Hotel Dusk: Room 215

 DS
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
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  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 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.
  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 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 isOne 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.… Expand
  3. Kathrine
    Mar 12, 2007
    0
    This game starts out all right. Then it becomes all about stylus exercises that my DS Lite doesn't really make possible. It would have been better if I had realized how lame this game is from the start. Instead it gets really boring about 4 hours in. What a waste of time!
  4. NormaB
    Jan 24, 2009
    6
    After figuring out a way to solve a particular puzzle, the game wouldn't let me until I went through a series of other mindless tasks...then out of nowhere, GAME OVER. I don't even know what I did wrong!
  5. PhilU.
    Jun 17, 2007
    4
    Boring, frustrating controls and really poor dialogue. So many people seem to be bigging this game up but it is terrible. If you are a fan of Point N Click/SCUMMVM games you will be highly diaspointed.
  6. Echolocating
    Jun 11, 2007
    9
    I don
  7. PhilS.
    Feb 18, 2007
    9
    Terrific title. This game gives you the same feeling of reading a good novel. I can understand why some of the Ritalin taking youngsters with attention spans lasting 5 seconds may have trouble with this one in the same way they have trouble reading a long novel. Highly recommended.
  8. Roy
    Apr 9, 2007
    7
    entertaining, but not worth it. the fun is in the deep story, as there is barely any gameplay involved, but it gets boring towards the middle/end. the puzzles are too simple, you can tell that not much thought went into them. it's definitely a playable game, but it requires long periods of reading where u can't exit or save (unless u wanna read it all over again because u entertaining, but not worth it. the fun is in the deep story, as there is barely any gameplay involved, but it gets boring towards the middle/end. the puzzles are too simple, you can tell that not much thought went into them. it's definitely a playable game, but it requires long periods of reading where u can't exit or save (unless u wanna read it all over again because u can't skip dialogue). if you've played every other game, give it a try, otherwise go get another game.… Expand
  9. RachelT.
    May 13, 2007
    10
    A book-style game that you can take part in. Become a detective in this gritty novel and you won't be able to put it down!!
  10. BenR.
    May 16, 2007
    8
    Really enjoyable. Just difficult enough to not become tedious!
  11. Awai
    Apr 20, 2008
    8
    A very interesting game, which utilises the DS controls nicely -- more of an interactive novel than a game in the true sense. The story is fun, the setting interesting, and the attention to detail impressive. Whilst it is quite slow-paced, Hotel Dusk nevertheless plods along. The 2D animations are gorgeous, and the use of splashes of colour on an otherwise monotone setting provide A very interesting game, which utilises the DS controls nicely -- more of an interactive novel than a game in the true sense. The story is fun, the setting interesting, and the attention to detail impressive. Whilst it is quite slow-paced, Hotel Dusk nevertheless plods along. The 2D animations are gorgeous, and the use of splashes of colour on an otherwise monotone setting provide emphasis. Requires patience, but pays off with an involving story.… Expand
  12. Diesel360
    Jan 25, 2007
    10
    Just what the DS ordered! The totally original art style just looks great on the DS. The story and characterization is top notch. AND, holding the DS like a book really is a nice touch and allows for a portrait style presentation of the characters. This game moves at it's own pace, and if your not ready to play patiently and enjoy everything it has to offer, then stay away. BUT - for Just what the DS ordered! The totally original art style just looks great on the DS. The story and characterization is top notch. AND, holding the DS like a book really is a nice touch and allows for a portrait style presentation of the characters. This game moves at it's own pace, and if your not ready to play patiently and enjoy everything it has to offer, then stay away. BUT - for those of you who want something a little different w/ graphics that those around you will just have to see; then, Hotel Dusk is the game for you. A Keeper, for sure!… Expand
  13. INSOMANiAC
    Jan 28, 2007
    7
    Great aesthetics and a reasonably interesting story cant hide the linearity that you should expect from this genre. You cant look up and down, and have to spend the majority of your time looking at the minimap instead of enjoying the graphics on the other screen. You have to do everything in a certain order, even if you see an obvious puzzle, or there is an item you want to pick up, you Great aesthetics and a reasonably interesting story cant hide the linearity that you should expect from this genre. You cant look up and down, and have to spend the majority of your time looking at the minimap instead of enjoying the graphics on the other screen. You have to do everything in a certain order, even if you see an obvious puzzle, or there is an item you want to pick up, you cant until you are at that part of the plot. The first 3 hours are extremely slow and the main character can be a little unlikeable, seemingly everytime you move it cuts to another long conversation but after chapter2 things start to open up a little. I am only on chapter 4 so these are my first impressions really. It is certainly a game worth owning if you are a fan of the genre and will hopefully open the door to bigger better things. This game wont appeal to people who arent prepared to wade through the first couple of hours and dont have a LOT of patience. Pretty good but still a lot of room for improvement.… Expand
  14. TomW.
    Feb 8, 2007
    10
    Wouaw! It's been a while since I had so much fun thinking and relaxing playing a video game...If you need action, this game's not for you, but if you want to relax before going to bed, Hotel Dusk is awesome!
