Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number

 PC
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 808 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 551 out of 808
  2. Mixed: 168 out of 808
  3. Negative: 89 out of 808

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  1. Riskyreview
    Mar 10, 2015
    10
    Even better then the first is the only way to describe this game!
    The gameplay is better the story is much more engaging then the first and the music is absolutely astonishing!
    Buy it and buy it now you even get a mask for Payday 2 if you're into that!
  2. suneater
    Sep 26, 2015
    6
    A mixed bag that attempts to build on the strengths of the original but seems to struggle against its own design. I love how much larger the new maps are but that is also one of the games biggest issues; Much of the game is spent shift-looking far ahead of you to line up the perfect shot while hiding behind cover because a missed shot means a counter-shot from off screen can kill you. TooA mixed bag that attempts to build on the strengths of the original but seems to struggle against its own design. I love how much larger the new maps are but that is also one of the games biggest issues; Much of the game is spent shift-looking far ahead of you to line up the perfect shot while hiding behind cover because a missed shot means a counter-shot from off screen can kill you. Too many of the maps were a complete joke with you spamming walls of shotgun fire off screen in the hopes of killing stuff (and actually succeeding) and rewarding you with a huge combo or punishing you with a bullet in the back from off screen. I guess rooms made out of entirely glass were popular in the 80s because there are also tons of windows this time around, meaning enemies from outside of your vision can shoot to kill from multiple rooms away. Melee is usually an option but with long corridors and tons of breakable windows its often unrealistic to melee everything everytime.

    If the game was in a different engine (with some kind of first person option) or had a zoom feature I would've really loved this and it would've felt like a significant improvement over the original. New characters, bigger levels, more weapons, and a psychedelic story are great and all, but when the core gameplay is this frustrating and unwieldy it is difficult to recommend. If you enjoyed the original its worth picking up but I wouldn't recommend it for newcomers to the series despite being completely seperate from the original (outside of lore).    … Expand
  3. JaydenPickens
    Feb 20, 2019
    9
    The game is longer than the first part, has amazing story and characters. Really loved the vibe here and figuring things out along the way. It was fun and I will remember this game. It leaves an impression. Pickens approves!
  4. azgoodaz
    Jun 13, 2015
    10
    If you played the first Hotline Miami, then this is a no brainier. Just like the first one, this has to be one of the most addictive games that is under $20 dollars. If you get hit or get shot at, you will die. Once dead you have restart the level or checkpoint and its really stressful if you do. And thats what I truly like about this game. Even though its a great game, I'm sadly not oneIf you played the first Hotline Miami, then this is a no brainier. Just like the first one, this has to be one of the most addictive games that is under $20 dollars. If you get hit or get shot at, you will die. Once dead you have restart the level or checkpoint and its really stressful if you do. And thats what I truly like about this game. Even though its a great game, I'm sadly not one of those gamers that can read non-speakable text boxes so I normally skip all of that.

    If you liked Hotline Miami and wanted a longer storyline, more death, more killing, more blood and more weapons. You wont regret Hotline Miami 2. It might be a cheap game but its highly addictive and you wont stop playing it.    … Expand
  5. Overvulture
    Nov 9, 2015
    7
    A step down from the first game, with less focus and some annoying level design getting in the way of the hypnotic, automated "flow" you could get into in that game. But it remains a bitterly nihilistic story with a backdrop of ridiculously fast, challenging violence with the same kind of gratuitous style. Things get a lot more frustrating, but I simply could not stop myself from drivingA step down from the first game, with less focus and some annoying level design getting in the way of the hypnotic, automated "flow" you could get into in that game. But it remains a bitterly nihilistic story with a backdrop of ridiculously fast, challenging violence with the same kind of gratuitous style. Things get a lot more frustrating, but I simply could not stop myself from driving to the conclusion even if it wasn't exactly something I wanted to see.

