Hotel Barcelona Is Video Game Counterculture

Hotel Barcelona is one of those games that everyone really needs to experience for themselves. I'm not suggesting that this is one of those absolute must-have AAA releases; it's no Ocarina of Time or Halo (although mind you, there are perfectly valid reasons for not liking either of those games!) Instead, this is one of those innately polarising games where reviews are all over the place, and so each player needs to make up their own mind about it. This is no surprise, given that the game is the product of a dream collaboration between two of the most controversial game creators today. These equally enigmatic creators each impart their unorthodox game development styles and philosophies upon the game. To step into Hotel Barcelona is to step into a truly one-of-a-kind meeting of the minds.

In an age of big budgets and high production values, the expectations heaped upon video games have never been higher. Everything from a glitch-free experience to the professionalism of the voice acting comes under microscopic scrutiny. Game developers have also become less daring and adventurous (unless your name is Hideo Kojima, that is). There was a time when big game publishers were not afraid to take risks, to sell game design choices that were quirky yet innovative, and they appreciated the value of catering to niche audiences to build a cult following.

This unhindered approach to game development and design really peaked during the sixth console generation, with SEGA's Dreamcast setting the example and Nintendo's GameCube and Sony's PlayStation continuing to be a haven of cool ideas. Not every game needed to score a 90% average on Metacritic to be deemed a success, as it was simply enough to create a compelling title for its intended audience.

Nowadays, you'd be hard-pressed to find such experiences from big publishers, but there's certainly no shortage of these flawed but creative efforts from up-and-coming developers in the indie scene. There's still a void when it comes to new ideas from true industry veterans, but thankfully, there are two names who continue to march to the beat of their own drum: Goichi Suda (a.k.a Suda51) and Hidetaka Suehiro (a.k.a Swery65).

As game directors, both have incredible resumes, but if one title were to define their respective game development philosophies, then for Suda51, it would be No More Heroes, and for Swery65, it would be Deadly Premonition. These signature titles have garnered a loyal fan following over the decades, and the impact these games have had on the gaming zeitgeist can't be understated.

They are unique in their directorial styles and yet so alike. One thing is clear: their games are all about the profound intangibles, as these games often have subtext within the narrative and game design that tap into a gamer's psyche like no other. As experiences, these are games that challenge the very notion of 'play' in video games, and not only that, they challenge the idea of what it means to be a 'gamer'.

They've always gotten along as comrades in the same industry, but fans have often wondered what would happen if they collaborated on a project. In fact, some wondered if such a thing were even possible, simply because Suda51 and Swery65 are just too alike. Could two uniquely creative volcanoes find compromise and balance when bringing highly volatile ideas together as one?

Turns out, it was possible after all, and the end result of bringing two mad geniuses together to create a video game is Hotel Barcelona.

A fundamental commonality between the pair is also evident here: their games are unapologetically 'janky'. This 'jankiness' is evident in the gameplay systems that are often simple and effective, but lack fluidity and polish, especially in combat and shooting. The graphics aren't AAA quality either, instead emphasising artistic expression over texture mapping polish. Not only that, but the performance rarely hit a stable 60 frames per second. Some wonder if these passionate game directors deliberately make 'bad' games, and, well, of course they're not; it's just their intentions and emphasis are different from typical game directors.

This can be contrasted with other media like film and music, but let's go with music to illustrate a point. You can pick up the latest mainstream pop record, and chances are you will be treated to a polished musical experience where the vocals are always on key and the instruments are mixed to sound as clean and pleasant as possible. And yet, there is an audience for the unrefined and unpolished, where instruments are allowed to make raw noise and unconventional singers are allowed to express unhinged ideas; that right there is punk. It's a counterculture for the sake of alternative expression, to challenge conventions and the status quo.

That's what games by Suda51 and Swery65 are: the punk rock equivalent of gaming. And so, Hotel Barcelona is the ultimate punk rock album by two industry legends. It's a dream team to be sure, and the result is a game that will be truly appreciated by its intended audience, perhaps even more so over time.

Hotel Barcelona is a roguelite, and while there are numerous roguelikes and roguelites in the indie scene, they don't compare to the vibe and style that Suda51 and Swery65 have created here. Think of it as a punk rock video game by two industry legends who don't need millions to express their wild creativity.

It's an effective 2.5D action game oozing with style. The core gameplay loop is enough to keep players coming back for more, and each return trip opens up more of the creativity. There are homages to gaming's past here, and plenty of powerful and provoking meta-commentary tucked away in both the game design and narrative flow. It's a violent game, but one for the thinking gamer. In the signature style of these developers, video game violence thrills are presented with a contemplative subtext.

No one writes a protagonist quite like Suda51 and Swery65, and here we have Justine, a complex and reluctant anti-hero who expresses deep monologues as she wrestles with her demonic alter ego. The premise is gruesome and unkind, and yet there is a wicked sense of humour to it all, especially in the playful dialogue flow.

It's all about style, with a range of visual styles delivering a story that only Suda51 and Swery65 could dream up together. Speaking of the former, Suda51 has always been about boss battle presentation, and Hotel Barcelona delivers its cast of eccentrics in a style most game directors could only dream about. Aside from Kojima, nobody writes boss characters quite like Suda51. The first boss theme song samples 'For Whom The Bell Tolls' by Metallica, and the rest of the presentation isn't shy in referencing all kinds of media from heavy metal to horror cinema. The bosses are cool, and their presentation showcases true pop culture passion, but it's just too bad that the core gameplay makes the actual battles feel tedious.

I described the game as effective, and it is, but that's about the most glowing praise the core gameplay earns. Take away the layers of style and personality, and you're left with an action game that features cumbersome combat and dull level design, one where the set pieces and platforming rarely gel well with the clunky mechanics. It's all competent and serviceable enough, but oh so very dull. It also speaks volumes about how attractive the presentation and vibe of Hotel Barcelona can be; it's exciting enough to make the majority of the sluggish gameplay worth enduring.

Maybe persevering through rusty gameplay is the point of it all. Even when parts of the gameplay don't feel great, the sum of the many parts that make up the experience, whether it's the music or character designs, creates a whole that feels special. Put it this way: Black Sabbath didn't have an opera singer on vocals. The point isn't to have a good singer; the point is Ozzy Osbourne was the only voice to bring together the many imperfect yet unique parts of the Black Sabbath sound.

Hotel Barcelona is a flawed and imperfect game; it's not a low-budget indie game created by green developers, nor is it a AAA title backed by reputable industry veterans. Instead, this is a perfect in-between: it has modest production values and yet perfectly expresses lofty and ambitious ideas. It's a bit like when a punk rock band goes from playing small clubs to selling out stadium shows, without losing their artistic edge.

Forget the reviews and forget the accepted norms of AAA gaming; Hotel Barcelona is a title that will be savoured and studied for decades, long after games like Battlefield 6 have shut down their servers.