Hotline Miami

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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

97%

Audience ScoreBased on 35,252 reviews

music5,432 positive mentions

stability143 negative mentions

music
8,872 mentions
61 % positive mentions
37 % neutral mentions
1 % negative 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 become a lasting part of their playlists, showcasing its impact beyond the game itself.
- “The soundtrack alone is worth experiencing, featuring tracks that make every fight sequence feel like a dance of violence and rhythm.”
- “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 music not only complements the gameplay but also enhances the overall experience, making each moment feel charged and electrifying.”
- “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 music is intense! A lot of the tracks are catchy, but some songs can get repetitive after dying multiple times in the same level.”
- “The soundtrack is a killer but so am I—in the game, I mean. The music is what really drives the game, especially in the later levels.”
story
5,340 mentions
44 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
5 % negative 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, enhancing the experience for those willing to engage with its complexities.
- “The game's story, while cryptic and fragmented, adds an intriguing layer of mystery to the carnage.”
- “The story is as deep as a kiddie pool, but doesn't need to be more (it's fine as it is), the gameplay is tense and the soundtrack of course is amazing.”
- “The story is engaging, the music is outstanding, and the gameplay is super fast and brutal action that will keep you on the edge for the whole experience.”
- “The storyline can feel vague or disjointed if you’re not a fan of cryptic narratives.”
- “The story is quite lacking, but that isn't really the reason people came here.”
- “The story is confusing, littered with symbolism that is explained in the sequel, but all you have to focus on is getting through each level in one piece and covered in blood.”
gameplay
4,679 mentions
54 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Hotline Miami* is characterized by its fast-paced, challenging mechanics that require quick reflexes and strategic planning, as both the player and enemies can be killed in a single hit. Players often experience a trial-and-error approach, where mastering levels through repeated attempts becomes addictive and rewarding. The game is complemented by a vibrant 80s aesthetic and an electrifying soundtrack, enhancing the overall immersive experience while maintaining a focus on intense, brutal action.
- “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.”
- “Unfair gameplay, no help, no nothing, just can't beat a boss, a van drives almost over you and then proceeds to spawn armed enemies and fat guys over and over again with molotovs that stay permanently on the ground after they are thrown without stopping by someone you can't kill, completely ruins your mood trying to pass a level, retarded design.”
- “The gameplay is very trial and error, learning from mistakes, and for a good score attempt combos.”
graphics
2,708 mentions
45 % positive mentions
52 % neutral mentions
3 % negative 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 visuals charming and fitting for the game's tone, others criticize them as headache-inducing or simplistic. Overall, the game's unique art style, combined with its pulsating synthwave soundtrack, creates a distinctive atmosphere that enhances the fast-paced, brutal gameplay.
- “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 are really ugly, which I assume is intentional but I don't care.”
- “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.”
replayability
657 mentions
44 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, with many players highlighting the variety of masks and weapons that allow for different playstyles and strategies in each level. While the main story is relatively short, the scoring system, unlockable content, and hidden secrets encourage players to return for multiple playthroughs, making it a highly engaging experience. Overall, the combination of fast-paced gameplay and a compelling soundtrack contributes to its status as a game that players find themselves revisiting frequently.
- “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 replay value is really good, as you can always improve your combinations in levels or use different masks that give you added abilities.”
- “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.”
- “There isn't a huge replay value unless you're into beating your own high scores, but I personally find myself revisiting it from time to time.”
- “The game also lacks replayability, as levels can only be completed in 1 to 2 ways.”
atmosphere
494 mentions
55 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "Hotline Miami" is widely praised for its vibrant, retro aesthetic and immersive 80s-inspired soundtrack, which together create a unique and intense experience. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke a surreal, drug-fueled ambiance that complements its fast-paced, brutal gameplay, making it both captivating and unsettling. The combination of pixel art visuals, pulsating music, and a gritty narrative contributes to an unforgettable atmosphere that resonates with players, often described as a blend of nostalgia and chaos.
- “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.”
- “This artistic choice is supported by a captivating electro soundtrack which helps to create a unique and immersive atmosphere.”
- “The atmosphere and soundtrack are second to none, this game creeped me out when I played at launch and still succeeds in 2021.”
- “The atmosphere alone makes you want to whip your cock out while doing blow off a hooker's ass in one hand, all the while stabbing a yakuza member with a machete in the other.”
- “The atmosphere is a garish, neon, drug-induced nightmare, fitting the gameplay, soundtrack and storyline quite nicely.”
