Chapter 14: Release

Chapter 14: Release

Welcome to "Release," a chapter that truly tests your mastery of Hotline Miami's brutal combat. This level is a multi-floor gauntlet, demanding precision, quick reflexes, and strategic use of your environment. Get ready to face several enemy types, including the notoriously tough fat enemies, and navigate tight corridors and open spaces.

Recommended Masks & Strategies

• Tony (Tiger Mask): Tony's bare-handed kills are instant and lethal, making him excellent for silent takedowns and conserving ammunition. This is particularly useful for the fat enemies, as a single punch will down them.
• Don Juan (Horse Mask): Don Juan's door-kill ability is invaluable for clearing rooms quickly and safely. Knocking enemies out with doors provides a brief stun, allowing for easy follow-up kills.
• Carl (Mantis Mask): Carl's drill is a one-hit kill on any enemy, including fat enemies, and can be retrieved. This makes him a strong choice for dealing with high-priority targets without expending precious firearm ammo.

Floor 1: Ground Floor Gauntlet

You'll start on the ground floor, immediately facing a few enemies. Your primary goal here is to clear the initial rooms and secure a reliable weapon.

1. Initial Engagement: Upon starting, move forward cautiously. There will be at least one guard patrolling the immediate corridor. Use a quick melee weapon (like a Lead Pipe or Baseball Bat if available) or a bare-handed takedown with Tony.
2. Room to the Right: Enter the first room on your right. Expect two to three enemies, often including one with a firearm (e.g., a Pistol or Shotgun). Prioritize the armed enemy. Use the doorway for cover or a door-kill with Don Juan.
3. Weapon Acquisition: After clearing the right room, you should have access to a firearm. A Shotgun is highly recommended for its stopping power against multiple enemies or the fat enemies you'll encounter later.
4. Left Corridor: Proceed down the left corridor. Be wary of enemies peeking around corners. Use your newly acquired firearm to dispatch them efficiently.
5. Stairwell Access: Clear the remaining enemies on this floor to gain access to the stairwell leading to the second floor.

Floor 2: The Fat Man's Domain

The second floor introduces the formidable fat enemies. These brutes require multiple hits from most weapons or a specific strategy to take down quickly.

1. Stairwell Exit: As you exit the stairwell, you'll likely encounter a fat enemy.
2. Dealing with Fat Enemies:
   • Melee Strategy: If using Tony, a single bare-handed punch will down them. With other masks, a Katana or a series of quick melee attacks (e.g., 3-4 hits with a Lead Pipe) are effective.
   • Firearm Strategy: A Shotgun at close range is a one-hit kill. A Machine Gun or Assault Rifle will require a sustained burst. Be mindful of ammo.
   • Door-Kill (Don Juan): Lure a fat enemy to a door, then open it into them. This will stun them, allowing for an easy follow-up kill.
   • Carl's Drill: The drill is a guaranteed one-hit kill.
3. Central Rooms: This floor often features a few central rooms with a mix of regular and fat enemies. Use corners and doorways to your advantage. Don't rush in.
4. Clearing the Floor: Systematically clear each room. Listen for enemy footsteps and gunshots to anticipate their positions. Conserve firearm ammo for the tougher encounters.
5. Stairwell to Third Floor: Once all enemies are eliminated, locate the stairwell to the third floor.

Floor 3: The Final Stand

The third floor is the final stretch, often featuring a more open layout and a higher concentration of armed enemies.

1. Stairwell Entry: As you emerge, expect immediate resistance. There might be enemies patrolling directly outside the stairwell.
2. Open Areas: This floor can have larger, more open rooms. Use cover effectively. If you have a long-range firearm (like an Assault Rifle), use it to pick off enemies from a distance.
3. Corner Peeking: Always peek around corners by holding down the "look" button before committing to an entry. This allows you to spot enemies without exposing yourself.
4. Prioritize Shooters: Focus on enemies with firearms first, especially those with Shotguns or Machine Guns, as they pose the greatest threat.
5. Final Room: The last room on this floor will contain the remaining enemies. Clear it out carefully. Once the last enemy falls, the chapter will conclude, and you'll be treated to the end-of-level score screen.

Remember, "Release" is about adapting to the situation. Don't be afraid to restart if a plan goes awry. Experiment with different masks and weapon combinations to find what works best for your playstyle. Good luck, Jacket!