Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks has averted closure after KRAFTON, Inc. purchased the studio and the aforementioned IP from Microsoft?.

Announced in a Krafton press release, the PUBG publisher said it “welcomed the talented people of Tango Gameworks to their team,�after an acquisition that would “include the rights to Tango Gameworks�acclaimed IP, Hi-Fi RUSH.�/p>

Notably missing from the acquisition are the IPs of the studio's previous works, Ghostwire: Tokyo and The Evil Within, whi??ch Microsoft will continue to retain at this time.

Established in 2010 by industry veteran Shinji Mikami, Tango Gameworks is no stranger to new ownership, as it was purchased by Bethesda’s parent company, ZeniMax Media, that same year. In 2021, it came under new ownership again following Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax. A sequel to Hi-Fi Rush was in the planning stages prior to - and possibly contributing to - the announcement in? May that Tang?o would be among four studios slated to shut down.

With Krafton’s commitment to “maintain continuity at Tango Gameworks, allowing the talented team to continue developing the Hi-Fi RUSH IP and explore future projects,�it appea??rs that the studio has been granted a second chance to resume work on this follow-up titl?e.

Although studio founder Shinji Mikami left in 2023, the creative director at Tango Gameworks, John Johanas, confirmed in a post on X/Twitter that he would remain at the studio, stating, “We’re back, baby!�/p>

Although it's unclear how many other previous staff members will return to the company, Krafton stated that they “[intend] to support the Tango Gameworks team to continue its commitment to innovation and delivering fresh and exciting experiences for fans.�/p>

No news was shared on whether the upcoming ph?ysica??l release of Hi-Fi Rush via Limited Run Games will be affected by this transaction, but it does not appear likely as the press release stated that “there will be no impact on the existing game catalog of The Evil Within, The Evil Within 2, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and the original Hi-Fi RUSH game.�/p>

While this is an uplifting turn for the nearly-defunct studio, it is worth noting that Krafton’s is not without its own track record of layoffs, with 32 staff let go from Striking Distance Studios last year after its debut title, The Calisto Protocol, fell short of sales expectations. Regardless, this is undeniably a more ideal outcome for the company than anybody could have exp?ected, with renewed opportunity under ??new ownership.

This surprising turn of events offers a faint glimmer of hope to the desperate fools like myself still holding out for the Tango team to conjure up The Evil Within 3 someday. If Toys for Bob can ??partner with Microsoft for ?a new game after separating from them earlier in the year, what’s stopping Tango from collaborating with Microsoft on another Evil Within title in the future?

The post Hi-Fi Rush and developer Tango Gameworks acquired by PUBG’s Krafton appeared first on Destructoid.

Just last week, Microsoft announced it would be closing Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within studio Tango Gameworks, alongside a few others, much to the despair of pretty much everyone. While Tango Gameworks will soon be no more, it still has a couple of things planned for Hi-Fi Rush, inc??l??uding its previously promised physical release.

Hi-Fi Rush initially launched as a digital-only title last year, but a couple of months ago Tango confirmed it had partnered with Limited Run Games to launch physical copies. Not just for the Xbox version, but also the PlayStation 5 port, which arrived digitally this past March. I wouldn't blame people for wondering if Tango's closure meant the physical release would be cancelled, but Tango has assured via a May 15 Twitter post that isn't the case.

It's still unclear when exactly these physical versions will come out, with Tango only adding that it has one last patch it plans to release later today. Don't expect anything major from the patch either, as Tango says it'll just address some of Hi-Fi Rush's lingering minor issues.

While it remains a tragic shame that Tango's future has been cut short, presumably ruling out any potential Hi-Fi Rush sequel along with it, it's good to know that there'll be an option for those who prefer to own their games physically. It's also a better alternative than keeping Hi-Fi Rush digital-only, since Microsoft could wind up de-listing it, thus rendering Hi-Fi Rush forever unavailable. It's certainly a better outcome than the one Redfall is facing, since it's stuck as an online-only game and is doomed to become unplayable once it?s servers shut down.

There was speculation that Hi-Fi Rush would eventually see a port to the Nintendo Switch, much like other former Xbox exclusives Grounded and Pentiment. In fact, The Verge outright claimed this would be the case. Now, though, it's entirely possible any Switch port of Hi-Fi Rush will be scrapped.

The post Hi-Fi Rush is stil??l getting a physical release despite the closure of its developer appeared first on Destructoid.

