Hotel Barcelona Review | Mixed Reactions from Gamers and Critics
Edited By
Tanya Melton
A wave of mixed reviews surrounds Hotel Barcelona, released on September 26, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Critics and players alike grapple with a game that showcases unique ideas yet stumbles in gameplay.
Critical Reception Overview
The game currently sits at an average score of 63 on OpenCritic, with just 17% of reviewers recommending it based on 18 critiques. Opinions vary widely:
COGconnected scores it 50/100, calling the gameplay "plain awful." Critics noted:
"Controlling Justine feels abysmal and the UI is an overcluttered eyesore."
Conversely, Cloud Dosage rated it 3.5/5, highlighting its addictive roguelite mechanics and unique horror narrative.
Gamer Social Club notes that while the collaboration between Swery and Suda51 presents interesting ideas, it falls short on execution, earning a score of 6/10.
Significant Themes from Commenters
Gameplay Enjoyability: Many feel the game lacks fun, despite creative concepts. A commenter pointedly remarked, *"Why can't they make weird games that also play good?"
Performance and Bugs: Input lag issues were noted, particularly on Xbox, with some gamers suggesting turning off VSync mitigated the problem.
Expectations vs. Reality: Several commented on their disappointment, particularly with Swery’s past games bringing in mixed experiences.
Select User Opinions
Mixed sentiments echoed through player comments, some expressing frustration about gameplay flaws. One user lamented:
"It’s impossible not to feel disappointed by the end result."
Another said, *"I bounced off the good life hard; it was a grindfest slog."
Sentiment Patterns
The overall tone of reviews and comments reflects feelings of disappointment and mismatched expectations. While some appreciated the unique aesthetic, others found it lacking in fundamental gameplay mechanics. This split is evident as the game's initial charm encounters practical execution.
Key Highlights
📉 Only 17% of reviews recommend the game, raising questions about its design choices.
⚠️ Multiple reports of input lag highlight performance issues on platforms.
💬 "The ideas are always funny but playing the games is simply no fun at all," says a commenter.
Forecasting the Gamers' Road Ahead
Given the current mixed reception, there’s a strong chance that Hotel Barcelona may face an uphill battle in attracting new players. If developers don't address gameplay flaws and performance issues, including input lag, the game's lifespan could decline. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that patches and updates will be rolled out in response to critical feedback. However, if these adjustments fail to resonate with the community, the likelihood of a sequel or expansion diminishes significantly, possibly dropping to just a 30% chance. As it stands, the split between appreciation of the game's unique ideas and frustration over gameplay mechanics may persist, defining the future discussions around the title.
A Lesson from the Past
In the realm of gaming, consider the case of No Man's Sky. Initially hailed for its ambitious scope, it faced backlash due to under-delivered expectations. Over time, consistent updates transformed it into a beloved title, but that turnaround didn’t happen overnight. The journey from disappointment to redemption echoes the path of Hotel Barcelona, where players must grapple with unmet hopes. Just as No Man's Sky managed to redefine its narrative, so too could Hotel Barcelona emerge from its turmoil if developers engage earnestly with feedback and recast the player's experience. This situation reminds us that all is not lost even when initial excitement wanes.