Hotel Dusk: Room 215

 DS
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 57
  3. Negative: 1 out of 57
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  1. The New York Times
    73
    Unrelentingly linear.
  2. Gaming Target
    72
    The storyline and characters are compelling in a way that many recent video games lack. Likewise, the puzzles, while on the easy side, were generally well crafted and require the player to use brains over brawn.
  3. Game Informer
    70
    This game has a hotel full of strangers with secrets, which might just be enough to get you to stick around to hear them all. But perhaps you’ll want to skip the ambiance and go somewhere with fresher towels.
  5. games(TM)
    70
    There’s a certain atmosphere to the hotel itself, augmented by the three-dimensional exploration and sketch-realistic characters, which creates a sense of actually existing in this mysterious building full of secrets to discover. [Mar 2007, p.118]
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  6. Gamestyle
    70
    Perhaps one of the most unique, stylish and absorbing games for the DS, and remains one of the best adventure titles for the system. Whether this says a lot about the game or rather the dearth of alternative adventure games is another matter; but given a chance Hotel Dusk will almost certainly keep you hooked to the end.
  7. Adventure Gamers
    70
    The game is entertaining, and a worthwhile purchase for any DS owner who enjoys a lot of story in their games and doesn't mind the occasional lame puzzle.
  8. Eurogamer
    70
    It's a game that really understands people, and their complex motivations. And yet so often forgets the motivations of the people playing an adventure game. It's a game that knows how to use the DS to great effect, and how the stylus can be so casually and effectively. But its ‘minigames' are perfunctory and underdeveloped.
  9. PALGN
    70
    Hotel Dusk hangs somewhere between a game and an interactive story. While we would have liked to see a little more interactivity thrown into the mix, its storytelling elements are nevertheless fantastic.
  10. Total Video Games
    70
    Unfortunately, the overall experience is bogged down with too much dialogue despite its novel influences, and an unfulfilled demand for something to actually play.
  11. Thunderbolt
    70
    Characters, styling, story, modelling, puzzles, conversations, setting - all fantastic, but infuriating let down by design and play constraints.
  12. Game Revolution
    67
    Hotel Dusk: Room 215 is a hell of a tale, even if by day it masquerades as a mediocre adventure game. If you have a strong memory and a high threshold for aimless exploration, this is a case worth solving.
  13. Modojo
    60
    They story is good enough to be in a book and if it weren't for the long-winded dialog, I would rate this game higher. I think if people treat Hotel Dusk more as an interactive novel than an actual game, they'll be less likely to be disappointed.
  14. Edge Magazine
    60
    The plot proves strong enough to keep even the most disappointed player clicking through the dialogue trees, and in the final chapters the endless conversations finally give way to something more engaging. [Mar 2007, p.80]
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  15. The Sydney Morning Herald
    60
    Having to wait until the game lets you solve a riddle even though you have grasped the solution long ago is particularly galling. Players too often feel like passengers on a scripted ride, rather than individual auteurs directing their own unique experience.
  16. netjak
    59
    In the end, it's nothing but some nice 2D art strapped onto a mostly non-engaging story and a halfhearted attempt at a game. The gimmick to gameplay ratio is almost off the charts for this one.
    All this publication's reviews
  17. DailyGame
    55
    It starts out well enough, with great graphic stylings and some cool gameplay features, but turns into a gimmicky stylus-tapping festival of boredom within an hour.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best DS Game of 2007
6
#6 Most Discussed DS Game of 2007
6
#6 Most Shared DS Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 134 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 114 out of 134
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 134
  3. Negative: 6 out of 134
  1. AnonymousMC
    Oct 3, 2009
    10
    This game has truly captured what Nintendo DS is all about. Using the touch screen, the console itself and microphone, the game takes you onThis game has truly captured what Nintendo DS is all about. Using the touch screen, the console itself and microphone, the game takes you on an amazing mystery which you can lose yourself in. Do not underestimate Cing. This game should definitely be in the Top 5 and should be apart of everyone's collection.… Full Review »
  2. gboukensha
    Jan 23, 2012
    7
    One should regard this game as an interactive book rather than an adventure game. The story is very interesting and you will always want toOne should regard this game as an interactive book rather than an adventure game. The story is very interesting and you will always want to hear more to finally unravel the mystery. All the characters are interesting and look like they're hiding something and I frequently found myself looking for someone to speak with just for the pleasure to exchange a couple of words with them. There is A LOT to read in this game, so if you enjoy reading you will definitely find food for your eyes (not by coincidence the console is to be held like a book when playing). On the other hand, puzzles are extremely simple and in fact there is very little "game" and pretty much story instead. Unfortunately, the game creators chose to insert dialogue-tree puzzles, in that you have to choose the correct sequence of answers when speaking with someone or is a sudden game over. This can get frustrating soon and what's worse is that you cannot skip the dialogues and cannot save the game whenever you need it. Game over is a matter of luck for the most part. Having said that, the game remains a very nice mystery story and provides solid hours of reading enjoyment.… Full Review »
  3. PanderBall
    May 25, 2023
    10
    Great story, when you first play it you will get inmersed inmediately. Wonderful character design and style. Even if you dont like mystery andGreat story, when you first play it you will get inmersed inmediately. Wonderful character design and style. Even if you dont like mystery and interactive games, im sure you will like this… Full Review »
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