- “The dreamlike atmosphere, pulsing music, and constant stream of grotesque violence combine to put you into a weird trance.”
humor
299 mentions
100 % positive mentions
-1 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its dark, absurd, and often surreal elements, primarily revolving around a "funny chicken man" who engages in violent antics against the Russian mafia. Players find the combination of over-the-top violence, quirky character designs, and humorous dialogue to be both entertaining and absurdly satisfying, often leading to laughter even amidst the chaos. The game's soundtrack and retro aesthetic further enhance its comedic appeal, making it a unique blend of humor and action that resonates with players.
- “This game is very satisfying, the soundtrack is phenomenal and is funny.”
- “From the moment I booted up 'Hotline Miami,' I was transported to a surreal and pulsating world that's equal parts hilarious and disturbing.”
- “The game is very addictive and makes you keep coming back for more hilarious deaths and reactions.”
- “One thing I will say is this: what you are doing is so evil and bad that it's not funny.”
- “The attempts at humor feel forced and often fall flat, making the experience more cringeworthy than entertaining.”
- “I expected some laughs, but the jokes were either too predictable or just plain awkward.”
stability
147 mentions
2 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
97 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and glitches that significantly impact gameplay. While some users found the experience enjoyable despite these issues, many expressed frustration over game-breaking problems, particularly with achievements and performance. Overall, the consensus indicates that while the game has great potential, its stability issues detract from the overall experience.
- “Other than that, no glitches or anything, and I picked it up for 2 euros.”
- “The controls are solid, and when you die, it always feels like it's your fault, not buggy game design.”
- “The game isn't bug-free, but that makes it more of a challenge. You learn how to avoid issues, which adds to the experience.”
- “The whole game is one buggy mess.”
- “Building glitches over time that eventually render it unplayable.”
- “The game crashes a lot on scene 2's first chapter, where it freezes up, crashes, I have to restart the game, back at the tutorial, but for some reason, I keep my unlocks.”
grinding
101 mentions
3 % positive mentions
38 % neutral mentions
59 % negative 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 grind, noting that it can detract from the overall experience and lead to boredom. Despite its appealing style and soundtrack, the grinding mechanics are seen as a major drawback by a substantial portion of the player base.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “One long, tedious grind.”
- “A bit grindy... sometimes.”
- “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.”
emotional
80 mentions
99 % positive mentions
-2 % neutral mentions
4 % negative 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 emotional connection that lingers long after gameplay. The combination of a compelling soundtrack, engaging visuals, and intense gameplay creates an emotional roller coaster that can leave players feeling both exhilarated and heartbroken.
- “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.”
- “The shooting part is really cool and challenging, but literally no one needs a boring story in that.”
- “The emotional moments felt forced and didn't resonate with me at all.”
- “I expected a deep narrative, but the emotional impact was lacking and left me feeling disconnected.”
optimization
32 mentions
25 % positive mentions
59 % neutral mentions
16 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is a mixed bag, with some players experiencing smooth performance while others face significant issues, particularly with the remastered version, which is criticized for poor optimization and slow motion effects regardless of hardware capabilities. While many enjoy the gameplay and find it rewarding, random crashes and stuttering have been reported, detracting from the overall experience. In contrast, the classic version runs well, highlighting the disparity in optimization between the two versions.
- “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.”
- “As you go through the game, you will feel more and more accomplished, earning masks and grades for your performance.”
- “The remastered version is horribly optimized; everything appears to move in slow-mo, it doesn't matter how beefy your computer is. Fortunately, you can play the 'classic' version and it'll run like butter.”
- “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 development
13 mentions
54 % positive mentions
23 % neutral mentions
23 % negative mentions
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising the intricate storytelling and well-crafted character arcs that enhance the overall experience. However, some players criticize the lack of depth in certain characters and uninteresting dialogue, leading to a disconnect in the narrative. Overall, while character design is frequently highlighted as a strong point, the effectiveness of character development varies among players.
- “The story and interweaving plots and character development is really well done.”
- “Awesome story, great character development, and fun gameplay.”
- “Great character development.”
- “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 colorful character designs and writing.”
monetization
8 mentions
25 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
50 % negative 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 and the presence of advertisements as a cash grab, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the monetization strategy has left a negative impression, overshadowing the game's homage to classic titles.
- “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?”