What was Hotline Miami all about anyways?

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Hotline Miami was a difficult game to write about. It feels like everything that can be said about it doesn't even need to be said. It seems like the game does a great job of speaking for itself, but there's some more subtle details, that paint a pretty clear picture of how exactly our protagonist got to be this way, and what it's like for him.
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[@Leadhead]

To everyone asking, yeah, I know HM2 recontextualizes some of the plot of this first game, but for now, I just wanted to focus on what is in this game, and nothing more. I'm definitely gonna cover HM2 in the future though!

[@fentshaggy]

jagger

[@ZigealFaust]

And then at some point you will have to dive in the crazy lore hole that is the Overkill Shared Universe.

[@duddybuddy]

@@ZigealFaust Can you link to somewhere that explains this theory, I want to learn more about it but I can't find it on google or youtube.

[@JustWords101]

I feel like you were describing me the whole video.

[@Loseurillusions]

Hotline Miami 1 was almost experimental. Like an study on something - and your hypothesis on empathy is really good. If you watch the documentary on it's creators, many things becomes more clear. Hotline Miami2 is the sequel that had to be done having in mind the success on the first entry - it has a real history, and quite good if you ask me. But it is other tone than the first one, in many, many ways.

[@madmouse4465]

Let's keep in mind that Jacket isn't emotionless. When he kills the random hobo in that cramped alleyway, he pukes in utter disgust. When Jacket sees a helpless women on the verge of death within one of the buildings he was ordered to clear out, he doesn't leave her there, he takes her under his wing and provides his home as shelter.

[@courier4289]

Tbh the jacket described during that bit is more like the Midnight Animal’s guy

[@jackcouch8322]

His chicken wing

[@madmouse4465]

@@jackcouch8322 what

[@carzdroid]

@@madmouse4465 how did you forgot what mask represents jacket

[@marksism4292]

@@courier4289 Midnight Animal was based on Jackets crime spree

[@FlymanMS]

I really hoped you’d talk about HM2 cause it significantly changes and broadens the context of HM1.

[@shrekworshiper4965]

I liked the second one but hated the detection of enemies. They could literally see you 10ft away well you are behind them.

[@spider-spectre]

@@shrekworshiper4965 Ya, it can be frustrating when it bugs and they see you off screen but, the see you from behind is intentional. The detection is purely based on a distance, like an invisible circle.

[@hudra5528]

i agree hm2 fills in a lot of important gaps from hm1

[@xrcgaming]

cries in aussie

[@ahmetkaya2131]

@@shrekworshiper4965 It's not that the detection is bad but moreover the level design is bad. They used the same detection system from hm1 and that is made for hm1's frantic, room-orianted design as oppose to hm2's more open design

[@Asocial-Canine]

Something I'm just thinking about now on the note of losing empathy is how the girlfriend seems to change that. At least from what we see through Jacket's coma perspective, he saves her from the Decadence level, showing he's not entirely beyond empathy for others, even with his actions before and after that. Even with the messy apartment, that changes after she moves in with him, as she seems to clean up the place; helping him sort out his head, as it were. The beds even get closer together towards the end, showing them getting closer to one another (maybe bonding over their pasts). That could be why 50 Blessings sent Richter to kill the two; they could lose their leverage over Jacket if he was in a better place mentally, and he could even act against them - as he ends up trying to do in the final act, but ironically just finishing their work On another note, HM2 is a much different beast to HM1, but it's absolutely worth playing if you haven't yet. It focuses more on events surrounding and following HM1's story, but it gives a bit more detail on Jacket's past too (which doesn't really mesh with some stuff you say here, hence why I'm mentioning it).

[@declassified_snake]

they sent Richter to kill Jacket due to failing to kill Biker

[@hexikan4141]

In the complex interview for hotline miami dennis wedin says "the designe of the apertment and how it changes was very personal cuz my apartment was for a long time was just shit, i didn't care about it and then met a girl that wanted to be at my house and i wanted her to be there so i started trying to tidy up so thats kinda what jacket does". Jacket actually was the one to clean up the apartment not the girl

[@kayagorzan]

Yes indeed

[@Axl4325]

@@hexikan4141 point still stands homie, it´s thanks to her that the apartment gets better

[@mattsterh7740]

@@hexikan4141 thats because he starting give more of a shit about his life. he goes on suicide missions for thrills and she is keeping more grounded. hes the knight in shining armor albeit a letterman and she is a modern damsel in distress, a beauty being abused by the worst of miami.

