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HOTEL BARCELONA

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of HOTEL BARCELONA
Item: HOTEL BARCELONA
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Side View Perspective, Single Player

AvailableSep 26, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X

DeveloperWhite Owls

Overview

"Hotel Barcelona," where serial killers from all over the United States are said to have gathered. You must defeat them and check out before all the blood is spilled. Japanese game creators SWERY65 and SUDA51 have teamed up to create this ambitious work. Don't miss it.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

HOTEL BARCELONA captivates with its quirky premise and engaging narrative about a marshal possessed by a serial killer's spirit in a supernatural hotel. Critics praise its horror-comedy blend and character dynamics, but many highlight serious flaws like shallow storytelling, tedious dialogue, and inconsistent pacing. While it shows potential, the execution struggles to deliver a coherent and impactful experience, leading to mixed reviews.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of HOTEL BARCELONA has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for its unique and quirky premise. Many reviewers, such as COGconnected and GameBlast, highlight the engaging narrative centered around Justine, a federal marshal who becomes possessed by the spirit of a serial killer, Dr. Carnival, while navigating a supernatural hotel filled with criminals. Critics like IGN Deutschland and MondoXbox appreciate the blend of horror and supernatural elements, noting the intriguing character dynamics and the exploration of personal vendettas. The incorporation of humor and dark themes, as mentioned by Impulsegamer and Tech-Gaming, adds an additional layer of depth to the story, making it appealing for fans of genre-bending narratives. However, despite these positives, several critics have pointed out significant flaws in the storytelling. GameOver.gr and Multiplayer.it criticize the narrative for its lack of depth and coherence, with some describing it as overly simplistic or banal. The dialogue has been described as tedious and lacking emotional investment, as noted by GamesRadar+ and Checkpoint Gaming. Critics like WellPlayed also mention issues with tonal consistency and pacing, which detract from the overall engagement with the story. This sentiment is echoed by several others who feel that while the premise is intriguing, the execution falls short of delivering a fully realized narrative experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that HOTEL BARCELONA presents an interesting and bizarre story that has the potential to captivate players, but it ultimately struggles with coherence and depth. While some, like Gameliner and Oyungezer, find the narrative engaging and filled with quirky charm, others, including Game Informer and KonsoliFIN, feel that it lacks the necessary development to fully resonate with players. This divide suggests that while the game has a solid foundation, its execution leaves much to be desired, resulting in a mixed reception among reviewers.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Hotel Barcelona shows promise with its innovative roguelite mechanics and the engaging Slasher Phantom system, but suffers from clunky controls and repetitive gameplay that dampen the experience. Critics praise its customizable difficulty and combat variety, yet persistent issues with unresponsive inputs and lackluster randomness lead to frustration. While it has intriguing ideas, the execution ultimately leaves players wanting more polish and improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

34%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Hotel Barcelona has garnered some positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its roguelite structure and unique mechanics. Many reviewers appreciate the integration of the Slasher Phantom system, which allows players to utilize the ghosts of their past attempts to assist in combat, adding a layer of strategy and depth to the experience. Critics like Hobby Consolas and PlayStation Universe highlight the game's customizable difficulty and engaging combat mechanics that, when functioning well, can provide a satisfying experience. Furthermore, the variety of weapons and the blend of melee and ranged combat elements have been noted by critics such as GameBlast and MondoXbox, who emphasize the potential for strategic gameplay and exploration. However, the gameplay is marred by numerous issues that detract significantly from the overall experience. A recurring theme among critics is the janky and unresponsive controls, which have been described as "clunky" by GameBlast and "imprecise" by Generación Xbox. Many reviewers, including COGconnected and Finger Guns, express frustration with the delayed inputs and lack of weight in character movements, leading to a sense of inconsistency and a lack of enjoyment. Additionally, the roguelike elements have been criticized for failing to provide meaningful randomness, resulting in repetitive runs that can feel tedious, as noted by GameOver.gr and GamingTrend. Overall, the gameplay experience is often described as frustrating and lacking polish, with critics like GamesRadar+ and Checkpoint Gaming pointing out that the ambitious mechanics are frequently undermined by poor execution. The overall consensus among critics is that while Hotel Barcelona has the foundation for an engaging roguelite experience, it is ultimately hampered by significant control and design issues. Many reviewers agree that the game features interesting ideas and mechanics, such as the Slasher Phantom system and customizable difficulty, but these elements are overshadowed by the frustrating gameplay experience caused by unresponsive controls and repetitive mechanics. Critics like IGN Deutschland and Tech-Gaming acknowledge the potential for a satisfying gameplay loop but emphasize that the execution falls short, leaving players with a sense of dissatisfaction. In summary, Hotel Barcelona presents a mixed bag of gameplay experiences, with many critics hoping for improvements in control responsiveness and overall polish in future updates or iterations.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