    The game is a sensual feast that leaves me exhausted after a while, even more so than the first game, with a soundtrack that's even more driving and mesmerizing. The new characters add a lot of variety, but there are some serious balance issues going on and it detracts somewhat from the simplicity that made the first one so smooth. From tight, confined experience to broader and messier, there are still a lot of things here I enjoyed, but it's simply not as memorable as the first game and remains one for the fans who want a little more. Non-essential gaming but intriguing for the curious and adrenaline-addicted.    … Expand
  6. jackthebrown
    Dec 11, 2016
    7
    Fun game, but not as good as the first one. Most of the game is shift looking ahead, which would be fine if the game were fast paced, but a lot of the game is also baiting enemies around a corner and killing them when they come around the corner since the levels are way more open in this one. This makes it a little boring and repetitive, though the levels they did right feel amazing alongFun game, but not as good as the first one. Most of the game is shift looking ahead, which would be fine if the game were fast paced, but a lot of the game is also baiting enemies around a corner and killing them when they come around the corner since the levels are way more open in this one. This makes it a little boring and repetitive, though the levels they did right feel amazing along with cool new mask abilities when you get to use them.

    The story is pretty good but the writing is very corny, needed a lot more work. The art style is great as always and the music is even better than the first one, very well done in that regard. Playing this game more for the ambiance and feel is definitely what you want to go for, the gameplay is fun and all, but if you're going strictly for gameplay stick with the first one. Worth the money no question, but a little disappointing.    … Expand
  7. leaveit
    Mar 10, 2015
    5
    I'll keep it short. I like the first game better. This one's levels are not designed in a way commensurate with the gameplay mechanics: rooms much larger than your field of view, windows everywhere, every other enemy is a gimmick-kill enemy (like fat men/dogs of the first), and there are guns everywhere. The whole game is like playing paintball where everyone is blindfolded. The story isI'll keep it short. I like the first game better. This one's levels are not designed in a way commensurate with the gameplay mechanics: rooms much larger than your field of view, windows everywhere, every other enemy is a gimmick-kill enemy (like fat men/dogs of the first), and there are guns everywhere. The whole game is like playing paintball where everyone is blindfolded. The story is not interesting and the music is not quite as good as the first. The AI gets hung up on more things like doorways and itself. Buy the first game; if you like it, buy this one on sale but don't expect anything. If you don't like it, don't even think about touching this one. To make matters worse, the level editor (arguably the most crucial new feature, seeing as how terrible the official levels are) did not ship with the game. Sorry guys.… Expand
  8. Ceno
    Mar 10, 2015
    6
    Level design is absolutely abysmal. Gone are the days of Hotline Miami in which you can blitz through a level punching and beating everything in your way; say hello to dogs galore and enemies that can't be killed with melee (i.e., Thugs); better yet, enjoy the various enemies that can ONLY be killed my melee.

    The tempo of combat is mediocre at best, nowhere close to how fast-paced the    Level design is absolutely abysmal. Gone are the days of Hotline Miami in which you can blitz through a level punching and beating everything in your way; say hello to dogs galore and enemies that can't be killed with melee (i.e., Thugs); better yet, enjoy the various enemies that can ONLY be killed my melee.

    The tempo of combat is mediocre at best, nowhere close to how fast-paced the first title was. The story is also pretty terrible, there's not a single likable character, and your options for completing missions/chapters/scenes are extraordinarily limited; even if the game seems to offer you several routes for completion, there's really only one or two that are viable, and even they are fairly time consuming and RNG-prone.

    All in all, not a fantastic experience. Buy the first Hotline Miami rather than Wrong Number.

    Soundtrack is pretty good though; 49 tracks in the base game, 6 more in the Remix EP for the special edition.    … Expand
  9. dohgeh
    Mar 13, 2015
    2
    There is no doubt that Hotline Miami 2 isn't a fun game, but it's a major disappointment.

    Hotline Miami 1 was so fast paced and fluid, Hotline Miami 2 is fast paced, but it's different. You no longer charge enemies at beat their head in. You now have to basically hide behind corners and lure enemies to you. It's just not as fun as Hotline Miami. It feels boring and just has zero    There is no doubt that Hotline Miami 2 isn't a fun game, but it's a major disappointment.

    Hotline Miami 1 was so fast paced and fluid, Hotline Miami 2 is fast paced, but it's different. You no longer charge enemies at beat their head in. You now have to basically hide behind corners and lure enemies to you. It's just not as fun as Hotline Miami. It feels boring and just has zero replayability.

    The level design has also been pumped down WAY too much. Through the entire game, you will feel like you've been through here 5 times already. It's so disappointing to see that what made the first game stand out and what made it good was completely ripped out and traded for a more focused story. Honestly the story doesn't interest me at all! That's not what made me like Hotline Miami 1! I liked Hotline Miami 1 for it's unique levels and awesome gameplay. The story is okay. It touches up queasy subjects like rape and torture.

