Hotline Miami

 PC
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1873 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,580 out of 1873
  2. Mixed: 208 out of 1873
  3. Negative: 85 out of 1873

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  1. JulienMisterHum
    Apr 11, 2023
    10
    The best game of all time. Everything is perfect. Story, music, level design, gameplay, concept. Pure perfection.
  2. Common3182
    May 3, 2021
    10
    Hotline Miami is one of my favorite idie games ever from soundtrack to design great game
  3. psychobear
    May 18, 2021
    10
    SO GOOD!!! Love the music and the gameplay. This is worth your money for sure. Esp if you like violence there's no shortage here
  4. LepreJacket
    Jun 25, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Игра замечательная.Понравилось всё.Начиная от мелких деталей и отсылок, например на фильм Драйв, заканчивая достойным сюжетом и атмосферой.Играю и по сей день, перепрохожу.Саундтрек к игре слушаю отдельно, будто так и должно быть.Единственное что иногда не радует, так это баги.Но их настолько мало, что не замечаешь.Десятка с плюсом.… Expand
  5. Tromble
    Jun 28, 2021
    10
    Hotline Miami is a kinetic and addictive fever dream of a haunting narrative and pulse pounding gameplay.

    Hotline Miami is only held back by several progression oversights (the survive one bullet mask being found after survive two bullets mask) and consistent bugs (dog behavior/inconsistent doors/enemies running out of the map). However these are minor nitpicks. I highly recommend    Hotline Miami is a kinetic and addictive fever dream of a haunting narrative and pulse pounding gameplay.

    Hotline Miami is only held back by several progression oversights (the survive one bullet mask being found after survive two bullets mask) and consistent bugs (dog behavior/inconsistent doors/enemies running out of the map).

    However these are minor nitpicks.

    I highly recommend Hotline Miami.    … Expand
  6. Alp3r
    Aug 15, 2021
    10
    story 9/10 normally I would give 10 but it's really hard to understand the story without research | gameplay 9/10 really fun weapons and melee weapons some kill 2-3 men at the same time | the difficulty of the game is 10/10 the game is really hard but it gets easier the more you play the bad part of the game is really short, it's a game that lasts between 1-2, but if you are not astory 9/10 normally I would give 10 but it's really hard to understand the story without research | gameplay 9/10 really fun weapons and melee weapons some kill 2-3 men at the same time | the difficulty of the game is 10/10 the game is really hard but it gets easier the more you play the bad part of the game is really short, it's a game that lasts between 1-2, but if you are not a professional in the game, it can take 2-3 hours. I finished it in 1 week without much effort, but the game is really intense and very different. there are movements we can crush the head of the man lying on the ground | my score for the total game is 10/10 even though I give 9 for some things, my total score for the game is 10. buy and PLAY while it is on sale on steam… Expand
  7. Soso4ek
    Nov 10, 2021
    10
    Супер игра в духе старых боевичков, мясная с улетным саундтреком и кислотной стилистикой. Пафос хоть руками загребай. Я когда впервые играл, ловил такой кайф, который трудно передать словами. Это не просто игра, а культурное наследие. Обязательно к ознакомлению.Супер игра в духе старых боевичков, мясная с улетным саундтреком и кислотной стилистикой. Пафос хоть руками загребай. Я когда впервые играл, ловил такой кайф, который трудно передать словами. Это не просто игра, а культурное наследие. Обязательно к ознакомлению.
  8. skywalker31415
    Dec 30, 2021
    10
    Truly unlike anything you've ever tried.

    This retro styled game with ultra-modern gameplay is a must play in my opinion. It's difficult but it's so good and rewarding. The entire Hotline Miami plot can be difficult to understand at times, so I suggest you go watch a video about it. When you understand it it's a really gripping story and it hits in a certain way, that only red dead    Truly unlike anything you've ever tried.

    This retro styled game with ultra-modern gameplay is a must play in my opinion. It's difficult but it's so good and rewarding.

    The entire Hotline Miami plot can be difficult to understand at times, so I suggest you go watch a video about it. When you understand it it's a really gripping story and it hits in a certain way, that only red dead redemption has been able to do so far.

    The soundtracks are fast and bassy, they fit the vibe so well.

