Game Review: Hi-Fi Rush (Xbox Series X)

Hi-Fi Rush is a rhythm-based action game developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks. Announced on January 25^th, the game released the same day and went straight into Game Pass via Windows or Xbox Series X/S platforms.

The game follows self-proclaimed “future rock star” Chai. One day, his music player is accidentally embedded in his chest during experimental cybernetic surgery. This allows him to sense the rhythm of the world. Labelled a “defect” and hunted by the corporation that transformed him, Chai bands together with new friends to defeat the company’s executives and put a stop to their plans.

Hi-Fi Rush is a rhythm-action game where the protagonist Chai, his enemies, and parts of the environment move to the beat. Attacking on rhythm is not required, as actions automatically sync up with the music. However, by timing the button presses right the players are rewarded with higher damage output and timing-based combo finishers deal additional damage. A parry move allows players to cancel enemy attacks by pressing the button at the exact moment of attacks. Additionally, there are also rhythm-based minigame elements where players repeat button presses.

In addition to combat, the game also features some platform game elements. Also, there’s a system of upgrades to unlock new moves, abilities, and perks, which can be purchased with gears, an in-game currency earned in combat or by exploring levels. Permanent upgrades to health and the special meter also appear in stages as collectibles.

Hi-Fi Rush is a delightful breath of fresh air, a blast from the past in many ways. It feels like one of those games that you’d randomly come across in previous generations of consoles. Not a AAA game but one that will be remembered fondly and will certainly go down as a hidden gem or cult classic in years to come.

Firstly, this game has quite possibly the best looking animated artsyle that I have ever seen in a video game. It’s so wonderfully vibrant and pleasing to the eyes with cutscenes that seamlessly transition to gameplay. The gameplay is full of adrenaline, fast action and flashy moves, it’s all round super satisfying and addictive.

Rhythm based games are not exactly original but this game uses the mechanic as well as I have ever seen. I can completely understand someone being put off by this being a rhythm game. However, fear not because even if being in line with a beat isn’t your strong suit the game is very forgiving. You’ll always feel like an absolute badass rock star with just how accessible Hi-Fi Rush is. Plus, there are even tools in the accessibility settings to make hitting those sweet notes even easier.

There’s a great amount of enemy variety with each new type adding in a new element that forces you to approach things differently each time.

Hi-Fi Rush breaks up combat with some minor exploration and platforming sections. I have to say, I would love to see what they could do it a larger open world. The traversal in the game is that much fun, it reminded me of Sunset Overdrive.

The voice acting is exceptional across the board. The story is very simplistic in nature which works well for this type of game. Chai is a likeable protagonist but he isn’t without a few friends to help and guide him along the way. The game delivers a handful of enjoyable characters that you’ll feel bonded to by the end. The tongue in cheek vibe of the game leads to some highly amusing pieces of dialogue that could feel a bit hit or miss to some. Regardless, hunting down each one of the unique bosses was such a blast.

What would a review on a rhythm game be without me mentioning the music? While it may not exactly be to my taste, it suits the game perfectly. I will say that while the original music is decent, it’s a shame that they couldn’t have gotten more licensed songs because the sections involving those songs just hit different.

It’s a damn shame that Hi-Rush released so closely to highly anticipated games such as Hogwarts Legacy and Atomic Heart. Those games most certainly grabbed a lot of people’s attention but this game really deserves to be played. To think that this came from the same studio as the one who delivered The Evil Within makes it even more impressive.

Well, there you go. That’s right, I have nothing to hate on. The game doesn’t overstay its welcome and is solid in every single department. I hope I have at least convinced you to go and give it a try, you won’t regret it.