    Overall, Hotline Miami is not a bad game if you've never played the first one, but it is a HUGE disappointment if you have played the first one. If you haven't played either and you are interested, buy the first once. You most likely won't regret it.    … Expand
  10. RoccoSalvetti
    Mar 28, 2015
    5
    It is like the first one but with an awful level design and a not interesting plot.You will die a lot, these days it seems fun but 9 out of 10 times here will be because of something shooting from outside of the screen. Where the first game could praise being reckless, here you will hide, lure the enemies toward you and then kill them. It is boring and frustrating in the way that skillIt is like the first one but with an awful level design and a not interesting plot.You will die a lot, these days it seems fun but 9 out of 10 times here will be because of something shooting from outside of the screen. Where the first game could praise being reckless, here you will hide, lure the enemies toward you and then kill them. It is boring and frustrating in the way that skill doesn't count much.… Expand
  11. camptownrangers
    Nov 22, 2015
    4
    Hotline Miami was a game that was fun largely thanks to how I almost never needed to rely on guns. Hotline Miami 2 forces the player to use guns in the vast majority of levels.

    Difficulty is artificial, level designs are a big step back, it just took everything fun about the original and snapped it over its leg with a sickening crack. I really, really wanted to like it, the soundtrack    Hotline Miami was a game that was fun largely thanks to how I almost never needed to rely on guns. Hotline Miami 2 forces the player to use guns in the vast majority of levels.

    Difficulty is artificial, level designs are a big step back, it just took everything fun about the original and snapped it over its leg with a sickening crack. I really, really wanted to like it, the soundtrack is great and the story is as idiotic and crazy as ever (this is a good thing), but the levels are almost all designed to be slow methodical crawls as you avoid bullets shot from dozens of enemies that you can't see because they're off-screen and have ridiculous line-of-sight length. You can never just blitz through a level with a melee weapon and a death wish and come out victorious like you could in the first one, and that just kills it. Disappointment of 2015, and I really hate that I'm typing that down.    … Expand
  12. Stealthgear
    Mar 21, 2015
    6
    The story and dialogue is skippable. The music is a little derivative. The graphics aren't too bad. The only way to play it is to lure enemys into a hall one at a time. The AI seems to be the same and the only thing keeping you in the game is how lucky you are or how fast you fire back. The weapons do not have a very good spread to make it fun. The content of the game is kinda gross. IThe story and dialogue is skippable. The music is a little derivative. The graphics aren't too bad. The only way to play it is to lure enemys into a hall one at a time. The AI seems to be the same and the only thing keeping you in the game is how lucky you are or how fast you fire back. The weapons do not have a very good spread to make it fun. The content of the game is kinda gross. I can't think of a reason to buy it unless you want to test your reflexes. Its a flashy package that needs more variety. They could have taken many directions to make it more fun for the player but did not.… Expand
  13. Underpants158
    Mar 22, 2015
    6
    What is this game?!?!: A top down retro action game that is best approached slow and methodical. Then toss in 80s inspired music and ultra violence and you got Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number.
    Pros:
    -People rave about the music and it is a part of creating a unique atmosphere that is distinguishably Hotline Miami. -A lot of people say there is a lack of variety in dealing with levels.    What is this game?!?!: A top down retro action game that is best approached slow and methodical. Then toss in 80s inspired music and ultra violence and you got Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number.
    Pros:
    -People rave about the music and it is a part of creating a unique atmosphere that is distinguishably Hotline Miami.
    -A lot of people say there is a lack of variety in dealing with levels. Though what they mean is that a lot of times that variety is imposed on you by the game and not your own choice which I think is fine. Sometimes you'll play a scene with a fisticuffs reporter and sometimes you'll be a Rambo esque shotgun and knife wielding jungle commando.

    Cons:
    -Pretty atrocious AI respond nonsensically at times. For instance when you shoot a gun a select few enemies (seemingly regardless of distance) charge at you and others stay. After you shoot a gun and go into a room the enemies pile into the doorway where you easily slaughter them. But to make up for all the bad AI they have amazing accuracy.
    -Offscreen enemies see you before you see them. This is a problem more so in this game due to the bigger levels and longer hallways. And when they do see you apparently they have an auto lock function because they snipe you dead. Not to mention dogs. Run at you from offscreen and bam. Dead. Auto lock jaw on your neck.
    -Story has many different characters that is jumps back and forth between and years that it also jumps back and forth between making it very hard to keep up with but honestly it could have no story and that'd sort of be fine.

