Hotline Miami is a top down 80s styled shooter but it is so much more than that. For you to progress in this game you will need to be quick and have fast reflexes to kill enemies before they kill you but at the same time it is manditory to strategically plan your way through the level meaning it's a game requiring both thought and skill. As for the enemies your only advantage over them is that you have the magical power to "press R to restart" (which you will use to your advantage quite a lot, trust me) because your health is equal to them, you can die in one shot, they can die in one shot, which leads to one of the most prominent features of the game; it's difficulty. If you are a casual gamer not up for a challenge this game is probably not for you, but if you're up for a challenge playing through this game is really rewarding. Killing enemies will result in a satisfying display of blood and gore and exploring through the levels looking for secrets (masks and letters for the secret password) will also keep you occupied. Regarding the story, as for the most part it is pretty dull until the major revelation at the true ending which I found to be pretty cool but otherwise I think the story is a bit overrated in this particular game. The story element gets expanded upon much more in the second instalment but as an Australian it is not possible for me to legally purchase Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number as it is banned here. :(

Edit: Managed to buy Hotline Miami 2 while overseas. THE SYSTEM CAN'T STOP ME.

Hotline Miami is a top down 80s styled shooter but it is so much more than that. For you to progress in this game you will need to be quick and have fast reflexes to kill enemies before they kill you but at the same time it is manditory to strategically plan your way through the level meaning it's a game requiring both thought and skill. As for the enemies your only advantage over them is that you have the magical power to "press R to restart" (which you will use to your advantage quite a lot, trust me) because your health is equal to them, you can die in one shot, they can die in one shot, which leads to one of the most prominent features of the game; it's difficulty. If you are a casual gamer not up for a challenge this game is probably not for you, but if you're up for a challenge playing through this game is really rewarding. Killing enemies will result in a satisfying display of blood and gore and exploring through the levels looking for secrets ([spoiler]masks and letters for the secret password[/spoiler]) will also keep you occupied. Regarding the story, as for the most part it is pretty dull until the major revelation at the true ending which I found to be pretty cool but otherwise I think the story is a bit overrated in this particular game. The story element gets expanded upon much more in the second instalment but as an Australian it is not possible for me to legally purchase Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number as it is banned here. :( Edit: Managed to buy Hotline Miami 2 while overseas. THE SYSTEM CAN'T STOP ME.