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'Just pirate it,' Hotline Miami 2 dev tells Australian fan
While most developers are staunch opponents of piracy, Hotline Miami 2 designer Jonatan Söderström recently encouraged one Australian fan to pirate the game if censors keep it from his local retailers. Following the Australian Classification Board's recent decision to withhold a rating from Hotline Miami 2 (effectively banning the game from the country), designer Jonatan Söderström was asked by an eager Australian fan how he might obtain a copy. The fan even offered to send money directly to the developer. Söderström politely turned down the offer, instead telling the fan, "If it ends up not being released in Australia, just pirate it after release." Söderström's response was posted to Reddit where it was immediately cheered, though some questioned its authenticity. At least until Fork Parker, fictional CFO (yet very real mouthpiece) of Hotline Miami 2 publisher Devolver Digital, confirmed the events in question with a succinct, "That was him." [Image: Devolver Digital]
Hear a new song from Hotline Miami 2's soundtrack
Dennaton Games' Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number has quite the name to live up to; the developer's original 2012 twin stick shooter of the same name is well-regarded for its musical tastes alone. While we've spun Hotline Miami's soundtrack on Steam many times, electronic music artist Magic Sword recently provided a new jam to listen to called "The Way Home," and it happens to be part of Hotline Miami 2's soundtrack. Head past the break to hear the song, courtesy of Magic Sword's SoundCloud page. Magic Sword told The Guardian that the musical duo was "excited to get involved with the sequel" by providing music for the game. "Hotline Miami has a lot in common with 80s movies like Thief and Blade Runner," the group said. "Movies like that and their synth-heavy soundtracks have always been big inspirations for us." Those that really dig the series' tunes can pick up a special collector's edition of Hotline Miami 2 that includes the games's soundtrack on vinyl, featuring music from artists such as El Huervo and Jasper Byrne. Following its October delay, Hotline Miami 2 is expected to launch early this year. [Image: Devolver Digital]
I only play Hotline Miami 2 on vinyl
There's this game coming out called Hotline Miami 2. You probably haven't heard of it. Anyway, I found out you can get this sweet collector's edition with the soundtrack on vinyl. It's, like, sixty bucks and comes with three discs – all of them 180 gram, colored vinyl, of course – and it features 28 different tracks from the game. You also get a Steam download code for the game, printed on a special "phone card," which is, like, what old people used before smartphones or something. You probably haven't pre-ordered it yet. I mean, I heard about it months ago, but it's cool if you like it now, or whatever. [image: Devolver Digital]
Hotline Miami 2 dials D-E-L-A-Y for a launch by early 2015
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is now due out between late 2014 and early 2015, according to the game's official Twitter account. It was originally scheduled to launch by September 2014. "Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is still getting some final tweaks and polish, expected to be ready for late 2014 or early 2015," the tweet reads. A follow-up message says, "Your patience is appreciated and will ultimately be rewarded with everything you hoped for and nothing like what you expected." By "tweaks and polish," we assume developers at Dennaton Games mean "doubletaps and blood." Because it's a gory game, you see. Hotline Miami 2 has more of a 90s vibe, rather than the 80s action movie feel in the first game – and that violence may serve a deeper purpose this time around.
Hotline Miami 2 footage leaks, action figure nears funding goal
Two big pieces of news for Hotline Miami fans: Not only has nearly an hour and a half of footage from Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number appeared on the 'net, but a 12" action figure based on Hotline Miami protagonist Jacket is currently nearing its crowdfunding goal. The figure, a collaboration between ESC Toy, Dennaton Games, and Devolver Digital, is a 1/6 replica of its murderous virtual source material and includes the character's trademark letterman jacket, interchangeable heads featuring a number of the game's more popular masks, and a complement of weaponry taken from the top-down action gorefest. This figure was only posted to Kickstarter earlier today, but there should be no doubts about its success. Of the $60,000 the toy makers were seeking, the figure has already attracted just over $53,000 and there are 31 days remaining in its fundraiser. On the opposite side of things, a YouTube user under the name "LennyReviews" has uploaded the first two acts of Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number to the ubiquitous video sharing service. Hotline Miami 2 won't officially debut until later this year, so if you're allergic to spoilers you should probably avoid the clip past the break. [Image: Devolver Digital]
Hotline Miami 2 takes a spin on vinyl [Update]
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is coming to a new format: vinyl. Of course, vinyl is technically an old format for storing data, but you get the idea. Devolver Digital's developer herder, Graeme Struthers, let slip the new Hotline Miami 2 format on episode three of the Super Joystiq Podcast Special: Gamescom 2014, recorded on Wednesday night. Struthers didn't mention what a game on vinyl actually entails because he immediately realized this was supposed to remain a secret for a while longer and was then too occupied with banging his head against a cabinet to say anything more. While vinyl may be odd in a high-tech industry, consider this Devolver's version of a boxed product; a digital-only game making its way into the physical world. It's a symbol of the discerning publisher's dedication to its games. Besides, this could be the next big thing – so start liking it now before it becomes cool.