    The game looks stunning, the menu gives a really empty feeling like if nothing really matters. It makes me feel like the main protagonist, Jacket is a nihilist in some way. He also has a really iconic sociopath personality

    Very important game, check it out.    … Expand
  9. dripgermansito
    Feb 26, 2022
    10
    It's good, I like it INDIE GAME OF THE YEAR FTW, Great music soundtrack, Brilliantine gritty knife throwing game play, engading and interesting story, AN ORIGINAL CONCEPT DIFFIDENTLY WORTH ALL YOUR MONEYS
  10. Izoeros
    Apr 26, 2022
    10
    qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq
  11. 1ndastreal
    Jul 30, 2022
    10
    EMATARY GRAVE MAN - BLEED A RIVERSEMATARY GRAVE MAN - BLEED A RIVERSEMATARY GRAVE MAN - BLEED A RIVERSEMATARY GRAVE
  12. alist1030
    Jul 11, 2022
    10
    IT’S THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF WHAT THE GAME WANTS, BUT I FEEL SO ALIVE! YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
  13. saraysamuel
    Nov 25, 2022
    10
    juegardo , esta todo pro ,y esta bien chistoso y esta todo pro y me gusta bien
  14. Asparz
    Feb 10, 2023
    10
    the third indie that I love and I hate indie games a lot because they always have the same mediocre and poor style and I don't care that they were made by few people, but I would like to enjoy hotline miami as the first time.

    I LOVE HURTING PEOPLE
  15. Suprizer
    Jun 8, 2023
    10
    I love everything about this game everything!!!!! every minute detail!!!!! Psychedelic vibes to gameplay and especially story. A blessing of a game.
  16. Human
    Jan 17, 2013
    9
    Great game for satisfying the blood lust that my soul, blackened from violent videogames and Arnold Schwarzenegger movies, so desperately craves. Great as a birthday present.
  17. Norskov
    Oct 24, 2012
    9
    1. This game has the best soundtrack I've ever heard.

    2. It plays like Super Meat Boy with GTA graphucs and a Fear and Loathing in Vice City vibe.

    3. It's ultra-violence at it's best.
  18. Duty
    Jul 28, 2013
    9
    Amazing indie game, the people who are giving it 0s and 1s out of spite are hipsters and angsty teens who are trying to be relevant for once in their lives. Don't let idiots cloud your vision, this is a must-get!
  19. CamBam117
    May 13, 2013
    9
    This is not a game for everybody. If you're really into story, this is not your game. If you don't like your reflexes to be challenged, this is not your game. If you need a game a $10 game to have tons of content, this is not your game. However, if you don't need a game to have a real story, if you love to be challenged to beat and even complete games, and if you love fast, twitchyThis is not a game for everybody. If you're really into story, this is not your game. If you don't like your reflexes to be challenged, this is not your game. If you need a game a $10 game to have tons of content, this is not your game. However, if you don't need a game to have a real story, if you love to be challenged to beat and even complete games, and if you love fast, twitchy gameplay, then this is most definitely your game. I'm one of those people, and this is one of my favorite games in years. This game knows it's intended audience, and if you're part of that group then you'll have a blast with this treat of a game.… Expand
  20. moarx
    Oct 23, 2012
    9
    An excellent little indie title that is not without its flaws. Currently (at launch) there are some stability issues though the developers are fixing them as quickly as possible. Also, the stealth mission (mentioned in the Destructoid review) does really suck. Thankfully, the rest of the game makes up for it. It has one of the best soundtracks in any game I've played; I'll definitely beAn excellent little indie title that is not without its flaws. Currently (at launch) there are some stability issues though the developers are fixing them as quickly as possible. Also, the stealth mission (mentioned in the Destructoid review) does really suck. Thankfully, the rest of the game makes up for it. It has one of the best soundtracks in any game I've played; I'll definitely be listening to it outside of the game.

