Recent reviews by AdventNick

Hotline Miami is the closest I will ever get to trippin out on acid, and if this game is any indication, I would love it. From start to finish, Hotline Miami is an adrenaline-fueled, stealth-action, top down beat ‘em up that will keep the player engrossed in it’s surreal world of violence, sex, and drugs.

Set in an alternate 80s Miami, players assume the role of the unnamed protagonist fans have affectionately come to know as “Jacket.” Everyday, Jacket wakes up to strange voicemails instructing him to carry out various contracts, and by various contracts, I mean killing. Lots of killing. However, there is indeed a point to all the brutal violence, and talking about it any further would only spoil the message. Unlike most games that pride themselves on being “deep,” Hotline Miami manages to deliver a thought-provoking theme that leaves it up to the player to understand, while at the same time, never underestimating the player’s intelligence by being heavy-handed.

What sets Hotline Miami apart from every other top down “indie” game is atmosphere. The games unique blend of 16-bit graphics and 80s electronica, which hearkens back to the movie, Drive, lends itself to theme, something the game remains dedicated to upholding throughout the entire experience. Atmosphere alone is worth the price of admission for Hotline Miami, but thankfully, the gameplay is tight and fun.

Expect to die loads of times in Hotline Miami, but the instant respawn, reminiscent of Super Meat Boy, ensures players are able to get back into the action. Jacket carries several different masks to every job; each carries a unique property that can drastically alter gameplay, such as: rendering hidden objects more visible, making punches lethal, increasing line of sight, and so on. Whether it’s keyboard and mouse or gamepad, controls are tight and simple. On a gamepad, the game is a twin-stick shooter. The shoulder buttons allow you to pick up, throw, and use weapons. Oftentimes however, there can be a delay between the time a weapon is thrown and a new weapon is picked up, which can lead to some frustrating deaths.

Hotline Miami is certainly one of the most intriguing experience from 2012, albeit it a short one. The game never overstays its welcome, which is nice, because it nearly guarantees a second playthrough to truly experience all the game has to offer. After all is said and done, players can 100% the game in roughly 6-8 hours. The tight story, gameplay, and playtime make for an unforgettable experience well worth any players time.

The reboot of the Devil May Cry franchise has brought about many changes for the series, particularly for series’ protagonist, Dante. While fans of the original series may be upset at the change to their beloved character, it’s certainly for the better; and this new game by Ninja Theory proves it.

DMC serves as the perfect point for newcomers to jump into the series. It shows the origins of an arrogant, cynical Dante, and it chronicles his journey from cynicism to selflessness. Throughout, the game weaves a clear, narrative arc for the new Dante, making him a compelling character to watch.image

The story follows Dante as he’s introduced into the corrupt world he willfully chose to ignore. Mungus, demon leader of the media-controlled world, sets out to destroy Dante, a surviving member of the Sparda family, and the only man who can stop the tyrannical rule of Mungus. The world of DMC heavily satirizes our own. It portrays the conservative Raptor News (think FOX news) as the force that keeps general society in check.

DMC’s main draw has been, and always will be it’s gameplay. DMC shines in that it sets out to make players feel like the biggest badass to ever grace the Earth, and it accomplishes that goal with style. In combat, players are able to quickly switch between several different weapons effortlessly, in order to maintain combos. After each skirmish or combo, players are ranked in their performance and rewarded accordingly. Dante can unlock new abilities for each one of his many weapons with souls earned throughout the game.

The spectacle isn’t limited to gameplay luckily, because DMC’s level design is spectacularly surreal. Every single level and environment in DMC is fresh, and stylistically different from any other level in a game. Each areas unique look reminds players that they are in the Limbo-fied version of the real world. Some of the environments include: a chalk-drawn skyscraper, a dance club where the beats and tunes change the environment, and many more.

The biggest flaw with DMC is it’s short life span. While twenty chapters may sound daunting at first, the fantastic combat and set pieces makes time fly by quickly. Luckily, for those interested, beating the game unlocks new difficulties, as well as other aesthetic awards. Rather than making the enemies stronger or have more health, the unlocked difficulties drastically alter gameplay from A.I. changes, to the mechanics of the game themselves. They are meant for the dedicated and sadistic.

DMC is a welcome reboot that breathes new life into the franchise. It’s accessibility make it a great starting point for any who might be interested, while never compromising it’s style or spectacle.