  15. TomA.
    Mar 20, 2007
    9
    This has great story and is fun throughout. If you want action though, look elsewhere.
  16. AdamF.
    Apr 2, 2007
    9
    If you are a serious gaming fan, this aint for you. But if you just want a good book to read but are too lazy to turn the pages, this could be a dream come true (albeit in black and white only) The Dusk (as I call it) is about as well written as "games" could be, and truly tests your problem solving abilities and logic with its numerous puzzles and minigames. People who call the storyline If you are a serious gaming fan, this aint for you. But if you just want a good book to read but are too lazy to turn the pages, this could be a dream come true (albeit in black and white only) The Dusk (as I call it) is about as well written as "games" could be, and truly tests your problem solving abilities and logic with its numerous puzzles and minigames. People who call the storyline "lame" or "halfhearted" clearly wern't even patient enough to play it all the way through to the end. If that's the case, this game isn't right for them anyway.… Expand
  17. C.H.
    Apr 5, 2007
    8
    Won't say it's superb, but not a failure either. Well, to begin with, you need to tilt your DS 90 degrees in order to play (so that it looks more like a book), and its quite ridiculous. Nice graphics, something you expect from a first person shooter, and it really brings you back to the 70's. Nice music, but the positioning of your DS might spoilt it. And since its dated Won't say it's superb, but not a failure either. Well, to begin with, you need to tilt your DS 90 degrees in order to play (so that it looks more like a book), and its quite ridiculous. Nice graphics, something you expect from a first person shooter, and it really brings you back to the 70's. Nice music, but the positioning of your DS might spoilt it. And since its dated back to the 70's, the dialogs has a rather weird (out dated?) tone. Nice plot, but quite a ridiculous timing as everything just happened over one night, and if you are looking for blood, actions or some multiplayer gigs, you've come to the wrong place.… Expand
  18. KyleT.
    Jul 26, 2007
    9
    Try not to think about Hotel Dusk as so much of a game. The 'game' experiences aren't very deep or challenging, serving mainly to bring you closer to the atmosphere of this game/book. Though it certainly has it's flaws (slow pace, occasionally frustrating), Hotel Dusk shines in it's quality of writing and resonating storyline. Definitely recommended; one of the Try not to think about Hotel Dusk as so much of a game. The 'game' experiences aren't very deep or challenging, serving mainly to bring you closer to the atmosphere of this game/book. Though it certainly has it's flaws (slow pace, occasionally frustrating), Hotel Dusk shines in it's quality of writing and resonating storyline. Definitely recommended; one of the most engrossing, memorable games in recent times.… Expand
  19. pippaw
    Apr 12, 2009
    8
    I love this game. i love al the characttors and the mystery and the excitment when you like all the clues togerther. there is bad bits though, the talking goes on forever and when you stuck (like i was at the endish) you cannot do anything but nock on doors that wont open and speak to people who just say ther busy wich is fustrating. you then have to find somebody else whos got the game I love this game. i love al the characttors and the mystery and the excitment when you like all the clues togerther. there is bad bits though, the talking goes on forever and when you stuck (like i was at the endish) you cannot do anything but nock on doors that wont open and speak to people who just say ther busy wich is fustrating. you then have to find somebody else whos got the game to help you or start again but in the end i thought it wasa great. the illistrations are fab.… Expand
  20. B.W.Peach
    Jan 24, 2007
    10
    Utterly fantastic. You have to play it to know.
  21. DanH.
    Jan 28, 2007
    10
    Absolutely stunning. If you have a DS, you NEED to pick up this game.
  22. SherlockH.
    Jan 29, 2007
    5
    The game's ploddingly slow, and it painfully badly written. Your character's a huge jerk to everyone he meets throughout the game, even when people are trying to be nice to him. He'll just tell them they suck, then they'll something in passing, and then he'll ask them to talk about it for the next 15 minutes. The touch screen portions are horribly, horribly tacked The game's ploddingly slow, and it painfully badly written. Your character's a huge jerk to everyone he meets throughout the game, even when people are trying to be nice to him. He'll just tell them they suck, then they'll something in passing, and then he'll ask them to talk about it for the next 15 minutes. The touch screen portions are horribly, horribly tacked on. Ooh! Touch the screen every time you want to put a key in a door! Now touch the door to open the door. Touch it to move around the world. Weak puzzles, weak writing, weak game. All flash, no substance.… Expand
  23. LoowisS.
    Feb 13, 2007
    8
    Its okay. Just another point and click adventure with a deep plot which makes you gasp at the end. Not as touching or involving as Another Code, but nonetheless a nice game which doesn't hold that many flaws.
