What's Happening?
The collaboration between game developers Swery and Suda51, known for their unique and often eccentric game designs, has resulted in the release of 'Hotel Barcelona'. The game features a US marshal named Justine, who shares her body with the soul of a serial killer, navigating through a roguelite 2.5D side-scrolling environment. Despite the intriguing premise, the game has been criticized for its overambitious design and lack of fluid gameplay. Players have reported that the game feels stiff, with attacks that are either ineffective or slow, and a lack of visual feedback that makes it difficult to gauge progress or success in combat. The game attempts to create a fast-paced, dodge-heavy experience but falls short due to these design issues.
Why It's Important?
The release of 'Hotel Barcelona' highlights the challenges faced by game developers in balancing creativity with playability. Swery and Suda51 are known for their distinctive styles, which often push the boundaries of conventional game design. However, the reception of 'Hotel Barcelona' suggests that even established developers can struggle with execution when attempting to innovate. This situation underscores the importance of user experience in game design, as even the most creative concepts can falter if they do not translate into engaging gameplay. The feedback from players may influence future projects by these developers, potentially leading to more refined and user-friendly gaming experiences.