Xbox Game Pass is like walking into a candy store. T??here are so many different options to choose from when it comes to its game selection, and some of the best games on Xbox Game Pass can be hard to spot.

Some need acquired tastes like liquorice (Dordogne), while many others will enjoy a beloved, comfortable chocolate bar (Minecraft). However, there's a good chance you'll find something to sate your palette in Microsoft's rolling digital library. Here are the 13 best games on Xbox Game P??ass right now.

[Updated: May 2024]

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

Those seeking adventure should look towards The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This (take a deep breath) 12-year-old game (breathe out) still has a fervent fanbase, and is still played to this day for good reason. There are many weapons, armor, spells, and even dragon shouts to find across the open world. There are also branching side quests that in and of themselves have deep, fascinating stories and characters behind them. You should take ??an arrow in the knee in this game and explore the grand landscapes of Skyrim with Xbox Game Pass. The Special Edit??ion also comes with all of the DLC.

Halo Infinite

In my opinion, Halo Infinite gets way too much flak. This entry was my first step into the series, and I was floored by this sci-fi experience. Each weapon in Master Chief's arsenal feels powerful, but in the frantic first-person shooter levels, you're scrounging for whatever you can find, adding to the tension of battle.?? Finding improved weapons from the tough bosses you kill in the open world is gratifying, and the world itself truly grabbed me. The storyline with Master Chief saving the UNSC and the world on the brink is also thrilling to experience. The multiplayer, to me, feels dated with tired map design and modes, but the single-player campaign is the main attraction.

Hi-Fi Rush

Hi-Fi Rush is one of the best Xbox exclusives in years. It combines thrilling action combat with engaging music rhythm gameplay to create a unique melee-focused experience. You play as a unique, clumsy protagonist, trying to save the day from Vandelay Technologies' evil leader. The slapstick is on point, and the script is laugh-out-loud hilarious. The action is also fantastic as you switch between the powers of your allies and string together combos on your foes.  You also can't forget the stand-out music selection in Hi-Fi Rush with rock hits from Nine Inch Nails, The Prod?igy, and The Black Ke??????????????????????????ys.

Minecraft

There's not much else to be said about Minecraft but I'll try my best. It's a worldwide phenomenon for a reason as it allows players to build their own structures, craft their own items, and explore a randomly generated world. Building with your friends is a lot of fun, and many players have created amazing buildings throughout the years like Hogwarts from Harry Potter. Someone even made a working 3D graphing calculator. This game is great for kids, as it lets them show their creative side and figure out how to build materials in the game. Despite existing for over a decade, the game is still getting updates and DLC based on Mega Man X and SpongeBob SquarePants. 

Monster Hunter Rise

After many years of struggling to get into the series, Monster Hunter Rise finally got me on the saddle. Alongside your friends, you're taking down monstr?ous beasts, collecting the??ir materials, fur, etc, and then crafting incredible gear for your player. It's a rewarding game loop that keeps you playing for hours on end.

There's a strategy to each battle, and you need to keep your wits about you to survive in some of these encounters. Ultimately, it's Monster Hunter's new maneuverabili?ty of the wirebugs that lets you zip from place to place like Indiana Jones' whip that really made it click for me. You can also mount your pet palamute, letting you get to the battle quicker. It's one o??f the best games on Xbox Game Pass because of how gratifying collecting resources and physically seeing your character getting stronger is.

Need for Speed: Unbound

Exhaust-ed of Forza Horizon and need another enthralling racing game to play? Need for Speed: Unbound could good detour. The rush of driving through its city streets brought me back to the days of Underground 2, and you can deeply customize your car, go on tough street races, and try to be ??the best in the city.

There’s also a unique anime-like art style, and cast members have a unique shader that makes them stand out. There are?? also vibrant visual effects as you drift around corners and boost. Go check this one out!

Persona 3 Reload

Atlus' Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic way to get into the series or continue your love for the JRPG franchise. It's a complete remake of the PS2 gem that some fans argue is the best Persona game. Expect engaging turn-based combat revolving around collecting shadows, a provoking, dark story, and plenty of wonderful characters to meet along the way. The visual improvements are a stand-out with stunning UI and a complete uplift on the same level as Persona 5 Royal.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has been out for almost five years now, and I'm still surprised when anyone tells me t??hat th??ey've finished it.