[@SteveFamine]

My favorite game for YEARS. Soundtrack + the game did so much for me honestly. Far deeper than expected by the graphics. Thanks for doing this video leadhead. I even rebought it on the switch! Watching it now! You should do a video on "Braid" - I think thats down your alley

[@kayagorzan]

So unique

[@arkham_miami]

And the soundtrack

[@lucidvalidity7056]

The analog controls makes the game so much fun and easier to engage and play in my opinion I can't stop playing both 1 and 2 with my switch

[@SteveFamine]

@@lucidvalidity7056 I rebought it on switch - it's harder than the PC (the last boss in HM1 with the throw + cat pounce + ninja lady is brutal on a controller)

[@themessagegames4901]

Hi, I'm developing a first-person Hotline Miami game called Criminal Russia. I will be glad if you rate the trailer of the game and add it to the wish list in the steam kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJXZpalrpsmtj9E

[@millburry1828]

When I played hotline I felt strange after completing a stage too, like I just bleeped out of reality and came back to total bloodshed. It really captures jackets lack of remorse and care.

[@daan626]

Yeah I always forget the way out

[@themessagegames4901]

Hi, I'm developing a first-person Hotline Miami game called Criminal Russia. I will be glad if you rate the trailer of the game and add it to the wish list in the steam kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJXZpalrpsmtj9E

[@daigle1396]

So glad to finally see you talking about this series! One of my favorites, with a legendary soundtrack

[@Mwrp86]

Wait Hotline Miami is a series?

[@SteveFamine]

@@Mwrp86 Yeah the second one is odd.... great music as well! I'll literally but it for you on steam rn if you havent played it but finished the first one already

[@_dFour_]

@@Mwrp86 3 games payday 2 is kinda my personal continuation of jackets story

[@dankmemer5699]

@@_dFour_ it literally is not. 1. The ending of the second game 2. Even if not the ending, he would be too old, since HM is set in the 80s, and payday 2 today 3 why would jacket rob banks after all of that? It doesn't suit him, he fought russian mafia, because russians NUKED his best friend. He has no reason to rob banks. 4. The devs confirmed that payday is not Canon to hotline miami universe

[@_dFour_]

​@@dankmemer5699 Jacket is ~50 in Payday 2 Also this is a perspective from Payday 2 lore not from Hotline Miami lore, the story ends in the nuclear blast in Payday 2 Jacket joins them after surviving the blast, he keeps killing for thats who he is and will stay, even with the moment of self reflection

[@pancakeman6591]

Biker’s apartment was a lot more colorful than Jacket’s. It had a surround sound system, a fish tank, and sometimes had party guests passed out on the couch. I think it was to show how Biker, while still a murderer, was able to socialize with other people and had some level of empathy. Jacket’s barren and messy apartment basically reflected the loneliness and lack of empathy he had for others.

[@Remix2366]

I think biker is just a younger guy

[@skeletonbuyingpealts7134]

Biker only quit because the political motive scared him

[@russian_knight]

This game has such a profound effect on the player it's fucking insane

[@TrizzyB47]

You say jacket doesn't care who he kills but that whole homeless man death and him throwing up afterwards is supposed to show he's human and he only kills mercilessly when it comes to russians. You might wanna play HM2 or watch "the entire storyline of Hotline Miami" so you understand why jacket has 0 problem committing mass murder.

[@theguy7764]

I think he dissociated and realized after

[@kayagorzan]

Yea

[@hershhossain5062]

@@Cholata123 the 2nd game totally finalized that idea for me. these 2 games did a great job in empathizing with PTSD driven war veterans that are having a hard time coming to terms with the civillians of the people they were at war with.

