During the Xbox Bethesda Developer Direct live stream earlier today, Tango Gameworks announced their next game, the action rhythm game Hi-Fi Rush. The developer is best known for previously releasing horror or horror-adjacent titles such as The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2 and last year’s Ghostwire Tokyo (check out our review of that here).

This is their first game not to include elements of horror. Hi-Fi Rush features vibrant and colourful cel-shaded visuals and fast-paced combat, which is a first for the developer. From what we’ve seen, the game features mechas and an anime-like style, as well as combines rhythm game mechanics with licensed music from bands like Nine Inch Nails and Black Keys.

The game puts you in the beat-up sneakers of Chai, a wannabe rocker wrongfully labelled a “defect” by a sinister tech corporation. Everything in Hi-Fi Rush automatically syncs to the music, from swinging your trusty “axe” to dodging out of the way of an oversized metallic fist. The game isn’t locked to the music track, since Hi-Fi Rush is rhythm-action with an emphasis on “action”.

Players must feel the rhythm to enhance Chai’s actions, pulling off heavy Beat Hits at the end of a combo like a cymbal crash, or syncing up with one of his allies for a devastating tag-team finisher. In Hi-Fi Rush, every battle is an opportunity to play out your own music video fantasy, seamlessly coordinating all your moves with the soundtrack.

Hi-Fi Rush is available on Xbox Series X/S, PC and Xbox Game Pass today on 26 January 2023.

Check out the trailer below: