Features & News

Hands On: Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number

June 25, 2013, Author: Matt Parker

“The number you have dialled has not been recognised…”

Not the case with Hotline Miami 2:Wrong Number. Anybody familiar with the first game should know where they’re at when it comes to Dennaton Games’ newest offering.

Neon-soaked drug dens. Unsavoury characters carrying out violent acts on each other. Shoot-outs that happen in the blink of an eye requiring the reflexes of a cat. Music that doesn’t just suit the game but makes the game. This is most definitely still Hotline Miami.

Being shown at Rezzed (you may have seen us mention it) the demo of Hotline Miami 2 offered a small glimpse of what’s to come. Right off the bat, it’s clear that the gameplay’s the same.

The same movement, the same art style and the same brand of trance inducing electronic music that helps turn you into a combo-chaining murderer.

Where most games would get flak for being too similar to their predecessor, it feels unfair to level this criticism to Hotline Miami 2. Mainly because the original Hotline has hardly outstayed its welcome and also because Dennaton have gone on record as saying this is the last Hotline game.

Helping the series go out in a blaze of glory, gunfire and guts is the game’s story that seems to be exploring some dark themes. Based around two groups of people that are ‘inspired’ by the original game’s events, the story’s set to look at the idea of ‘hero-worship’ and how it can be a negative influence on people. Seeing as the two factions are looking to emulate a mass-murdering lunatic, it’s safe to say ‘negative’ is a polite way of putting it.

Not entirely clear in the demo was the way in which the two factions would differ in regards to gameplay. The only thing present in the demo was the ability to choose a mask before entering the level – which is a carry-over from the first Hotline. Promises have been made that the two factions will haves different approach to their levels and will have various strengths, weaknesses and weapons, though none of this was seen.

Where most sequels would be lambasted for being ‘too similar’, it’s hard to argue with the approach that Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is taking. When the first game left so many people hungry for more it’s pleasing to see that ‘more’ is exactly what we’re getting.

It’s safe to say that Wrong Number is pushing all of the right buttons.

Also, keep an eye out for a review of the Vita version of Hotline Miami which is hitting the PSN this week.