The world of video games has seen unique collaborations over the years, but few are as surprising as the one that unites the visionaries Goichi “Suda51” Suda and Hidetaka “Swery65” Suehiro. The fruit of this union is Hotel Barcelona, a title that promises an experience unlike most modern games. Developed by White Owls Inc. and published by CULT Games, it’s a 2.5D action roguelite with a style reminiscent of slasher films. The game invites us to delve into a hotel. It is, at the same time, a luxurious paradise and a death trap for the most dangerous serial killers in the United States.
Welcome to Hotel Barcelona
The premise of Hotel Barcelona is as fascinating as the personalities of its creators. We step into the shoes of Justine, a young federal agent with a disturbing secret: her mind is possessed by the spirit of Dr. Carnival, a renowned serial killer. Trapped in the hotel, a place that serves as a den for other psychopaths, Justine must survive a loop of death and violence. The narrative is not linear; it is revealed through numerous deaths and resurrections.
The duality between Justine, who wants to seek justice, and Dr. Carnival, who only seeks blood and guts, is the driving force. Their constant internal battle provides a dialogue that is both absurd and, at the same time, surprisingly profound. This narrative progression is directly linked to the game’s roguelite cycle. It keeps the story constantly interesting despite the repetitive gameplay. In my opinion, it is one of the most unusual and stimulating narratives I’ve seen in a title of this genre. Seeing No More Heroes and Deadly Premonition, it was to be expected, all things considered.
The Art of Killing, Dying, and Repeating
The core gameplay loop of Hotel Barcelona is simple and brutal: kill, die, repeat. It’s a fast-paced action roguelite where death is not the end, but part of the progression. Justine can use various combat abilities to make her way through the levels. Each death allows her to unlock new powers and secrets. One of the most interesting mechanics is the “Throat-Slasher Specters.” When you die, the game records your run, and up to four of your past “copies” return as ghosts that repeat your exact actions from the previous run. This turns death into a strategic tool. You can use the ghosts to distract or attack enemies.
The “Blood Splatter Gauge” is another central element. It fills up with each melee kill, increasing critical hit stats and stamina efficiency. When it’s full, you can unleash the ultimate ability, “Carnival’s Awakening.” The combat is visceral and satisfyingly bloody, with a heavy emphasis on aggression. I find the implementation of the ghosts to be a truly unique innovation. It rewards planning, even in defeat.
Style Everywhere
Visually, the game opts for an aesthetic that mixes the world of comics with a surreal artistic direction, in pure Lynchian style. The character designs, especially those of the killers, are full of personality, as if they were taken from a B-grade horror movie. The soundtrack is one of the strong points. It includes compositions that mix punk-rock and unsettling melodies, perfectly adapted to the game’s tone. The soundscape is full of details, which helps create a constant sense of insecurity.
In terms of performance, the game runs quite smoothly on all platforms. It offers customizable configuration options that allow it to adapt to different systems. A very notable detail is the option that replaces blood with popcorn, a curiosity that fits perfectly with the game’s humor. However, in some cases there may be occasional performance issues, but nothing that worsens the experience.
A Stay for All Tastes
White Owls has included several accessibility options to make Hotel Barcelona more inclusive. The game offers different difficulty modes, including one for players who prefer to focus on the story rather than the gameplay challenge. The controls are fully configurable on both PC and consoles, an aspect which is fundamental for many users.
Subtitles and text are available in several languages, including Catalan. There are user interface (UI) options adapted for people with color blindness, and text size can also be adjusted. These options show a real consideration for a wider audience, which is not always found in niche-focused games like this.
Pay to Play?
The multiplayer in Hotel Barcelona is a complement, not a main focus. The game offers PvP and cooperative modes, but they are not as accessible as the single-player mode. You need to earn in-game currency to be able to play with friends, which creates a barrier to entry. The cooperative mode allows up to three players to join forces to survive and complete missions. On the other hand, the PvP mode allows a fourth player to invade your game.
This asymmetrical multiplayer approach is a good addition, but the need to earn coins to unlock it could discourage players who are just looking for a quick session with friends. For those who want to invest, however, the chaos that is created is an experience that complements the solo gameplay in a fun way.
An Unforgettable Stay
Hotel Barcelona is an experience that will stay with you long after you turn off the console. It’s a perfectly imperfect game, with a brutal but addictive gameplay loop that rewards aggression and planning. The collaboration between Suda and Swery is evident in every aspect. The surreal narrative, the fluid combat, and the tone are an inimitable blend of violence, humor, and terror. The designs of the killers, with their stories, are strong points, as are the artistic direction and the soundtrack.
The game might be too niche for some, and its dark humor is not for everyone. Nevertheless, if you are a fan of cult games or are looking for a different experience, this title is a gem to consider.
HOTEL BARCELONA
Summary
Hotel Barcelona is a blend of the visions of SUDA51 and SWERY65. This action roguelite stands out for its fluid combat, a horror narrative with a very particular sense of humor, and an addictive loop of death and progress. Although it is a niche title, it offers an unforgettable experience.
As always, remember to follow us on our social media platforms (e.g., Threads, X (Twitter), Bluesky, YouTube, and Facebook) to stay up-to-date with the latest news. This website contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission when you click on these links and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. We are an independent site, and the opinions expressed here are our own.
