Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number (PC) Review

Set the streets on fire once again.

 2012's indie hit, Hotline Miami was an instant classic due to its faced-paced action and gore-filled violence. Like many great games, a sequel was in the works. Enter Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, the sequel to the first game though this time upping the violence with more thrills, guns, and over-the-top action as this time. Hotline Miami 2 also addresses some of the criticisms the first received this time including a larger sense of scale and longer runtime than its predecessor.

STORY- Hotline Miami 2 takes place several years after the conclusion of Hotline Miami while also serving as a prequel to some events that took place before the first game. The streets of Miami are in chaos more than ever after the Russian Mafia aftermath of the first game. The narrative follows multiple points of views, with each character's story tying in to the overall narrative. We follow the adventures of a Russian crime lord, a down on his luck detective, a veteran U.S. soldier, a mad police detective, and a ruthless gang causing chaos in the streets. The characters added to the game's already engaging narrative as each have their own interesting backstories. 

The narrative is even more crazy and weird this time around.

GAMEPLAY- Like many good sequels, Hotline Miami 2 keeps much of the what made the original great while expanding upon its mechanics. Levels are longer in length this time around as there are multiple floors full of enemies to clear. Additionally, the game features large-scale levels that full of enemies waiting to ambush at every corner. Fortunately, one could catch a glimpse of upcoming area before moving on. Furthermore, enemies are plentiful and can still kill with one hit. Baiting enemies is an essential skill one has to master in order to overcome some of the toughest waves the game has to offer. Personally, an approach I widely used was waiting near empty rooms, baiting enemies and slashing them with the knife. Some levels can be easy, while others hard, but it all comes down to proper planning and equipment. Speaking of equipment, there's a fine array of old and new weapons such as shotguns, flamethrowers, chainsaws, knives, submachine guns, and so on.

More blood, more gore, and more action.

 There's a new lock-on mechanic that locks-on to selected enemies, which makes the process of firing guns a little bit accurate. A staggering 13 playable characters can be controlled as opposed to the original's two. New masks are included, each with their own unique perks. Tony, can kill light and heavy enemies bare fisted; Mark can wield dual submachine guns; Corey has the abilities to dodge enemy fire by rolling past them; Alex and Ash, controlled simultaneously, use a chainsaw and gun, and require twice the amount of concentration.


PRESENTATION- Hotline Miami 2 remains pretty much identical to its predecessor in its 80s-inspired retro style, only its filled with more color and visual flair. Backgrounds and character models are sprite-based and are surprisingly detailed despite their simplicity. However, by far the best aspect of the presentation is the catchy soundtrack. The game's filled with many intense and upbeat tracks from artists such as Perturbator, Scattle, Jasper Byrne, and MOON that make the levels simply memorable and adds to their reply-value.

Hotline Miami 2 oozes with style thanks to its

vibrant color use. 

OVERALL- Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is a step above the original. The story continues the mystery and answers previous questions of the first game while opening new ones, hinting at a possible third game. The gameplay receives added refinements and improvements, which makes dying continuously all the more fun. As for its presentation, it's full of vivid and trippy imagery, with the fantastic soundtrack complementing many over-the-top moments of the game. Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is a worthy sequel to the original and one of the best indies out there.