Xbox and Bethesda kicked off 2023 with their inaugural Developer Direct, and Hi-Fi Rush served as the most unexpected reveal of the show. Originally, an Xbox Wire blog post had only indicated the inclusion of four games to feature at this event -- Minecraft Legends, Forza Motorsport, Redfall, and The Elder Scrolls Online - yet Tango Gameworks apparently pulled enough strings to get its own fifth slot. Tango's rhythm-based brawler, Hi-Fi Rush, had the chance to not only get an announcement but also launch on the very same day.
Fans of the Sega Dreamcast likely rejoiced at this announcement, particularly those that still hold fond memories of the Jet Set Radio games. Both share a stylish future that tethers gameplay to a captivating tempo, and these cel-shaded worlds can be irresistible in their respective accents of audiovisual spectacle. Hi-Fi Rush has been an unorthodox success on several fronts, as there are already rave reviews from players despite the studio having little buildup-to-release and no prior history in lighthearted products. Tango Gameworks is primarily known for The Evil Within, a survival horror franchise that parallels Shinji Mikami's past with Resident Evil, but this shadow drop validates the developer's potential in mastering entirely new themes.
Hi-Fi Rush and Jet Set Radio in Harmony
Hi-Fi Rush dials in on melee and platforming through its protagonist Chai who is most effective when his actions synchronize with the world around him. It is a mechanical dance to boot, as the technological setting meshes seamlessly along an adventurous production that almost literally runs on the soundtrack. On the other hand, Jet Set Radio utilizes a musical atmosphere to envelop players in its city of smooth skating and graffiti-tagging activities. Although the two games have distinct gameplay, there is a comical attitude that flows into Tango's Hi-Fi Rush which makes its inspirations felt by fans.
Another important layer of Jet Set Radio reproduced in Hi-Fi Rush's presentation is the whimsical qualities of its storytelling. Cutscenes highlight expressive characters who perform instrumental roles in the game's spirit of showmanship, each conveying an exaggerated presence to entertain players between action sequences. There is an artistic bond between these titles that is seen by many as a triumphant return to a bygone era, and that was a time of classic Sega releases that were focused on tight control and creative scope.
Tango Gameworks' latest outing might capture the nostalgia of fans, especially seeing that Sega itself has yet to revive various IPs, but some feel that Xbox Game Pass in 2023 has the potential to act as a vehicle for even more imaginative games. Hi-Fi Rush shows that projects in this style are viable in the current gaming market, as the onus is on publishers to support talent by breaking barriers to entry and keeping audiences surprised.
The Future of Tango Gameworks on Xbox Game Pass
Players can be grateful that Bethesda took a chance on Tango Gameworks, and one would hope that Hi-Fi Rush is a sign of things to come with studios having the freedom to create outside their comfort zones. There have been reports of lost revenue on Xbox platforms, partially due to a lack of larger exclusives in the previous year, but 2023 could be a turning point in reinvigorating the Xbox Game Pass lineup.
Players might see Xbox and Bethesda developers continue to experiment in lockstep with their long-term blockbuster projects, which would provide more value in an industry whose growth is sustained by innovation. There have also been rumors of new Jet Set Radio games for some time, and these supposed developments could begin to materialize with success stories like Hi-Fi Rush underlining that interest.
Hi-Fi Rush is available for PC and Xbox Series X/S.