The last thing I expected from developer Tango Gameworks was a vibrant and fun-loving action title with the soul of a show I would have absolutely loved. The studio’s primarily known for the creepy and dark resemblances to The Evil Within or Ghostwire: Tokyo, but Hi-Fi Rush is instead filled with a vibrant, youthful style that’s evident in its stunning visuals, artistic style and octordle daily characters. And while the surprising change of pace is remarkable, its greatest achievement is the way it implements the single idea that permeates Hi-Fi Rush’s design in that the rhythm is all-encompassing.
Right from the jump the Hi-Fi Rush establishes its reverence for Alt-rock and modern garage starting off by making use of The Black Keys’ “Lonely Boy” to introduce the charming but cheesy protagonist Chai and the vibrant modern industrialized society which he is a part of. Labeled as a “defect” by robotics megacorp Vandelay Industries after a surgical accident leaves him with an iPod stuck in his chest. Chai is able feel and perceive the rhythm from his music running through the world surrounding him. From then all of the world’s activities are tied to the rhythm of Hi-Fi’s soundtrack. silly, playful teen smacks Vandelay robots with a makeshift sword that resembles the Gibson Flying V.
This funky setup sets the tone for the entire album, and the fun only gets better from there as Hi-Fi Rush adds a great cast of allies, charismatic enemies, and exciting fights — and often wrapped with a profound satire on our modern-day technological dystopia. It’s done with an effortless sense of humor and a few truly warm moments. From so many angles, Hi-Fi Rush is able to show its unique charming character.
When it is at its finest Hi-Fi Rush’s battles create a unique harmonious flow where music will guide you through each step of the way. Chai always executes his attacks to the beat, regardless of the input time you use, while keeping the beat of the BGM’s BPM gives you extra damage , instead of punishing not-in-time notes. Following the same principles as Devil May Cry or Bayonetta every battle encounter throughout the roughly 10-12 hour campaign is graded by speed along with elegance, as well as the ability to keep the beat with combos. But that always-on connection with the music results in a type of enjoyment that isn’t found in other modern-day action games.
The rhythmic system eliminates unclearness in timing for combos and can be controlled in a manner that allows room to be able to think about every follow-up move. Deciding whether I should go with either a heavy or light attack to change the combo string, a parry or dodge to get ahead of attacks coming my way, a grappling hook in order to close the gap to areas of attack, or to have a partner cut through shields or stun enemies never felt overwhelming since I could just keep my pace with the beat. It doesn’t dwell on one idea or gimmick too long . Instead, it keeps adding different ideas to explore before adding them all in for a test of my mastery which meant I never felt as though I was hammering away with a simple fourth time-sampling.
I’m convinced that Hi-Fi Rush could be a top-rated cartoon series. It’s got top-of-the-line animation with lovable heroes to cheer at, and villains to are able to dislike, all packed with good-natured humor. However, on top of the lasting appeal, it turns the dynamic soundtrack of rock into the most powerful weapon in the game, putting meticulous detail into the sync of the beat to every aspect of the game. It offers combat with a enjoyable pace that other action titles don’t have regardless of whether the platforming and targeting system spit out just a few notes along its process. Hi-Fi Rush is a memorable adventure that beats to the tune of the drum and surely ranks among the best action games.