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Hi-Fi Rush

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Hi-Fi Rush
Item: Hi-Fi Rush
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Music and Dance, Single Player

AvailableJan 25, 2023

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperTango Gameworks

Overview

As wannabe rockstar Chai, you’ll fight back against a sinister robotics enhancement conglomerate using rhythm-amplified combat where everything – from the motion in the environment to the blows of combat – is synced to the music.

Elsewhere

8.3

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on the narrative of Hi-Fi Rush, with many praising its engaging and humorous storyline, unique characters, and thematic depth. Some critics found the story predictable and cliched, lacking originality and impactful moments. Overall, the game is recommended for its charm, enjoyable boss fights, and fun cyberpunk setting.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Hi-Fi Rush has received a mix of positive feedback from critics regarding its narrative. Many reviewers appreciated the engaging and easy-to-follow storyline with elements of humor and wit. But Why Tho? praised the game for its slapstick humor and witty banter, while Digital Chumps and Digital Trends highlighted the unique characters and well-written dialogue that added depth to the plot. Additionally, GameSkinny and Pure Xbox commended the game for its colorful and fun tone, appealing to a wide range of players. The narrative's focus on themes like anti-capitalism, friendship, and corporate dystopia resonated positively with critics like The Loadout and TheXboxHub, who found the story effective and engaging. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the predictability and cliched nature of the story in Hi-Fi Rush. GLHF on Sports Illustrated and We Got This Covered criticized the basic and cliched elements of the narrative, mentioning a lack of surprises and a predictable twist that offered little payoff. Impulsegamer noted the story's generic nature and underwhelming ending, while Game Informer and GameGrin mentioned that the storytelling didn't break new ground despite having endearing characters and a vibrant world. These criticisms suggest that while the story may have its strengths, it may also lack originality and fail to deliver impactful moments for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Story of Hi-Fi Rush leans towards the positive side, with many appreciating the engaging and humorous narrative that the game offers. Critics like CGMagazine and Forbes found the story charming and enjoyable, with creative boss fights adding to the overall experience. While some reviewers highlighted the predictability and lack of originality in the plot, the majority of critics praised the game for its unique characters, well-written dialogue, and thematic depth. The combination of humor, engaging storytelling, and thematic elements seems to have resonated well with players, making Hi-Fi Rush a recommended experience for those looking for a fun and light-hearted narrative in a cyberpunk setting.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Hi-Fi Rush's innovative gameplay, combining rhythm-based combat with hack-and-slash action. Praised for engaging mechanics, rewarding combos, and stellar musical combat, the game offers a fun and challenging experience. Some critics noted minor issues like potential repetitiveness and gameplay elements needing improvement, but overall, Hi-Fi Rush's gameplay stands out as a standout feature in the gaming world.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of Hi-Fi Rush for its innovative and engaging features. CGMagazine highlighted the accessible mechanics for newcomers and rewarding combo timing, while Digital Trends commended the stellar musical combat with beat-matching mechanics, combo attacks, and customization options. The game's unique fusion of rhythm and hack-and-slash action, as noted by Digital Chumps and Forbes, was well-received, with the combat being described as a blast by Forbes. The rhythm-based combat system, as mentioned by GamingBolt and Generación Xbox, was considered fun, entertaining, and challenging, with various mechanics and aids for player progression. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain issues with the gameplay of Hi-Fi Rush. But Why Tho? mentioned that the innovative gameplay incorporating rhythm and timing could become repetitive over time. Digital Chumps noted that some levels may feel lengthy, while TheXboxHub highlighted that the platforming and puzzles in the game could break up the momentum, with the jump lacking sufficient horizontal movement and the camera being cumbersome. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Hi-Fi Rush. The game successfully combines rhythm-based combat with action, platforming, and hack-and-slash elements, providing an engaging and satisfying experience for players. The unique rhythm-based mechanics, diverse upgrades, engaging combat sequences, and challenging yet rewarding gameplay were highly praised by multiple critics, such as Game Informer, Noisy Pixel, and Wccftech. Despite some minor issues like potential repetitiveness and certain gameplay elements needing improvement, the majority of critics found Hi-Fi Rush's gameplay to be a standout feature that sets it apart in the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Hi-Fi Rush's Graphics and Visual Design, applauding its vibrant art style, detailed environments, and top-notch animation quality. The game's blend of cel-shaded graphics, anime influences, and seamless transitions between cutscenes and gameplay create a visually captivating experience. While some critics noted areas for improvement like character playability and level design, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising its stunning visuals, dynamic animations, and nostalgic appeal akin to iconic titles like Jet Set Radio. Hi-Fi Rush is hailed as a visually striking and aesthetically pleasing game that successfully captures the essence of a playable cartoon.