Hotline Miami

90%
Game Brain Score Based on 70,513 reviews
  • music
  • story
  • gameplay
Hotline Miami Game Cover
Transgressive like Grand Theft Auto hasnt been for years, Hotline is violent, quick and compulsive but lacking in depth.
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In Hotline Miami, players assume the role of a violent antihero, carrying out brutal missions against the criminal underworld in 1989 Miami, all while uncovering a mysterious conspiracy. With its top-down perspective, the game challenges players to quickly and strategically deal with numerous enemies, offering a high-octane and unforgiving experience. The game's striking visuals and immersive soundtrack contribute to its unique and surreal atmosphere.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Play​station Vita
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 70,513 reviews
music10,866 positive mentions
stability286 negative mentions
  • music17,748 mentions

    The music in *Hotline Miami* is widely praised as one of its standout features, with many reviewers highlighting its electrifying synthwave soundtrack that perfectly complements the game's fast-paced, ultra-violent gameplay. The soundtrack not only enhances the overall atmosphere but also serves as a motivational force, keeping players engaged and energized throughout their chaotic missions. Many players have noted that the music has influenced their taste in electronic genres, making it a memorable and integral part of the gaming experience.

    • “If you're looking for a game that combines brutal combat, intense pacing, and a mesmerizing soundtrack, this is it.”
    • “The soundtrack alone is worth experiencing, featuring tracks that make every fight sequence feel like a dance of violence and rhythm.”
    • “The fantastic soundtrack keeps you pumped and adds to the hectic atmosphere as you clear each level, perfectly matching the visuals and theme of the game.”
    • “The music is especially noteworthy - a lot of games have soundtracks that get repetitive as you keep having to replay an area (which will happen a lot for a newcomer), to the point where you're sick of it and turn the music all the way off and just listen to your own playlist.”
    • “The soundtrack is the highlight of this game, by far.”
    • “The soundtrack alone is worth the price of admission.”
  • story10,681 mentions

    The story of Hotline Miami is characterized as mysterious, dark, and often cryptic, leaving players to piece together its narrative through gameplay and environmental storytelling. While some find the plot disjointed or lacking depth, many appreciate its surreal presentation and the way it complements the game's intense, fast-paced action. Overall, the story invites interpretation and discussion, making it a compelling aspect of the game despite its ambiguity.

    • “A story that is mysterious, dark, and open to interpretation.”
    • “The game's story, while cryptic and fragmented, adds an intriguing layer of mystery to the carnage.”
    • “The story is unexpectedly intriguing, and the gameplay is tense and the soundtrack is amazing.”
    • “The storyline can feel vague or disjointed if you’re not a fan of cryptic narratives.”
    • “The story (in this game, at least. hm2 does seem to build upon it) is quite lacking, but that isn't really the reason people came here.”
    • “The story is really confusing.”
  • gameplay9,361 mentions

    The gameplay of *Hotline Miami* is characterized by its fast-paced, challenging mechanics that reward skill and quick reflexes, often requiring players to engage in trial-and-error strategies to succeed. While the controls are generally tight and responsive, some players find the gameplay can become repetitive and frustrating due to its one-hit kill system for both the player and enemies. Overall, the combination of addictive gameplay, a killer soundtrack, and a unique aesthetic creates a thrilling experience that keeps players coming back for more.

    • “Fast-paced, challenging gameplay that rewards skill and quick reflexes.”
    • “The mechanics are simple yet satisfying: choose your weapon, execute your plan, and either revel in your success or face the brutal consequences of failure.”
    • “The gameplay is fast-paced and addictive, with a fair share of frustrating moments that add to the satisfaction upon completion, which also adds to replay value.”
    • “The game has a pretty stupid gameplay - just run and kill, and in the end you suddenly get a bullet in the forehead from an enemy who has his back to you, and now you're going through the stage again.”
    • “Really boring gameplay with nothing happening, but I guess the soundtrack and art is good, play Postal 1 or Redux instead.”
    • “The gameplay is almost like Dark Souls but it pays off in the end.”
  • graphics5,418 mentions

    The graphics of *Hotline Miami* are characterized by a vibrant pixel art style that evokes a retro 80s aesthetic, blending colorful visuals with intense graphic violence. While some players find the simplistic graphics charming and fitting for the game's tone, others criticize them as headache-inducing or lacking detail. Overall, the unique art style, combined with a pulsating synthwave soundtrack, creates an immersive and memorable experience that resonates with fans of fast-paced action and atmospheric storytelling.