HOTEL BARCELONA dazzles with its unique art style and stunning character portraits, earning praise for its Grindhouse aesthetic. However, many critics slam its outdated graphics, technical flaws, and chaotic design that complicate gameplay. The reception is sharply divided: some love its punk-infused visuals, while others see them as poorly executed and lacking polish. Ultimately, the game impresses some players but disappoints those craving a more refined experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of HOTEL BARCELONA have garnered a mixed but notably positive reception from several critics. Many reviewers praised the game's unique art direction, highlighting its stylized visuals and character portraits. For instance, COGconnected noted the "great art direction" and "gorgeous character portraits," while Finger Guns appreciated the aesthetics that align well with the Grindhouse theme, particularly in character portraits and boss designs. Impulsegamer echoed these sentiments, describing the game as visually excelling with a "stunning character portraits" and a rich cel-shaded aesthetic that enhances its punk-infused horror atmosphere. Additionally, KeenGamer remarked on the game's distinctive art style, which successfully matches the environments to boss themes, contributing to a cohesive visual identity. Conversely, a significant number of critics pointed out various shortcomings in the game's visual presentation. GameOver.gr criticized the technical performance as "outdated," with uninspired level design and amateurish visual effects. Similarly, Hobby Consolas described the graphics as "outdated" in terms of modeling and animation, indicating that the oversaturation of elements detracts from the overall experience. Critics like Gamekult and Multiplayer.it were particularly harsh, labeling the visual design as "extremely poor" and "low quality," with chaotic on-screen elements complicating gameplay and hindering clarity. Furthermore, inconsistencies in frame rates and the use of static images were highlighted by KonsoliFIN, suggesting a lack of polish in the overall visual execution. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a division in opinion regarding the graphics and visual design of HOTEL BARCELONA. While some reviewers, such as Gameliner and IGN Deutschland, appreciated the game’s unique visual style and thematic consistency, others found the execution lacking, with dated graphics and poor technical performance overshadowing the artistic merits. The game's chaotic aesthetic, while appealing to some, was also seen as a hindrance to clarity and gameplay by others, leading to a fragmented reception. Ultimately, HOTEL BARCELONA presents a visually ambitious endeavor that resonates with certain players, yet fails to meet the expectations of others, particularly those seeking a more refined and polished visual experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

