Hi-Fi Rush (Xbox Series X|S)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): January 25, 2023
- Release Date (EU): January 25, 2023
- Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
- Developer: Tango Gameworks
- Genres: Rhythm-based action
- Also For: Computer
Game Features:
After a dubious experiment conducted by megacorp Vandelay on the enthusiastic volunteer Chai went sideways, fusing his music player with his heart, our protagonist was labelled as a defect destined to be "recalled". Not waiting to figure out what this means, Chai employs the new abilities that this very experiment equipped him with to find a way out of the establishment.
As the true (wannabe) rockstar that he is, Chai will make his progress while fighting to the beat of soundtracks as he faces each department head and their robotic lackeys.
A marked change in tone for Tango Gameworks
When you hear of games studio Tango Gameworks, you’d think of sombre-looking titles such as survival horror The Evil Within or the more recent supernatural first-person action game Ghostwire: Tokyo; afterall, studio head Shinji Mikami is the father of Resident Evil. So when a lighthearted, colourful and loud title such as Hi-Fi Rush comes out of the blue from the same studio, it’s only expected to turn heads; and Hi-Fi Rush does so in a good way.
Bethesda’s surprise drop merges colourful cel-shaded aesthetics with cartoon cutscenes to make for a joyful experience that feels like playing a cartoon itself. The original setting and plot add to the presentation that makes for a memorable experience. Not to forget some banging soundtracks from bands such as The Prodigy, Nine Inch Nails and The Black Keys that elevate the experience further to new heights.
Saving the world, one beat at a time
Rhythm-based games are not a new genre but have had a sort of renaissance lately with titles mixing up genres like Metal: Hellsinger and BPM: Bullets Per Minute that FPS with rhythm shooting. However, in the latter case, the learning curve was steep and shooting to the rhythm proved to be challenging. Hi-Fi Rush jumps on this renaissance bandwagon but strikes the right chords to ease players into its mechanics.
It merges platforming sessions and fast-paced battle sequences with rhythm-based mechanics. While actions are executed similar to any other action title, you’ll have to jump, dodge, and attack to the beat to execute more powerful actions. In fact, the environment itself is moving to the beat, which helps you to catch the rhythm and hit buttons at the right time. If you need additional hints, the game features a handy rhythm visualiser that you can toggle on-the-fly to help you with the controls.
While it did take me some time to get in tune with the rhythm, the result is that of a fun, fast-paced action game that feels satisfying after every successful sequence. The combat mechanic progressively evolves to enable various approaches with different attacks and combos on top of unlockable skill and upgrades; while the gameplay is mixed up with light exploration, platforming sessions and QTE-like sequences to keep things fresh. It’s not unlike Devil May Cry with the ranked combats interspersed with exploration; but with a more diverse approach to the gameplay.
Learning curve to rockstardom
For those who are tone-deaf like myself, the learning curve to hitting buttons to the rhythm can be challenging. However, the execution is fair overall and the gameplay feels satisfying once you’ve got the grip of the controls.
Nevertheless, some pesky aspects to the need to hit to the beat persist. For instance, I found parrying in particular to be tough. In addition, Some of the QTEs can feel particularly unforgiving with only a small sliver of opportunity to hit the correct button to the beat.
Get in tune!
The drastic shift in tone and gameplay for Tango Gameworks’ latest title is surprising to say the least but the result is an original, well-executed rhythm-based action game that can get even the tone-deaf hooked.
Hi-Fi RUSH | Official Launch Trailer
Verdict
- Fast-paced fun
- Well executed rhythm-based action mechanics
- Colourful, lighthearted and original presentation
- Some QTEs can feel unforgiving
- Learning curve to master controls