OTXO seems aware of its predecessor and is built not to change but to tweak and enhance how the Hotline games played in a way that makes a lot of sense and feel in line with what those original games could have done; albeit some being obviously necessary changes to balance the higher consequences that now come with death. The addition of dodge roll with I-frames (I think?), and straight up health bar are examples.

Even the story of OTXO plays around with memories of Hotline Miami that you might have - though in often very symbolic and more abstract ways. Visually the game robs of the bright color pallets present in Hotline Miami - leaving a stark black on white with splotches of red that is all about contrasts. This all creates a dream-like aesthetic, and indeed: each 'run' through the game's succession of progressively complex combat levels begins with the player character awoken upon washing up on the shore of a beach inhabited by a sailor, a nun, an artist (?) and a person who has the head of a praying mantis.


If you don't mind being sent back to the beginning when you die and enjoy the roguelike / roguelite (there are permanent unlocks that persist between runs) thing - you should really play this game. Especially if you know you enjoy the type of twitchy top down combat that Hotline Miami put a particular feel on. It has its own surreal vibe that can be creepy while having the range to also dish out subtle bits of humor.

It's cool enough that I just sat here and wrote all this, but this rough draft of a review doesnt do OTXO justice -

so, highly recommended.