    Conclusion: I feel like to play this game is to play around it's inefficiencies. Exploiting the bad AI and avoiding hallways when possible. It is a frustrating experience whereas the first wasn't even though it pretty much had the same cons. A lot of times when I died I felt it was because of the faults of the game (AI/autolock/offscreen enemies) and not myself. Though that is not to say that every time I died I felt I had been cheated by the game. A lot of times it was a misplay, I didn't react quickly enough, didn't time my stab right, etc. And that's fine. That's great even. But to me I was too overwhelmed by the other times when I felt the game was ****    … Expand
  14. Cattington
    Mar 10, 2015
    3
    The level design of this game is so bad, it makes the deserved success of the first game seem like an accident. Instead of having a frantic fast paced feel, where you improvise your way through levels, you get a sluggish game where you find yourself constantly expecting yourself to get shot by someone off screen. The camera is tight and narrow, and even using the awkward hold-shift-to-lookThe level design of this game is so bad, it makes the deserved success of the first game seem like an accident. Instead of having a frantic fast paced feel, where you improvise your way through levels, you get a sluggish game where you find yourself constantly expecting yourself to get shot by someone off screen. The camera is tight and narrow, and even using the awkward hold-shift-to-look function, enemies will still shoot you from off screen. It takes agonizing memorization of randomized enemies to make progress through some levels. Utterly disappointing.… Expand
  15. Merebimur
    Mar 20, 2015
    1
    Where do I start?! I loved the first Hotline Miami which felt fresh, unpredictable and pumped full of adrenaline. Clocked up well over 200 hours on that title as the replayability was just superb.

    This sad excuse for a sequel is an abortion of game - incredibly erratic AI, frustratingly terrible level design and a storyline that feels it was written during a game of consequences! I    Where do I start?! I loved the first Hotline Miami which felt fresh, unpredictable and pumped full of adrenaline. Clocked up well over 200 hours on that title as the replayability was just superb.

    This sad excuse for a sequel is an abortion of game - incredibly erratic AI, frustratingly terrible level design and a storyline that feels it was written during a game of consequences! I cannot believe that Devolver have anything to do with this game or, more depressingly, that they take gamers to be a gullible sack of tw@ts who are happy to part readily with cash for a rushed, half-baked buggy follow ups. Steer well clear of this mess!    … Expand
  16. Alkatraz
    Mar 18, 2015
    6
    My goal here is to weigh this game up reasonably, so here it is:

    Pro's - More of the same game style. - Interesting new characters. - Interesting new masks. - Interesting level design, more challenging. Con's - Quite a slow pace. - Level design is interesting but frustrating at times; being shot of screen after an amazing run is simply disappointing and an unfair advantage. -    My goal here is to weigh this game up reasonably, so here it is:

    Pro's
    - More of the same game style.
    - Interesting new characters.
    - Interesting new masks.
    - Interesting level design, more challenging.

    Con's
    - Quite a slow pace.
    - Level design is interesting but frustrating at times; being shot of screen after an amazing run is simply disappointing and an unfair advantage.
    - New masks...are disappointingly bland.
    - Limited new masks, no where near the same amount of masks and unique traits as the original.
    - Story...is...extremely confusing, and outlandish. Not in a good way.

    Quick snapshot:
    I felt this game was confused, in many ways, in direction, music, story, and just overall narration of what was going on. I may be missing something but from a game mechanic point of view, I must say there are VERY few masks, and none of which really inspire me as Hotline Miami 1 had. The ending left me a bit sour also.

    The 6/10 is really because I respect game design, and this is still a good game...compare this to the original however and I would never have played this. The original has amazing music, masks, gameplay mechanics, and excellent pacing. Play that instead of this to be frank, or play it to see what I mean. I hope this review has helped, and I have purposely included ZERO spoilers.

    -Alkatraz    … Expand
  17. floppykid
    Apr 3, 2015
    5
    Felt compelled to create an account to write this review because of all the sock puppet accounts spring up, giving ten star reviews.

    A horribly disappointing sequel to a great game. Hotline Miami 1 was at once rhythmic and spontaneous in its gameplay. It was a succinct shot of adrenaline, bleeding neon visuals and pulsing synth. Hotline Miami 2 retains the superb visuals and arguably    Felt compelled to create an account to write this review because of all the sock puppet accounts spring up, giving ten star reviews.