  24. DavidBrailsford
    Feb 26, 2008
    9
    It draws you in like a detective novel, some of the puzzles can be a pain to get through and mistakes at the wrong time will lose you the game. Warning this game can lead tou loss of time captivated in the story and dialogs can get to be long.
  25. Sarah
    Jan 17, 2009
    9
    Really addictive game! Generally the game play and story line is very good, although dialogue does make up the bulk of the game, and at times can be slightly vexing. Overall, game play is very logical and therefore a delight to play.
  26. MattE.
    Dec 19, 2007
    10
    Hotel Dusk: Room 215 is my favorite game ever, and is very well done in my opinion. A word to the wise though: This is only for people who enjoy a good story, and that being about it. It's fairly straight forward play and is in no way dynamic. But it's got good dialogue, a great story, and some very memorable characters.
  27. spi280
    Feb 15, 2014
    9
    though I didn't find the gameplay in this game to be anything special the game does have some clever moments of puzzle solving and one of the best stories told on the ds. each character is memorable and have just as much importance to the plot as the main character and the story is full of shocking twists. special mention also goes to the comic book-ish animation which looks really cool.
  28. SalarymanDaishi
    Dec 24, 2010
    9
    A puzzle-crusted, dialogue-heavy visual novel that delivers a lengthy, serenely paced detective story with plenty of stylish film noir undertones. The game takes places in a seedy roadside hotel at the end of 1979 and, during the span of a single night, tells the captivating tale of a ragged, bourbon-loving ex-cop haunted by his past that has unexpected ties to quite a few others spendingA puzzle-crusted, dialogue-heavy visual novel that delivers a lengthy, serenely paced detective story with plenty of stylish film noir undertones. The game takes places in a seedy roadside hotel at the end of 1979 and, during the span of a single night, tells the captivating tale of a ragged, bourbon-loving ex-cop haunted by his past that has unexpected ties to quite a few others spending the night in the same hotel. It features minimalistic, yet vivid and nicely drawn character animations, a good variety of moody background tunes, and a script that is a fine piece of eloquent detective prose. Its realistic, down-to-earth approach is refreshingly original and its characters feel remarkably alive. The puzzles are simple and there's certainly more to read than there is to play but an exceptionally good story is always worth experiencing!… Expand
  29. vahn
    Feb 19, 2013
    8
    One of the fewest adventure games for the nintendo ds where the features of the nintendo ds were used more often than later games, but with also a great story behind with unexpected twists, remarkable characters with each one of them having some background that have something to say to you, and good puzzles to keep you entertained. One of the best things of this game, is the mainOne of the fewest adventure games for the nintendo ds where the features of the nintendo ds were used more often than later games, but with also a great story behind with unexpected twists, remarkable characters with each one of them having some background that have something to say to you, and good puzzles to keep you entertained. One of the best things of this game, is the main character. Kyle Hyde, the main character, may look the usual "disturbed and broken person who tries to forget his past with alcohol" person, but he actually has more stuff hidden behind his face: he is actually smart, but doesn't show off; he knows how to talk, but without creating too much confusion; he is self confident, but also relies on others when he needs to; he looks selfish, but actually cares to people he loves when they are hurt. All these details makes him a very likeable character among many others simply because...he's normal, and simply tries to act rough but deep inside it's not his intentions, without becoming the "tsundere" or the "silent" guy. He could be definied as a "grey" character, and while some may not like him, it's also very hard to "hate" him as well, because he knows how to behave at the right time. The story as well is very good and hides a lot of twists and backstories that I obviously cannot tell, but it's very well written and very well told. The game is played differently, by holding the console vertically instead (like a small notebook), and even though it can be tiring to keep it like that the game plays greatly due to the fact that dialogues are made as if they are talking to each others (they look like watching face to face). Ah, and I cannot forget how the graphics in this game are made, with a mix of comic-book style and animation (which, if I'm not wrong, it's called Rotoscoping), and it works perfectly and smoothly. Maybe some purists may not like the fact that it's almost black and white (except the areas and places, which are both colored and in 3d graphics), but it's definitely a joy for your eyes and a very unique way to animate characters. And fits the game settings. And puzzles are good, but nothing special and only a few were very hard and interesting to do (like the puzzle where you're supposed to close your nintendo ds). However, I have few complains about this that while not game breaking, it definitely made me not replay more than once or twice. First off, the game isn't very long but it takes a good amount of time to finish it the first time. But after that, it's not very likely that you'll restart, because there aren't multiple endings and there's not much of a point on restarting because the game, while interesting, it has a very slow pace. You can also have game overs in the game, both from making bad actions during some parts...and also bad dialogue choices, which isn't very hard to do but sometimes it's hard to guess the right choice. Because of those game overs however, you'll sometimes have to redo a small portion of the dialogue (and the dialogues aren't very fast, so it takes a while). So my main reason for giving it a 8 it's simply because it's very slow paced and needs attentions sometimes, but even with that I still think it's a great adventure game to try and while not on par with Phoenix Wright or similar, it has unique details that definitely makes it original. Definitely worth a try.… Expand
  30. Lieber
    Nov 21, 2012
    9
    This is a game you can't afford to miss, even in 2012.