[@Shaniac-zj1sv]

Police station level

[@molypoly6884]

i think he puked because he killed a innocent man or he looks like beard.

[@Wounded_Asclepius]

5:43 "He doesn't care if it's a mobster, a civilian, a police officer, a homeless man." That's not really true. After you kill the homeless man in the first mission, Jacket suddenly starts moving slowly and proceeds to vomit on the floor, signalling that he knows that he killed a random man that isn't a mobster from a country he hates.

[@NoFlu]

You also can't kill SWAT on Crackdown and e.g. the DJ. He's only going after the police in Assault since it has taken an even more personal route and the police is (due to him beeing imprisoned) protecting Richter and thus in his way.

[@jotarogoosjo.1582]

I feel like not being able to kill SWAT on Crackdown was more or less "I just shot this man with a fucking shutgon to the head, he recoiled and continued running at me" not "Oh they aren't bad people, they can live!"

[@jotarogoosjo.1582]

shutgon lmao

[@EZOnTheEyes]

I'm so glad the soundtrack came with a free game

[@themessagegames4901]

Hi, I'm developing a first-person Hotline Miami game called Criminal Russia. I will be glad if you rate the trailer of the game and add it to the wish list in the steam kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJXZpalrpsmtj9E

[@Crybaton]

I somehow have always connected Hotline Miami's aesthetic to your channel and vice versa. Probably because of the Pig Mask. Glad to see you doing a video on it.

[@tomerpilo5193]

I'm not the only one! Yay!

[@jeyaceare9833]

This game really influenced other games and defines the genre. Badass.

[@themessagegames4901]

Hi, I'm developing a first-person Hotline Miami game called Criminal Russia. I will be glad if you rate the trailer of the game and1 add it to the wish list in the steam kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJXZpalrpsmtj9E

[@kayagorzan]

I love the “What was it even all about” videos you make

[@stinkysmelly6695]

I always interpreted it as violence in response to violence is the language of beasts. The masks pointing to the fact that seemingly normal people have been turned into monsters in a fruitless cycle of violence that never seems to end until everyone is dead.

[@thenewbadluckbrian]

I recently started playing this game on PS4 both 1 and 2. and I fell in love with it from the gaming mechanics, the aesthetics of the 80s, and the lore of each character and organizations like Biker, Jacket, Beard, etc. Even when the games addresses to the player on why they’re really playing. HM1 has to have one of the best soundtracks from the main menu hypnotic and the rhythm of song each level. Ritcher’s story in HM2 in my personal opinion is if not one of the best stories in the series. Only games similar that got me this engaged to a gaming series is the Bioshock, Spec Ops: The Line, and SOMA. This game is one of those game where I always appreciate coming back either to get a higher score than the last run or to the story again. Thank You Leadhead for making a video about this game.

[@neoncaelestis]

I always love how the game's apartment just NAILS the atmosphere of how your life is an utter mess. The music and overall greasy and lazy vibe always works so well. (also, your voice really sounds great. glad you're happy with who you are!)

[@themessagegames4901]

Hi, I'm developing a first-person Hotline Miami game called Criminal Russia. I will be glad if you rate the trailer of the game and add it to the wish list in the steam kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJXZpalrpsmtj9E

[@Skorpiussos]

Man, even your talk about this game gave me goosebumps. After all these, nearly 10(!) years since relase, I can safely say, that they're (because i consider them both as one story) one of the best pieces of art that was published in this time. And also one of best games, ever. I came back to them once in a while, catching something new about them, within myself. They're great games, and great stories, and great experiences at the same time which is very unusual in this business. And what's even more bizarre, is that both of those games feel different, while being similar. Remarkable pieces of art.

[@ars731]

It's an interesting note that the Janitors who are in charge of 50 Blessings are modeled on the creators of Hotline Miami. It might be an commentary on how the game tricks the player into doing terrible things or an meta commentary on game design.

[@143__rd3]

Here’s hoping you cover HLM2, any thoughts I had about the events of 1 were permanently changed after I played it. EDIT: After the comments about Jacket and his Girlfriend and the Bickle comparison, you definetly need to play 2 if you haven’t.