    A horribly disappointing sequel to a great game. Hotline Miami 1 was at once rhythmic and spontaneous in its gameplay. It was a succinct shot of adrenaline, bleeding neon visuals and pulsing synth. Hotline Miami 2 retains the superb visuals and arguably has a superior soundtrack. But those are the only two facets where it either matches or surpasses its predecessor.

    The story is a bloated and confused mess. It's written by people who are not in any way capable enough to devise a plot to hang all the pointless ultra-violence on. That doesn't stop them trying manfully though, for far too long. They should have just done what they did with the first game, negligible plot.

    The gameplay, unfortunately, often surpasses the plot for tedium and frustration. Gone are the level runs where you'd actually.......well run. In stead, an all to wide and empty vista of a map is spammed with mobs holding guns, mobs behind windows holding guns, special big characters holding guns and dogs holding guns that shoot windows. So you're forced to find a shotgun, a suitable room corner and lure the enemies in to mow them down in a doorway. You have to become a camper. It's awful and a massive backward stumble for the game.

    The game is somewhat saved by the levels where you can use the Tony mask and the Writer's levels. The Writer can't use guns at all because he's a non-lethal character. You even get extra combo-chains and points for picking up weapons and unloading them. It's a calculated risk, but it's a good and clever change. If only the rest of the game could've followed suit.

    The Soundtrack is superb, well worth listening to all the way through. Much better than the first's, which is also kickin'. The graphic work for the level intros, and levels themselves, is also excellent. A combination of the pros I've mentioned here save the game from being a 3.5 (not that metacritic would allow me to post that score) and bring it to a 5.

    My advice to PC gamers is to wait for a steam sale and/or the level editor to be released.    … Expand
  18. CorruptPersona
    Mar 11, 2015
    9
    More blood, more gore, more chaos, where an you go wrong? The combat is fast and challenging, and certainly not for the short of temper, people with slow reflexes and weak stomachs. Additionally the soundtrack is amazing as expected!

    Amazing game!
  19. Massaki
    Mar 12, 2015
    3
    To have a sequel where the developer's intention is to send a massive insult to fans of the original's lore is nothing short of incredibly ignorant.
    And unfortunately that's not an expression contained just within it's disappointing story.
    The level design in the later levels distances itself from the original 'Run in, Get out' standard Hotline Miami had set and is driven towards a    To have a sequel where the developer's intention is to send a massive insult to fans of the original's lore is nothing short of incredibly ignorant.
    And unfortunately that's not an expression contained just within it's disappointing story.

    The level design in the later levels distances itself from the original 'Run in, Get out' standard Hotline Miami had set and is driven towards a typical, un-original top-down shooter. All strategy and melee combat becomes completely redundant as the game starts throwing all of it's enemies at you at the one time, the placement in enemies and the level design in general has lost it's quality during the transition of games. The game becomes 'challenging hard' to just downright ****

    The story starts very promising til you discover it's entire narrative is based on explaining the events of Hotline Miami 1, it would've been definitely preferred if the ambigious mystery of the first game was left untouched. The ending serves itself as the biggest insult to fans of the original. A concept which the developers addmitedly enforced into the development of their game.

    The soundtrack and visual aesthetic is more richer than ever, which conflicts with the absolute deteriation of the game itself. If you are indeed a fan of the original, do yourself a favour, wait for The Level Designer and create your own narrative and levels, because the one made for you is nothing short of disappoiting.    … Expand
  20. bombrero
    Mar 12, 2015
    3
    First of all I must say: I consider Miami Hotline to be the savior of the little faith I had in "indie" game development In my scale it is the first one, even above "lone survivor" by a bit. For me, it is a Masterpiece, to the point that I've completed it 100% and gone through the story 5 or 6 times (cant even remember)

    Miami hotline 2: Wrong number is an extremely frustrating game for    First of all I must say: I consider Miami Hotline to be the savior of the little faith I had in "indie" game development In my scale it is the first one, even above "lone survivor" by a bit. For me, it is a Masterpiece, to the point that I've completed it 100% and gone through the story 5 or 6 times (cant even remember)

    Miami hotline 2: Wrong number is an extremely frustrating game for the following reasons:

    ·Mouse Issues:
    ->There are some major problems with the mouse handling, the first one, it presents a slight amount of input lag, feeling unresponsive every time you need a quick turn or aim.
    The second and most important would be the mouse resetting: every time a locked on enemy dies, the mouse points not in the direction he was before dying, but in the direction he was when you locked on him, which means, that if he ran towards you along with his friends, after you kil him, you will be suddenly aiming backwards at a blank space with your back turned on the rest of the enemies. This happens as well when you perform a roll with Corey, resulting in you rolling right AND places the cursor in the middle of the screen, slightly to your right. You can only avoid this by pressing a movement key while you role so the cursor is placed in the direction you are moving. This is a FATAL flaw, since it leaves you rolling and aiming in a complete different direction that you were expecting, sometimes turning yet again your back on your enemies.