HOTEL BARCELONA's sound design and music receive mixed reviews. Critics praise its punk soundtrack for enriching the game’s Grindhouse vibe and enhancing immersion, with standout voice acting for key characters. However, others criticize the voice acting as mediocre and the music as forgettable, with some calling the overall sound design poorly executed. While the game's audio elements have their highlights, significant improvements are needed for a more impactful experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of HOTEL BARCELONA have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting some notable strengths. Finger Guns and IGN Deutschland commend the game's punk-inspired soundtrack, noting that it complements the grizzly Grindhouse aesthetic and enhances the overall atmosphere. Impulsegamer echoes this sentiment, describing the audio design as impressive and emphasizing how the punk rock soundtrack enriches the gameplay experience. KeenGamer also recognizes the quality of voice acting, particularly for characters like Dr. Carnival and Frances, and appreciates the intense music during gameplay, suggesting that the audio elements contribute positively to the immersion and engagement of players. However, the criticisms surrounding the sound design and music are equally significant. COGconnected describes the voice acting as merely "okay" and finds the music to be forgettable, indicating a lack of memorable auditory moments. ElDesmarque takes a more critical stance, labeling the sound design as poorly executed with a weak audio mix and barely noticeable music, while Softpedia points out that although the voice acting is good, the combat sound effects are lackluster. KonsoliFIN also notes that the sound design is not particularly convincing, suggesting a disconnect between the audio elements and the game's overall impact. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a divided opinion on the sound design and music of HOTEL BARCELONA. While some reviewers like Impulsegamer and Generación Xbox appreciate the soundtrack's ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and tension, others such as COGconnected and ElDesmarque express disappointment in the execution of the sound design and voice acting. This divergence indicates that while the game has its standout moments, particularly with its punk rock influences, there are significant areas for improvement that could enhance the overall auditory experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in HOTEL BARCELONA is a mixed bag; praised for enhancing atmosphere and character depth by some, it faces criticism for inconsistency and mediocrity from others. Standout performances exist, yet others are labeled "adequate," "cheesy," or even "terrible," leading to a divided reception among critics. While some players find brilliance in the main characters, many are left disappointed by the overall execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in HOTEL BARCELONA has garnered a range of positive remarks from various critics, highlighting its contribution to the game's atmosphere and storytelling. Impulsegamer praised the voice acting for the main characters as "excellent," suggesting that it significantly enhances player engagement and overall immersion. Additionally, KeenGamer noted standout performances from specific characters, such as Dr. Carnival and Frances, which indicates that there are moments of exceptional quality that resonate well with players. Critics like Softpedia also echoed this sentiment, describing the voice acting as well-executed and effective in delivering lines, thereby positively impacting the overall experience. Conversely, several reviews pointed out notable shortcomings in the voice acting, leading to a mixed reception. COGconnected described the voice acting as "adequate but does not stand out," contributing to a mediocre audio experience. Gamekult criticized the voice acting as "intentionally cheesy," which detracted from the game's effectiveness and resulted in awkward moments rather than the intended parody. Furthermore, GamesRadar+ went as far as to label the voice acting as "terrible," asserting that it negatively influenced the story's delivery. This divergence in quality raises concerns about consistency across character performances and overall execution. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in HOTEL BARCELONA is one of division. While some reviewers, such as IGN Deutschland and ElDesmarque, acknowledged the depth added to characters and the competence of the main duo, others highlighted significant flaws that hindered the experience. The mixed opinions suggest that while there are moments of brilliance, particularly with main characters, the inconsistency and occasional poor delivery leave the voice acting feeling underwhelming for many players. As a result, the voice acting seems to be a polarizing aspect of the game, with some critics finding enjoyment in its strengths while others are left disappointed by its weaknesses.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

HOTEL BARCELONA shows mixed performance across gaming platforms. While the Xbox Series X offers a smooth experience, the PS5 and PC versions suffer from severe technical issues—like poor input response and frame rate drops—that detract from gameplay. Critics urge for urgent optimization, as these flaws overshadow any positive aspects and lead to a frustrating experience for many players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

60%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In analyzing the technical performance of HOTEL BARCELONA across various gaming platforms, it's essential to highlight the positives first. On the Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox noted that the game runs smoothly without frame drops or errors, indicating a solid performance on this platform. This sentiment is echoed by MondoXbox, who acknowledged that despite some technical issues, the overall experience remains engaging. On the PS5, Impulsegamer provided a contrasting view, stating that the game is polished and distinctively chaotic, suggesting that at least some players experienced a smooth gameplay experience. Although the PC version faced more criticism, Loot Level Chill did not report any major issues, implying that there may be a subset of users who had a satisfactory experience. However, the negatives across platforms are significant and prevalent. On the PS5, multiple critics, including COGconnected and GameBlast, highlighted severe performance issues such as poor input response, lag, and visual clutter that detract from the overall experience. Gamereactor UK and Hobby Consolas also pointed out frame rate drops and optimization issues, particularly during chaotic scenes. The PC version was similarly criticized, with Gamekult and GamesRadar+ pointing to poor controls and unresponsiveness, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences. IGN Deutschland noted that performance on the Steam Deck was particularly suboptimal, with significant frame rate drops during intense moments. On the Xbox Series X, while Generación Xbox found it to run smoothly, ElDesmarque and TheXboxHub pointed out various technical issues, including unresponsive controls and crashes. Overall, the consensus among critics for HOTEL BARCELONA suggests that while there are pockets of positive experiences, particularly on the Xbox Series X, the game is marred by significant technical shortcomings across all platforms. The PS5 and PC versions, in particular, are criticized for their lack of responsiveness, frame rate issues, and gameplay disruptions, leading to a frustrating experience for many players. Critics like KeenGamer and Tech-Gaming have emphasized that these technical flaws undermine the overall enjoyment of the game, indicating a pressing need for optimization and polish before it can reach its full potential.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