This game’s absolutely massive, taking place in a stunning Greek-inspired open world. You can tell Ubisoft did its research with the spectacular architecture and intriguing culture to be found in the game. Kassandra (one of the two possible playable characters) is one of the best protagonists in the series; she has spunk, charming humor, and an overall badassery that few other Assassin’s Creed heroes can match. The sto?ry also takes twists and turns you’ll find fascinating. Oh, and the combat’s thrilling with a deep customization system alongside it.

TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge

A gorgeous throwback retro art style? Check. Exceptional beat-em-up action? Check. Yummy pizza slices? Cowabunga, dude! TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is rad??ical with its high-intensity battling. You can team up with three other players (no matter if they’re local, online, or have a different system) to battle Shredder and the Foot Clan.

Each character offers a unique battling style, and every boss is?? cha??llenging to defeat. The levels are also detailed with all sorts of references and have their own gameplay surprises in store.

Dordogne

If you’re fatigued from the intense FPS gameplay of most triple-A games, Dordogne is a fantastic palette cleanser. This game features a beautifu??l watercolor-like art style and a compelling narrative that tells the story of a woman’s childhood. It’s charming and adorable, but there’s an element of drama in the background that continues to grow as the game proceeds.

You’ll also interact with the environment in unique ways. Don’t miss out on this Fr??ench indie game!

Celeste

It's not often that a game truly moves me, but by the end of Celeste, I wept like a baby. Celeste was completely out of my comfort zone. It's a punishing platfo?rmer that tests yo??ur skills, and typically I don't have the patience for something like this. However, the challenging gameplay comes hand-in-hand with the storyline. As Madeline, you're trying to overcome your anxiety, and as you climb the mountain, she's pushing herself.

With anxiety and depression myself, this game strongly connected with me like no other did. Also, it will help others understand a foundation of what it's like to deal with symptoms like this daily. You also can't forget about Lena Raine's extraordinary soundtrack for Celeste.

Forza Horizon 5

One of the best driving games available on Xbox Game Pass is Forza Horizon 5. Variety is the spice of life and this is what you get with this Forza title. You're exploring volcanoes, the desert, beaches, Mexican towns, and even wintry mountain landscapes within Forza Horizon 5. There are also many cars to unlock as you complete challenges, earn cash, and get the best times around the open world. If you love outstanding graphics to test on your Xbox Series X or PC, Forza Horizon 5 is a gran??d tour-de-force to show off your lovely 4K?? TV.

Guilty Gear Strive

From slick cars to hot combos, Guilty Gear Strive is one of the best fighting games on Xbox Game Pass. It checks every box, with stunning combos, flashy special moves, the usual inventive character designs, and some of the best visuals amongst any 2D? fighter you can play right now. All that rocking music is a bonus, too.

Guilty Gear Strive is the ultimate package, and this Arc System Works game also has a fantastic tutorial system to help let new players enter the chaos. We said as much in our review, noting, "Guilty Gear Strive is? [..] what I needed right now: a good, solid, very online-capable fighting game with plenty of big swords, charging dolphins, and do??ctors with questionable credentials to go around."

The post Top 13 best games on Xbox Game Pass right now appeared first on Destructoid.

In a May 8 town hall meeting, Xbox Games Studio head Matt Booty told employees that Microsoft needs smaller-scale games that can earn the company prestige and awards. This came just one day after the shutdown of Tango Gameworks, which was responsible for a game that met those exact metrics: Hi-Fi Rush.

Booty's exact comment was, "We need smaller games that give us prestige and awards," which was then shared by employees in attendance with The Verge. I've seen some debate about whether Hi-Fi Rush can be considered small, since development on it began long before Microsoft bought out Tango Gameworks alongside the rest of parent company ZeniMax Media in 2021, with the game launching in early 2023. However, it's significantly cheaper than Microsoft's triple-A fare, only costing $29.99 / ÂŁ26.99, and is a far shorter experience. According to HowLongToBeat, you could complete Hi-Fi Rush's story in less than a day.

At the very least, Hi-Fi Rush is a prestigious title. Aside from it being a critical darling and easily the best Xbox exclusive of 2023, it's won a handful of awards, including Best Audio Design at the 2023 Game Awards. Just last month, it won the award for Animation at the BAFTAs, beating the likes of Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Spider-Man 2. While Microsoft has never shared exact sales figures, it was apparently happy with Hi-Fi Rush's overall performance, with Xbox Games Marketing VP Aaron Greenberg saying it "was a break out hit for us and our players in all key measurements and expectations" a few months after its laun??ch.