[@booyak6740]

Dear god. I love these series so much. Seeing you talk about it was pure gold. Thanks!

[@themessagegames4901]

Hi, I'm developing a first-person Hotline Miami game called Criminal Russia. I will be glad if you rate the trailer of the game and1 add it to the wish list in the steam kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJXZpalrpsmtj9E

[@Jacket50Blessings]

This is the first game in years i have actually raged when i lose and i love everything about it

[@cawashka]

HM1+2 are my fav games of all time. HM massively influenced what I played, listened to and watched after playing it for the first time. Hell, it helped popularize a whole genre.

[@qwellen7521]

Hotline Miami is still one of my favourites even a decade later. The near seamless way it asks the player about there complicity with the player actions is seared into my memory. It’s why I don’t really love the 50 blessings explanation, because it defangs the games final twist.

[@sl1mslav]

I’m very glad you made a video on one of my favourite games! Godspeed

[@ObiektTestowy]

it always amazes me how you cover a game I've been playing for years, over and over again, I think I know it through and through and yet you come up with a new perspective. kudos bro

[@punxride024]

Great video! This isn't the type of game I typically play but it absolutely gripped me. It was the only game I played in a while.

[@thebreadman]

Great video. My wife and I only recently just played the two games and we were completely immersed. Such a trippy game.

[@snoofayy6150]

me and my girlfriend of nearly 6 years first bonded in class about loving this game when we were both 17 😜

[@luna454BB]

This was a pretty great video, though I agree in the sentiment that hm2 adds more context for things within the story. Especially since hm2 cover his past and such. The point you were trying to get across at the end definitely got across though, great work!

[@peonerovv1770]

When you started talking about 50 blessings, I suspected you'd focus on nationalist part of things, but it took a much more interesting turn. Great stuff, love it

[@Fabrizio_Ruffo]

Socialism did nothing wrong, its all nationalism's fault. I'm, not a nazi your a nazi, reeeeeeeeee

[@phungangtienanh5655]

That for the second game. In fact, the entire story of that game involved in it.

[@SpiderMan-gf1lc]

@@Fabrizio_Ruffo yes

[@lucidvalidity7056]

We don't talk about the garbage out of touch misinformed Wiki articles cause holy fuck there so garbage how they think the game is revolved around "nationality" when it's deeper than that

[@Marcusml333]

@@Fabrizio_Ruffo Looking to justify right-wing extremism there?

[@moonbeam1658]

Genuinely got so excited when my favorite commentator made a video about my favorite game

[@mediocresizedmac7675]

same

[@0wy_]

i wanted this so bad but never expected it to happen

[@arkham_miami]

@@mediocresizedmac7675 twin

[@mediocresizedmac7675]

@@arkham_miami AYO?

[@windownpc39]

This is a beautifully written script with a great read (and also I’m biased because HL is one of my all time favs and I’m happy to see one of my favorite creators bringing it to more people’s attention!).

[@haldir255]

Lately I've once again been obsessed with these games, funny that you just happened to make a video about it :)

[@DaftRay]

Holy shit man, great fucking video dude! HM & HM2 are two of my favorite games, and your video essay was a great look at HM and got me to look at the game in a way I never have. And goddamn, the closing lines of the video and the slow fade of El Huervo's Daisuke gave me literal goosebumps. Can't wait for your next upload, keep up the good work man!

[@hershhossain5062]

love you leadhead! was very much looking to hear your prompt on hotline miami and hope you do one for hotline miami 2 as well, definitely an absolute game changer of a sequel in terms of story lore

[@mallbat]

i don't think there's a better video on hotline miami better than this one. love this game and your videos!!

[@johnshepherd7882]

HM is my favourite series hands down, thanks to it's incredible depth and storytelling, i'm really glad you've decided to cover it, my friend.

