hi-fi rush

Hi-Fi Rush is a 2023 rhythm-based action game developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game's story follows self-proclaimed "future rock star" Chai (voiced by Robbie Daymond in English and Hiro Shimono in Japanese), whose music player is accidentally embedded in his chest during experimental cybernetic surgery, allowing him to rhythmically fight and re-perceive the world through environmental synesthesia. Labelled a "defect" and hunted by the corporation that transformed him, Chai bands together with new friends to defeat the company's executives and put a stop to their plans.
Hi-Fi Rush's gameplay sets itself apart from other examples in the character action genre. Chai's relationship with his music player causes himself, surrounding enemies and environmental objects to move in sync with the beat of the game's soundtrack. Combat entails successfully connecting 'beat hits' by chaining attacks together in time with the music, being rewarded with higher damage output and end-level ranking if players successfully manage to do so. In addition to the character action gameplay, the title features numerous rhythm-based minigames that leverage the game's audio cues for on-screen interactions and puzzles. Progression takes place across multiple linear stages that mix platforming segments and arena-like encounters with enemies and minibosses, while being bookended by a themed boss fight with the corporation's various executives. Chai can additionally be equipped with upgrades and additional moves that are unlocked procedurally through in-game collectibles or currency put towards them. The game's soundtrack encompasses licensed music from bands such as The Black Keys and Nine Inch Nails.
Hi-Fi Rush was conceptualized with a smaller team at Tango Gameworks just as they were finishing The Evil Within 2 in 2017, out of an internal desire to branch the developer out of the survival horror genre they were previously synonymous with. The game entered full production the following year. Its style and presentation was principally inspired by the films of director Edgar Wright. The game's development was kept completely secret by Tango and Bethesda due to concerns over player expectations with the tonal and gameplay differences from its previous releases. The game was simultaneously announced and released for Windows and Xbox Series X/S on January 25, 2023. A PlayStation 5 version of the game was released in March 2024.
Hi-Fi Rush received critical acclaim upon release, with critics praising its visual style, art direction, humor, characters, and combat, though some noted its repetition, level design, and limited soundtrack. Hi-Fi Rush was the last game to be developed by Tango Gameworks as a studio under Bethesda and parent company Microsoft Gaming before its initial closure in May 2024. The studio was revived under the ownership of Krafton in August 2024, which also acquired the rights to the Hi-Fi Rush license from Microsoft with plans to develop further games while also exploring other projects. The publishing rights to the original game as well as Tango's prior titles remain with Microsoft and Bethesda.

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