Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number

Twitch-based gameplay at its finest, with some of the best music ever featured in a game. Wrong Number ramps everything up to varying degrees of success.

82%Game Brain Score

story, music

stability, grinding

94% User Score Based on 41,248 reviews

Critic Score 73%Based on 33 reviews

Platforms

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About

Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is the sequel to the intense top-down shooter, concluding the series with a story of escalating violence and retribution. Follow the intersecting paths of various factions, each with their own motives and methods, in a neon-lit world of bloodshed and chaos. This purchase includes cross-buy for PlayStation 3, PS4, and PS Vita.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number screenshot

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 41,281 reviews

story3.6k positive mentions

stability458 negative mentions

story
11,400 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
62%
6%
The story of "Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number" is a complex and often disjointed narrative that unfolds through multiple characters and timelines, making it challenging to follow without prior knowledge of the first game. While some players appreciate the deeper exploration of themes and character backstories, others find the plot convoluted and less engaging than its predecessor, leading to mixed feelings about its execution. Overall, the game is praised for its unique storytelling approach, vibrant aesthetics, and an outstanding soundtrack, but it may require additional effort to fully grasp the intricacies of its narrative.
- “Developed by Dennaton Games, this sequel doesn’t just pick up where Hotline Miami left off; it dials up the story, multiplies the characters, and doubles down on its frenetic, ultra-violent action.”
- “The main novelty of this game is definitely its story; being able to play multiple characters can further develop the narrative from different perspectives, helping the player learn more about the world.”
- “The story is much deeper and more complex in this game, providing a rich narrative that ties together various characters and their motivations.”
- “The story isn’t linear or cohesive; it’s a collection of fragmented narratives that jump across different characters and timelines.”
- “The story is a huge mess and pretty much every attempt the game devs made to change the game was a downgrade.”
- “The story is convoluted and confusing until you finally figure it out and realize that, other than the upsetting ending, the story and characters are amazing and well thought out.”
music
9,552 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
44%
2%
The music in "Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number" has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising it as one of the best soundtracks in video game history. The soundtrack features a diverse array of artists and tracks that enhance the game's intense atmosphere and gameplay, often described as adrenaline-pumping and immersive. While some players feel the soundtrack may not be as memorable as the first game's, the overall consensus is that it significantly contributes to the game's appeal and experience.
- “The soundtrack once again delivers and matches the game's tone great.”
- “It's a soundtrack you'll want to keep replaying, even after the game ends.”
- “The music is unforgettable and has played in my head countless times.”
- “This game is great, but, reliably and without fail, every time I restart a level the music breaks and goes silent for seemingly no reason.”
- “The music isn't even better, the songs by m|o|o|n like [i] hydrogen [/i] or [i]realease[/i] are not even in this one and it's a just a big mess of mid songs that are not even worth a fraction of hm 1's ost.”
- “The soundtrack is just so much worse.”
gameplay
6,527 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
58%
4%
The gameplay of "Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number" retains the fast-paced, ultra-violent mechanics of its predecessor while introducing new characters and abilities that add variety to the experience. However, many players feel that the larger levels and increased reliance on firearms detract from the original's tight, strategic gameplay, leading to frustrating moments where off-screen enemies can easily kill the player. Overall, while the game offers a challenging and engaging experience, it has received mixed reviews regarding its level design and gameplay balance compared to the first installment.
- “Switching between characters adds layers to the gameplay, giving you new ways to approach each level, even if it means repeatedly dying to figure out the best tactic.”
- “The gameplay is very similar to the first game, the most notable changes being that the levels are larger, there's more weapons, and there's more masks/characters to play as.”
- “The gameplay is fast-paced and always keeps you on your toes, and it's not for those who have a weak heart or for those who aren't looking for a challenge.”
- “This game sucks ass, straight up, the core part of the game, the gameplay, is utter garbage. It makes me want to pull off my skin and boil my fleshly body.”
- “The gameplay is a huge step down. The core gameplay is crippled by bad level design, and its near complete removal of the mask system just hurts it more.”
- “The gameplay feels less like it did in the first and more like a 'duck in cover then shoot' game.”
graphics
1,890 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
54%
1%
The graphics of "Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number" maintain the retro-inspired pixel art style of its predecessor, enhanced with more vibrant colors and refined animations that capture the chaotic essence of the game. While some players appreciate the aesthetic as a perfect fit for the fast-paced gameplay and 80s themes, others find the visuals can sometimes obscure gameplay elements, leading to confusion in more complex levels. Overall, the game's unique art style and engaging soundtrack contribute significantly to its immersive experience, making it a standout in the indie gaming scene.
