Hotline Miami: A Most Addicting Combo System

Yes, I know. “But Jake, Hotline Miami is a nine year old game in 2021!” Great games stand the test of time. This is a cult classic. I’ve been playing this game for nine years. I remember I was at a friend’s house my freshman year of high school and he had a PC with a Steam account full of games. He told me to play anything I wanted. I saw him playing Hotline Miami and I’ve got to say, it was probably the most eccentric game I’ve ever seen. I was utterly bewildered just watching him play. The first thing I noticed was the speed at which he was playing. Then the wacky colors on the screen and chill music. I asked him what it was in fleeting interest, I didn’t think I would enjoy the game. He then proceeded to load the game for me and start the first level. Me, knowing nothing about PC games at the time, was absolutely terrible at it. I died over and over. But that didn’t stop me. I wanted to shoot and hide, but that’s not the optimal way to play. When I got my first combo, I was hooked. It didn’t matter how many times I failed, I had so much fun playing the game. I was determined to get the highest score and the best possible grade on each mission. I remember Hotline Miami to this day so vividly because of my very first experience with the game. It seems ridiculously simple: Better the combo=higher the score. The game is fast and fluid. Reaction times have to be quick if you want to master Hotline Miami. It is no easy feat to do so, but it is oh so rewarding. I can’t remember a combo mechanic more addictive and satisfying. Hotline Miami is all about taking the big risks to pull off wicked combos. The feeling of euphoria after a clean run is like none other I’ve felt while playing video games. This is why it’s a cult classic and goes down in history as one of the greatest indie titles of all time.

Gameplay- Hotline Miami Any% Speedrun in 14:57 (WR) — YouTube

Published by jackyRite speedruns

Nov. 8th 2020