    What might seem like a generic point and click game, it's story is so intense and it's characters so great that you can replay it anytime.
  31. Heishi
    Nov 25, 2013
    10
    This game is fantastic, musics are fantastic, all of this game is fantastic.
  32. LOL_HACK
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    This game was a trully masterpiece. Ost, History, Characters, Art Style, and a deep and memorable Plot. Best game on the DS and one of the best game ever made.
  33. TellTale
    Jun 1, 2016
    10
    This game is the pinnacle of mystery point and click DS games, the unique mix of the awesome art stile and 3D world is fantastic and it will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through.
  34. zens3
    Jul 3, 2016
    10
    Hotel Dusk is one of the eternal gems for the original DS. It is innovating, captivating and it's graphics style is still nice. Not often do I play though games several times, but this is one of those games. Now to hope the 3DS will get it's spiritual sequel translated.
  35. ffoxsox
    Mar 21, 2017
    1
    I'm reasonably intelligent with fair gaming experience.....I score this game so poorly because it keeps stalling.... meaning that sometimes the next point of important plot will only happen if you do X followed by Y followed by B !! ..... which results in the need for me to go online and refer to a walk through.......If this had only happened once or twice... fair enough... but itI'm reasonably intelligent with fair gaming experience.....I score this game so poorly because it keeps stalling.... meaning that sometimes the next point of important plot will only happen if you do X followed by Y followed by B !! ..... which results in the need for me to go online and refer to a walk through.......If this had only happened once or twice... fair enough... but it happens too often.. and the exact questions that I need to ask have been asked very often by other people ... so I'm not alone. I can only recommend this if you are willing to exit the game ( break immersion )....go find out what you need to do next... get back into it....and if it was under £5.00… Expand
  36. tukumalu
    Apr 26, 2020
    9
    Very unique gameplay with art straight out of a noir comic. While the pacing might be slow at time, it is necessary to build up some of the plot points.
  37. ViKabbu
    Aug 8, 2021
    8
    If you can, play the sequel Last Window. It's better in almost every way, but Hotel Dusk is still a very solid game. A sleeper hit on the DS.
  38. Sandrel
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its an incredible game that has a memorable story and characters. The gameplay might be for some people boring but its a detective game that your decisions throughout the game matters. While playing, everything fits perfectly; every story of every character which leads to a satisfactory conclusion. The icing on the cake was the soundtrack which makes this game a masterpiece.… Expand
  39. Novaxlo
    Nov 4, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Una gran joya de la DS, definitivamente entra en el top de mejores juegos de la consola.

    Pros:
    - Si te gusta la investigación y los misterios, este juego te va a encantar.
    - Además, que va acompañado de un gran diseño gráfico y una excelente música.
    - También es un gran detalle el tener que jugar al juego como si estuvieras leyendo un libro, hace al título más especial.
    - Utiliza muy bien las funciones de la consola.

    Contras:
    - Sufre del mismo problema que tiene Ace attorney. (El quedarte estancado y no saber qué hacer)
    - Prefiero que el final secreto sea el final normal.
    - El final secreto se desbloquea jugando de nuevo al juego, tienes que jugar otras 18 horas solo para 20 segundos más de final.

    Nota final:
    --------------------------------------
    Total: 88
    --------------------------------------
    - Sector principal -
    Historia: 90
    Jugabilidad: 90
    --------------------------------------
    - Aspecto del juego -
    Diseño: 100
    Música: 95
    --------------------------------------
    - Mecánicas dentro -
    Dificultad: 73
    Duración: 80
    --------------------------------------    … Expand
  40. 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 and interactive games, im sure you will like this

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    87
    With a cast of well-written characters, branching conservations, and a cool interface, this is the adventure the DS has been dying for. [Feb. 2007, p.97]
  2. Nintendo Power
    80
    Impatient gamers looking for a little more action may want to look elsewhere, but they'll do so at the risk of missing our on yet another groundbreaking DS title. [Mar. 2007, p.88]
  3. GamePro
    75
    Hotel Dusk probably won't appeal to every DS gamer, as it requires a degree of patience and thoughtfulness that only the aged (and insane) are capable of. But anyone looking for a cerebral and deliberate challenge should definitely check out this cool and unique title; just be patient with it.
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