- “The retro-inspired, pixel-art visuals are back, but they’re more refined and intense.”
- “The pixelated top-down ultraviolent aesthetic, characterized by glitchy, shifting visuals and vibrant neon flashes, remains intact, but now with added environmental details and storytelling within each level.”
- “The graphics are high-quality and the frame rate was smooth throughout my play-through.”
- “Art style sucks.”
- “The overall quality in graphics and animations seemed to have taken a hit as well.”
- “The graphics are slightly better than the first game but they're shit.”
replayability
523 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
62%
3%
The replayability of "Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number" is generally regarded as high, bolstered by features such as a level editor, hard mode, and a variety of playable characters that encourage different play styles. While some players feel it lacks the same magic as its predecessor due to a more linear approach to character abilities, the inclusion of custom content and community support through Steam Workshop significantly enhances its replay value. Overall, many reviewers appreciate the game's depth and challenge, making it a compelling experience for those seeking to master its mechanics and explore its narrative.
- “You can replay levels to chase higher scores or just try different tactics, adding a lot of replayability for those willing to master its mechanics.”
- “The sheer volume of levels and hard mode gives it great replay value.”
- “The level editor feature adds a lot of replay value to the game, especially because the community can be really creative when it comes to dialogue, level design, and sprite mods.”
- “Most of the time: it isn't even fun or exciting, and completely destroys a lot of replay value the first game had.”
- “The inability to choose and collect masks also kills replayability.”
- “I think this was a pretty awful step-back, as it makes it less replayable, and a lot of the levels like the army ones where you have to find ammo, or the police ones where you can't use guns are really crappy.”
stability
464 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
99%
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent bugs and glitches that significantly disrupt gameplay. Common issues include buggy doors, erratic enemy AI, and game freezes that can lead to lost progress, making the experience frustrating for many. While some players find the glitches amusing or manageable, the overall consensus is that the game suffers from a lack of polish compared to its predecessor, leading to a less enjoyable experience.
- “With my first playthrough on the normal difficulty (must be done on normal mode due to only mode to choose until you are on the second playthrough), it had no glitches, no bugs, and no problems with the game whilst playing through.”
- “+ runs great on macOS without any problems”
- “On more of a technical side, the game isn't buggy but there is some messed up mapping.”
- “The game is cool, but it frequently freezes causing you to lose progress.”
- “What's worse sometimes after those freezes your entire savegame is removed and you lose everything.”
- “The enemy and weapon layouts are obtuse and frustrating, and worst of all the buggy doors really rear their ugly heads and make your life a living hell for the last stretch of the game.”
atmosphere
332 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
46%
2%
The atmosphere of "Hotline Miami 2" is widely praised for its dark, immersive quality, enhanced by a standout soundtrack that blends industrial synth beats and psychedelic elements, creating a hypnotic experience. While many reviewers note that the sequel captures the gritty, neon-soaked essence of the original, some feel it lacks the same level of cohesion and magic, particularly in its storytelling. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as captivating and integral to the gameplay, making it a memorable experience for fans of the series.
- “These stories delve into themes of violence, trauma, revenge, and media sensationalism, creating a dark and almost hypnotic atmosphere.”
- “The moody lighting, accompanied by a pulsating synthwave soundtrack, creates a mesmerizing and atmospheric experience that draws players deeper into the game's twisted world.”
- “With its gripping narrative, atmospheric soundtrack, and challenging gameplay, Hotline Miami 2 delivers an experience that is as brutal as it is captivating, immersing players in a dark and twisted world of crime, mystery, and ultraviolence.”
- “The story, such as it is, is of poor quality, and seems to flirt with about three different tones, and has only tenuous ties to the first game, while totally abandoning its atmosphere.”
- “Most of the atmosphere was destroyed by jumping between characters or focusing on some terrible, boring or unimportant things so it looks like cheap soap opera with no logical plot (or just any plot to be precise).”
- “The mechanics that are reduced in this sequel make it a disappointment, as someone who likes the storyline and the atmosphere of the game.”
humor
296 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in the game is a mix of dark comedy and absurdity, with many players finding the character designs, particularly the "funny chicken man," and the chaotic gameplay to be genuinely hilarious. While some reviews note that the humor can be hit or miss, with certain moments being unintentionally funny due to glitches or AI behavior, the overall tone is described as entertainingly over-the-top, making it a memorable experience for those who appreciate a blend of violence and comedy.
- “It's a lot but every character (even the henchman, who only has 1 level), has such satisfying and interesting stories which range from genuinely hilarious to deeply tragic.”
- “This game is hilarious.”
