Rogue-like action game "HOTEL BARCELONA," which scatters serial killers, launches today. New title from SWERY and SUDA51
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/802/G080238/20250926015/
Editorial Department: Yawaragi | 2025/09/26 08:00 (UTC)
CULT Games today (September 26, 2025) launched its new title “HOTEL BARCELONA”, developed by game creators SWERY (Red Steel Profile) and SUDA51 (No More Heroes, Lollipop Chainsaw), available on PC / PS5 / Xbox Series X|S.
This game is a roguelike action set in the eerie Hotel Barcelona, home to vicious serial killers. You play as Federal Marshal Justine, possessed by Dr. Carnival—a legendary killer from ancient times—fighting through the hotel occupied by these monsters and uncovering their dark secrets.
Image Gallery No. 002 thumbnail / A roguelike action game where you kick serial killers, “HOTEL BARCELONA,” released today. New title by SWERY & SUDA51 Image Gallery No. 003 thumbnail / A roguelike action game where you kick serial killers, “HOTEL BARCELONA,” released today. New title by SWERY & SUDA51 Image Gallery No. 004 thumbnail / A roguelike action game where you kick serial killers, “HOTEL BARCELONA,” released today. New title by SWERY & SUDA51 Image Gallery No. 005 thumbnail / A roguelike action game where you kick serial killers, “HOTEL BARCELONA,” released today. New title by SWERY & SUDA51
A key feature of the game is that every time you die, a manifestation of your past memories—called “Shatter Phantom”—is born. These Phantoms replicate your movements exactly at the moment of death, allowing them to damage enemies, serve as shields, fight alongside you, or distract foes. The more failures you endure, the stronger you become.
Hotel Barcelona consists of seven distinct areas inspired by various subgenres of horror films—from haunted mansions to grotesque laboratories—each featuring a memorable boss encounter.
The game also includes a co-op mode supporting up to three players where you can team up with friends or sabotage their progress for chaotic fun.
Below is the official press release, including comments from SWERY:
SWERY × SUDA51’s new “bloody 2.5D slash action” game ‘HOTEL BARCELONA’ launches today on Steam, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5
Experience a hellish vacation with the creators of Red Steel Profile, No More Heroes, and Lollipop Chainsaw—and battle serial killers in deadly combat!
On September 26, 2025, HOTEL BARCELONA, the new title from legendary Japanese game creators SWERY (Red Steel Profile) and SUDA51 (No More Heroes, Lollipop Chainsaw), is now available. The game launches on Steam, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
This bloody roguelike action game takes place in a haunted hotel overrun by vicious serial killers. Repeatedly fight and die as you eliminate bloodthirsty murderers and strive for survival from the hotel’s clutches.
Comments from Game Director Shuhei Suenaga (SWERY):
“When I first announced HOTEL BARCELONA back in 2019, it probably sounded like a joke. But jokes can sometimes become real. With SuDa51’s unconventional concepts and the support of my team at White Owls Inc., we spent six years shaping this game into something with the smell of blood, twisted laughter, and beautiful nightmares.
This isn’t just ’the game I wanted to make’—it’s the game I couldn’t not make. Please enjoy the result of a chemical reaction born from two mad scientists clashing.”
Check in… and destroy!
Game Overview
The protagonist is Federal Marshal Justine—a woman mysteriously possessed by Dr. Carnival, an infamous killer from ancient times. The setting: a bizarre hotel seized by America’s most dangerous serial killers. Within this venue inspired by horror film subgenres, fight off enemies, uncover the truth, and escape. Who are the seven murderers? What is Dr. Carnival’s true goal? Why does the bartender have such strange obsession with ears? And what exactly is “the bondage service” offered through room service?
Gameplay System
Created by the same team behind Red Steel Profile and The MISSING - J.J. McField and the Lost Island, this game delivers a fresh take on roguelike action with surreal visuals. A growth system strengthens you every time you die—your past self is recorded as a “Shatter Phantom,” aiding your next battle. The game also features a cooperative mode supporting up to three players: team up with allies or deliberately disrupt others for chaotic fun. This hotel welcomes masochists and psychopaths alike.
Release Information
Title: HOTEL BARCELONA
Release Date: September 26, 2025
Platforms: Steam, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
Developed by: SWERY × SUDA51
[Various Links]
・Steam Page
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2286600/HOTEL_BARCELONA/
・Xbox
https://www.xbox.com/ja-jp/games/store/hotel-barcelona/9p9gmchf2jjs
・PlayStation:
https://store.playstation.com/ja-jp/concept/10010271
About White Owls Inc.
Founded in November 2016, White Owls Inc. is an indie game development studio led by SWERY. The core team consists of original members who worked on Red Steel Profile and D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die. Since its founding, the company has established itself as one of Japan’s most outstanding independent developers.
After debuting with The MISSING - J.J. McField and the Lost Island in 2018, White Owls Inc. has continued to produce unique titles such as Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise, The Good Life, and Death Game Hotel. These games have received high acclaim worldwide and won numerous awards.
About CULT Games
CULT Games is an ambitious indie label dedicated to supporting visionary independent developers. Through collaboration with world-class development studios and a community-focused approach, the label brings extraordinary titles into the spotlight. Backed by decades of experience in both the gaming and entertainment industries, the team has achieved both commercial and critical success. The passionate and diligent team began game publishing operations from their London base starting in 2024.