Checking into chaos: The wild world of HOTEL BARCELONA

GAMING NEWS AlexP - Oct 1, 2025, 10:37 AM

Imagine crashing your car on a desolate road, only to stumble into HOTEL BARCELONA, a 2.5D side-scrolling action roguelite where America's deadliest serial killers are trapped in a cursed, time-looping nightmare. You play as Justine, a U.S. Marshal whose routine investigation turns into a fight for survival. Possessed by Dr. Carnival, a deranged killer from her past, Justine must slaughter her way through psychotic guests to escape. The story blends grindhouse horror with surreal humor, drawing from classics like The Shining. Each of the hotel's seven areas warps reality—think alien invasions or AI-spawned killer sharks—making every run a fresh descent into madness.

Gameplay in HOTEL BARCELONA is a gory, fast-paced affair, with nearly 100 unlockable weapons—katanas, hammers, flamethrowers—fueling limb-severing chaos. A blood gauge powers devastating special attacks, rewarding aggression over caution. The standout Phantom Mechanic turns death into opportunity: fallen versions of Justine, called Phantom Slashers, return as AI allies in future runs, wielding skills from past upgrades. Up to four phantoms can join, making boss fights—against grotesque, horror-inspired foes—feel like chaotic team-ups. The game's roguelite structure, with procedurally varied runs and a skill tree for permanent upgrades like dodges and combos, ensures high replayability, especially for fans of titles like Dead Cells.

For those who thrive on shared chaos, HOTEL BARCELONA offers local and online co-op for up to four players, where friends can drop in as phantoms or co-slayers. This multiplayer mode amplifies the game's wild energy, though unlocking the best gear requires solo grinding. The hotel's diverse areas, each tied to a unique horror sub-genre, keep exploration unpredictable. While the main story wraps in 8–12 hours, chasing all upgrades and bosses can stretch playtime past 30 hours, offering a meaty challenge for dedicated players.

Mixed vibes, worth a stay

Critics have mixed feelings about HOTEL BARCELONA. Many praise its bold, quirky vibe and inventive mechanics, particularly the Phantom system, but others criticize clunky early combat and occasional framerate dips. The dialogue, while occasionally sharp, can feel uneven, not always landing its horror references. Still, the compelling dynamic between Justine and Dr. Carnival carries the narrative, and the addictive gameplay loop hooks players who vibe with its weirdness. It's not for everyone—its intense violence and rough edges may deter some—but if you love Dead Cells or crave unconventional horror, HOTEL BARCELONA is a bloody, memorable getaway worth trying. Make sure you use our price comparison tool to find the best prices for HOTEL BARCELONA.

Time-loop terror: Unraveling HOTEL BARCELONA's madness

Mixed vibes, worth a stay

AlexP

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