    • “Hotline Miami’s pixel art style is strikingly colorful yet sinister, and it pairs beautifully with the synthwave soundtrack that drives the intensity of each encounter.”
    • “The pixel art style is vibrant and stylish, evoking a retro aesthetic that perfectly complements the game’s tone.”
    • “The retro-inspired graphics, drenched in neon colors and accompanied by a mesmerizing synthwave soundtrack, create a unique and immersive experience that feels like stepping into an '80s fever dream.”
    • “There are also bugs (enemies can kill through the wall and so on), 'poisonous' graphics that make your eyes stick together.”
    • “The graphics too are quite ugly in places (mainly the dialogue sprite faces) but in a similar fashion to Cruelty Squad, it adds more charm to the game's experience.”
    • “The pixel graphics and chromatic aberration make it hard to play the game for even a couple of hours, as I found myself getting nauseous due to the repetitive shooting and dying mixed with the obnoxious, dizzying graphics.”
  • replayability1,315 mentions

    The game's replayability is frequently praised, with many players highlighting its infinite replay value due to various masks, unlockable weapons, and a scoring system that encourages repeated playthroughs to achieve higher scores. While some reviewers note that the main story is relatively short, they appreciate the numerous ways to approach levels and the challenge of mastering gameplay mechanics, making it a highly engaging experience. Overall, the consensus is that the game offers substantial replayability, appealing to both casual players and completionists alike.

    • “The game's replayability is exceptional, with each level offering multiple paths, hidden secrets, and optional challenges to uncover.”
    • “With such high replay value, you can put hours into the same 20-odd levels.”
    • “The incredible amount of replayability, however, can easily triple your play time, in part because beating your high score is incredibly satisfying.”
    • “The only part that is maybe weak is replayability because just thinking about beating this game for a second makes me want to start smoking again.”
    • “The game also lacks replayability, as levels can only be completed in 1 to 2 ways.”
    • “Not much of a replay value unless you're a completionist.”
  • atmosphere988 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Hotline Miami" is widely praised for its vibrant, retro aesthetic and immersive sound design, effectively capturing the chaotic essence of 1980s Miami. Reviewers highlight the game's pulsating synthwave soundtrack, which complements the frenetic gameplay and enhances the overall experience, creating a surreal and intense environment that draws players into its violent narrative. The combination of pixel art graphics, a darkly humorous tone, and a unique storytelling approach contributes to an unforgettable atmosphere that resonates with both nostalgia and innovation.

    • “The fantastic soundtrack keeps you pumped and adds to the hectic atmosphere as you clear each level, perfectly matching the visuals and theme of the game.”
    • “The soundtrack, writing, and general aesthetic of the game contribute to a stunning atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere is a garish, neon, drug-induced nightmare, fitting the gameplay, soundtrack, and storyline quite nicely.”
    • “My take: the atmosphere and reputation of the game implies the experience is much different than it actually is, and I was expecting a game where you could run in and wreak havoc, but it's just frustrating honestly, and I think it is more difficult than it needs to be to accomplish what it seeks to accomplish.”
    • “A rotating stage, really sharp enemies, and an atmosphere that contradicts the way this game must be played all combine to create a really annoying experience.”
    • “What Hotline Miami does best is generating a very powerful, intense and brutal atmosphere where you're kicking down doors, downing dudes by the dozen and shooting your way through every stage like some sort of ubermensch drug-fueled Miami man - but when most of your deaths are as much the control's fault as yours and when you can't even consistently reproduce what you've successfully done 10, 20, 30 times or more already on a single stage, then it's just repetitive and unrewarding because even as you try to learn and develop, the game is still punishing you... when you make mistakes as well as when you don't even make them.”
  • humor598 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as darkly comedic and absurd, often revolving around the antics of a "funny chicken man" who engages in violent acts against the Russian mafia, all while donning humorous masks. Players find the combination of over-the-top violence, quirky characters, and absurd scenarios to be both hilarious and entertaining, creating a unique blend of satisfaction and laughter amidst the chaos. The game's soundtrack and retro aesthetic further enhance its comedic appeal, making it a memorable experience for those who appreciate its twisted sense of humor.

    • “From the moment I booted up 'Hotline Miami,' I was transported to a surreal and pulsating world that's equal parts hilarious and disturbing.”
    • “This game is funny as hell, and the soundtrack is phenomenal.”
    • “It's a hilarious game when you start playing it; you will die a ton of times before you find a good enough way to do the chapters, it can seem frustrating after a while but the game is so much fun when you get into it.”
    • “One thing I will say is that what you are doing is so evil and bad that it's not funny.”
  • stability294 mentions

    The game's stability is frequently criticized, with numerous players reporting significant bugs, crashes, and glitches that can disrupt gameplay and even render it unplayable at times. While some users find the experience enjoyable despite these issues, many express frustration over the frequency of crashes and the impact of bugs on their overall enjoyment. Overall, the game is described as "buggy" and "janky," with stability issues being a major concern for players.

