While it combines elements from different genres,Hi-Fi Rushis still very much a third-person action game at its core. With that said, the game is best played on a controller. Though a few hardcore players (particularly those whoplay games likeElden Ringwith different types of controllers) show they can be played in a wide variety of ways, today’s wireless controllers offer tight-knit button layouts that have become standard across the industry.
However, there is another more specific reason why players might findHi-Fi Rushmore comfortable on a controller: vibration. Given so many of the game’s elements rely on timing button inputs to the beat,Hi-Fi-Rushhas controllers vibrate to the music as well. While its visuals and music help players get in the rhythm, adding more tactile feedback allowsHi-Fi Rushto reach a wider audience.
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Moving to the Beat is The Focus of Hi-Fi Rush
As mentioned, the best way players can get better atHi-Fi Rushis by timing their button presses to the music. Everything from platforming, combat, and mini-games are tied to the soundtrack, so much so thatTango Gameworks did its best to convey the game’s musicin as many ways possible. Normally stationary background elements like rock formations, trees, and buildings are animated to move in-sync with the music. Chai, the game’s protagonist, snaps his fingers and stomps his feet to the beat at all times.
Hi-Fi Rushalso gives players the option to enable a visual representation of each level’s tempo. With the press of a button, players can turn on a rhythm-based HUD on the lower-center portion of their screens. This allows those who are tone-deaf or have trouble moving to the beat a chance to see when they have to press buttons for maximum effect.While dependency on this HUDmay take away from admiring the game’s visuals, it is better than playingHi-Fi Rushout of sync.
Hi-Fi Rush Feels Built to Feel the Vibrations
Since music relies more on the senses of sound and touch through sound vibrations, players will find it easier to play the game withPlayStation, Xbox, Steam, or other controller vibrationsenabled. Levels' tempos are smartly attuned to the controller’s trembles, so players can feel when they need to press certain buttons without having to rely on visual elements like moving backgrounds or the HUD. Vibration lets players feel the music, supplementing what players are hearing through their headphones or speakers.
What’s more, traditional game elements that would cause a controller to rumble don’t interfere with the tempo. Getting hit orfailing to acquire an S rankcorrectly is taken in stride as the vibrations pick up where the music left off as soon as a flop is registered. This lets players shrug off their past mistakes and get back into moving with the rhythm.
While players can experienceHi-Fi Rushhowever they wish, the smart implementation of controller vibration makes it much harder to play the game in any other way. Those who find it difficult to keep time with the beat can rely on controller feedback to get their bearings. Should they fumble while doing so, the vibration will save their lives without realizing it. With vibration, music, and graphics on its side,Hi-Fi Rushbecomes one of the more accessible rhythm-based action-adventure titleson the market.
Hi-Fi Rushis available now for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