    --> Level design is completely unprofessional. In the first game, the narrow corridor carnages tested both your handling skill and your tactical improvisation: some enemies had ranged weapons and were mixed with melee fighters, so you wanted to get the weapon guys first while avoiding the melee fighters so you could survive the encounter. This was the essence of their motto "Recklessness is rewarded", since thinking a thorough plan to wipe the enemies wont work on a 3 vs 1, so you had to simplify the plan, pick a primary objective, and let your skills and reflexes carry out the rest for you, enhancing the combos, since you took on 3 enemies at one time in a split second, and if anyone barged in, you automatically reformulated the process to kill him and anyone that could have seen you. Nevertheless, that gameplay mechanic needed some brakes, otherwise, the whole game would have been a continuous slaugtherfest with little to no difficulty, so they put some stages with windows and huge rooms in order to slow you down, and pace the game artificially. Those stages were really nice implemented, and after the quick battles you felt it was natural to encounter some resistance from time to time, after all you are singlehandedly killing dozens of armed people. Nevertheless, it was the most boring and frustrating part of the game: no room for combos, slow paced, cheaply difficult... It was simply an artificial drag down perfectly implemented. The problem with Miami Hotline 2 is that THIS is the primary gameplay and level choices... You have a WHOLE game designed after the most unfun parts of his predecessor. As a result, the fast paced twitchy combat that made your adrenaline rush is now a CHORE to play. Imagine a mortal combat where every fighter was Goro, and then you fight Shao Kahn... Not fun at all.

    I wont talk about the story because I feel so impotent when playing this game I havent touched it since my first time playing.

    Please: BEWARE OF THIS GAME, IT PLAYS NOTHING LIKE THE ORIGINAL, FEELS BUGGY AND DOESNT IMPROVE A THING, IT MAKES IT WORSE!!    … Expand
  21. Sergeant_MarkIV
    Mar 13, 2015
    6
    This game is a huge letdown. It's an inferior sequel in every single aspect. The level design is terrible, the plot is a pointless mess, the gameplay was completely destroyed, the AI is bugged, the levels are poorly decorated almost like if the game was made in a rush. This game not just doesn't live up the hype, but also fails even on it's own. If you don't believe me and think I am someThis game is a huge letdown. It's an inferior sequel in every single aspect. The level design is terrible, the plot is a pointless mess, the gameplay was completely destroyed, the AI is bugged, the levels are poorly decorated almost like if the game was made in a rush. This game not just doesn't live up the hype, but also fails even on it's own. If you don't believe me and think I am some kind of brainless hater, okay, then I invite you to try playing the original game right after you finish playing this one, so you can testify with your own eyes how the gameplay, the level design, the plot, the graphics, the mechanics, the attention to details, and absolutely everything else (exept the soundtrack maybe) feels like a downgrade over the original game. For me, this is the biggest deception of the year so far. Do not buy it unless the devs come up with a huge update.… Expand
  22. albionzion
    Mar 12, 2015
    2
    first game was amazing, 10/10. this **** is full of glitches, the lock system is totally broken, maps are too large and enemy can shot you from a distance superior then your max visual, all in all a HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. also the music is far inferior than HM1. 2 years to make this ****ty game is a joke. wait until is free with psn cause giving money for this work is a crime
  23. Unearthlyxbox
    Mar 12, 2015
    1
    Hotline Miami 2 really shows how easy it is to mutilate something that had so much potential.
    Even if it were viewed on its own it would still be awful
    Incomplete game(Riddled With bugs) Little to no replayability Awful Level Design Focuses Way too much on telling a story(not bad on its own, but a sequel should reflect the format of the original game, I wouldnt be complaining if it    Hotline Miami 2 really shows how easy it is to mutilate something that had so much potential.
    Even if it were viewed on its own it would still be awful
    Incomplete game(Riddled With bugs)
    Little to no replayability
    Awful Level Design
    Focuses Way too much on telling a story(not bad on its own, but a sequel should reflect the format of the original game, I wouldnt be complaining if it wasnt a problem.)

