Hi-Fi Rush is an outstanding game that will captivate you from the moment you start playing. Developed by Shinji Mikami, one of the most renowned game developers in the industry and my personal second favourite of all time (second only to the great Hidetaka Miyazaki). This game takes you on a thrilling ride through the world of Chai, a cheeky little punk dude who receives a new arm and a Walkman embedded in his chest that synchs his entire world to the beat from a botched robotics led surgery from an evil Megacorp.
The levels in Hi-Fi Rush are organized into tracks, each with a unique beat and an entirely different end song. The first level of the game had me hooked, but it was the second level where Nine Inch Nails kicked in where I was completely sold. The soundtrack is one of the game’s strongest points, and it is impossible not to be swept away by the music and art style.
One of the most appealing aspects of Hi-Fi Rush is its cast of characters. Chai is a lovable and relatable protagonist, and Peppermint, the ‘person in the chair’, is a badass character who plays a crucial role in the story. I enjoyed meeting all of the game’s seven bosses, each with their own unique style and motivation to take Chai down. My personal favourite was Zanzo, a mad genius stereotype who steals the show with his quirky lines and interactions with Chai. One of the funniest moments in the game occurs when Zanzo calls Chai “Mister Chai,” and Chai responds, “That’s MISTER Chai to you!” only for Zanzo to reply with a sigh, “That’s literally what I called you.”
The gameplay in Hi-Fi Rush is another area where the game excels. Everything in the game is synched to the music in Chai’s mind, and you must synch your attacks and combos to the beat to deal more damage and earn Devil May Cry-style points that rank you at the end of each battle. The game is more forgiving than other games in the genre, such as Metal: Hellsinger and Crypt of the Necrodancer, and it focuses on making the experience more fun for the player. And that’s precisely what Hi-Fi Rush delivers – a fun and entertaining game that will have you coming back for more.
Hi-Fi Rush boasts a phenomenal art style that immediately grabs your attention. The game’s use of colour is nothing short of spectacular, reminiscent of the vibrant visuals from Into the Spider-Verse and the dynamic graphics of Guitar Hero. From start to finish, the game is an absolute feast for the eyes, with stunning visuals which never cease to impress. Throughout my ten hour playthrough I was consistently in awe of just how beautiful and visually striking the game was. The art style perfectly complements the game’s music-driven gameplay, creating an immersive experience that fully engrosses players in the world of Hi-Fi Rush. Overall, the game’s stunning art style is a major selling point and one of its greatest strengths.
Hi-Fi Rush is a game that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who loves music, gaming, and a good time. It’s a game that delivers on every front – from its outstanding soundtrack to its captivating art style and lovable characters. The gameplay is fluid and intuitive, and the forgiving difficulty curve allows players to enjoy the experience without feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. Hi-Fi Rush is simply the best game in its genre, surpassing its predecessors due to its focus on delivering a fun and engaging experience. If you’re looking for a game that will keep you entertained for hours on end, Hi-Fi Rush is the game for you.
It’s a 10/10 in my book, and I’m sure it will be in yours too.
Written by Luke.
Edited by Alexx.
