I think Alex from GB in the quick Look summed it up pretty nicely. Essentially saying due to the larger levels and map layouts, there is a greater focus on gunplay than in HM1...I agree as I went through most of the levels in HM1 using melee, but its next to impossible to do that in HM2
Due to the larger maps and open areas, you will die alot more from off-screen enemies or surrounded and seemingly nowhere to take cover
Its not a slant on the game though...its just different
I hardly ever used guns in the first one and that's what I loved about it. You could find ways to beat the shit out of pretty much every one with some exceptions of course. I play on the vita so mele is a lot easier and effective than trying to aim with a rifle. I can lock in targets with the touch screen but it's just not fast enough for how I like to play. It's servicable if I wanna just clear out levels though.
Tomorrow I'll give Hm2 another go and see if it grows on me.
Is there a complete soundtrack playlist on spotify? I've seen a few, but they're all different, some missing songs others have and viceversa. Or soundcloud, too.
I can lock in targets with the touch screen but it's just not fast enough for how I like to play. It's servicable if I wanna just clear out levels though.
You do realise you can use the right analog to switch locked on targets? I never use the touchscreen for lock on, just the lockon button (to lock on to closest enemy) and the analog stick to change target.
a fan pointed out to them how much better "Hotline Miami 3: Wrong Number" would have been over twitter, to which they expressed dismay for not having thought of it first. The post-credit sequence is most likely just a nod to that gag more than confirmation of another sequel.
I really don't get the complaints about HM2. I feel like this game is on-par with the first. The difficulty is perfect. The music score is fantastic. And I'm digging the story a lot.
As for needing to melee more? Even in the open areas, you can melee pretty much everyone if you use cover/rolls and plan ahead. I went through one section just picking up weapons to throw at people and curb stomping everything in my path.
Anyway, my computer's just gone haywire, so I'm not able to finish the game tonight, but damn, I think I'm enjoying it more than HM1. I recognise they're larger levels, but I really don't feel like the game has taken that large of a detour over the original. In fact, I played the original fairly cautiously, and it's HM2 that's broken me out of my shell and made me play completely ruthlessly, almost out of necessity. I've gone back to HM1 now and I'm a better player there too.
I don't really see HM2 being 'the one where you have to wait to strike" any more than HM1. Both games imply a balance of gunplay and melee is required, and if you decide to favour either one it could make things difficult. I actually really like that Tony this time 'round can't use guns at all.
Possibly the craziest, most adrenaline fueled moment I've played in either game is Chapter 12. That shit was crazy and I loved that it forced you through the variety of different play styles for each floor. Tony's level where you just run into that room and hordes of men come piling in as you smash them up was nuts. And dat music.
In fact - that's another thing. The music in this is almost definitely better than the original. It's more varied and no track is used twice (I think?). The music is crazily emotive whereas sometimes the original just felt like some really strong headboppers.
The story is schlock though. The original's was annoyingly vague and abstract and this one's no exception. But it comes with added mess and chaos by having like, what, eight playable characters? Some of which look fairly similar, spaced out over different years, jumping back and forth through flashbacks. There's like 5 different concurrent plotlines, none of which come together for the first halfish of the game.
They're killing characters off just as they've introduced them
. They introduce playable characters in the last 4 missions of the game. It's an absolute mess and I have no idea what to make of it or any of the characters in it. At least the original kept its focus on Jacket, so we at least get some kind of uniformity from his point of view. We can create some kind of tangible narrative in our head.
Just breaking into Act 3. I really am enjoying the game so far, but it's not without its caveats. You get thrown into the deep end from the get-go indicating that the devs were operating under the assumption that the player had completed the first game. I did, of course, but this could be a hell of a hurdle for someone who hasn't. Also, while I love how challenging it is overall, I can't help but feel as though some of that difficulty is artificial. Even when utilizing the ability to look ahead you're often forced to rush into open areas with gun-toting enemies that can see you coming but you can't see them. This imposes some mandatory trial and error that just wasn't present in the first game. The larger areas and enemy count also make this feel like more of an action game whereas the original was a puzzle game first. I'm also not a big fan of the way you
control a wide array of characters limiting your mask/ability options.
Hopefully completing the game unlocks a "free play" mode otherwise this could damage replayability.
Overall, it's a good game and I'm glad I bought it. Hell, the soundtrack alone is worth the price of admission. But as of now I don't think I'm going to rate it as highly as the original Hotline Miami.
