Hi-Fi Rush

[h1] Absolute Top-Notch Action Classic [/h1] Hi-Fi Rush is an incredibly fun, charming and clever character action game that merges the stylish action of a Devil May Cry with an omnipresent, thumping, 4-on-the-floor rhythm which governs every move in the game, causing characters, the environment and the player alike to bop and pulse and tap along to its infectious, joy-filled beat. Everything in the game, from cutscenes, to enemy attacks to the player's own moves happens to the beat, turning the game into a toe-tapping dance, akin to the rhythmic edits of Edgar Wright's movies. It feels like something from an alternate, better timeline, where the design ethics and sensible scope of PS2 and GameCube Era games carried over to the present day. It feels like a game that came out on the same console as God Hand 2, Shadow Hearts 4 and Viewtiful Joe 3. The action is perhaps not quite as complex as in DMC or Bayonetta, but the rhythm game aspect adds an extra layer of challenge. Stay on the beat and you'll probably be fine, even as your arsenal and the enemies' expands and the game grows more frantic and challenging. There's also plenty of postgame content to keep you coming back. The game can easily sustain two or three playthroughs. Every level is fun and memorable, with excellent music and great set pieces. It never gets boring or frustrating. The writing and story are also excellent, mixing a cheery SatAM cartoon vibe with some genuinely biting corporate satire. Every cutscene and collectible log has some clever joke, bit of physical comedy or pointed barb at the bloated, inefficient and abusive industry that somehow allowed this shining gem to escape its foetid clutches, like Zeus returning to cut his siblings from Saturn's guts. I cannot think of a single problem with the game that doesn't only become obvious on the third or fourth playthrough. It may well be my favourite action game, ranking much higher than Bayonetta or even DMCV. Play it and be delighted, this one is a must-buy!

An amazing, cheesy game. Plays great and the music is amazing. However, ♥♥♥♥ Krafton. Horrible studio. Probably only saved Tango Gameworks to improve their bran image. But they ♥♥♥♥♥♥ over Subnautica 2 and tried to use AI to win the lawsuit against Subnautica 2's devs. AI can NEVER even get CLOSE to human made art. I HIGHLY recommend the game, but the fact it will also line the pockets of such a horrible company is a downside.

Hi-Fi Rush is just a straight-up good time. The first thing that grabs you is the art style and animation, the whole game looks incredible, with so much personality in every cutscene, attack, and little character moment. It has that stylish Saturday morning cartoon energy, and it never really loses that charm. The characters are a big part of why it works too. Chai and the whole crew are just fun to be around, and the concept of a rhythm-based character action game is honestly awesome. When the combat clicks and you’re landing everything to the beat, it feels super satisfying. Pulling off combos, parries, and big finishers in rhythm makes every fight feel flashy and rewarding. That said, it does start to wear itself out after a while. The factory setting looks great at first, but the level design gets really samey the longer the game goes on. A lot of areas start blending together, and it loses some of that early wow factor. The gameplay can also get a bit repetitive, especially once you’ve seen most of what the combat has to offer. Still, even with those issues, it’s a really solid game with a ton of style and a genuinely fun combat system. It maybe goes on a little longer than it should, but the presentation and charm carry it a long way. 7/10 (Good)