Game Review: Hotline Miami

Hotline Miami is a full on adrenaline rush. Independent developers Jonatan Söderstrom and Dennis Wedin pushed GameMaker’s engine to bring players a singleplayer top-down action shooter bursting with character. The 2012 release is packed with incredibly fast-paced, brutal combat that’s masterfully accompanied by an exuberating soundtrack, perfectly encapsulating everything that the game has to offer and warranting a full-on collectors edition vinyl release in 2016.

The raw, pixelated and hyper combat-driven gameplay is highly challenging and often repetitively frustrating. This is driven by enemies that exhibit inhumane reactions, unpredictable behaviours and laser-like precision when it comes to gun-play. A single bullet or a deadly punch from these aggressive and emotionless foes can end a player’s run within seconds of being spotted. Adding to the difficulty, they are unfavourably hidden around the map, hardly noticeable or completely invisible to the player until it is far too late.

It is most certain that you will die over and over again. Frustratingly repeating the same level continuously. However, as this cycle continues, you will be getting slightly better each run. Mapping out the level layout, encoding enemy locations in your memory and reacting quicker and faster to any stimuli that Hotline Miami throws at you. Close encounters with enemies and a scenario where the player is constantly sitting on edge, coupled with an energetically repetitive synthwave soundtrack, the game masterfully sends the player into a captivating transfixed state of flow, making it almost impossible to pull away from. Fully neuron-activated, a player continues to mindlessly kill until successful, and when everything finally comes together, Hotline Miami is at it’s absolute best.

Overall, Hotline Miami is a gem and it can be recommended for those seeking a challenge. At times, clunky and unfair, the title that’s full of character is well addictive and satisfying for those willing to persevere, captivating gamers fully by utilising a state of flow that is hard to drop once hooked.

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