The super-violent top-down action game Hotline Miami will officially make its way to the PS4. The announcement comes from publisher Devolver Digital’s Nigel Lowrie as he spoke to Destructoid during last weeks GDC. Those owning the game on either PS3 or PS Vita need not fear another purchase –the title will function as a Cross-Buy PS4 game and comes at no cost to previous-gen owners.
“We feel like if the users bought it on a PlayStation platform, they have the right to own it on Vita, on PS4, on PS3,” Lowrie said.
Hotline Miami, developed by the two-man team at Dennaton Games, puts gamers in control of a “mysterious antihero on a murderous rampage” through an alternative 1989 Miami. The game is broken up into chapters – and then further into stages – that begin with the main character waking up in his apartment to vague and cryptic messages on his answering machine; the usual gist of which is to brutally murder everyone at a given location. The mysterious character then selects an animal mask that provides various boosts or handicaps and then heads off to undertake the assigned mission.
Sporting an overhead POV, gamers are afforded the luxury of tactically planning out their next move as they bust through doors and blast enemies with shotguns, tossed knives or any number of other available ranged, thrown, or melee weapons. However the enemy AI will vary slightly, making it difficult to craft a smooth approach. The neon-laced 2D graphics, an 80’s-appropriate soundtrack and fast paced action provide a very heart racing and addicting experience.
Released in 2012, the first title from Dennaton Games is currently available for PC (via Steam and GOG) as well as on the PlayStation Network for PS3 and PS Vita.
This news of Hotline Miami’s move to PS4 comes ahead of the soon to be released sequel (and finale of the franchise) Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number. Dennaton and Devolver are shooting for a third quarter release date on PlayStation 4 and PS Vita, as well as on Windows PC, Mac and Linux. Read how publisher Devolver describes the “brutal conclusion to the gruesome saga” and then check out the teaser trailer below.
“Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number follows the escalating level of violence through multiple factions born from the events of the original game and driven by uncertain motivations. Step into the murderous mind of several distinct characters – each with their own motivations and methods of execution – as storylines intersect and reality slips away into a haze of neon and carnage. Blistering combat, an unmistakable visual style, and a powerfully intense soundtrack will once again push you to the limit and question your own thirst for blood.”