Craft your own technicolor dream with Hotline Miami 2 level editor
Like the look and feel of Hotline Miami but not a fan of the ultra-violent brutality in the game? Good news: Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number will feature a level editor, allowing players to express themselves in ... shall we say more constructive ways. Users will be able to use the level editor to generate and customize just about everything but the kitchen sink and - oh wait, they've got that too. Nevermind. Furniture, decor, color palettes, weapons and enemies can all be placed exactly where you want them, then shared with other players. In other words, with the introduction of a level editor, you can just be an accessory to murder instead of the actual murderer. That'll ease your conscience, right? The editor's already getting love from publisher Devolver Digital. CFO Fork Parker has created what he calls the "Fork Parker's Mansion of Pain," according to a related press release. "One room is just seven dogs and a dude with an Uzi. Good luck, nerds," Parker said. [Image: Devolver Digital]
Here is IndieCade's E3 showcase lineup
With E3 just over a week away, IndieCade revealed its lineup of games at the event. The "Showcase @ E3" will feature 34 games and installations, marked by Dennaton Games' top-down shooter sequel Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, Spry Fox's Road Not Taken for PS4, Vita, PC and Mac and Hohokum. Sony Santa Monica revealed earlier this month that Hohokum will launch this summer for PS4, PS3 and Vita. Games included in the showcase were selected from submissions for the upcoming IndieCade Festival, slated to be held in Culver City, CA in October. IndieCade will also host a Sportsfriends PS4 tournament at its booth during the week, which qualifier periods held on Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11 with the tournament planned for the morning of Thursday, June 12. Head past the break to see the full list of games in the showcase. [Image: Dennaton Games]
Hotline Miami 2 trailer leaves a long trail of red pixels
I counted them: There are loads of bloodsoaked murders in the new trailer for Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number. Okay, I've watched it a few times and it's so fast-paced I'm still not sure, but I think there are at least 30 of them in there. Considering all the action takes place in the video's middle 30 seconds, that's some properly time-efficient ultra-violence. For all of that, the trailer also has that darker edge that developer Dennaton Games has talked about bringing to the sequel. The studio promises things like more weapons and more enemies in Wrong Number, but it wants to put greater emphasis on the narrative. "We want to work with other feelings than just being disturbed or feeling awesome," Dennaton's Denis Wedin told us at last year's E3 conference. "They're still in there, a lot of disturbed stuff and things to make the player feel great when they finish a stage, but we also want to see if we can add some bit of sadness to the game. This is the last game; it's the finale for Hotline Miami. We're gonna work with how you cope with things ending. All of our characters in the game, they're all going to meet the end of their mission or life or dreams. We're going to see how you cope with that." Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number dials into PS3, PS4, Vita, PC, Mac and Linux starting in Q3 this year. [Image: Devolver Digital]
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number dials in Q3 2014 launch window
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number will be available sometime between July and the end of September; the game's official Twitter account locked in a Q3 launch window today. Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number takes place before and after the events of the first game, which saw a nameless protagonist fulfilling murder requests left on his answering machine. The sequel ditches the 80s aesthetic of its predecessor for a more touchy-feely early 90s vibe – a large part of the game will be about touching characters' faces with baseball bats and feeling their life force drain away. The first Hotline Miami launched in October 2012 to critical acclaim and commercial success. After making its debut on PC, the game was ported over to PS Vita and PS3 in February of last year, while a Mac version followed a month later. Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number will be available on PS4, PS Vita, PC, Linux and Mac OSX.
