While some are still questioning why Microsoft would even bother giving up one of its key exclusives for third-party release, we see it as a golden opportunity. Think about it. The company already has a stellar number of titles that it can still call its own, and now it’s spreading awareness of an underrated favorite so others can talk about how great it is. It just makes sense.
We’re talking about Hi-Fi Rush, Tango Gameworks’ highly impressive 3D action/adventure. It debuted last year on Xbox with a surprise debut, and has been rocking out to thousands ever since. Now it’s on PlayStation 5, and we’re happy to report that the game hasn’t missed a step.
A little work could be done with the timing of things, but overall, this original adventure is worth experiencing – even if you’re playing it all over again. Those Trophies aren’t going to earn themselves.
It’s Chai Time!
The game focuses on Chai, a young hero with a bionic arm. But a mishap at Vandelay Industries suddenly wakes him up to the world of music, as he adapts to a rhythm that the company simply cannot stand. As a result, he’s branded a traitor and hunted down by its robot army and agents, forcing Chai to go on the run.
This introduces Chai to not only some interesting enemies, but also some helpful allies to get him through this quest. Over the course of his journey, he’ll unlock new combos, as well as defensive techniques and other moves to help him groove along to the rhythm.
You don’t have to be a musical maestro to get the most out of Hi-Fi Rush, but it helps. You can go along with the timing to get perfect scores on each encounter you go with, or lighten up the difficulty a little if you’re just looking to have fun. Either way, the game plays wonderfully, hardly missing a beat (ahem) as you go through each stage, collecting items and defeating foes.
The timing can be a slight bit off at times, as crucial hits will occasionally slip by the wayside. But that’s a very minor frustration at best, compared to how well the rest of the game plays. Plus there’s more than enough reason to go through it again, if only to unlock Chai’s true potential and build up impressive combos and scores.
Oh, and did we mention the story is a lot of fun as well, with lots of humorous dialogue and moments? Make sure you stop and talk to all the robots.
Overall, the end result is a genuine surprise from Bethesda and Tango, a game that literally came out of nowhere to rock our socks. Who knew?
Rockin’ Out With the Presentation
Another key factor that makes Hi-Fi Rush such a winner is its presentation. Just…wow.
We’re happy to report that the PS5 port of the Xbox title performs admirably. The visuals, running at a fluid 60 frames per second, are nothing short of dazzling. It’s a sight to behold as you blaze through each creatively designed world, admiring everything from lava flow to flying traffic. The animations are also razor-sharp, as Chai and company still look awesome.
Backing all this up is some of the best sound design we’ve heard in a game in some time. Hi-Fi Rush has one of the best modern soundtracks out there, feeling like something out of the other side of Jet Set Radio. The fact it’s interactive with some of your hits (you’ll hear the guitar strums) is very cool, and will help you even more with timing.
Throw in some dedicated voice acting and humorous dialects and you have a package that simply doesn’t miss on either the visual and audio front. Wow.
Feel the Rush
For those of you that already experienced Hi-Fi Rush in all its glory on Xbox, you might not think there’s a reason to play through it again on PS5. But, honestly, I believe there is.
Everything just clicks for Rush for the most part. The gameplay feels fantastic, and even has nuances that bring out the best in the DualSense controller; and the presentation, obviously, is still firing on all cylinders. Not to mention that the whole thing’s just fun throughout, thanks to its unique cast of characters.
Hi-Fi Rush is well worth the trip, whether you’re going down the road for the first time or you’re traveling once more into familiar territory. Either way, you’re in for a trippy title that’s worth adding to your PS5 library.
The more ports of Xbox titles on other platforms, the better, we say. How about Battletoads sometime?
GAMERHUB RATING: 5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Bethesda for the review code!
