73
MONSTER
A sequel, sidequel and prequel to Hotline Miami (2012) with similar unlockables, violent top-down gameplay and '80s Miami/modern electronic aesthetics, Hotline Miami 2 follows multiple factions related to the events of the original game as they commit increasingly bloody and surreal acts. A greater emphasis is put on storytelling, and the boundaries between real and fictional violence.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
67
Critics have mixed feelings about the story of Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number. Some praise its ambition, intriguing characters, and dark, surreal narrative. However, others criticize its convoluted plot, lack of coherence, and questionable writing choices. While some appreciate its depth, others feel it detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus is that the story is ambitious yet flawed, with disappointment and frustration overshadowing its potential.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
67
Positive (80-100)
33%
Mixed (50-79)
55%
Negative (0-49)
13%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics have mixed feelings about the story of Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number. Some praise its ambition, intriguing characters, and dark, surreal narrative. However, others criticize its convoluted plot, lack of coherence, and questionable writing choices. While some appreciate its depth, others feel it detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus is that the story is ambitious yet flawed, with disappointment and frustration overshadowing its potential.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
76
Critics have mixed opinions on Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number gameplay. Positive aspects include fast-paced combat and unique playable characters, praised by some. However, negative feedback focuses on frustrating level design, troublesome AI, and limitations on player choice. Overall, the game's intense and challenging nature is acknowledged, but criticisms of frustrating design choices and lack of variety outweigh the positives.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
76
Positive (80-100)
57%
Mixed (50-79)
41%
Negative (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics have mixed opinions on Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number gameplay. Positive aspects include fast-paced combat and unique playable characters, praised by some. However, negative feedback focuses on frustrating level design, troublesome AI, and limitations on player choice. Overall, the game's intense and challenging nature is acknowledged, but criticisms of frustrating design choices and lack of variety outweigh the positives.
Graphics and Visual Design
Expand for full analysis
76
Critics generally praise Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number for its neon-soaked Eighties visuals that enhance the violent gameplay experience. The retro-inspired graphics are commended for their unique style, immersive atmosphere, and weighty impact on kills. While some critics find the visuals thematically appropriate but lacking clarity in conveying objects and violence, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting the game's creative flair and ability to captivate players in its chaotic world.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
76
Positive (80-100)
54%
Mixed (50-79)
46%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics generally praise Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number for its neon-soaked Eighties visuals that enhance the violent gameplay experience. The retro-inspired graphics are commended for their unique style, immersive atmosphere, and weighty impact on kills. While some critics find the visuals thematically appropriate but lacking clarity in conveying objects and violence, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting the game's creative flair and ability to captivate players in its chaotic world.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
88
Critics raved about the outstanding soundtrack of Hotline Miami 2, praising its diverse electronic music genres and immersive atmosphere. While some minor criticisms were noted, the majority agreed it was exceptional, enhancing gameplay and driving the action forward.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
88
Positive (80-100)
93%
Mixed (50-79)
7%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics raved about the outstanding soundtrack of Hotline Miami 2, praising its diverse electronic music genres and immersive atmosphere. While some minor criticisms were noted, the majority agreed it was exceptional, enhancing gameplay and driving the action forward.
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
Expand for full analysis
58
Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number on both PS4 and PC. While some mention minor bugs and glitches, others point out more significant issues like AI glitches, crashes, and level-breaking bugs. Overall, the game seems to have technical issues that affect the gameplay experience, with some critics noting that the addictive gameplay helps to overlook these shortcomings.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
58
Positive (80-100)
5%
Mixed (50-79)
84%
Negative (0-49)
11%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number on both PS4 and PC. While some mention minor bugs and glitches, others point out more significant issues like AI glitches, crashes, and level-breaking bugs. Overall, the game seems to have technical issues that affect the gameplay experience, with some critics noting that the addictive gameplay helps to overlook these shortcomings.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
69
Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number. Some praise its new abilities, level editor, and Hard Mode for enhancing replayability, while others criticize its level design and disjointed story. Despite concerns, the game offers some replay value with added content and challenges. Deciding to replay depends on personal preferences and enjoyment of the gameplay and features.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
69
Positive (80-100)
49%
Mixed (50-79)
41%
Negative (0-49)
11%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number. Some praise its new abilities, level editor, and Hard Mode for enhancing replayability, while others criticize its level design and disjointed story. Despite concerns, the game offers some replay value with added content and challenges. Deciding to replay depends on personal preferences and enjoyment of the gameplay and features.
Overall Verdict
73
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
73
Positive (80-100)
53%
Mixed (50-79)
42%
Negative (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number received a mixed reception from critics. While praised for its addictive gameplay and stylish presentation, it fell short of expectations compared to its predecessor. Critics highlighted lackluster storytelling and repetitive gameplay as drawbacks, but some still found it enjoyable for fans seeking a challenging experience.
73
MONSTER
Reviews
113 reviews found93
Play UK
Mar 13, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Wrong Number excels in many aspects, from its visual style and soundtrack to its gameplay and story. It is an essential game.
90
Gaming Nexus
Mar 30, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Hotline Miami 2 is incredibly fun and is a game that shouldn't be missed. It offers challenging and addictive gameplay, an interesting story, and a phenomenal soundtrack.
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90
Gameblog.fr
Mar 12, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review praises Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number for staying true to the philosophy of the first game while introducing new ideas and diversity, making it even more powerful than the original.
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90
DarkZero
Apr 1, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is a savage game that may not appeal to everyone, but for those who enjoy challenging combat, it is highly recommended.
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90
GameSpot
Mar 10, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is a marked improvement on an already tremendous formula, with challenging gameplay, outstanding music, and a visually appealing style.
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90
Hardcore Gamer
Mar 12, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is a near-perfect balance of bloody action, accessible design, challenging difficulty, and indulgent presentation. It is one of the best games released so far this year.
90
Games(TM)
Apr 11, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is a sequel worth playing and consuming again and again.
90
PlayStation LifeStyle
Mar 14, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is everything the first game was, with improvements that change and evolve the game enough to feel like its own bloodthirsty monster. It offers a dark, yet neon story full of crime and murder, along with a rage-inducing challenge. If you enjoy extreme violence and a challenging gameplay experience, then it is a bloody good time.
90
Destructoid
Mar 10, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is more of the same, but that's not a bad thing if that's all you want out of it. The reviewer enjoyed the game and its iron-clad gameplay, and expresses a desire to continue enjoying the franchise for years to come.
90
God is a Geek
Mar 10, 2015
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review overall praises Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, stating that it amps up everything and comes close to improving on its predecessor.
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