Hi-Fi Rushis the game that convinced me to buy an Xbox Series X.
I should be clear before I’m accused of being aPlayStationshill* that I had always intended to pick one up eventually. I was excited forStarfield, I love Fable, and as a games journalist I also kind ofneedto be across every platform
But when I sawHi-Fi Rush, the surprise indie hit from Tango GameworksandBethesda, I knew what had to be done. I picked up the credit card I like to not think about, and ordered an Xbox Series X.
I lovedHi-Fi RushonXbox Series X, and I’m delighted I finally get to review the game on PlayStation 5. There are, I’m sure, all sorts of people who are going to moan about this former exclusive coming to a rival console, but the bottom line is this: PlayStation gamers just got one of 2023’s best games, and a whole new audience gets to experience a vibrant, joyful, endlessly original masterpiece.
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Hi-Fi Rushfollows our protagonist Chai and a merry band of rebels in the fight against tech giant Vandelay Industries. After a surgical accident leaves Chai with a musical device that looks like an iPod but for legal reasons definitely isn’t an iPod stuck in his chest, our hero sees the world through music.
This is, of course, an excuse for Chai to smash, crash, and bash his way through a gorgeous cel-shaded cyberpunk world in which everything is tied to the rhythm of the game’s impeccable soundtrack. Enemies and obstacles all move to the beat, and successful dodges and attacks all hinge on your ability to time your button presses to that beat.
It’s a simple enough idea, but the execution is a sight to behold.Hi-Fi Rushis one of the most stylish games I’ve ever seen, and thanks to a slick combo-based combat system, getting into the flow of an encounter is so deeply satisfying you’ll almost be sorry when the level is over. A soundtrack consisting of original songs and a few surprise classics helps to keep things fresh. A special shout-out to one of the most incredible uses of The Prodigy’sInvaders Must DieI’ve ever experienced.
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With top-shelf animation, consistently engaging combat, and a fun story that zips along at a refreshing pace,Hi-Fi Rushwas one of last year’s best surprises. If you’re a PlayStation gamer, I urge you to check this gem out as soon as you can to see what you were missing.
If I was going to shill for anyone it would definitely be Nintendo. Nintendo, give me a call sometime.*
**That was a joke.
Pros:Gorgeous cartoony aesthetic, fantastic combat, fun story
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Cons:Combat can occasionally be a little overwhelming
For fans of:Jet Set Radio, Guitar Hero, Ratchet & Clank
9/10: Exceptional
Topics:Xbox,PlayStation,Bethesda,PlayStation 5,Indie Games,Xbox Series S,Xbox Series X
