Hi-Fi Rush is yet another contender in the rhythm-based game market. Developed by Tango Gameworks, this title first made waves on PC and Xbox, but now it’s hitting the PlayStation platform, bringing infectious beats and intricate mechanics to a whole new audience. Having spent considerable time jamming to the tunes and navigating its futuristic landscapes, it’s time to break down the highs and lows of this musical odyssey.
Chai
Hi-Fi Rush throws you into the oversized shoes of Chai, an aspiring rockstar who needs a prosthetic arm. During the procedure, the arm was accidentally fused with a rogue music player during a shade corporate experiment. Chai not only gains awesome robotic abilities, but it also attunes him to the world’s rhythm. Performing actions like jumping, dodging, and attacking enemies while keeping the beat grants Chai immense boosts. The story follows Chai and a few like-minded friends who immediately see the potential of Chai’s medical mishap, in their quest to take revenge on the evil conglomerate responsible for his predicament. A full cast of over-the-top villains and colorful friends will have you invested throughout the entire game.
Rhythm mechanics
Chai, being the smug would-be rockstar, might think he is the star of the game, in truth, it’s all about the rhythm mechanics. Hi-Fi Rush seamlessly integrates rhythm mechanics in every aspect of the game. You attack enemies on the beat, dodging and parrying to the BPM of the soundtrack. Successfully landing hits builds your groove meter, which, in terms, unlocks powerful special moves. With some practice, the combat feels incredibly satisfying, with every punch and kick landing with a weighty thud that perfectly complements the music. There is no “beat meter” on the screen by default but “rhythmically challenged” people can toggle one in the options to get used to the beats. Getting the basics right takes you a few tries but eventually will start feeling natural. After a while new moves unlock to give you even more options to tackle your enemies. Each is introduced during the story and offers a tutorial that can be replayed any time you want. Special moves are collected (or bought) along the way and offer fun “finishers” for a (near) perfect beat sequence.
Comic book style
Visually, Hi-Fi Rush is a treat. The cel-shaded art style used pops with vibrant colors and comic book-inspired aesthetics. The lighthearted tone during this rhythmic hack-and-slash adventure is perfectly complemented by these aesthetics. Not only Chai and his enemies are moving to the beat, but the world around you is also brimming with details that move to the beat. The cutscenes intertwining during your journey add even more flair. The “rush” part in the title refers to the frantic hack-and-slash mechanics and is fittingly emphasized by the “Borderlands meets Jet Set Radio” style utilized in Hi-Fi Rush
Soundtrack
One of the highlights of Hi-Fi Rush is its soundtrack. The game offers a mix of original compositions and licensed tracks. With iconic songs by Nine Inch Nails, The Black Keys and the Prodigy added to the mix, Hi-Fi Rush sets itself apart from most competitors in the rhythmic brawl genre. Although the general gameplay mostly focused on tracks specifically made for the game, these licensed tracks are (mostly) featured during boss fights to add some extra style points.
Conclusion
Hi-Fi Rush is a good addition to the PlayStation 5 library for anyone interested in an exhilarating rhythm-action game. The vibrant visuals, catchy soundtrack, and fun-level design will keep you hooked for a good portion of the experience. Some repetitiveness will eventually start to creep in but that is to be expected with these types of games and should not deter you from trying out this excellent title.