It's hard to be anything but baffled at Booty's comment, when it sounds like Hi-Fi Rush was exactly what Microsoft wanted and needed, yet it killed the studio that made it. To rub extra salt in the wound, a separate Bloomberg report claims Tango was in the process of pitching a Hi-Fi Rush sequel before it was shut down.

The decision to close Tango Gameworks, alongside a few other Bethesda studios, has already severely damaged Microsoft's image in the eyes of fans, and additional in??formation like this will only make things worse. Not to mention, it's bound to have left other Microsoft subsidiaries nervous about their own fu?tures, since the company has demonstrated it's willing to shut a studio down even if it makes a successful game.

The post Xbox says it needs small??er, prestigious games right after killing the studio beh?ind the small, prestigious Hi-Fi Rush appeared first on Destructoid.

Yesterday, the BAFTA Game Awards 2024 honored the past twelve months of the industry. Hosted by comedian and former Taskmaster ?contestant Phil Wang, the show was a celebration of what gaming has achieved?? recently.

As is typical with a lot of award shows, there were?? some varying attempts at humor. Which is a shame because, knowing Phil's work, I suspect he was not responsible for a lot of the jokes written on the t??eleprompter.

Still, it didn't detract from the jubilation, as a lot of games released ??in the past year �as well as their respective developers �were given their due credits. Below are the list of all the winners and nominations from this year's event.

Animation

• Alan Wake 2
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder
• WINNER: Hi-Fi Rush

Artistic Achievement

• Baldur's Gate 3
• Cocoon
• Diablo 4
• Finaly Fantasy XVI
• Hi-Fi Rush
• WINNER: Alan Wake 2

Audio Achievement

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
• Hi-Fi Rush
• The Legend of Zelda: tears of the Kingdom
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
• WINNER: Alan Wake 2

British Game

• Cassette Beasts
• Dead Island 2
• Disney Illusion Island
• Football Manager 2024
• Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin
• WINNER: Viewfinder

Debut Game

• Cocoon
• Dave the Diver
• Dredge
• Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical
• Viewfinder
• WINNER: Venba

Evolving Game

• Final Fantasy XIV Online
• Fortnite
• Forza Horizon 5
• Genshin Impact
• No Man's Sky
• WINNER: Cyberpunk 2077

Family

• Cocoon
• Dave the Diver
• Disney Illusion Island
• Hi-Fi Rush
• Hogwarts Legacy
• WINNER: Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Game Beyond Entertainment

• Chants of Sennaar
• Goodbye Volcano High
• Terra Nil
• Thirsty Suitors
• Venba
• WINNER: Tchia

Game Design

• Cocoon
• Dredge
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2
• Viewfinder
• WINNER: Dave the Diver

Multiplayer

• Baldur's Gate 3
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
• Diablo 4
• Forza Motorsport
• Party Animals
• WINNER: Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Music

• Alan Wake 2
• Assassin's Creed Mirage
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
• WINNER: Baldur's Gate 3

Narrative

• Alan Wake 2
• Dredge
• Final Fantasy XVI
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Star Wars Jed: Survivor
• WINNER: Baldur's Gate 3

New Intellectual Property

• Chants of Sennaar
• Dave the Diver
• Dredge
• Hi-Fi Rush
• Jusant
• WINNER: Viewfinder

Performer In A Leading Role

• Amelia Tyler (Narrator in Baldur's Gate 3)
• Cameron Monaghan (Carl Kestis in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor)
• Neil Newbon (Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3)
• Samantha BĂ©art (Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3)
• Yuri Lowenthal (Peter Parker in Marvel's Spider-Man 2)
• WINNER: Nadji Jeter (Miles Morales in Marvel's Spider-Man 2)

Performer In A Supporting Role

• Debra Wilson (Cere Juna in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor)
• Ralph Ineson (Cidolfus "Cid" Telamon in Final Fantasy XVI)
• Sam Lake (Alex Casey in Alan Wake 2)
• Tony Todd (Venom in Marvel's Spider-Man 2)
• Tracy Wiles (Jaheira in Baldur's Gate 3)
• WINNER: Andrew Wincott (Raphael in Baldur's Gate 3)

Technical Achievement

• Alan Wake 2
• Final Fantasy XVI
• Horizon Call of the Mountain
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2
• Starfield
• WINNER: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

EE Players' Choice Award (public vote)

• Cyberpunk 2077
• Fortnite
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Lethal Company
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2
• WINNER: Baldur's Gate 3

Best Game

• Alan Wake 2
• Dave the Diver
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder
• WINNER: Baldur's Gate 3

BAFTA Game Special Award

• SpecialEffect, presented to founder and CEO Dr. Mick Donegan MBE for "outstanding contributions to games, film and television" in helping "people with even the most severe physical challenges to access video games."