    The amazing soundtrack is the only reason it gets a 1 rather than a 0    … Expand
  24. lakin777
    Mar 22, 2015
    4
    The sequel has better story and better variety in well everything. however thats where the cons end.
    The first one had awesome puzzle like melee combat and awful gun play, well this time melee is completely useless since from first mission almost everybody has guns and oh they will shoot you since theres plenty of giant maps so you cant even see whos got you.
    the variety in masks    The sequel has better story and better variety in well everything. however thats where the cons end.
    The first one had awesome puzzle like melee combat and awful gun play, well this time melee is completely useless since from first mission almost everybody has guns and oh they will shoot you since theres plenty of giant maps so you cant even see whos got you.
    the variety in masks actually screw you over since 75% of them i found making the game harder and the 25% had some useless effect,
    protip: try taking no weapons mask and all missions are hell.
    Like i said the missions are harder and actually way longer then they used to be, still checkpoints are only every map and saves are only per mission, leading to an hour of gameplay and then ragequit, after which u realise u have to do even the easy bits of that mission again.
    4/10 truly disappointed as i truly enjoyed first one. :(    … Expand
  25. dannyharrington
    Mar 23, 2015
    6
    A decent game. It's much longer than the previous version, arguably out-staying it's welcome with it's gameplay getting a little stale by the end of this game, whereas, with the original, I was desperately cramming for more gameplay by the end. The gameplay is similar to the last but with a few differences. The main one being that the levels are bigger than HM1. This seems like a positiveA decent game. It's much longer than the previous version, arguably out-staying it's welcome with it's gameplay getting a little stale by the end of this game, whereas, with the original, I was desperately cramming for more gameplay by the end. The gameplay is similar to the last but with a few differences. The main one being that the levels are bigger than HM1. This seems like a positive but ends up being a downside. It's difficulty is ramped up because of this, and the small issues in the gameplay of HM1 are exemplified because of the expanded level design. The trial and error nature of the gameplay becomes quite annoying in this version with you finally beating part of a stage after tons of trial and error, only to have you die to something you couldn't have predicted or reacted to, bringing in even more trial and error. This wasn't nearly as much of an issue in the original as the levels were smaller. There also is a few times were it isn't clear if something is actually there, or simply drawn into the background. For example, there are some 2d objects that you cannot be seen or shot through, but some that are and aren't actually there, it's just what the floor looks like. In a game with split-second decisions, this can easily lead to unfair deaths and redoing a retardedly long level. Same thing with off-screen enemies shooting you before you have a chance to react. The targeting is also very inaccurate with it being virtually impossible to consistently target who you want unless they're very close to you and nowhere near other enemies. Also, as with any 2d game, you'll find that an enemy will occasionally occupy the same space that you do, in which even if you react first, you'll likely die. The masks were also changed for the better IMO with almost all the masks being relevant and separate for different character. Unlike in HM1 where 90%+ of the masks were pointless. Still, it is the same core gameplay as the previous iteration so it is still incredibly fun and rewarding trying to find the best route to victory.

    The story has much more emphasis on it this time around. It's actually not that complicated but with the way it's presented, you'll likely have no idea what's going on unless you look it up presented in a simpler form after you completed it. It constantly switches from past to present with various different characters more than Lost. It's difficult to tell who's who due to the 2d top-down nature of the game (and the ridiculous number of characters, making it difficult to remember them all). A simple reference from earlier in the game or HM1 that you may not get because the game throws so many different stories and information at you, will cause a ripple effect of you not having a f*cking clue of what is going on. The number of characters doesn't help this with many just being filler to the story and making it needlessly more complicated. Despite it's downsides, I was intrigued and didn't particularly feel massively let down at any single point unlike HM1's ending.

    The soundtrack is still great but not as good as the original IMO. But this is so subjective that it's difficult to criticise this as they're both considered to be great soundtracks.

    I will say I haven't experienced many bugs and I played it a couple weeks after release but your experience may differ.

