In the last six months, Xbox has released three first-party exclusive titles.
None of the games can be considered flagship “AAA” releases, an unfortunate reality for many players.
There’s an overwhelming number of good things to say and only a handful of nitpicks.
Hi-Fi RUSH is prone to artistic flourishes and spontaneous style changes, and it all flows together so nicely.
To start with, Hi-Fi RUSH is breathtaking.
It’s a throwback to an earlier period of video games but with modern extravaganza and detail.
It’s colorful, polished, crisp, and dripping with personality and charm.
Hi-Fi RUSH’s combat is divided into neat “Chorus” sections, making it easy for players to return in the search for higher scores.
Hi-Fi RUSH looks so good I’m begging Xbox to greenlight an animated tie-in that adapts thisexactlook.
I’m begging Xbox to create an animated tie-in for Hi-Fi RUSH in this style.
Hi-Fi RUSH also performs admirably well.
Longer combat sections in Hi-Fi RUSH give you short breaks between waves, often with an adorable cinematic featuring Chai and 808.
From a gameplay perspective, there’s much to love about Hi-Fi RUSH.
And that gameplay feels great.
Hi-Fi RUSH’s gameplay feels great, and there’s a surprising amount of variety and content.
Everything in Hi-Fi RUSH centers around stopping the deployment of the diabolical SPECTRA AI.
I was surprised by the amount of variety in Hi-Fi RUSH, too.
This variety matters, too, because there’s a heccin' lot of content in Hi-Fi RUSH.
After you’re done, though, there are stillplentyof reasons to keep playing.
Peppermint is a fantastic, well-rounded character, and her interactions with Chai and 808 add a lot to the game.
There are lots of incentives to keep playing Hi-Fi RUSH after the credits roll.
Every character in Hi-Fi RUSH feels memorable and well-designed.
The story is delightfully written, perfectly paced, and filled with genuinely hilarious moments and jokes.
Hi-Fi RUSH is beautiful even at a standstill, but the entire world is constantly in motion.
However, the highlight of Hi-Fi RUSH’s campaign is the roster of unforgettable characters that deliver it.
No matter how large the game cast got, however, Peppermint and 808 never stopped being my favorite.
I mean, just look at 808!
Chai’s robotic arm opened up new possibilities for him, as Hi-Fi RUSH’s game design and accessibility options may for many players.
Who wouldn’t love this adorable mechanical feline?
The world of Hi-Fi RUSH is equally impressive.
It’s a sprawling mass of haphazard, frankly dangerous mazes, construction sites, facilities, and secrets.
I’m fine keeping a beat on my own, but mixing in gameplay actions can make things dicey. This could help.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Yes, I mean everything.
Chai and all the characters also move to the beat.
Chai constantly sways and snaps, and even his steps land on the beat.
Hi-Fi RUSH is filled with mini-games and quick-time events, but this option can make them less challenging and exhausting.(Image credit: Windows Central)
There are plenty of diverse environments, secrets, and Easter eggs.
Hi-Fi RUSH: Audio and soundtrack
Speaking of music, Hi-Fi RUSH has a lot of it.
These licensed tracks are reserved for the game’s largest set pieces and boss fights, however.
There’s even a neat way to customize the rhythm indicator given off by 808.(Image credit: Windows Central)
It’s a genuinely fantastic soundtrack, and it’s a lot of fun to listen to.
Hi-Fi RUSH also has great audio design.
Fortunately, Tango Gameworks combined peerless game design with a handful of awesome accessibility features.
Peppermint and Chai are a great duo, and I loved every moment of their story.
From game design to additional options, Hi-Fi RUSH is an accessible and approachable rhythm game.
On top of that, there are four difficulty modes from which to choose and various optional options.
Hi-Fi RUSH: Should you play it?
If more awesome video games like this keep shadow-dropping, then my backlog really is never going to shrink.
The latest Xbox exclusive is a rhythm masterpiece, and it’s an uncomplicated blast from start to finish.
If you want to experience Xbox’s latest hit, this is the way to do it.
