Tango Gamework’s excellent action game Hi-Fi RUSH is getting a surprise, three-tiered physical re-release, with pre-orders launching on January 16th through Limited Run Games.
The new editions will come with in-game bonuses, such as upgrade currency, and extra costumes, while the top-tier version adds physical extras, including a 3-Disc OST.
The bad news is that these physical editions will only be available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, PC players can still enjoy the physical goodies, but they won’t get a game out of it.
Each edition in detail
Since every edition includes the Deluxe version of the game, here’s what you get with it:
- Hi-Fi RUSH (the game itself, obviously)
- 2 outfits for Chai, the protagonist — the individual pieces (robot arm, scarf, jacket, trousers, shoes) can be mixed with other cosmetics
- 5 extra shirts for Chai
- 808-themed skin for his guitar (808 is a robotic cat assisting Chai)
- Alternate skin for 808
- 20.000 Gears: a currency for unlocking upgrades you can normally only earn via gameplay
With that in mind, let’s go over each edition to see what they give you:
Hi-Fi Rush Rhythm Edition, $39.99:
- the Deluxe version of Hi-Fi RUSH
- three DLC costume packs: Bossplay, Traditional Garb, Teamplay
Hi-Fi RUSH Smidge Edition, $69.99:
- the Deluxe version of Hi-Fi RUSH
- three DLC costume packs: Bossplay, Traditional Garb, Templay
- 3-Disc soundtrack with liner notes
Hi-Fi RUSH Project Armstrong Edition, $174.99:
- the Deluxe version of Hi-Fi RUSH
- three DLC costume packs: Bossplay, Traditional Garb, Teamplay
- 3-Disc soundtrack with liner notes
- Hardcover artbook
- 8” plushie of 808
- 6” replica of Chai’s guitar
- A replica of Chai’s Project Armstrong pass
- A jumbo, glow-in-the-dark MP3 player pin
- a numbered certificate of authenticity
Tango’s sneaky hit
Hi-Fi RUSH came out of seemingly nowhere in 2023 and turned out to be a phenomenal action game with an engaging DMC-like, rhythm-based combat, lovely cartoonish 3D aesthetic with vibrant character designs, and a genuinely cool story.
It quickly gained a decent popularity, but, sadly, it was too late to save Tango Gameworks from closure at the hands of Microsoft.
Thankfully, the studio itself was bought out by Krafton with the license to Hi-Fi RUSH. Unfortunately, the acclaimed horror series The Evil Within and the woefully underappreciated FPP action game Ghostwire Tokyo remained with Microsoft.
Beat’em up, but not the way you think
This re-release is an excellent excuse to give HFR a shot, if you haven’t yet. The combat system is responsive and spectacular, with a huge arsenal of unlockable combos, your allies can join you mid-combo for a powerful assist, and the platforming sections are a blast.
The rhythm aspect comes into play on all levels: during the levels, you can hear (and see at the bottom of the screen) a steady beat, and if you synchronise your actions with it, they’ll be stronger, smoother, and faster. Additionally, everything obeys the same rhythm, from enemy attacks to the environment shifting.
This, plus a genuinely excellent OST, makes the game one of the best musical experiences in gaming.
Collectible joys
Are you going to get the re-release? Are you angling for the game disc-only version, or one of the two editions with extra goodies? Let us know on our socials!
If you’re a PS or an XBOX player you’re getting an awesome game either way! And if you’re on PC… well, the re-release won’t let you play*, but the physical treats are still worthwhile if you’ve already love the game and want some memorabilia related to it! And you can give the game itself to a console friend, it’ll make their day.
Pre-order’s going live soon!
The pre-orders open on January 16th at 10:00 AM EST and will last until March 1st, available through limitedrungames.com. You have some time left to make your choice, but not a whole lot of it.
*if you’re on PC and haven’t played yet, we can help, just check the offers on our marketplace!