Hotline Miami 2 sexual assault scene under revision
The demo for Hotline Miami 2 used to open with the Pig Butcher, a beefy, violent man, straddling a terrified woman and dropping his trousers – and then a director called "Cut!" and the actors dispersed. This almost-rape scene isn't in the demo anymore, following negative reactions from early players. One half of developer Dennaton Games, Denis Wedin, tells Rock, Paper, Shotgun that the intent behind that opening isn't to disgust or alienate people, and he's considering tweaks for the full game. "We were really sad that some people were so affected by it, because maybe they had been through something like that of their own," Wedin says. "Maybe they had a terrible experience of their own that was triggered by the game. That was not intentional at all. We didn't add the scene just to be controversial. There is a meaning to these two characters. There's a lot more to them than just this scene." In our preview of Hotline Miami 2, when this scene was included, we found that intent to horrify and pull back came across, but some players were unable to shake the discomfort of that action – and that's not what Dennaton wants, Wedin says. Wedin notes that a recent trend in horror movie remakes is to "take the next step up" and make them even more exploitative than the originals, just for controversy's sake, and that's not what Hotline Miami is all about. That opening scene offers a commentary on this Hollywood trend and when the assault is halted, it's a way for Dennaton to show that Hotline Miami 2 is more than blind violence, Wedin says. Dennaton is proud of the story in the first game and it's working to make the sequel even more narrative-driven.
Hotline Miami 2 adds level-specific unlockable hard mode
Dennis Wedin - half of the two-man development team Dennaton Games - says his studio has plans to add unlockable difficulty modes in Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number. "We added this because some people said that the first game was too easy," Wedin told Polygon. "So we wanted to give them something more. Also, all the players trying to beat the world record or top the leaderboards - we wanted to give them more stuff to be good at." The mode appears to be level-specific, according to its description. Players that receive a grade of C+ or higher on levels will be able to unlock a hard mode for the stage, increasing enemy resistance and limiting some player abilities. Though Wedin promised the mode wouldn't be "very hard," the studio has yet to implement the plan, and is unclear as to what features will be included. For more on Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, including details on the game's new character-driven storyline, check out Joystiq's recent preview of the game.
Seen@Gamescom: Don't ask the Hotline Miami 2 devs these questions
Don't ask these questions to Hotline Miami 2 developers Dennaton Games. Just don't. There's a sign that says you shouldn't and we all know that at conventions, it's important to obey signs. Besides, if you break these rules, there's no telling what the developers of Hotline Miami will break of yours. The list of questions banned from Gamescom appointments for Hotline Miami 2, as posted by Dennaton, includes the following: Why is it so hard? Isn't it a bit violent? Do you like hurting people? Why do you call it a sequel when it's pretty much the same? Why is it in pixel graphics? Why are you drinking beer at 9:30 in the morning? If these are really some of the questions people are asking, the answer to that last one is pretty clear. See the full picture below.
Sony reveals slate of console-exclusive indie launches for PS4 and PS Vita, including Hotline Miami 2
During its conference at Gamescom today, Sony revealed a lineup of high-profile indie games that will make their console debuts exclusively for the PlayStation 4 and PS Vita. Games featured in Sony's conference include Dennaton's Hotline Miami 2, Metanet's N++, Chucklefish's Starbound, Thomas Was Alone dev Mike Bithell's follow-up Volume, Cellar Door's Rogue Legacy, Vlambeer's Wasteland Kings, and Dear Esther developer thechineseroom's Everybody's Gone to the Rapture. Volume, Starbound, Everybody's Gone to the Rapture, and N++ will premiere for the PlayStation 4, while Wasteland Kings, Rogue Legacy, and Hotline Miami 2 will launch for both the PS4 and PS Vita. [Update: Sony has released a roundup of its Gamescom indie announcements, revealing exclusive console debuts for The Binding Isaac: Rebirth, Velocity 2X, Guns of Icarus Online, and other standouts. Hello Games additionally announced that both games in its Joe Danger series are coming to the PS Vita.]
