When comparing Axiom Verge vs Hotline Miami, the Slant community recommends Hotline Miami for most people. In the question“What are the best indie games on Steam?” Hotline Miami is ranked 31st while Axiom Verge is ranked 45th. The most important reason people chose Hotline Miami is:
The overhead view allows the player to see much of the level in order to plan how to attack each situation, in violent and gory aplomb.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Great soundtrack
Pro Retro feel with a modern spin
Provides a good change of pace to what many modern titles offer. Axiom Verge is a well crafted combination of the original Metroid 2D platformer style, with unique game mechanics that make it refreshing.
Pro Somewhat complex story
While maybe not necessarily mind-blowing, it does have some interesting twists that one usually is more likely to find in movies rather than games. Also multiple endings.
Pro Tons of power ups to collect
In addition to having lots of things to find, the power ups give you diverse abilities that allow you to interact with the world in new unique ways.
Pro Beautiful art and environments
Pro Excellent, ultraviolent close combat
The overhead view allows the player to see much of the level in order to plan how to attack each situation, in violent and gory aplomb.
Pro Great, tense soundtrack
The soundtrack has a very 80s electro flare to it that helps flesh out the feel of the game and its violent story.
Pro Unique, neon-soaked art style and surrealist, gritty story
Playing off of themes seen in movies like Scarface, Hotline Miami features a crazy violent story that exudes a very 80s feel.
Pro Makes the player question why they love killing
The game is super violent, but the player loves it, and questions themself because of it
Cons
Con Poor weapon design
There are a ton of weapons, but most of them lack purpose. You end up sticking with just a few.
Con Not modern enough
It's intentionally retro style makes the world monotonous and dead compared to modern Metroidvania's.
Con Soundtrack can feel repetitive
While the soundtrack has some great electronic music, it can start feeling repetitive over long play sessions, especially when you find yourself just wandering around, looking for items or the next destination.
Con Too short
And no reason to replay.
Con Buggy
Even after all the updates, AI in the game is still very buggy.
Con Light on story and can be difficult
There is really no reason given as to why the player is doing what they are doing and the game itself has a fluctuating difficulty level that can be frustrating.