Hi-Fi Rush PS5 Review

What started as a shadow drop, Hi-Fi Rush turned out to be one of the best games of 2023 and a massive win for Xbox. Tango Gameworks had a hit on their hands which kicked off a solid year of games for the platform.

Fast forward a year later and, after a series of interesting circumstances, Chai and the gang find themselves on the other side of the fence, complete with updates such as the arcade challenge, along with some sweet DualSense support that’s simply the icing on the cake.

Barring any talk about exclusives and console war undertones, it’s endearing to see Hi-Fi Rush being welcomed by more players because it truly deserves the accolades it has received thus far.

Hi-Fi RUSH chronicles the journey of Chai, a 25-year-old laid-back slacker and self-proclaimed rocker. Following a mishap during a procedure conducted by Project Armstrong, Chai finds himself pursued by the formidable Vandelay Corporation, which intends to decommission him. Teaming up with an eclectic group of endearing individuals and a spirited feline, they wage a battle against the corrupt corporate entity, all while moving to the rhythm of an addictive beat.

Hi-Fi RUSH seamlessly blends fast-paced action with platforming elements. What sets it apart is its unconventional approach to rhythm mechanics. Rather than imposing them as a strict requirement, the game integrates rhythm as a delightful bonus to various actions. This design choice alleviates the pressure for players who may not excel in beat-based systems. For the rhythmically challenged, a helpful metronome assists in timing hits, and visual cues within the environment ease the learning curve.

What truly stands out about Hi-Fi RUSH is its commitment to storytelling. Despite marketing itself as a rhythm game, it prioritizes its identity as a story-driven action experience with fantastic writing and great performances from the cast. Remarkably accessible, even players who typically shy away from rhythm-based challenges can fully enjoy the game. This refreshing perspective distinguishes it from other rhythm titles that might frustrate those grappling with rhythm deficits, multitasking demands, or latency issues.

Hi-Fi RUSH starts with basic attack moves and platforming, gradually evolving to include combos, aerial raves, dodges, and counters by the time you reach the fifth level. When all these elements harmonize, the game truly shines, realizing its full potential and captivating players with its addictive loop and mechanics. The synergy between licensed and original music enhances the overall experience, creating a crowd-pleasing sensation.

As you progress to the final levels, Hi-Fi RUSH transcends its status as a simple rhythm game. The narrative intensifies, drawing players into a crescendo of engagement across various activities. Boss battles take center stage, offering multi-form encounters that demand you apply everything you’ve learned. With the added ability to summon allies for assistance—whether dismantling enemy shields, neutralizing threats, or dealing with armor—it transforms into a battle royale rock opera of epic proportions.

The PS5 edition of the game boasts several enhancements over last year’s initial release. It incorporates all updates and fixes, ensuring a more refined product at launch. Moreover, it features the Arcade Challenge update, which introduces a new BPM Rush Mode and a selection of arcade games. These games offer players the opportunity to earn new cosmetics and moves, adding further depth to an already comprehensive package.

The PS5 version also takes advantage of the DualSense controller’s capabilities to enhance immersion through haptic feedback and the use of the controller speaker. While these additions might not change your mind, they do enrich the experience of an already exceptional game.

What we liked:

• Engaging and entertaining storyline
• Robust rhythm mechanics and polished combat design
• Content heavy with high replayability
• DualSense support is subtle but well-received
• Rock solid performance and fidelity

What we didn’t like:

• A tad bit too short, would have appreciated a couple of more hours
• Starting sections play out a bit too long before it gets interesting

Verdict: Buy it!

Hi-Fi Rush is a technically splendid experience from start to finish. For a title of this quality to be shadow-dropped the way it was last year, and for many to consider it possibly Xbox’s best game in 2023, it certainly is great to see Microsoft allow more players to enjoy Chai’s adventures.

From the rockin’ soundtrack to the rhythmic beats and the fantastic visual presentation, Hi-Fi Rush is a treat in almost every way. Tango Gameworks definitely cooked with this one, and putting aside all of the console war drama, it’s great to see the game enjoyed by more players.

*Hi-Fi Rush was reviewed on a PS5 with a review code provided by the publisher.