9 Brutal Video Games You'll Only Beat Through Repetition
1. Hotline Miami
What one should call a "treat for the senses" Dennaton Games' Hotline Miami throws you into a neon-colored, top-down world of violence and chaos. Set in 1989, Hotline Miami tells the tale of a man dubbed "Jacket" who carries out the murderous orders of someone giving him instructions through cryptic voicemail messages left on his answering machine.
The story itself is rich and complicated and requires a some pondering and browsing forums, but what Hotline Miami is known for is its ruthless AI and level design. You'd have to be downright lucky to clear a level of this game in one go. With mechanics ranging from one-hit kills to AI that quickly respond to gunshots, Hotline Miami is unrelenting in its difficulty.
At a glance, the game is simple. However, you will inevitably see yourself being almost done with clearing the first floor of a building, getting the drop on the very last thug on the level... when suddenly he sees you and rushes you with his shotgun. Boom - you're on the floor and the game is tauntingly asking you if you want to retry.
It's brutal, but possible to beat with practice. A lot of practice.