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Hi-Fi Rush, highlighting its vibrant and colorful art style, detailed environments, and impressive animation quality. Critics such as CGMagazine and Digital Trends commended the game for its blend of cel-shaded graphics, anime influences, and Saturday morning cartoon aesthetics, creating a visually captivating experience. The use of cel-shading technology was particularly lauded for its quality, with GameSkinny noting the electrically rhythmic animations that synchronize with the music, enhancing the overall immersion. Additionally, critics like TheXboxHub and XboxEra appreciated the seamless transitions between cutscenes and gameplay, likening the experience to playing a film. While the overall sentiment towards the Graphics and Visual Design of Hi-Fi Rush was overwhelmingly positive, some critics did point out areas for improvement. Destructoid mentioned a lack of variety in character playability and suggested a grittier art style to better match the game's anti-capitalist message. GLHF on Sports Illustrated highlighted issues with character movement and pacing, indicating room for refinement in the gameplay experience. VGC expressed disappointment in the uninspiring level design, contrasting with the varied and flamboyant character design. These critiques suggest that while the visual presentation of the game was generally well-received, there were aspects that could be further developed to enhance the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Hi-Fi Rush excels in its Graphics and Visual Design, with the majority praising its stunning art style, vibrant colors, and dynamic animations. The game's resemblance to iconic titles like Jet Set Radio and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while offering a fresh and innovative visual experience were highlighted by reviewers such as Guardian and Game Informer. The seamless integration of music into the visual design, as noted by Impulsegamer, further adds to the immersive and harmonious gameplay experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding character playability and level design, the overwhelming positive feedback from critics underscores Hi-Fi Rush as a visually striking and aesthetically pleasing game that successfully captures the essence of a playable cartoon, as commended by TheSixthAxis.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Hi-Fi Rush's exceptional audio experience, praising its dynamic soundtrack that syncs perfectly with gameplay. The inclusion of licensed tracks from artists like Nine Inch Nails adds excitement, while original music and sound effects create a cohesive environment. Some critics suggest more music genre variation and note a slight discrepancy in the quality of original songs. Overall, reviewers agree that Hi-Fi Rush delivers a top-tier audio experience, immersing players in its rhythmic world.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Sound Design and Music of Hi-Fi Rush overwhelmingly praise the game for its exceptional audio experience. Critics like CGMagazine, Digital Chumps, and Digital Trends highlight the dynamic and immersive nature of the soundtrack, with music that synchronizes perfectly with gameplay actions, enhancing the overall experience. The inclusion of licensed tracks from renowned artists like Nine Inch Nails and The Prodigy, as noted by Destructoid and GameSkinny, adds a layer of familiarity and excitement to the gameplay. Additionally, the incorporation of original music and the seamless integration of sound effects, as mentioned by Forbes and TheSixthAxis, contribute to a cohesive and engaging audio environment. The energetic rock tunes and orchestral elements, as commended by GGRecon and GLHF on Sports Illustrated, further elevate the combat experience and create a harmonious blend of sound and gameplay. While the majority of critics express overwhelmingly positive sentiments towards the Sound Design and Music of Hi-Fi Rush, a few minor criticisms can be identified. VGC suggests that a sequel could benefit from more variation in music genres, hinting at a potential desire for greater diversity in the soundtrack. PC Gamer notes that while the licensed rock tracks are impactful, the original songs used later in the game may not be as memorable, indicating a slight discrepancy in the overall quality of the music selection. These critiques, however, appear to be minor in comparison to the widespread acclaim for the game's audio elements. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Hi-Fi Rush is overwhelmingly positive. The stellar soundtrack, recognizable songs, and catchy instrumental tracks, as highlighted by But Why Tho?, set a strong foundation for the game's audio experience. The seamless synchronization of music with gameplay actions, the incorporation of licensed tracks and original compositions, and the overall immersive quality of the sound design, as praised by numerous reviewers, contribute to a highly engaging and enjoyable audio experience. Despite a few minor critiques regarding potential improvements in music variety and memorability of original tracks, the general sentiment is that Hi-Fi Rush excels in delivering a top-tier audio experience that enhances the overall gameplay and immerses players in its rhythmic world.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics rave about the exceptional voice acting in Hi-Fi Rush, praising the playful dialogue, endearing characters, and standout performances like Erica Lindbeck's portrayal of Peppermint. While some critics had minor criticisms, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with IGN, NME, and PC Gamer highlighting superb voicework that brings the characters to life with humor and heart. Critics recommend playing in Spanish for an even more immersive experience, showing the high-quality voicework's impact on the game's positive reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Hi-Fi Rush has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. CGMagazine, GameSpot, The Loadout, and Xbox Achievements all praised the superb quality of the voicework, highlighting the playful dialogue, endearing characters, and exceptional delivery that added to the charm and enjoyment of the game. TheXboxHub specifically pointed out Erica Lindbeck's standout performance as Peppermint, showcasing a perfect balance of snark, sympathy, and heart. Generación Xbox and XboxEra also commended the engaging and excellent portrayal of characters, including the main protagonist and villains, with smartly crafted voicework. While the majority of critics had positive opinions on the voice acting in Hi-Fi Rush, there were a few minor criticisms. GameGrin mentioned that the protagonist's voice could become slightly grating towards the end of the game, indicating a potential issue with voice direction or character development. VGC's comparison of the characters talking like they're in a Disney Channel Original Movie could suggest a disconnect in the tone or style of the dialogue that may not resonate with all players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the voice acting in Hi-Fi Rush. IGN, NME, and PC Gamer all highlighted the superb performances, comedic timing, and ability to bring the characters to life, with genuine humor and heartwarming moments throughout the story. TierraGamer's recommendation to play the game in Spanish for a more immersive experience further emphasizes the high-quality voicework present in the game. The varied praises from critics across different platforms and regions indicate a strong appreciation for the voice acting in Hi-Fi Rush, contributing significantly to the overall positive reception of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics praise Xbox Series X performance of Hi-Fi Rush for its flawless technical execution, smooth gameplay, and seamless animation transitions. However, some critics flagged issues like audio/video lag and pacing missteps. Across all platforms, the game is generally well-received, with high marks for polished performance and impressive animation. Minor concerns include latency problems and platform-specific issues.