Today at Xbox’s Developer Direct, Shinji Mikami and the developers of The evil inside surprised everyone by announcing not a new horror game, but a sleek and bright action game.
Hi-Fi Rushdeveloped by Tango Gameworks, is a cel-shaded rhythm action game where players traverse Overdrive at sunset-esque (or Jet Set Radio-style for my old heads) cityscapes and battle Borderlands-looking for townspeople. You can check out the trailer below.
You play as Chai, a Starlord-like character who, with the power of his contraband robotic arm and arc reactor-like music player, can see the beat of everything around him. Think of a more techno-punk version of A punchis the hero, Strong. However, life isn’t just about carefree lo-fi beats. A maniacal company called Vandelay Technologies (possibly a subsidiary of Vandelay Industries) is after Chai’s sweet technology, no doubt for his own nefarious purposes. According to the trailer, Chai won’t be swinging and weaving against robots while bouncing his little GameStop booty on his curated playlist. Chai is joined by an eclectic group of freedom fighters trying to bring down Vandelay. Sensational.
The music is an integral part of the rhythm action title from Tango Gameworks. Well-timed successes will reward players with bonuses. Much like those nifty movie trailers that synch their action with movie trailers, the entirety of Hi-Fi RushCutscenes and enemy movements are synced to the game’s soundtrack. Using visual cues from a floating techno companion, players can perfectly time their attacks and smash their opponents’ skulls in style.
Tango Gameworks hasn’t finished surprising viewers with the announcement of Hi-Fi Rush. At the end of his presentation, he announced that the full game, not a demo, will be available to play later tonight (no, really) on Earndows and Game Pass.
