More time to exercise that trigger finger: Hotline Miami 2 delayed for ‘tweaks and polish’

By Will Fulton October 9, 2014

Hotline Miami 2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number has been delayed again to late 2014 or early 2015. Developer Dennaton Games tweeted the news this morning and added in a follow-up: “Your patience is appreciated and will ultimately be rewarded with everything you hoped for and nothing like what you expected.” The game was originally scheduled for fall 2013.

Related: Get surreal in Payday 2’s upcoming Hotline Miami DLC

Wrong Number picks up where the gory, surreal action of the first Hotline Miami left off, featuring multiple perspectives that pick apart the aftermath of Jacket’s bloody rampage through Miami’s Russian mob. Different characters will feature different abilities to vary gameplay. A hard mode unlocked when you pass a given level with a grade of C+ or better will up the challenge, and a level editor will let you build your own challenging little meat grinders.

We adored the first game, and have high hopes that any extra time the developers want will be taken to ensure a sequel that lives up to their fantastic first effort.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Will Fulton is a New York-based writer and theater-maker. In 2011 he co-founded mythic theater company AntiMatter Collective…

Gaming

3 underrated PS Plus games you should play this weekend (May 3-5)

The main character of Tales of Kenzera: Zau stands with two elemental items.

PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra have been around for almost two years, and during that time the subscription service has established itself as an ample competitor to Xbox Game Pass. That means there is a wealth of great games for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 owners to check out if they're looking for something to play this weekend. I think PS Plus subscribers should be looking toward some of the more underrated games in the subscription service this weekend too.

I have three particular picks in mind. The first is an enjoyable Metroidvania that came to PS Plus' game catalog when it launched just a couple of weeks ago and deserves a lot more attention than it's getting. After that, there's an action-platformer that pays homage to series like Ninja Gaiden that you should check out before it leaves the catalog. Finally, there's a PS2-era Star Wars game that fills the niche a recently canceled game would have.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau

Gaming

If you’re not using PlayStation Stars, you’re missing out

Three phone screens with the PlayStation Stars app.

I wouldn't blame you if you forgot PlayStation Stars existed. In fact, I would guess the majority of people out there have no idea what that even is, but PlayStation's reward program deserves more attention than it's getting.

Launched in the summer of 2022, PlayStation Stars is a program meant to reward players for engaging with the PlayStation ecosystem. You can take on challenges to earn digital collectibles and, more importantly, coins that can be redeemed for games, store credit, and some premium in-game currencies.

Gaming

3 retro classics to play on Nintendo Switch Online this weekend (May 3-5)

Kirby and his friends post in Kirby and the Amazing Mirror art.

With rumors of a new Nintendo console heating up, it's once again time to accept that the Switch's long lifespan is coming to its end. 2024 will likely be the system's last full year before a successor steals its thunder. That's apparent in Nintendo's recent first-party offerings, as the system is getting a lot of remasters and niche curveballs this year. As exclusives like Endless Ocean: Luminous underwhelm, you may have found yourself looking for reasons to fire up your Switch.

Thankfully, you have a lot of great excuses to do so if you're subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online. The service is home to plenty of classic games from the NES up to the Nintendo 64. Even if you're a game historian, there's a good chance you haven't played everything Switch Online has to offer. This weekend, I have three recommendations for anyone looking to fire up some great, old games. These aren't random picks; I've chosen three games that feel spiritually linked to some of this spring's biggest games.
Kirby and the Amazing Mirror