It can seem lazy or even cliched to compare an upcoming game to a previous one, but video game culture is one that is in constant conversation with itself, and new titles will undoubtedly be influenced by previous ones. That doesn’t mean, however, that the more recent release has to be a copy of another game, but when some titles make a big impact or are especially popular, their influence can be felt for years to come as others attempt to emulate and improve upon their unique features.Midnight Fight Expresswas unveiled earlier this month, and already players are makingHotline Miamicomparisons due to the game’s violent combat and stylish design.
The game is being developed by Jacob Dzwinel, a former writer on aDestiny 2expansion and a previous stunt performer for 2018’sGod of War. That’s an impressively diverse resume, and Dzwinel looks to be adding another spectacular string to his bow with the upcomingMidnight Fight Express. The adrenaline-pumping game has its fair share of over-the-top violence and fast-paced action and should keep players on their toes, in addition toscratching thatHotline Miamiitchwhile they wait for a third installment.
RELATED:Xbox Game Pass Already Has 3 Day One Games Confirmed for August 2022
Introducing Midnight Fight Express
Midnight Fight Expressis a slightly surreal and stylized fighting gamewhere players take control of a former criminal who is dragged back into their old less-than-legal lifestyle after a mysterious AI drone claims they need their help preventing a city-wide takeover. Players have until sunrise to stop the underground criminal factions from seizing control, and they must rise into their new role as hero as they take on foe after foe in increasingly creative and violent ways.
The game has a focus on brawling, with an impressive array of complex moves to learn and utilize, as well as a selection of weapons and in-world elements like explosive barrels, moving trains, and even furniture to help dispatch enemies. The combat is provided by motion artist andstunt performer Eric Jacobus with the use of mo-cap animation, so it’s as realistic as it is frenetic, and players will be able to upgrade their moves and learn new abilities as they go to create a formidable arsenal of ass-kicking techniques.
Hotline Miami Comparisons
BothHotline MiamiandMidnight Fight Expressbring to mind old-school brawlers with their slightly retro aesthetics. The former may rely more heavily on its 1980s setting to inform its design than the more modern look of the latter, but both games feature a thumping soundtrack that helps to underscore their brutal action and accentuate the gameplay. Like inHotline Miami, players must use their wits inMidnight Fight Expressto creatively extricate themselves from the dangerous situations they find themselves in, often when they’re outgunned and outnumbered.
Midnight Fight Expressalso has a main character led around on their violent rampage by some kind of technological element, but it swaps outHotline Miami’s coded answer machine messages for a drone. The upcoming game alsodeviates fromHotline Miami’s formulain some interesting ways, with a completely customizable main character that has a changeable appearance, skillset, and combat style. Players must use a careful combination of blocking, dodging, throws, melee attacks, weaponry, and merciless finishing moves to fight off the various criminals they encounter.
Midnight Fight Expressis coming to PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One on August 23.
MORE:What Hotline Miami 3 Needs To Do To Recapture the Violent Magic of the Original