EDIT: A word of advice: try mapping lock-on to R3. It's the most natural/fastest method I've found and the game demands heavy use of it.
For some reason controllers aren't working for me, I got it working a second ago but when I changed the resolution it just stopped working. Ive tried both my PS4 and Wii u Pro and no luck.
Just breaking into Act 3. I really am enjoying the game so far, but it's not without its caveats. You get thrown into the deep end from the get-go indicating that the devs were operating under the assumption that the player had completed the first game. I did, of course, but this could be a hell of a hurdle for someone who hasn't. Also, while I love how challenging it is overall, I can't help but feel as though some of that difficulty is artificial. Even when utilizing the ability to look ahead you're often forced to rush into open areas with gun-toting enemies that can see you coming but you can't see them. This imposes some mandatory trial and error that just wasn't present in the first game. The larger areas and enemy count also make this feel like more of an action game whereas the original was a puzzle game first. I'm also not a big fan of the way you
control a wide array of characters limiting your mask/ability options.
Hopefully completing the game unlocks a "free play" mode otherwise this could damage replayability.
Overall, it's a good game and I'm glad I bought it. Hell, the soundtrack alone is worth the price of admission. But as of now I don't think I'm going to rate it as highly as the original Hotline Miami.
I really disagree with this. Hotline Miami has always been about trial and error. And that's not a bad thing. It's about going through the first couple of times, relatively cautiously, mapping out the level and enemy locations in your head. You'll inevitably die or succeed in a restrained, slow, cautious way. Then when you've eventually got the layout sorted, you can start blazing through like a maniac. This applies to the original and it applies in HM2 too.
bought the game at work, put it in my download-list and came home to sweet Hotline Miami 2 action on my Vita.
sogood.gif
Incredible soundtrack, but man is this game hard! I used to blaze through HM1 without trouble, but now I start to hate shotguns with all of my heart ..
I really disagree with this. Hotline Miami has always been about trial and error. And that's not a bad thing. It's about going through the first couple of times, relatively cautiously, mapping out the level and enemy locations in your head. You'll inevitably die or succeed in a restrained, slow, cautious way. Then when you've eventually got the layout sorted, you can start blazing through like a maniac. This applies to the original and it applies in HM2 too.
I really disagree with this. Hotline Miami has always been about trial and error. And that's not a bad thing. It's about going through the first couple of times, relatively cautiously, mapping out the level and enemy locations in your head. You'll inevitably die or succeed in a restrained, slow, cautious way. Then when you've eventually got the layout sorted, you can start blazing through like a maniac. This applies to the original and it applies in HM2 too.
That wasn't my experience with the first one at all but I could see why someone would approach it in that manner. To me, the original ramped up the difficulty fairly slowly (until a spike toward the end) and I never felt as though I was faced with a "blind spot." As such, I never really felt the need to be overly cautious nor did I feel as though there was much trial and error outside of going for a few 'S' ranks.
You're definitely right about that approach to the second game, though. There are a few screens that I had to retry more than I'll admit and I was definitely getting more ballsy with each successive attempt.
EDIT: I see the poster above me is in agreement with you. Perhaps I was the exception to the rule with the original Hotline Miami.
You do realise you can use the right analog to switch locked on targets? I never use the touchscreen for lock on, just the lockon button (to lock on to closest enemy) and the analog stick to change target.
I know but I just never use guns so I'm not used to doing that. If I ever do need to shoot I just use the touch screen. For HM2 though I'll need to start using the lock on like you suggested if there's gonna be more guns
Just finished HM1 so this release is perfect timing for me. Can't believe at people saying they rush melee in the first game. My instinct was always to treat each level with cautious strategy, observing carefully before each move. Mostly focused on guns, being quiet, and conserving ammo. Guess I'm the weird one.
Anyways I booted HM2 up for a second and getting some hardcore mouse lag here. This common? Maybe I should wait on an update before diving in.
im also in the cautious boat.
rushing and meeleing through levels somehow doesnt feel right to me. thats not what this game is about for me.
at its best its taking guys out one by one with highly violent shotgun blasts.
never understood why people go with meele in this game.
to me, its lame and gunplay is way more fun to me in HM.
level at all. Aiming was a massive ballache? Not sure if it just glitched. Otherwise it's excellent, although I definitely understand some of the criticisms re: the narrative structure and exposition - but the levels themselves are still excellent fun. Wish I didn't keep forgetting that there's a roll function.