Hotline Miami 2 was initially planned as DLC
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number was initially slated for release as DLC for the original Hotline Miami, its developers revealed in a recent feature at VG247. Dennaton notes that Hotline Miami 2 was conceived as an expansion, but was fleshed out into a full sequel as its scope grew during development. Hotline Miami 2 will feature multiple playable characters and factions, and its narrative will weave new elements throughout its predecessor's timeline. Hotline Miami 2 is scheduled for release later this year, and will be the "grand finale" concluding chapter for the series.
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number due out 'late 2013' for PC, Mac, Linux
Beneath our descriptions of violence, twisted psyches and new features within Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, there lies relevant information about the game that you surely shouldn't miss: It's due out this year – Dennaton co-founder Denis Wedin told us at E3 that it would be "late 2013" – and it's coming for sure to PC, Mac and Linux via Steam. Dennaton is talking with console companies about potential releases, and regarding Vita specifically, Wedin said, "We hope so." Wrong Number is a darker, more emotional journey through the lives of multiple, playable characters as they rampage throughout the '90s, enacting their own brands of bloody justice. Wedin wouldn't divulge how many playable characters were in Wrong Number, but the demo featured the Pig Butcher and the Fans – and there will be a playable lady character in there, Wedin told us. Dennaton doesn't have any plans for multiplayer in Wrong Number, at least not at first. They may add something down the line, Wedin said, but the story in the main campaign is the priority. "We tried to give different storylines to the characters, tried to work with different emotions – not just being crazy or like a psychopath," Wedin said. "We tried to give them other backstories." Wrong Number tackles deep feelings and character motivations, but it isn't a complete break from its Hotline Miami roots, Wedin stressed: "We're super proud of how [Hotline Miami] works and people seem to like it a lot, so we're only going to add more enemies and more weapons and more and more. So if you love the feeling and the pace of the difficulty in the first game, it's going to be in the second one."
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number unmasked: Blood, drugs, feelings
Don't worry, Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is just as violent as Hotline Miami. In fact, it has everything that made Hotline Miami so brilliantly bloody – and then it adds more. More characters, more emphasis on narrative, more enemies, more weapons, more underground electronica bands, more masks and more ladies. Playable ladies. In a demo at E3, one half of Dennaton Games, Denis Wedin, showed off two new, playable characters in Wrong Number: the Pig Butcher and the Fans. The Pig Butcher starred in an early trailer for Hotline Miami, and he's a throwback to the mass murderers of classic '90s slasher movies. That trailer begins with the disclaimer, "Based on true events," because it's for a horror film within the Hotline Miami universe, where these vigilante rampages truly did go down. The Fans really are the fans, Wedin said. "They symbolize the players that want Hotline Miami 2 to be exactly like Hotline Miami 1," he said. "They collect masks and get phone calls – and that will be in there, but we don't want to make the same game one more time. We're trying to work with different storylines and what motivates the characters to actually go inside a building and start killing people." After the demo concludes, Wrong Number makes it clear that "more emotion" doesn't equate "less violence."
Hotline Miami 2 is in demand, we heard it through these great Vines
Hotline Miami 2 made a surprise appearance at E3, tucked away in an Airstream trailer provided by publisher Devolver Digital. We saw it, but we're not allowed to talk about it until next week. It's getting plenty of attention on its own already – the official Hotline Miami Twitter account retweeted a series of Vines of people reading our Hotline Miami 2 post and literally throwing money at their screens and performing other acts of excitement. At least, we're pretty sure donning a horse-head mask and wielding a pistol is an act of excitement. "Please make this @Joystiq article viewing thing a meme, internet," Hotline Miami tweeted. "Love you." Check out a few fans expressing emotions about Hotline Miami 2 in the Vines below, and submit your own reaction to this post to @HotlineMiami.
Hotline Miami 2 is in some kind of playable form at E3
Hotline Miami 2 is well on its way through the brutal development process, and it's playable at E3, a tweet from Devolver press agent Stephanie Schopp revealed. We spoke about Hotline Miami 2 with developers Jonatan Söderström and Dennis Wedin at GDC this year, and they said the sequel will focus on the emotional aspects of life in the 90s, with parallel plots spawned from events in the first game. Söderström and Wedin said Hotline Miami 2 was in development for PC, though it could ship same-day on Vita. The main character in Hotline Miami, "Jacket," has a minor role in the sequel but won't be playable. Wedin called Hotline Miami 2 "the grand finale."
