Sure thing, here goes nothing—
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So there’s this game, right? HOTEL BARCELONA. You heard of it? I hadn’t, but maybe that’s just me living under a rock or something. Anyway, this total fever dream from SWERY and SUDA51 is landing on PlayStation 5 in September. Them bringing this chaos from CULT Games and White Owls. Honestly, I’m kinda excited—or maybe just mildly curious. Hard to say.
Picture this: a creepy hotel plopped down at the edge of nowhere—smack between Pennsylvania and West Virginia. It’s like it’s daring anyone to check in. If I had to guess, it’s a trap. But not just any trap—a trap for America’s freakiest, creepiest serial killers. Yeah, that escalated quickly.
And you’re not even yourself in this game; you’re Justine, a newbie federal marshal with a nasty little secret. Fun twist? Your brain’s playing host to Dr. Carnival… a crazy killer with a not-so-sweet past. Together—if you even call it “together”—you’ve gotta take down other killers and somehow, maybe, get out alive. Easier said than done, right?
The game’s this wild mix of 2.5D action, which might sound weird but stay with me. Picture diving into a messed-up 1980s horror flick, and every fight is like a dance with danger. Tactical movements, super tight timing, maybe a side of luck if you’re me.
Oh, and get this: death isn’t a dead end here. (Pun not intended, but let’s roll with it.) Every time you die, a “Slasher Phantom” emerges—basically a shadow of your old self. They retrace your last steps and can actually knock out the baddies. Handy, huh? These phantoms become your shield, your sneak peak, your—well, your one shot at getting stronger after every failure.
And blood? Not just for spooks anymore. The game’s got this Skull Gauge thing. Fill it with enough blood—kinda gross but also kind of awesome—and you unleash Carnival Awakening. Picture power like a tidal wave crashing down. But beware, it ain’t pretty.
Oh, and the zones? Seven of ‘em. Every area’s inspired by a different horror flavor. Think haunted mansions or twisted labs, and trust me, each zone serves up a boss fight that’ll make you sweat a little. Or a lot.
The masterminds here—SUDA51 and SWERY—are legends on their own turf. You might know their work: No More Heroes, Killer7, Deadly Premonition. It’s like two rockstars teaming up for a crazy jam session. Expect surreal madness, full of gore, and yeah, probably some strange charm, too.
And just like that, my thoughts veer off. Anyway—or wait, scratch that—where was I? Whatever. Just remember, it’s coming soon. Play it, don’t play it, maybe just watch the trailer, who knows. I might just mark the calendar. Maybe.
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How’d I do?