[@Nostalgar]

even though this video is year old I think that this has to be one of the better videos that just explains the first game and honestly I love it cause it truly explains how the first game is not only played but how you feel about the world that is being built around you as you see it and tear it down. but what is more interesting is how you explain going from the start of a level to the end of a level and seeing the chaos left in your wake. sure I know this has been mentioned in many other video eassays on HM1 and 2 but it still is truly an out of body experience to go through the game the first time and notice this. honestly great video 9/10 would recommend and watch again

[@williamdavidm.l6665]

It's one of the few games that, once I've complete it for the first time, I can do so in a hour for my next playthrough again and again. According to my Switch I've played over 50 hours of Hotline Maimi 1 alone, and 30 hours of Hotline Miami 2.

[@major_havok7854]

Great video! I've been waiting so long for a video like this

[@s0methinglive671]

thank you for covering it your my favorite reviewer and this is the game of my childhood ive been waiting for months for this review

[@Nomadthejester]

Just as i get back into it, you post a video about it, i am blessed

[@rugrat4287]

if he doesn’t care About citizens why he throw up when he accidentally beat the homeless man?

[@PolloJack]

Still getting used to the gore. Like having nesting doll yachts while the world burns shows a lack of empathy but that person probably can't handle seeing a head dismembered first person.

[@haja.]

@@PolloJack Jacket has a lot of experience on hurting other people, though. He's even implied to have killed innocent hostages back in Hawaii

[@user-qd8cs7nv7p]

1. Still geting used to it 2. Hobo has no ties to russian mafia 3. He didnt wear a mask

[@CrashNSplash]

@@user-qd8cs7nv7p I disagree with the first statement. He's been implied to have murder a couple dozen people in military days (better shown in the comics as well).

[@rugrat4287]

@@haja. I learned something new today thank You

[@hallowed3576]

Another amazing video, man! Keep up the great work, and have a wonderful weekend.

[@oceanman1500]

Im halfway through the video amd Im just amazed at how good it is, much love man keep up the great work ❤ came here from cracks in the system which I watched at least 5 times haha

[@JamesSmith-kp3th]

Awesome analysis so much stuff going on under the surface of this game.. The story elements of the game really captured me when I first played it. I'm working on a short film at the moment which is my own spin on the games story (it differs quite alot from the games). I've noticed a lot of fan made short films based on the game neglect the subtext and just try capture the games style. Listening to your analysis it seems like you interpreted it in the same way I did and I'm glad people can see the deeper levels of this tittle

[@WoodlandMoss]

Bro. You perfectly articulated my experience with this and the second game. Well done!

[@MagnumEvolved]

Fun alternate analogy: It’s about multiplayer videogame addiction. It turned your life to shit, your gf left you, you can’t remember the match you just played and the masks are your avatar.

[@owen6679]

Been waiting for this video for a long time. God bless leadhead

[@pumkinplays8328]

One of my favorite videos on the game.

[@LiterallyCanada666]

Loved the ending so much

[@bee5150]

If you are reading this leadhead please keep making youtube videos, I can seriously watch 30 minutes of you talking about games I know nothing about and be fully captivated the whole time. The more personal videos are great too, please keep making the quality videos you always make, take breaks too, i've seen too many great youtubers sell out and start pushing out garbage for the money lately

[@uzeahos]

Anytime I first tried a normal level in HM and HM2, sometimes I got lost in the building walking back to the car. I started the level and went into autopilot. A murdering, violent, fast, autopilot. It kinda shocked me when I realized I didn’t even notice I beat the level until the music stops.

[@murilomarcosmelo1062]

My wish was fulfilled, awesome video!!

[@dead_fox]

Very interesting analysis. You know, I’ve heard a couple of the things you mentioned before, but never the angle of the sprites, and empathy.

[@IainJChrist]

Leadhead and Hotline Miami? A perfect mix! Now to watch the video...

[@technical_difficulties_]

I'd recommend playing HM2, it adds a lot of context to HM1

[@theindianyouwatch]

r u a pyro main?

[@technical_difficulties_]

​@@theindianyouwatchNope, totally a spy main. Totally.

[@theindianyouwatch]

@@technical_difficulties_ oh i am demomain and scoot main

[@lukkkasz323]

I'd love to see a video about Hotline Miami 2 too if possible. This one was great.

