Playthrough Start: Hi-Fi Rush (2023)

 Hi-Fi Rush

Hi-Fi Rush

In Hi-Fi Rush, you take on the role of hapless dipshit Chai in a rhythm-based action game.

This guy just oozes unearned confidence.

After a routing procedure to get a metal arm goes wrong, Chai's iPod thingy gets grafted into his chest. This gets him labeled a defect, and he needs to escape from the evil Vandelay Corporation before they scrap his ass.

Vandelay boxes

I'm only a couple hours in, but so far this is a complete blast. The platforming sections can be a bit frustrating (Chai has a lot of lift when he jumps, not so much thrust) and targeting enemies can be a pain where there's a bunch of them, but for the most part the mechanics are solid. Timing your attacks to the beat is just so satisfying.

Aftermath of the first boss fight.

The characters are a complete hoot and well voice-acted. The world is well realized and fun, with everything from platforms to exhaust pipes moving to the beat. 

I've still got a ways to go, but this is shaping up to be a crapload of fun.