    The gameplay is fast paced and quite brutal but it requires you to be strategic or you'll quickly become overwhelmed. You can't zerg through this game, (nearly) everything kills you in a single hit. It isn't a very long game but what it offers is top notch (aside from that damn stealth level).    … Expand
  21. Tikicobra
    Oct 26, 2012
    9
    Hotline Miami is probably one of the best games of the year. The gameplay requires tactical thinking in a way that is almost puzzle-like, but it also requires extremely quick reflexes and skill. It's extremely fun and insanely addictive. The story is potent and meaningful, but also tongue in cheek, while the graphics are charming and colorful. But of all the presentation elements, it's theHotline Miami is probably one of the best games of the year. The gameplay requires tactical thinking in a way that is almost puzzle-like, but it also requires extremely quick reflexes and skill. It's extremely fun and insanely addictive. The story is potent and meaningful, but also tongue in cheek, while the graphics are charming and colorful. But of all the presentation elements, it's the brilliant soundtrack that really takes the cake. If you think you can handle the punishment, then Hotline Miami is a must.… Expand
  22. JoaoRodarte
    Jan 21, 2014
    9
    Let me break it all to you guys, this game is for those who enjoy: 1) GTA I & II, 2) Psychodelic/Progressive Music, 3) Arcade rush, 4) Arcade Graphics

    Pure 80's/90's awesome.
  23. Zudeare
    Dec 2, 2012
    9
    Great music, very atmospheric and controls are great. The feeling you get when you throw a knife across the room or blow somebody's head into pieces feels so good! Pick this game up, you will not regret it.
  24. Fliff
    Jun 10, 2013
    9
    Yes it's indie, yes the grains suck, and yes it's a great game. It seems most people are bashing it solely on its graphics and indieness, but that's shallow. This is a very good game with a little bit of stealth, action, and tactics.
  25. Rolento
    Feb 20, 2014
    9
    This thing hit all the right spots. It's retro and it's new, it's challenging and it's fun, it's serious and it's not, it's linear and it's subversive, it's atmospheric to the point of mysticism and it's actually crude reality. All the elements of the game from the graphics to the music to the plot to the gameplay mix together so well it's, pardon the pun, criminal. Plus, for an indie 2dThis thing hit all the right spots. It's retro and it's new, it's challenging and it's fun, it's serious and it's not, it's linear and it's subversive, it's atmospheric to the point of mysticism and it's actually crude reality. All the elements of the game from the graphics to the music to the plot to the gameplay mix together so well it's, pardon the pun, criminal. Plus, for an indie 2d game this has some shockingly realistic combat mechanics! Think about it: this is exactly what would happen if you burst into a building full of mafia thugs.

    ...minus the retry button.    … Expand
  26. cqwt
    Oct 29, 2012
    9
    Not perfect, but astoundingly brilliant nonetheless. The gameplay requires some learning. This means you'll die. A lot, which will be perfectly fine more often than not thanks to the bite-sized levels. It also means that if you manage to adapt and learn, you'll get better. Even though It will remain tricky and unforgiving (and therefore challenging and engaging) due to the way the aimingNot perfect, but astoundingly brilliant nonetheless. The gameplay requires some learning. This means you'll die. A lot, which will be perfectly fine more often than not thanks to the bite-sized levels. It also means that if you manage to adapt and learn, you'll get better. Even though It will remain tricky and unforgiving (and therefore challenging and engaging) due to the way the aiming system works, you will gradually become able to pull off bold and risky moves, and you'll be rewarded for it with a sense of achievement. It's the ultimate reward a game can give you, it's something various systems out there try to replicate in a somewhat callous way with badges made of pixels, and it is something that comes naturally to this particular game.

    The soundtrack is absolutely fantastic as well. I really don't know anything about music so I'll shut up (after saying just this): I think that not only it is good in its own right, but that it also perfectly fits and maybe even extends the most excellent experience that is Hotline Miami. I knocked a point because I'm left-handed: The use of the shift key is a big no-no of awkwardness for me, and there currently is no way around this. A patch is on the way, but I really think it should have been in the release.

    In the end, if you're a gaming rat that gets into nerd rage fits at the sight of anything that is not the formatted Skinner box he has been taught to like, don't buy this.