[@potionofknowledge]

Very interesting analysis dude. Great work!

[@Ner0mancer]

The backstory for Jacket and Company were awesome in HM2, although it's kinda difficult to get all of the storylines because they're so dilluted, but I guess that was a wanted side effect.

[@kitghost1]

Thanks for the rad vid lead!

[@skeletonking2501]

Probably the most unique take on 50 blessings, and I really do think it plays a role in this.

[@baller42061]

this is incredible analysis as always

[@danielgeronimo5538]

It's very interesting how "empathy" is brought about here. I've seen various analysis on how Hotline Miami duology is a critique on violence or maybe even anti-war and in a way that's true. But all conscious characters who are aware of their actions, even Jacket, all interestingly have empathy, when everyone else has been deprived of it. Looking forward to HLM 2....

[@Ishub]

Ayo, I still have this game on my Vita! 😌

[@sshyster]

Hotline Miami video essay in 2021? you love to see it

[@shapshoter489nabro7]

Awesome vid as always

[@VioletVaniaComposer]

Yes! Before this I was like “how is there not a Leadhead Hotline Miami Video?”

[@Traxie]

So dope that this game gets so much attention up to this day!

[@Salehalanazi-7]

Holy shit. You're so good at analyzing the feeling.

[@yachidan]

I just searched for “hotline miami” and i’m glad that i found your video the first result.

[@StarContract]

This was such a great video

[@romeurodrigues2075]

I finished the game like a week ago. Thank you so much!!!

[@necromech_]

always nice to see someone speaking about Hotline Miami, great video.

[@chuck7228]

Solid work, as always

[@STEWARTH713]

That was great look into the game, HM series is my all time favourite video games. Please follow up with Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number!

[@YourLocalToker]

This series deversed more attention the soundtrack is so fucking great and the layouts of the arenas are great strat and run

[@YourLocalToker]

Also nice to see you upload again lead

[@Jubbsi]

i am in love with your content

[@ernie8887]

That was a great fucking video lead keep up the good work ma’am

[@roastytoast_24]

I'm glad someone still talks about hotline miami after all these years, fandom is still alive

[@dafunktrunk]

Leadhead: What was Hotline Miami about anyway? 2 months later... Jacob Geller: I don't understand Hotline Miami 2

[@dreadful_name2924]

You should do podcasts man! I could listen to you talk about games for hours. Then I can pretend I’ve understood things when I haven’t.

[@axel6269]

I wonder how much of an impact the stage twisting and turning with bright colors flashing in the background have on the player's perception of events.

[@BRiMtheBot]

YES, THANK YOU LEAD, I LOVE THIS GAME

[@youtubeisevil]

I got the same exact impression from the game as you did!

[@iiinterpreter]

Such a great game and soundtrack, had my first trip to this soundtrack too. Unforgettable stuff

[@maksi5281]

One of my favourite KZbinrs talking about one of my favourite games. What a day.

[@cog_in_the_machine4303]

Good to hear your voice again

[@rH0und]

When one of your favourite KZbinr covers one of your favourite games

[@user-xp8nq5mf9y]

literally first two minutes is just you saying what i think alot of people including myself experience and i love it

[@mollymaukmoment]

Love your work

[@hydrohomiee]

This Channel deserves more

[@kad1352]

Leadhead is back baby!!!

[@Smile-cg8st]

Thank you for reminding me to play this game again, I never completed it

[@IRONFRIDGE]

nicely explained bro!

[@tbk34ch]

Looks like I need to play this game too. I might learn a thing or two about my past experiences with masks.

[@thenewongoam2486]

This is the greatest Video Games that I ever played.

[@eftorq]

Thank you for an other amazing video! Take your time to create, there is no pressure. One question I've asked in the comments before: Is there any chance we will get the "LSD: Dream Simulator" video again? It really spoke to me and I watched it multiple times to think about it's topics. I completely understand if you don't want to, I just liked it a lot.

[@thienbaongo7997]

As a fan, even before watching the video, this is something I always asked myself about the story-