Is there a complete soundtrack playlist on spotify? I've seen a few, but they're all different, some missing songs others have and viceversa. Or soundcloud, too.
Is this infamous ship level before scene 12? I just beat scene 12 last night before going to bed. Really enjoying it so far. But what I would give for the camera to be zoomed out a little more.
I don't feel that this is significantly harder than the first game, but sufficiently hard enough to challenge those who had managed to get a little too comfortable with the original. It's exactly what I want from a sequel.
I don't feel that this is significantly harder than the first game, but sufficiently hard enough to challenge those who had managed to get a little too comfortable with the original. It's exactly what I want from a sequel.
im also in the cautious boat.
rushing and meeleing through levels somehow doesnt feel right to me. thats not what this game is about for me.
at its best its taking guys out one by one with highly violent shotgun blasts.
never understood why people go with meele in this game.
to me, its lame and gunplay is way more fun to me in HM.
Highly disagreed on what is more fun. Guns are convenient and can let you kill people from far away. Having to get close and killing three dudes in a tight room by learning how to weave around them and slashing at the right times is amazing.
As to why people rush and melee it's simple. The longer you take, the higher chance you lose your combo meter and the more likely you won't get points bonuses. I don't even necessarily aim for higher than a B as even when I'm rushing through this game I'm only getting C's because there are so many people with guns I can't rush open rooms. I was more consistent in the first title
I think Alex from GB in the quick Look summed it up pretty nicely. Essentially saying due to the larger levels and map layouts, there is a greater focus on gunplay than in HM1...I agree as I went through most of the levels in HM1 using melee, but its next to impossible to do that in HM2
Due to the larger maps and open areas, you will die alot more from off-screen enemies or surrounded and seemingly nowhere to take cover
Its not a slant on the game though...its just different
You know what, I'm up to Act 5 now and I think I finally get this game. It really is an astounding accomplishment to make a game with exactly the same game mechanics and making it feel totally, totally different. There was a point around Act 3 when I was extremely disappointed because I kept trying to play it like the first game, but that is absolutely the wrong way to do it. Strategy is so much more important here, as well as the order in which you tackle your enemies. I even enjoyed the Hawaii levels once I started to take advantage of the character's limitations (knifing everyone and saving bullets for the big dudes).
I have issues with the story but once this is over I have a feeling this might be on par with the first game, maybe even better. My advice to those of you who are finding the level design poor is to stick with it and try to focus on what the character you are playing as does well (or doesn't)
Highly disagreed on what is more fun. Guns are convenient and can let you kill people from far away. Having to get close and killing three dudes in a tight room by learning how to weave around them and slashing at the right times is amazing.
As to why people rush and melee it's simple. The longer you take, the higher chance you lose your combo meter and the more likely you won't get points bonuses. I don't even necessarily aim for higher than a B as even when I'm rushing through this game I'm only getting C's because there are so many people with guns I can't rush open rooms. I was more consistent in the first title
i certainly dont want to dictate how people play the game. just wanted to express that i dont understand the majorites playstyle.
This game screams (to me) this gritty 80 fucked up guy, coming in a room and slow and steady execute everyone in the most badass way. and not running arround like a pig on speed, running to every enemy. it just does not fit into my perception of the mood in the game.
Guns, especially shotguns are giving me a way better vibe and immersion in HM.
i certainly dont want to dictate how people play the game. just wanted to express that i dont understand the majorites playstyle.
This game screams (to me) this gritty 80 fucked up guy, coming in a room and slow and steady execute everyone in the most badass way. and not running arround like a pig on speed, running to every enemy. it just does not fit into my perception of the mood in the game.
Guns, especially shotguns are giving me a way better vibe and immersion in HM.
If you don't see a coked up 80s dude beating everybody in a nightclub up with a golf club as miami disco is playing then I don't want to live in your 80s haha
Finished. Last level was fucking awesome. Need to go and fine tune my scores/unlocks.
Overall an excellent sequel thanks to the core combat mechanics and adrenalin rushing twitch gameplay holding up from its predecessor. Level design was mostly pretty good. As a sequel that tries a new style of presentation and pacing, Hotline Miami 2 delivers. It's refreshing, challenging, both in design and preconceptions.
That being said, the formula of the original game is by far my preference. While Hotline Miami 2 excelled at scenario, character, and narrative diversity, the random element and more agency/toyboy driven diversity of the original for me is integral to the series personality. And while Hotline Miami 2 dabbles with those ideas, it doesn't come close to the scope of the original. Which is ironic; Hotline Miami 2 is greater in scope of presentation and story, but is objectively far more restricted and bottlenecked in gameplay. Features are literally removed, not just changed. Thankfully the level design mostly compliments the changes and omissions, but it's most strikingly lacking something in the stages most similar to the original yet restricted to the sequel's vision.