- “The possibilities are huge and there are so many great, funny and well-created workshop levels out there.”
- “Not funny.”
- “Not funny.”
emotional
256 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The emotional aspect of the game is profoundly impactful, with many players reporting intense feelings ranging from sadness to frustration, often leading to tears. The narrative is described as thought-provoking and heart-wrenching, effectively evoking empathy for characters, even those portrayed as violent. Overall, the game is recognized for its ability to blend brutal gameplay with a deeply resonant story, leaving players with a lasting emotional impression.
- “It's incredibly thought-provoking and very emotional; you really feel the lack of control everyone has over their life and everyone's motivations for doing what they do, whether it be right or wrong.”
- “This game is an emotional masterpiece for me.”
- “The ending is the cherry on this bloody fruitcake; I won't spoil it for anyone, but it will emotionally destroy you.”
- “Boring, undynamic, convoluted story.”
- “Uninspired levels, boring story presentation, clunky controls.”
grinding
256 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
14%
85%
The grinding aspect of the game has been widely criticized for being excessively tedious and time-consuming, particularly with tasks like achieving 50,000 kills for the genocide achievement. Many players find the level design, which includes large maps and numerous off-screen enemies, to be frustrating and repetitive, leading to a gameplay experience that feels more like a chore than enjoyable. While some appreciate the challenge, the overall sentiment leans towards the grinding being a significant detractor from the game's enjoyment.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Very fun, kinda hard but not grindy.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “Getting 50k kills for genocide is extremely tedious.”
- “The genocide achievement requires you to kill 50,000 enemies; this is something incredibly tedious since three full playthroughs will probably get you only as far as 12,000 kills.”
- “It's slower, more tedious, more unpredictable, and ultimately more frustrating.”
optimization
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
53%
24%
Overall, "Hotline Miami 2" demonstrates a mixed optimization performance. While it runs smoothly on basic hardware and maintains steady performance across various PCs, players have reported issues such as micro-stuttering during level transitions and unoptimized mechanics that can hinder gameplay, particularly with AI behavior and enemy placement. Despite these drawbacks, many players still find the game enjoyable, citing improvements in gameplay and visuals compared to its predecessor.
- “Basic hardware requirement, game size less than 1GB, steady performance across all PCs.”
- “Performance: my computer isn't close to top of the line, but my R key always works and the game runs smooth, even better than the first Hotline Miami.”
- “All while Hotline Miami 1 runs smoothly on any configuration.”
- “Slightly annoying micro-stuttering can occur upon level completion or checkpoints.”
- “Computer where I played the first Hotline meets recommended requirements, but the game is still really slow on barely acceptable resolutions because of poor optimization, a ton of perfectly useless effects, huge maps, and surely the 'rewind' feature.”
- “Enemy placement is sometimes randomized, as is the pattern they move in, which in a game like this (which I'm assuming was meant to follow a formula of 'fail many times until you fine-tune your performance and clear the level'), essentially kills player skill in favor of dice rolls.”
character development
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
56%
13%
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its minimalistic yet impactful approach that evokes empathy for even minor characters, while others criticize it for being largely one-dimensional and lacking depth. The unique character designs and compelling story contribute positively to the overall experience, but the execution often leaves players feeling disconnected due to abrupt narrative shifts and superficial character arcs. Overall, while there are standout moments of character development, many feel it does not fully capitalize on its potential.
- “The game features many interesting characters and you feel for them even if they just say a few lines - it is a masterclass of minimalistic character design.”
- “The character development suits the gameplay exquisitely and, no matter how much you hate playing them, you want to beat all their levels just to see what happens.”
- “I will however praise the dead interesting story, the trippy atmosphere, the amazing characters and character development, and the (90%) amazing soundtrack.”
- “Character development is mostly non-existent, and what is presented to the player is a series of one-dimensional, anthropomorphic tropes scuttling about through an amalgam of generic modern cinema scenes you've seen way too many times before.”
- “It jumps around too much, even to characters that instantly die after the chapter is over, so there's no character development happening.”
- “For many such rampages, the reasons behind boil down to 'just because', something I'm kind of on the fence about as to whether it aids character development or is an excuse for more violence.”
monetization
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many reviewers feeling that it exploits the Hotline Miami name without offering substantial content or value. Players express disappointment over the lack of meaningful additions in special editions and the overall impression that the game prioritizes profit over quality.
- “Sadly, this game is nothing but a cash grab riding the coattails of the Hotline Miami name.”
- “This…is just a cheap imitation and a cash grab.”
- “Edit: the special edition is a total cash grab; you'd think you get something else than PD2 stuff, but nope, no DLC, nothing in-game.”