    On the other hand, if you are more of an open-minded type of gaming rat, this little gem of a game will reward you amply for your time and your attention.    … Expand
  27. fhouse
    Dec 7, 2012
    9
    I think this game is a very interesting mix of modern and retro. You have this pumping modern soundtrack with 80's visual design and modern gameplay. It's hard like old games, but not unfair like old, bad games. It's easy to pick up and each floor is like a checkpoint.
    The simple but disturbing Dayid Lynch-esque backstory is really the icing on the cake.
  28. Aeryx
    Apr 10, 2015
    9
    Prepare to die your way to success! Hotline Miami is hard and brilliant! It's bloody and it's very fast. Entire levels will be over in seconds and minutes. It's retro and its got style. The story is weird at best and the characters are very "lets kill them all and not ask any questions". So much so, even the final person you kill seemed to know the guy who will kill him ain't interested inPrepare to die your way to success! Hotline Miami is hard and brilliant! It's bloody and it's very fast. Entire levels will be over in seconds and minutes. It's retro and its got style. The story is weird at best and the characters are very "lets kill them all and not ask any questions". So much so, even the final person you kill seemed to know the guy who will kill him ain't interested in any drama whatsoever. I like it. Think of all the films and games who would have had a much better, albeit darker ending, if characters killed more and talked less with style.… Expand
  29. loomit
    Oct 29, 2012
    9
    I enjoy the fact that this game kicks my butt. I'm fairly good at games and this thing is tough! I like the fact that it actually takes skill. There are things I don't like about it (lack of options, minor physics issues, and even more minor control issues) but they are mostly blurred in the background while I'm killing people mindlessly. There are different masks to be worn which give youI enjoy the fact that this game kicks my butt. I'm fairly good at games and this thing is tough! I like the fact that it actually takes skill. There are things I don't like about it (lack of options, minor physics issues, and even more minor control issues) but they are mostly blurred in the background while I'm killing people mindlessly. There are different masks to be worn which give you certain advantages and unlockable weapons to use which generate randomly. The replay isn't fueled so much by that though, its more just the release of stress you get from bashing in a whole bunch of sprited heads (they are bad guys though and they deserve such treatment).… Expand
  30. Fredacp
    Feb 23, 2013
    9
    Hotline Miami is much more than what it appears to be. At first, it may seem a random 2D shooter game and that's it.
    You will kill (and die) a lot in this game, but that's definitely not all there is.
    Incredible as it may seem, it has a complex narrative. At first, there is no way to have an idea of what is going on, what you are doing and why, but gradually the pieces will fall into    Hotline Miami is much more than what it appears to be. At first, it may seem a random 2D shooter game and that's it.
    You will kill (and die) a lot in this game, but that's definitely not all there is.
    Incredible as it may seem, it has a complex narrative. At first, there is no way to have an idea of what is going on, what you are doing and why, but gradually the pieces will fall into place, but not in a simple linear fashion.
    The environment of the 80's Miami is very beautiful and colorful and fits well with that era. And expect to see blood everywhere, yours and your enemies'.
    The music is incredible and also reflects well the atmosphere of the time besides the climate of the situations you face.

    But the great jewel of the game is it's the gameplay.
    You can kill your enemies in countless different ways and with different types of weapons.
    In addition, you gain masks that give you special abilities that can be used to strengthen their playing style.
    The response of the controls is very fast, like the action, half a second of hesitation and you're dead.
    The game is not easy, and you will probably have to repeat some the missions several times, but it recognizes that, therefore the respawn is imediate.

    For it's tipification, the game would have everything to be a frustrating experience, but quite on the contrary by all the factors cited here Hotline Miami becomes a very relaxing experience.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best PC Game of 2012
23
#23 Most Discussed PC Game of 2012
24
#24 Most Shared PC Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 51
  3. Negative: 1 out of 51
  1. PC Master (Greece)
    Feb 6, 2013
    87
    From the get-go, Miami’s presentation has a unique style, with vivid colors, generous amounts of post-process filtering and a stunning soundtrack (you will just let the game play on, only to hear the tracks). But at the same time, all notions of continuous fast-paced action gameplay disappear. Hotline Miami is essentially a top-down stealth game, that rewards the player with imaginative (and quite violent) kill animations. [January 2013]
  2. Games Master UK
    Dec 18, 2012
    88
    A stylish slice of retro carnage. This is the bloodiest, least forgiving game of the year. [Jan 2013, p.85]
  3. Hyper Magazine
    Dec 17, 2012
    90
    A drug-induced coma of violence, strategy, death and rebirth. [Jan 2013, p.67]
See all critic reviews »