    Overall, it's still a solid game, but arguably out stays its welcome which exemplifies the small issues of the previous game, but the changing of the masks (upgrades) bringing a new dynamic. The story whilst intriguing is also confusing with it's needlessly complicated presentation and irrelevant characters. The soundtrack is solid and the core gameplay is still highly fun and equally infuriating which is what makes HM what it is.    … Expand
  26. DogManStar
    Apr 14, 2015
    7
    Not my kind of game, but I really enjoyed the first part, so I had to buy this one. Combats, fire weapons, hectic action... The game is trivial, and amazingly fun!
  27. youlouz
    Jul 4, 2016
    5
    Just like its first has a lot of potential but ruined once again because I had a hard time even getting through the first level.

    PROS
    -graphics
    -weapons

    Cons
    -impossible
  28. VagueShape
    Feb 25, 2016
    10
    All the things you loved about the first HM, only with improved story telling, vastly improved boss designs and an even better soundtrack.

    Most of the haters are just mad the levels are much larger and actually take some thought to complete. Unlike in HM 1 where you could just strap on the tony mask and melee combo the entire stage in 30 seconds. While its actually an improvement in    All the things you loved about the first HM, only with improved story telling, vastly improved boss designs and an even better soundtrack.

    Most of the haters are just mad the levels are much larger and actually take some thought to complete. Unlike in HM 1 where you could just strap on the tony mask and melee combo the entire stage in 30 seconds. While its actually an improvement in overall challenge of the game, their perfected rush down playstyle is no longer viable in every situation. So they claim its "no fun." That is far from the truth however, the game is much more refined and offers a lot of really good new qualities.

    Only downside is....we STILL haven't gotten the level editor that was promised at launch.    … Expand
  29. iisadouche
    Jan 21, 2021
    5
    Horrible level design, terrible bugs and broken mechanics, this game is a mess. You get sniped by enemies you can't even see, you cant hit enemies in a doorway, and Ash and Alex are a pain in the @ss to play. The aiming is so jittery and hard to control, and half the time you cant see your character, so you end up running into walls and getting killed.
  30. Hardycore
    Mar 10, 2015
    5
    I'm not all that impressed. The game doesn't feel like a part 2. It feels as if you're still playing the original game. Things look the same, feel the same, work the same and in general, most things are the same. The few changes the game has, aren't for the better. It seems as if the AI is even worse this game and, to be honest: It already was the worst thing of the game in the original.I'm not all that impressed. The game doesn't feel like a part 2. It feels as if you're still playing the original game. Things look the same, feel the same, work the same and in general, most things are the same. The few changes the game has, aren't for the better. It seems as if the AI is even worse this game and, to be honest: It already was the worst thing of the game in the original.

    Sometimes you can sneak up on opponents, without them even having the slightest possiblity of knowing; yet, they turn around and shoot you before you can even blink. On the other hand, it can also happen you shoot at them with a shotgun. Pieces of glass are flying through the air and yet they have no clue there is someone there. It was already much like this in the original but it feels as if this game does even worse.

    The soundtrack didn't get me pumped like the original did. Now, this is of course different for everyone but in my opinion, it isn't as good as the original was.

    The storyline... is... not that interesting either. Of course, the previous game had no real storyline. The whole idea was to show people games can be great without a good storyline. Yet, I was intrigued. The dark atmosphere; the feeling of someone losing their mind; it worked. Even though it didn't really make sense... it felt as if it did.

    This game, everything constantly changed. Then you were this guy, then you were this guy. The story is original, but... It just wasn't interesting to me,

    The only thing I really like about this game is it's difficulty. The first few levels are already harder than most of the levels in the original game. This definitely is nice, although it also has a lot to do with the terrible AI.

    I can't help but feel disappointed. A little scammed, even, because I think the original is actually better and that one was for free. Of course the game is still fun. The original was great, so it's not all that bad it's more of the same, but with a previous game like that, I expected more of this.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Most Discussed PC Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 67 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 67
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 67
  3. Negative: 4 out of 67
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    May 13, 2015
    84
    Dark, violent, thought-provoking and powerful. Although satisfying, Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is not the masterpiece its predecessor was. [Apr 2015]
  2. Gaming Age
    May 8, 2015
    42
    Dennation had a hit. It was dumb, it was violent, it was addictive. What it wasn’t, was mean. It wasn’t punishing. It wasn’t gross. By trying to go further, and bigger, and better, Dennation spoiled a winning recipe
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  3. Games Master UK
    May 6, 2015
    83
    '80s style and sociopathic stealth return in the bitingly hard, brilliant-but-unfocused sequel. [May 2015, p.56]
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