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the Xbox Series X, the majority of critics had positive feedback. GGRecon, from his experience, found Hi-Fi Rush to be incredibly polished with no bugs or glitches. GLHF on Sports Illustrated echoed this sentiment, mentioning smooth performance with only encountering one bug. XboxEra praised the flawless technical performance, highlighting the bug-free experience and no crashes or freezes. GameSpot also commended the game for performing smoothly and seamlessly transitioning between different animation styles. On the other hand, there were some negative aspects mentioned by critics regarding the Xbox Series X version of Hi-Fi Rush. GameSkinny pointed out audio/video lag that could impact the experience negatively. GamingBolt warned about latency issues and recommended reducing input lag for optimal gameplay. GamesRadar+ mentioned occasional missteps in pacing due to reliance on parrying, which could affect the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics for Hi-Fi Rush across all platforms seems to be generally positive. Positive aspects highlighted include the game's polished performance, smooth gameplay, and impressive animation work. GameGrin praised the flawless performance on PC with no frame drops or lagging even during intense action sequences. We Got This Covered specifically mentioned the game running beautifully on the Steam Deck at a locked 60fps without any issues. However, some concerns were raised about audio/video lag, latency issues, and occasional pacing issues, which could potentially impact the overall experience for players. Jeuxvideo.com and Checkpoint Gaming also noted solid technical performance but lacked details on stability and mentioned minor platforming issues, respectively.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise Hi-Fi Rush for its customizable gameplay, variety of moves, and engaging combat mechanics that enhance replay value. The game offers post-game content, challenges, and unlockables to keep players coming back for more. While some critics mention slow moments and limited incentives for replay, the consensus is that Hi-Fi Rush successfully balances engaging gameplay with replayability, making it a satisfying experience for rhythm-based game enthusiasts.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of several critics highlight the positive aspects of the replay value in Hi-Fi Rush. CGMagazine praises the game for its variety of moves, upgrades, and allies, allowing players to customize their playstyle and offering depth to the gameplay. GameSpot also commends the combat mechanics, plethora of combos, and rhythmic flow that make the game enjoyable to replay. Shacknews and XboxEra both mention the abundance of content post-game, including new challenges, difficulty options, collectibles, and unlockables, providing players with a high level of replayability. VGC and Xbox Achievements emphasize the rewards for replaying levels to increase rank, further enhancing the replay value of the game. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about certain aspects that may hinder the replay value of Hi-Fi Rush. Digital Chumps notes that some gameplay moments may feel slow or empty, potentially impacting the overall experience for players looking to replay the game. Impulsegamer mentions the disappointing hidden secret ending as the only reason for going through New Game+, suggesting a lack of substantial incentives for replaying the game beyond this aspect. Inverse describes the game as a largely linear experience with collectibles and post-game content, which may limit the appeal for players seeking varied replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Hi-Fi Rush offers substantial replay value due to its engaging gameplay mechanics, customization options, and post-game content. Critics like Forbes, GGRecon, and GameSkinny highlight the abundance of content to explore and challenges to overcome after completing the main story, contributing to the game's replayability. While some critics point out potential drawbacks such as pacing issues or limited incentives for replay, the majority of opinions emphasize the game's ability to keep players coming back for more with its diverse combat mechanics, unlockables, and high replayability factor. Hi-Fi Rush seems to strike a balance between providing enough content and incentives for players to revisit the game, ensuring a satisfying and engaging replay experience for those who enjoy its rhythm-based gameplay and exploration elements.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive opinions about Hi-Fi Rush, praising various aspects of the game. Critics like CGMagazine, Digital Trends, and GameSkinny highlighted the engaging gameplay, impressive visuals, and immersive music as standout features. The game was commended for its unique blend of music and action, with Game Informer mentioning how it combines rhythm, action, and platforming in a unique and surprising way. The vibrant and unique experience, along with the charming story and characters, were also highlighted by GameSkinny and The Loadout. Additionally, the game's strong combat fundamentals and stunning visuals were noted by GamesRadar+ and XboxEra, respectively. The engaging gameplay, interesting soundtrack, and overall enjoyment factor were consistently mentioned across multiple reviews, indicating a strong positive sentiment towards the game. While the overall consensus was highly positive, some critics did mention a few areas for improvement in Hi-Fi Rush. Destructoid pointed out the need for more character playability and a grittier style to match its anti-capitalist message. PC Gamer highlighted shortcomings in level design, combat, and the limited setlist, suggesting that the game falls short compared to other options in the genre. Despite these criticisms, the negatives were generally minor and did not significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the game. It's worth noting that even with these critiques, the majority of critics still found Hi-Fi Rush to be a very enjoyable and engaging experience. In conclusion, the overall verdict for Hi-Fi Rush is overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, immersive music, and unique blend of music and action. The game was described as a delightful and enjoyable experience by Screen Rant, while Xbox Achievements highlighted it as an absolute pleasure to play. Despite some minor flaws and areas for improvement mentioned by a few critics, the general consensus among reviewers is that Hi-Fi Rush is a standout title that offers a vibrant and exciting gaming experience. The game's charm, style, and engaging elements have resonated positively with critics, making it a highly recommended choice for players looking for a fresh and enjoyable gaming experience.