HOTEL BARCELONA boasts a roguelite structure and multiplayer options that some praise for encouraging replayability, but significant gameplay frustrations—like clunky mechanics and repetitive content—deter many players. Critics are split: while some see potential for unique experiences, others argue the lack of engaging progression limits the game's appeal for multiple runs.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

31%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions on the replay value of HOTEL BARCELONA highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its appeal. Many reviewers, such as Gamereactor UK and Generación Xbox, praise the game’s roguelite structure, which encourages multiple playthroughs through its procedural generation and randomization of elements. Critics like Finger Guns and KeenGamer note that the game offers a decent amount of content, with additional features like secret stages and New Game+, which can enhance the overall experience. The presence of multiplayer options is also frequently mentioned, with reviewers like COGconnected and PlayStation Universe acknowledging that these features can keep players engaged and provide a fresh perspective on the gameplay. However, the reviews also reveal significant concerns regarding the replay value of HOTEL BARCELONA. A recurring theme among critics is the frustrating gameplay mechanics that may deter players from returning. For instance, GameBlast and WellPlayed highlight that while the roguelite elements are present, the clunky gameplay and lack of engaging content can make it difficult for players to enjoy multiple runs. Additionally, GameOver.gr and Oyungezer express that the game suffers from a lack of meaningful variation in its runs, leading to a repetitive experience that diminishes the incentive for replayability. This sentiment is echoed by critics like GamingTrend and IGN Deutschland, who point out the linearity and repetitive nature of the gameplay as major drawbacks. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a divide between those who appreciate the potential for replayability through roguelite mechanics and those who find the gameplay frustrating and repetitive. While some reviewers, such as MondoXbox and Softpedia, emphasize the game's ability to offer unique experiences in each run, others, like Game Informer and Noisy Pixel, argue that the lack of meaningful progression and engaging content ultimately limits the game's appeal for repeated playthroughs. As a result, HOTEL BARCELONA presents a complex picture of replay value, where its strengths in procedural generation and multiplayer options are counterbalanced by significant gameplay frustrations that may hinder player retention.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment towards Hotel Barcelona reflects a mix of creativity and ambition, with several critics acknowledging its unique presentation and engaging elements. For instance, Gameliner highlights the game's compelling story and atmosphere, while IGN Deutschland notes its creatively ambitious blend of horror and humor that appeals to a niche audience. Critics like Finger Guns and MondoXbox also recognize the engaging gameplay mechanics and the game’s stylish homage to horror cinema, suggesting that it has the potential to resonate with fans of the genre. Furthermore, Impulsegamer appreciates the thrilling experience and visuals, indicating that there are aspects of the game that can be enjoyable for certain players. However, the negatives surrounding Hotel Barcelona are significant and pervasive. Many reviewers point out the clunky gameplay and technical issues that detract from the overall experience. For example, COGconnected and WellPlayed express disappointment in the game's controls and design choices, while GameBlast and KonsoliFIN emphasize how these flaws hinder the game's potential. Critics like Game Informer and GamingTrend go further to label the game a failure due to its lack of substance and poor execution. The sentiment is echoed by Gamekult, who notes significant flaws in gameplay and performance, leading to a disappointing experience despite the creative intentions behind the game. In summary, while Hotel Barcelona showcases a blend of creativity and engaging elements that some critics appreciate, the overwhelming consensus is that it falls short in execution. Critics such as GameOver.gr and Multiplayer.it categorize it as one of the weaker entries in the roguelike genre, citing poor design and technical issues as major drawbacks. Despite its stylish presentation and unique ideas, many reviewers recommend caution, suggesting that only dedicated fans of the genre or developers might find value in the game. Overall, Hotel Barcelona is seen as an ambitious attempt that ultimately does not deliver a satisfying gaming experience for a broader audience.

TL;DR

Hotel Barcelona impresses with its creative ambition and engaging storytelling, winning some praise from critics for its unique blend of horror and humor. However, pervasive technical issues and clunky gameplay overshadow its potential, leading many reviewers to deem it a failure within the roguelike genre. While it may appeal to hardcore fans, the general consensus is to approach with caution due to its significant flaws and lack of substance.

MONSTER

Reviews

58 reviews found

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Sep 26, 2025