BERLIN: There are many musical genres, but they all have one thing in common: a beat that runs through a song from beginning to end. But what it feels like when the rhythm suddenly comes from your own body is what you find out in “Hi-Fi Rush.”
In the role of rock musician Chai, you undergo a barely tested robot operation to regain control over your disabled arm. However, an MP3 player accidentally gets lost in Chai’s chest and he gets to feel the rhythm of the music up close.
But the nasty corporation behind the operation calls Chai a defect and hunts him down. He has to compete against robotic henchmen in various battle arenas, where a kind of electric guitar becomes his weapon.
Accompanied by garage rock in the style of “The Black Keys” and “Nine Inch Nails,” both Chai and his opponents have to move in time with the music.
Each attack automatically adapts to the rhythm. If you play with the beat and use good combinations, you’ll be more successful.
The fact that you are actually moving through a three-dimensional world is not always noticeable. The comic-like drawings with their cell-shading effect make the game look more like a classic TV cartoon.
The smoothly running animations and effects nevertheless make full use of the graphics power of modern consoles.
With its unique graphic style and action-packed gameplay, “Hi-Fi Rush” has become something of a surprise hit. Although you are only occupied with the main story for around 11 hours, they should be really rewarding hours.
“Hi-Fi Rush” is available for PCs as well as the Xbox Series X and S and costs €30/US$30 (RM104.90 in Malaysia). If you have an Xbox Game Pass subscription the game is included. – dpa