TL;DR

Critics rave about Hi-Fi Rush for its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive music, praising its unique blend of music and action. Despite some minor critiques on character playability and level design, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Critics recommend Hi-Fi Rush as a standout title offering a vibrant and exciting gaming experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

181 reviews found

100

Inverse

Feb 2, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A rare game where every element comes together almost perfectly, offering a unique and unforgettable gaming experience.

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100

NME

Jan 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

An early Game of the Year contender that is a creatively-uplifting adventure and a sorely-needed top-quality Xbox exclusive.

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100

Attack of the Fanboy

Jan 31, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

An absolutely fantastic game with successful and unique gameplay, detailed cutscenes and art style, and the comfort of a Saturday morning cartoon's plot, characters, and humor, making it innovative, super fun, and adorably optimistic.

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100

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Jan 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hi-Fi RUSH is a superb package that combines unique gameplay, world-class aesthetics, a funny tone, great characters, and a superb soundtrack. The minor complaints include the need for refinement in the platforming sections. The game is highly recommended.

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100

We Got This Covered

Jan 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

One of the most joyous and fun gaming experiences, combining the best of classics like Jet Set Radio, Space Channel 5, and Bayonetta

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Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

Jan 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Highly recommended for its engaging story, graphics, level design, sound effects, and suitable duration.

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Checkpoint Gaming

Feb 3, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Magical and compelling experience deserving recognition as a serious game-of-the-year contender.

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Forbes

Xbox Series X

Jan 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer highly recommends Hi-Fi Rush, finding it joyful, addicting, and an absolute win.

CGMagazine

Xbox Series X

Feb 7, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer is enamored with Hi-Fi RUSH, recommending it to players on Xbox Series consoles, Xbox Game Pass members, and PC gamers. The game is praised for its engaging gameplay, charming story, impressive visuals, and immersive music.

XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Jan 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hi-Fi Rush is praised as one of the reviewer's favorite-looking games, with sublime combat, a great story, and excellent audio in all facets. It is considered one of the reviewer's favorite action platformers of all time.

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