Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Mar 13, 2015
    93
    Excelling in so many aspects, from its eye-popping visual style and electronic soundtrack, through to its perfectly balanced twin-stick action and smart, surprising story, Wrong Number lives up to the legacy of the original. We’d go so far as to say it’s essential.
  2. 90
    Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is everything the first game was, with improvements that change and evolve the game enough to feel like its own bloodthirsty monster.
  3. Mar 12, 2015
    90
    Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is one of those rare sequels like DOOM 2, Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metroid Prime 2 that seems identical to its predecessor, but manages to be a different beast entirely. It’s harder, more story-driven and even more subversive, and seems to specifically made to destroy the expectations of those who have mastered the first game. It might not be as pure and focused as Hotline Miami 1, but it’s everything we wanted from a sequel and way, way more.
  4. Mar 11, 2015
    86
    Hotline Miami 2 is "more of the same", a sequel that offers the very same elements from the original: violence, non-stop action, a high level of difficulty, a compelling storyline, polished pixel art and an unforgettable soundtrack. Based on these foundations, Wrong Number adds very little (new situations, new enemies...) but it doesn't need anything else. It is as fun and addictive as hell. If you loved the first one, you won't be disappointed.
  5. Mar 17, 2015
    85
    Hotline Miami 2 is everything we knew from the original turned up to 11. Some things could have been crafted differently (especially the way the story is presented) but the end result is stunning nonetheless. Hotline Miami 2 is the best incarnation of the series and a must buy for every fan of the original. Everyone else should wait for a price drop - this game can make you crazy frustrated.
  6. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    May 26, 2015
    80
    Wrong Number isn't a classic like its sibling, but it is still bloody good fun. [June 2015, p76]
  7. Mar 19, 2015
    80
    Hotline Miami 2 has its issues, but it’s still a standout game.
  8. Mar 15, 2015
    80
    Despite its technical errors and questionable changes in the design of the game, Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number preserves the mechanics that made the first title an unforgettable experience full of difficult challenges and frustration. It's more of the same, those who loved the first title will surely enjoy this sequel.
  9. Mar 14, 2015
    80
    Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is certainly worth giving a go if you revel in action and the thrill of risk/reward situations. While newcomers may be left in the dark, fans of the first game will most likely complete it feeling pleased and satisfied.
  10. 80
    Although Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is more narratively ambitious than its prequel, something has been lost in the transition. The levels, while good for the most part, simply do not match up those seen in the original game. Nevertheless, Wrong Number still stands as an excellent closing act for the series all the same.
  11. Mar 12, 2015
    80
    If you want a wonderful, head-nodding score to keep you in tune with your inner psychopath, look no further. This game is outrun music at its finest.
  12. Mar 24, 2015
    75
    Hotline Miami 2 cares deeply for politics. It wants to make its brutality meaningful, to say something about media and culture and desensitization. But its sprawling narrative only shows that it has forgotten its own lessons: the way Hotline Miami plays, its spatial violence puzzle, is what Hotline Miami means.
  13. Apr 7, 2015
    70
    For what it’s worth Wrong Number is the typical cliched mixed bag, with the best bits of the original dressed up in the excesses of what the developers thought they needed to add to make this a bigger, badder sequel.
  14. Mar 17, 2015
    65
    Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number still sits atop the same solid, brutally violent core that made the first game a success, but it inherits all of its predecessor’s flaws as well, and buries them within a bloated, altogether less satisfying experience. While the sequel isn’t without its occasional charms, there’s no doubt Hotline Miami would be destined for a greater legacy had it called it quits after the first spree.
  15. Mar 11, 2015
    65
    An unworthy successor, Hotline Miami 2 is plagued with bugs, baffling level design, lackluster story, gimmick characters and illogical decisions, only redeemed by a splendid soundtrack, level creator and the solid foundations of the original.
  16. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    May 20, 2015
    60
    The unravelling of a tightly focused classic. [May 2015, p.84]
  17. Mar 25, 2015
    60
    Given the frustration levied by its questionable level design, Hotline Miami 2 loses its replayability factor - something its predecessor delivered ever so well.
  18. Mar 20, 2015
    60
    Hotline Miami's thrillingly brutal gameplay is stretched to the point of breaking in this aesthetically pleasing, but otherwise disappointing sequel.
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 126 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 16
  2. Negative: 3 out of 16
  1. Mar 17, 2015
    10
    There are few times where games offer novel experiences anymore as the industry grows, but Hotline Miami 1 & 2 were both really fantastic, andThere are few times where games offer novel experiences anymore as the industry grows, but Hotline Miami 1 & 2 were both really fantastic, and Wrong Number is in my opinion the better half. It is, in my opinion, a necessity to first play the original because its sequel spikes in difficulty much faster and continues to ramp up, and because of story reasons. I personally adore the huge areas with so many enemies because even though it can take an hour of retries, figuring out a path where you can get a 20x multiplier is really satisfying. The story is fantastic, I was kind of sour on the ending at first, but through more understanding of the story by the end of the second playthrough, I was thoroughly satisfied with everything, and adored and hated characters appropriately after everything was said and done because the game is well written. As for content, the game is 7-8 hours long with a Hard mode where the levels are mirrored, along with a level editor that will be coming soon. My only gripe is that I want more Hotline Miami through a sequel or by purchasing a full retail disk. I came for the gameplay, but ended up enjoying the narrative more. Hotline Miami 2 is the best game I've purchased on PS4, and that's saying something considering the small team that worked on it while triple A developers make lackluster titles such as the Order. If you liked Hotline Miami 1, give this a shot. Full Review »
  2. Mar 11, 2015
    10
    This game is as much of a classic as the first one. It trades the recklessness of the first for a more calculated trip, but a tripThis game is as much of a classic as the first one. It trades the recklessness of the first for a more calculated trip, but a trip nonetheless. This game oozes good taste and style with the neon 80s aesthetic. The kind of game you'd have in the background while you sniff cocaine off of a south beach mamí. The gameplay is great and I have a hard time understanding some of the critics saying that the levels are too big and frustrating. They're bigger to a degree, but I wouldn't use the word frustrating at all. It's just really fun and captivating. The story jumps around between narratives (think 'crash'), but it's a very cohesive story with a lot of subtle and not-so-subtle social commentary. One of the most memorable experiences I've had gaming, or in any form of media for that matter, in a really long time. Full Review »
  3. Mar 16, 2015
    9
    This was actually a pretty good sequel. I loved how they decided to give out at least 3 different main characters with different action withThis was actually a pretty good sequel. I loved how they decided to give out at least 3 different main characters with different action with them, like how one of the characters can actually be non violent and disassembled any gun you pick up. I felt it to be way more difficult then the first one that released, but that's what i love about it more than anything. The masks are cooler too, with different abilities such as being able to kill with your fists with the loss of weapons to make up for it, and the ability to dodge roll through doors and hallways. The maps are more intense as well, as different elements popping up can make it much more puzzling, and the map editor itself is the cherry on top as players are able to make their own maps for other players. The story is good, the game play is good, the maps are good. its just good! A must have for PlayStation or PC owners. Only thing holding it back is that the maps may be a bit intimidating for some players, but all and all a solid title from our friends at Devolver Digital! Full Review »