The Hong Kong Massacre

We reviewers usually sound very uncreative when we summarise a game by calling it a mixture of two other titles, but can we be blamed when the developers themselves do that in order to promote their latest release? Case and point, The Hong Kong Massacre. There’s no better way to describe this game than the way Vreski, the developers, did: this is Hotline Miami meets Max Payne. This is a twin-stick...

The Hong Kong Massacre is an intense and spectacular shoot-’em-up with a stylish slow-motion hook. While some corners have been cut in terms of its presentation and boss fights, those issues are easy to overlook when the core gunplay is so fiercely challenging, unashamedly violent, and relentlessly enjoyable.

Worth diving into.

There is fun to be had with The Hong Kong Massacre, but I don’t believe it lives up to the years of hype following it. With some finer tuning and better balance, this could be a real contender for the Hotline Miami clone crown. As it is, this is an okay time that wears out its welcome well before the end credits start rolling.

Overall The Hong Kong Massacre is a fun game that definitely delivers in the feel of those Hong Kong action movies. But input lag with controls and repetitive levels take away from it. More weapons or weapon choices that actually seemed to matter would’ve helped the game as well. If you like this type of game, in this setting and don’t mind a few issues it’s worth the buy at its budget price.

Overall, The Hong Kong Massacre is a treat. Yes, the game is one-note, focusing entirely on the gunplay. But it’s a really good note! The game is simple, but effective. What it lacks in narrative weight and variability, it makes up for with atmosphere and style. It’s a maddening game, one I can’t wait to play again.