The Hong Kong Massacre

Lore & Background

The Hong Kong Massacre was developed by Swedish firm Vreski AB and released in January 2019 for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 4, with a Nintendo Switch version following in December 2020. It is the studio's first game. The story is told through conversations and cutscenes across 35 levels, each serving as a flashback. Players choose one of four guns—pistol, rifle, SMG, or shotgun—at the start of each level and must eliminate all enemies to progress. The player character dies from a single shot, balanced by special abilities including a slow-motion system and a dive/dodge that grants temporary invincibility.

Reader's Guide

The Hong Kong Massacre received mixed or average reviews on Metacritic, with OpenCritic noting weak approval (recommended by 27% of critics). Critics praised its intense action and emulation of classic action movies but criticized its lack of gameplay variety and tendency to become repetitive. Despite mixed reception, the game influenced other media: director Chad Stahelski stated in a SlashFilm interview that a climactic shootout scene in John Wick: Chapter 4 was directly inspired by The Hong Kong Massacre's gameplay. The game's visual style, reminiscent of Hong Kong action films, features locations such as ruined buildings, kitchens, back alleys, rooftops, and abandoned restaurants.

Did You Know?

• The game was inspired by classic action movies such as those of John Woo and video games like Hotline Miami and Max Payne.
• The player character dies from a single gunshot, with special abilities like slow-motion and a dodge that grants temporary invincibility.