Hi-Fi Rush Could Signal A Turning Point For Xbox

Feel the rush.

Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush

Being an Xbox fan over the past few years hasn’t been the easiest thing in the world. Their marketing strategy regarding first-party games has been about patience, revealing projects and games way too early and forcing fans to sit there until they launch. It feels like at least half of Xbox’s most exciting games don’t even have solid release dates yet, but Xbox’s fortunes might be reversed if their recent Developer Direct was anything to go by.

An hour-long presentation, Xbox’s Developer Direct gave players some deep dives into Microsoft’s upcoming games, with some big updates and announcements for certain titles. Anticipated games like Redfall and Minecraft Legends finally received release dates, while Forza Motorsport fans were able to enjoy some new gameplay for the upcoming simulation racer. Also, The Elder Scrolls Online was there.

However, the big highlight of the event was Microsoft and Tango Gameworks surprise launching a brand new IP in the form of Hi-Fi Rush, a rhythm-based character action game that oozes colour and charm from its every pore. After pouring a few hours into the first few levels, Hi-Fi Rush feels like one of the most original Xbox console exclusives in a long time, and that’s saying something considering Pentiment launched on the platform just a few months back.

Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush

Given that Hi-Fi Rush launched straight into Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft and Tango Gameworks have created something that should appeal to the entire cross-section of Xbox players. A character action game can be a bit of a tough sell outside of the hardcore crowd at the best of times, but the game’s vibrant, anime inspired visuals and jovial tone help make it appealing to a more casual audience. The fact that it was ready to download on Xbox Game Pass after the Developer Direct was over only incentivized people even further to play. What did they have to lose?

While it’s great that Xbox seemingly has a genuine hit on their hands, the real signifier of this being a turning point for Xbox is the fact that they could just shadow drop a polished and appealing title like Hi-Fi Rush in the first place. The biggest criticism against the big green brand has always been that there’s never any real games or exclusives, and it’s hard to argue against that when half their biggest upcoming games lack a release date.

Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush

The Developer Direct seemed to signal that Xbox is going to be significantly different heading into the rest of 2023 and beyond. A release date for Redfall alone would have been a good start, but shadow dropping Hi-Fi Rush means that the rest of the year could be completely unpredictable. We already have games like Starfield and STALKER 2 to look forward to on top of what was featured at the Direct, but now anything could be possible.

While Hi-Fi Rush might not be to everyone’s taste, no one can deny that Xbox’s strategy of acquisitions is now starting to pay dividends. Xbox Game Pass subscribers are finally receiving more first party games than ever before, and there’s no signs that Xbox is going to slow down heading into the rest of the year.

Now, shadow drop a new Blinx game, you massive cowards. Do it, you won’t.

READ MORE: 20 Best Xbox Series X | S Single-Player Games

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