Hi-Fi Rush is a fantastic game and now after going multiplatform even more players will find out how much fun this game is. Developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks, Hi-Fi Rush is a rhythm action game that turns things up to eleven with a cartoonish world, over-the-top characters and amazing eye-catching set pieces. Everything in this game is in tune with Chai’s heart and the fun is nonstop.
Hi-Fi Rush stars Chai, a young man who wants nothing more than to be a rock star. Our main character is impetuous and troublesome, but he has a good heart that will remind of many a classical hero coming into his own. He pushes past the crowd and finds himself with his music player implanted in his chest via implants which sets things into motion when the world tunes itself to his heartbeat.
When it comes to gameplay mechanics, Chai can swing his new scrap metal guitar with light and heavy attacks, offering up combo attacks that can keep the player on their toes and learning more move sets as the game progresses. These attacks and the game itself are frenetic as the game throws more enemies at the player with more variety the game becomes even more intense, forcing the player to try out new move sets for better takedowns. Chai also can parry attacks which becomes vital as the player progresses. Parrying attacks that will hit the player and dodge unparryable attacks and force you to be able to watch for enemy movement and just live in the musical moment, even if these attacks always give proper warning and soon will be easy to recognize one must never get totally lost to the music. The PlayStation’s remote and its dual sense really do come in handy with combat and parrying, the controller plays a specific sound for battle and dodging these special attacks. The controller is super reactive and makes most of the rhythm-based button presses a dream.
Chai learns his new moves through a concert in his mind, offering up tutorials for those who need practice. A rather sarcastic voice applauds the player for nailing the move and scolds them when they mess up, a classic trope that is an interesting to tactic that other games do not use as much and must say I enjoy it. The game might be easy to pick up and play but a little scolding goes a long way.
The player is not alone though, and his allies can assist him down the line as the story moves forward. This not only helps with replayability, but the speed at which you can complete levels in a timely manner. We have Peppermint, who can pepper the foes with bullets, Macaroni who can crush them with his fists, and Korsica can stun enemies and blow out flames with her staff. Players can chain these attacks with their basic combat for massive combos.
When it comes to character dynamics, Hi-Fi Rush offers up a colorful view of the main cast. As players battle through Vandelay and pick up the six passwords to shut down Spectra, you come to see that these friends are all Chai has, though Peppermint’s cat 808 will also be a big help. Peppermint is the original leader of the resistance before Chai comes along and is smart and quick on her feet. Chai will meet Macaron soon after and see that he might be sweet yet strong. He may be passive, but his fists are important, and he learns sometimes you have to fight when the time comes even if you do not want to. CNMN is Macaron’s assistant, and he does eventually help too. Korsica is an enemy turned ally and her help is also invaluable to your cause.
Hi Fi Rush’s villains are also integral to the story and all shine in their own way. It’s interesting to fight them all as the battles do ramp up as the player moves through them. The game continues to add layers until the player is facing them in multi-round brawls. These boss battles, like the rest of the game, are endlessly playable for those who want to master them.
Yes, games generally do increase the power and difficulty of bosses. But Hi-Fi Rush does it in such a natural way that makes the player feel like they have earned it. They will feel as if they truly really come so far and are now able to defeat bosses because you learned what is necessary to take down these vicious villains.
Hi-Fi Rush is a game that is presented in a cartoonish style which does wonders as the game does play to the beat and rhythm. The world is completely in tune with the music and constantly tells players when enemies will attack. It is a unique game that shows off ingenuity and a need to make new things, in which some games lack these days. There is so much heart in this game that it is sometimes shocking and heartfelt. Hi-Fi Rush’s different difficulty levels definitely add to the replay factor and the accessibility. The game is forgiving on lower difficulties for players who may just want to experience the story. The game even provides a metronome so players can see exactly when to hit the button, and it’s a press away. The music in the game is created by both the in-house Bethesda audio team and different bands, with Nine Inch Nails and the Black Keys lending their talents to the game and it leads to some pretty awesome songs. The game definitely has its vibe, and it plays to it immensely, it’s impressive to hear the songs and the world work so well together while other games struggle to reach such.
Players who have the digital deluxe edition or opt to buy the villain pack can customize their characters. Chai has the most cosmetics at first but by the end of the game, players can deck out the rest of the party. It is cool to see the characters in different outfits as the player replays the levels too. Aside from the costumes. players will earn tickets to buy songs to listen to in their jukebox whenever they want to hear a hot beat. They can also take part in a Roguelite mode called the Rhythm Tower which tasks players with climbing an ever-changing tower, leveling up Chai from the bottom. It’s impressive to see this type of gameplay and can provide countless hours of fun.
There is also an arcade mode that players can play through. You will be able to battle through stages and even gain special rewards for playing this mode specifically. All of this content is free and comes with clearing the main story, so it is just a sweet bonus. There is also a bit of story to play through, but I will not spoil what that entails for the readers.
Hi-Fi Rush is a fantastic game and one that anyone who likes rhythm games should play. It might take some time for players to get into the flow, but the game does ease players in. It’s fun, fresh, and one of the coolest games we have played in a while. Reinvents and shines up rhythm-action in the best way. Check it out for yourself, you will not regret it.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
