Xbox and Bethesda’s recent Developer_Direct had a few surprises in store, including the announcement of new rhythm action gameHi-Fi Rush.Tango Gameworks' newest title is a high-energy music-based game, and it has already exploded onto the market with an unexpectedly rapid release. Immediately following its announcement,Hi-Fi Rushlaunched on January 25, and players have already had a pretty positive response to the colorful title despite its massive departure from previous Tango Gameworks releases.
Hi-Fi Rushmay not have been a complete shockfor some fans, as it did leak ahead of the Developer_Direct, although players weren’t quite sure what it was going to entail or how soon they would actually be able to play it. Now that it’s out, there have been some comparisons drawn to other games such as Insomniac Games’Sunset Overdrivethanks toHi-Fi Rush’s artstyle and vibrant demeanor. Although a sequel forSunset Overdriveisn’t currently confirmed, it’s not hard to seeHi-Fi Rushas an extension of that IP for any fans looking for a similar experience.
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Introducing Hi-Fi Rush
In a complete departure from its previous games likeThe Evil WithinandGhostwire: Tokyo, developer Tango Gameworkshas announced and then very swiftly releasedHi-Fi Rush. The rhythm-based action game follows wannabe rock star Chai and his team of fellow misfits as they take on a corrupt tech megacorp through the power of music.Hi-Fi Rush’s energetic and cartoonishly colorful world is completely synced to the beat, from the various in-game puzzles and platforming sections to enemy attacks during combat.
Players can use powerful beat-infused abilities and combos as they face off against armies of robotic enemies together with their team of rebellious allies in its creative combat.Hi-Fi Rushalso has a superb soundtrack, with recognizable bands and artists mixed in with original music and even alternative options for streamers looking to avoid licensing issues. With bosses that head up each of the antagonistic corporation’s departments like Finance, Production, and Marketing,Hi-Fi Rushalso embraces itstongue-in-cheek humor similarly to games likeThe Outer WorldsorSunset Overdrive.
How Hi-Fi Rush Fills The Sunset Overdrive 2 Void
Insomniac Games' high-octane action gameSunset Overdrivecertainly had its fans, with praise directed at its rambunctious humor, vibrant design, and fluid traversal system. There may have been some criticism aimed atSunset Overdrive’s story and the execution of its multiplayer, but due to the first game’s overall success, many players expected an announcement of a sequel in the years since its release. However, despite the fact thatSunset Overdrivelaunched in 2014,Sunset Overdrive 2is still not forthcoming. While there may have been some hopes in that quarter after Insomniac Games was acquired by Sony, fans are still waiting for news that a sequel is being developed.
In the absence of aSunset Overdrive 2, other games are able to step into the gap the sequel has left. On paper,Hi-Fi Rushmay not have a lot in common with the action-adventure shooter where players fight energy drink-addled monsters, but fans might be surprised by the similarities. Both games share a joyfully exuberant art style full of bright colors, in addition to animations that happily ignore realism and embrace a cartoon aesthetic. The silly humor and an anti-corporation sentiment also run through bothSunset OverdriveandHi-Fi Rushand give both titles a similar vibe, andHi-Fi Rush’s ragtag group of allies coming together also mirrors the journey ofSunset Overdrive’s protagonist.
Hi-Fi Rushis available now for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