    • “Other than that, no glitches or anything, and I picked it up for 2 euro.”
    • “The controls are solid and when you die it always feels like it's your fault, not buggy game design.”
    • “Very fast-paced shooter, amazing visuals. This game will get you hooked; I 100% recommend it. It's fun, it's awesome, and there are no glitches.”
    • “The whole game is one buggy mess.”
    • “So buggy it is unplayable.”
    • “Building glitches over time that eventually render it unplayable.”
  • grinding202 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious and repetitive, often requiring significant time investment to progress or achieve completion. While some players find enjoyment in the challenge and fast-paced gameplay, many express frustration with the grindy nature of certain levels and boss battles, leading to a mixed reception overall. Despite its flaws, the game retains a dedicated fanbase who appreciate its style and soundtrack, though they acknowledge the need for patience and persistence.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “One long, tedious grind.”
    • “Hard and long grinding required.”
    • “It gets tedious and repetitive pretty fast; hence the negative review.”
    • “Overall, the game seems cool at first but turns into a tedious shitfest.”
    • “But due to the fact that one hit kills you and makes you have to start the current mission over, it gets repetitive and tedious if you get stuck on a level.”
  • emotional160 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is described as a profound and complex experience, eliciting a wide range of feelings from joy and nostalgia to guilt and frustration. Players report being deeply affected by the narrative and character development, often feeling a strong connection to the protagonist's journey, while the game's intense gameplay and artistic elements contribute to an emotional roller coaster that can leave them feeling both exhilarated and heartbroken. Overall, it is recognized for its ability to provoke thought and evoke strong emotional responses, making it a memorable and impactful experience.

    • “This game really is an emotional roller coaster.”
    • “The story will create an emotional bond with the main character and what he goes through.”
    • “I really have no words to this game, just that Hotline Miami is a game that was emotionally deep to me (I don't know why) and became one of my favorite games to play.”
  • optimization64 mentions

    The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players report smooth performance and minimal crashes, others experience significant issues, particularly with the remastered version, which suffers from slow motion and stuttering regardless of hardware capabilities. The classic version, however, runs much better, highlighting the disparity in optimization between the two. Overall, while the gameplay can be enjoyable, the optimization problems may detract from the experience for some players.

    • “The game is fairly optimized with no frame drops whatsoever and few crashes (about 3 while I was first playing through).”
    • “Game runs nicely, no performance problems whatsoever.”
    • “Being top-down with a pixel-based graphical style only adds to the charm of this best-selling shooter; combined with fun achievements and a relentless performance rating system that really boosts replayability.”
    • “This game is a total masterpiece, every single aspect of it is truly outstanding, however the remastered version is horribly optimized, everything appears to move in slow-mo, it doesn't matter how beefy your computer is (for reference, my computer can run Assassin's Creed Odyssey without problem, so my specs aren't the problem); fortunately, you can play the 'classic' version and it'll run like butter and there are so few differences between versions that the only change you'll notice is the increase in FPS.”
    • “You should totally buy it and play it if you have the opportunity, but keep in mind the horrible optimization of the remastered version.”
    • “This resulted in stuttering and loss of responsiveness in the game, causing me to lose a lot of times.”
  • character development26 mentions

    Character development in the game receives mixed reviews; while many praise the intricate storytelling and well-crafted character arcs, some criticize the lack of depth and uninteresting dialogue. The vibrant character designs and engaging plots are highlighted as strong points, but a few players feel that the development is insufficient, leaving them with unanswered questions. Overall, the character development is noted as a significant aspect, contributing to the game's appeal despite some dissenting opinions.

    • “The story and interweaving plots and character development is really well done.”
    • “Awesome story, great character development, and fun gameplay.”
    • “Zero character development, uninteresting dialogue, and the ending leaves more questions than answers.”
    • “Especially the character designs.”
    • “What sucked me into this game wasn't the gameplay (though don't get me wrong it is very good) it was the intriguingly dark undertones paired with incredibly colourful character designs and writing.”
  • monetization16 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with players feeling misled by promises of no microtransactions, which were later found to be untrue. Many users perceive the game's pricing as excessive, labeling it a cash grab, especially in light of intrusive advertisements. Overall, the monetization strategy has left a negative impression, detracting from the gaming experience.

    • “No in-game purchases.”
    • “Devs promised there would be no microtransactions.”
    • “For the amount they price this game for, this is a huge cash grab, and 3D would do this game better.”
    • “Devs promised there would be no microtransactions.... they lied!!!!!!”
    • “Do you want to relax from microtransactions?”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

87% average critic score

Buy Hotline Miami

Play time

7hMedian play time
31hAverage play time
5hMain story
15hCompletionist
4-18hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 172 analyzed playthroughs

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