Hi-Fi Rush (2023): The Review

Overview

Hi-Fi Rush puts a fresh spin on the hack-and-slash formula by fusing it seamlessly with rhythm-based gameplay. Backed by a memorable cast, a fun and easygoing story, and a visual style reminiscent of mid-2000s American anime, it oozes personality from start to finish. It’s an easy recommendation for fans of action games, rhythm mechanics, and that distinct animated flair.

Score: 8 out of 10

The Positives ✅

Hi-Fi Rush is one of those rare games that feels instantly unique the moment you pick it up. It takes two genres that don’t usually overlap, rhythm and hack-and-slash, and fuses them into something that just works. Combat isn’t just about hitting enemies; it’s about feeling the beat, syncing your actions, and letting the music guide everything you do. You’re not punished for going off-tempo, but the game gently pushes you to improve, rewarding you with smoother combos, faster fights, and higher rankings.

What makes the combat especially satisfying is how approachable it is despite all the moving parts. You’ve got your standard light and heavy attacks, dodges, jumps, and parries, but layered on top of that are ally assists that add another level of strategy. Calling in teammates to break shields or stun enemies turns fights into a kind of rhythmic dance, where you’re constantly switching between offense, timing, and positioning. It sounds chaotic on paper, but in practice, it clicks surprisingly fast.

The soundtrack is the backbone of everything, and thankfully, it absolutely delivers. Between original compositions and licensed tracks from artists like Nine Inch Nails and The Prodigy, every fight feels like it’s choreographed to the music. Even outside of combat, the world pulses with rhythm, platforms, hazards, and environmental elements all move in sync with the beat. It’s the kind of game where you’ll catch yourself nodding along without even realizing it.

On top of that, the presentation is packed with personality. The art style blends cel-shaded visuals with vibrant, anime-inspired cutscenes that feel straight out of a Saturday morning cartoon. Characters are expressive, colorful, and full of charm, backed by a strong voice cast that leans into the game’s goofy, self-aware tone. It’s stylish without trying too hard, and that confidence carries the entire experience.

The Negatives ⚠️

As strong as Hi-Fi Rush is, it’s not without its frustrations, especially when it steps outside of combat. Platforming is easily the weakest part of the experience. Movement doesn’t always feel as precise as it needs to be, particularly when it comes to jumping. Double jumps don’t carry enough momentum, and relying on dodges to make up the distance can sometimes send you flying past your target instead.

This becomes more noticeable when you’re hunting for collectibles in tighter or riskier sections. Missing a jump and falling isn’t a huge penalty, but it breaks the flow and can get frustrating when it happens repeatedly. It’s not game-breaking, but it’s definitely a rough edge in an otherwise polished experience.

Another issue comes with how the game handles repetition and progression. While combat evolves with new enemies and mechanics, some quality-of-life features feel oddly absent. Not being able to replay levels during your first playthrough is a strange choice for a game that emphasizes scoring so heavily. If you mess up a section, you’re stuck with that result until you finish the game, which can be frustrating for players who like to perfect their runs.

There are also small annoyances that add up over time. Boss fights, for example, force you to sit through cutscenes again if you fail, which quickly becomes tedious. It’s especially noticeable in a game that otherwise feels so smooth and player-friendly. These aren’t major flaws, but they do stand out more because everything else is so well put together.

The Experience 🎮

Playing Hi-Fi Rush feels like being dropped into a playable music video. Everything is in sync, the combat, the movement, the world itself, and once it clicks, it’s incredibly satisfying. At first, it might feel like just another action game with a gimmick, but the deeper you get, the more you realize how much the rhythm actually matters.

What surprised me most is how naturally the game teaches you to improve. You start off button-mashing, but over time, you begin to internalize the beat, memorize combos, and approach fights more deliberately. It’s not forcing you to play perfectly, it’s encouraging you to get better, and that progression feels rewarding in a very organic way.

The characters and tone also play a big role in keeping things engaging. The story itself is fairly straightforward, a group of rebels taking on a shady corporation, but it’s carried by its humor, charm, and self-awareness. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that works in its favor. Spending time with Chai and the rest of the cast feels less like following a plot and more like hanging out with a group of chaotic, lovable weirdos.

That said, the experience isn’t flawless. Moments outside of combat, like platforming or slower sections, can interrupt the otherwise smooth flow. But even then, the game’s energy and style are strong enough to carry you through. It’s the kind of experience where the highs easily outweigh the lows.

By the end, Hi-Fi Rush leaves a strong impression not just because it’s fun, but because it feels different. It’s confident in its identity, creative in its execution, and packed with personality from start to finish. For its price, it offers a complete, memorable experience, and one that’s easy to come back to, especially if you’re chasing that perfect run.