Do you have two left feet? Are you the family member no one wants to see on the dance floor at a wedding? Have you or a loved one been seriously injured because you were trying to find the beat? If any of the above describes you, you may be rhythmically challenged and not having the best time playing rhythm games. Therefore, you may be looking at the recent release of Tango Gameworks a rhythm/action game with a dropped shadow (and advertised). Hi-Fi Rush and wondering if it’s for you? Fortunately, the game is still quite handy for those who have trouble clapping two and four. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of the game for those out of rhythm.
Visual cues are key
Hi-Fi Rush there are options that allow you to add a beat viewer to the screen at any time. This can take two forms: a bar that shows the beat of a song, with each key press synced to a central point as the notes roll over it. Or if you want something that will move along with the main character Chai as you swing your guitar-shaped ax, 808, the robotic cat companion that follows you around each level, can also be made to visualize the beat of the music as you fight .
Both beat preview options can be turned on via Hi-Fi Rush’s Accessibility menu. Pause the game and go to the tab on the far right, then scroll down until you see the Game section and you’ll see Rhythm Preview (808). Here you’ll be able to choose from one of three pulses for the 808 to output to the beat of the music. Choose what you think will be easiest to analyze during battles and 808 will do the counting for you.
G/O Media may receive a commission
audio conversion
Morph headphones
INTERCHANGEABLE FACE PLATES
Each set of Morph Earphones is crafted as a wearable street fashion accessory as they come with interchangeable front panels that you can switch to change your look at will. Choose from everything from trippy smiles to sakura blossoms and much, much more.
Even beyond the features you can turn on and off, Hi-Fi Rush there are quite a few visual cues to help you out if you’re having trouble finding a fight under the music. Chai naturally moves to the beat, enemies and environments move with him as you play, and finishing moves even have a visual indicator that shows you exactly when to hit the attack button. Just pay attention to the signals the game gives you.
Get less panic buttons
In some sections, Hi-Fi Rush will ask you to do rhythmic button presses/quick time events to progress. Although they don’t carry the same pressure as an action sequence with enemies trying to kill you, they can be difficult if you already have trouble pressing buttons in rhythm, the game gives you the option to simplify them by doing all the prompts with just one button instead of having to think about the beat and move your fingers on your controller. This is also found in the Accessibility menu just above the Rhythm Preview option in One Key Rhythm Play. This won’t remove the prompts themselves, but it will at least make them a little easier for you when they appear.
For many action games, stringing together complex combos and getting high scores is part of the appeal. However, if you struggle with Hi-Fi RushRhythmic tendencies, it’s worth getting this part down before you start stringing together a bunch of complex attacks. Fortunately, the game has an auto action mode that will allow Chai to do all the combos while you focus on the beat. This allows you to press a button and perform these attacks automatically as long as you’re on the beat, ie. It’s a good training resource that allows you to learn to attack rhythmically while not keeping you in training mode. It’s worth noting that this is only available on Easy and Normal difficulties, but if you’re still trying to get the beat down, you don’t need to tackle these higher difficulties. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
If all else fails, smash the buttons
Hi-Fi Rush is built around a beat, but it doesn’t have to be played that way. All animations are set to play along with the beat, but you don’t always have to press buttons in time to progress. Fighting to the music will benefit you as much as it will help you get a high score, but in terms of actual utility, you don’t need to sync all your button presses along with the music. It’ll help you instinctively know when to dodge an incoming attack, but the game is more than comfortable enough for those who just want a solid, stylish action game. You will end up with lower scores after each battle and level, but Hi-Fi RushThe style and content of is also worth the price of admission (or Game Pass), whether you play the beat or not. So if you’ve tried all these tips to dance better on the battlefield and it’s not working, do like Merrill from Signs and walk away.
Much of the conversation around Hi-Fi Rush centered around combining rhythm and action, but don’t let it get lost in the noise that this is an action game that can be played rhythmically, not a rhythm game disguised as an action game. you will get more out of it if you appreciate its musical qualitiesbut it’s also a perfectly functional action game, requiring no musical ability.