Unfortunately this detracts from my desire to replay, or just boot up to shoot shit. With the original there was a healthy element of unpredictable and adaptability even when familiar with the level layout. Not so here. I know what I'm going into almost every time. And while that's cool because the game still has a lot of fuel and fun, my gut yearns for the chaos of the original.
1. I think most people have pointed out that it most likely is The Biker.
2. The first trial is Jacket's trial. Richter is also on trial.
3. Yes, the assassination was said to be lead by a "US Army General", who is the same person that founded 50 Blessings and was The Soldier / Jacket's superior in Hawaii. The mask he wears during one of the story cutscenes (which even has a 50 Blessings-looking bloodstain on it) is supposed to hint at him being the founder.
4. It's heavily inferred that he is the Miami Mutilator and that he was killing people for the sake of attention and wanting Evan to write about him, making each murder more gruesome, even going so far as to killing his own estranged son (removing his wallet as to not having people identify him).
5. Yeah, he got overly distressed and ended up overdosing. He ended up walking off of the roof.
So been reading some of the reviews and impressions that have been floating around the net. Convinced the people complaining about the level design and the use of guns are the same kind of people who complain when people use throws in fighting games because "its cheap"
The first game had very limited use for guns. Honestly, once you got the tiger mask it was GG just run around and punch everything to death. I really like that they FORCE you to adapt to situations with new approaches. This isn't a game afraid to forcibly shove you out of your comfort zone kick you in the balls and tell you to deal with it. And I love that. So many games coddle the player in a way that doesn't push them to be better.
Finished the game last night. Although I did enjoy it, I think I liked the first one better.
My biggest peeve was the amount of off screen killing. Not so much windows, but not even being able to see who could kill you at times.
The last level was so trippy. The
bear
in one of the rooms reminded me of Udyr from LoL, haha.
Thought the
Hotline Miami 3
at the end was pretty funny considering the OT title.
So been reading some of the reviews and impressions that have been floating around the net. Convinced the people complaining about the level design and the use of guns are the same kind of people who complain when people use throws in fighting games because "its cheap"
The first game had very limited use for guns. Honestly, once you got the tiger mask it was GG just run around and punch everything to death. I really like that they FORCE you to adapt to situations with new approaches. This isn't a game afraid to forcibly shove you out of your comfort zone kick you in the balls and tell you to deal with it. And I love that. So many games coddle the player in a way that doesn't push them to be better.
Nah, come on now. The complaints about level design and over-reliance on guns and cheap baiting tactics in HM2 are perfectly valid. Can you honestly say that you see yourself revisiting the long, tiresome slogs that make up the vast majority of levels in HM2?
Almost every level in HM1 (excluding the stealth one) is fun to replay over and over again with different masks and approaches, going for higher scores each time. This does not feel like the case with HM2 at all. I'm still enjoying it, but I don't see how anyone can prefer it over HM1.
Nah, come on now. The complaints about level design and over-reliance on guns and cheap baiting tactics in HM2 are perfectly valid. Can you honestly say that you see yourself revisiting the long, tiresome slogs that make up the vast majority of levels in HM2?
Almost every level in HM1 (excluding the stealth one) is fun to replay over and over again with different masks and approaches, going for higher scores each time. This does not feel like the case with HM2 at all. I'm still enjoying it, but I don't see how anyone can prefer it over HM1.
I don't find them long tiresome slogs though? I've enjoyed every single step of the way. I probably will actually replay all of this stuff again on the Vita version once I bother to free up some space on my memory card and download it.
if they ever do make a Hotline Miami 3 based on that ending, (and I do like the sound of a post-apocalyptic "Mad Max"-esque Hotline Miami) I feel like this needs to be the main theme.
During the investigation of the last victim the forensics says that they're the only victim to have had their wallet removed. Later on when Pardo returns to the scene in his nightmare, he's haunted by visions of someone who claims to be his "son". It's actually just a theory but connecting the dots it sounds very likely.
There's some story you'll miss out on, but more importantly, you won't have the basis that the first game builds on difficulty wise. HM2 assumes you played through the first game and adjusts its difficulty accordingly; the easier levels in HM2 are on par with the harder levels in HM1.
