very good price (so it might be worth you checking it out).
The game, although missing its mark with level design, is still a lot of fun, stylish, responsive and brutal to play. It will make you fall in love with the Dennation’s neon dripped universe once again. Then, to top it all off, the soundtrack is still amazing, Cross-Save/Cross-Buy is still there and the game feels comfortable at home on a PlayStation 4 due to its amazingly ergonomic controller and responsive key layout. If you’re a fan of the original Hotline Miami, then picking up this title is a splattered no-brainer. However, if you’ve missed this unique series, it might be worth you seeing what all the fuss is about.