The post BAFTA Game Awards 20?24: All winners a?nd nominations appeared first on Destructoid.

Last week, Microsoft confirmed it would bring more first-party titles to other platforms. There was plenty of speculation as to what those games would be, but after various announcements today, the roster has ??been set.

During today's Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, Nintendo fired off the first confirmation that Grounded would be heading to the Nintendo Switch in April and Pentiment would arrive February 22. Then, Hi-Fi Rush for PS5 leaked a little early.

Now, Xbox has confirmed all four games: Grounded, Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, and Sea of Thieves.

The first to roll out will be Pentiment, and it's coming quite soon! Obsidian Entertainment's "superb" RPG is ??coming digitally to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on Feb??ruary 22.

Following Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush is coming to coming to PlayStation 5 on March 19. Tango Gameworks' shadow-dropped rhythm brawler is apparently skipping over the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. The title will be available for preorder over on the PlayStation Store at some point today.

As previously mentioned, Grounded is maki??ng its way to the Nintendo Switch on April 16. However, it's also making its way onto the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 as well. Crossplay will be built i??n over all platforms, so expect a significant player base boost as we head toward the summer.

Finally, as many predicted, Sea of Thieves sees another system off on the horizon. Rare's still-going-strong live-service pirate sim is coming to PlayStation 5 on April 30. This, too, will feature crossplay so that PC, PlayStation 5, and?? Xbox players can all adventure?? together.

Microsoft gently reminds us in today's Xbox Wire post that the above four titles join other massive Xbox properties like Minecraft, Overwatch, Call of Duty, and Diablo to go third-party. For whatever reason, some Xbox fans are still balking at this business decision. However, it's pretty clear at this point that this is the direction Microsoft will be considering for its games going forward, though those like Starfield and the upcoming Indiana Jones are staying on Xbox.

The post Microsoft confirms which four Xbox games are heading to new platfor??ms appeared first on Destructoid.

Following the announcement of Pentiment and Grounded heading to the Nintendo Switch, it seems like Hi-Fi Rush is slamming its way onto the PS5 this March.

The reveal arrived a bit earlier than intended, mind. It seems Bethesda's LATAM YouTube channel pulled the trigger a little too early, confirming the game's release on Sony's console on March 18. The vid??eo was sw?iftly taken down. But an official announcement will probably arrive shortly, now that the cat has officially escaped the bag.

Hi-Fi Rush is the third Xbox game to head to other platforms

As mentioned, Hi-Fi Rush will be the third game to leave the shelter of the Xbox umbrella. Before the video was unceremoniously unleashed, Pentiment and Grounded were revealed for the ??Switch during today's Pa?rtner Direct.

The move directly follows a podcast last week in which the Xbox team confirmed that four Xbox-published games were heading to other platforms. Head of Xbox Phil Spencer said the change would allow the publisher to "invest in maybe future iterations of those, sequels to those, or other games like? them in our portfolio?." The podcast was announced after rumors began to swirl that Xbox-exclusive games were going elsewhere and that Microsoft may go third-party only in the wake of rising development costs.

All three games confirmed today were revealed in a report by The Verge last week. The only game in the report that hasn't yet hopped the fence is Sea of Thieves. But with three games out of the four now confirmed? for other platforms, we'll?? likely hear word on Rare's PvPvE pirate adventure soon enough.

Hi-Fi Rush was surprise-launched in January 2023 on Xbox and Game Pass. The cel-shaded, rhythm-based game became an instant hit and quickly earned a passionate fanbase. We loved it, awarding it the best Xbox game of 2023.

The post Hi-Fi Rush heads to PS5 in March appeared first on Destructoid.

It was, by all accounts, a strange 2023 for Xbox. Its games were all over the board, and the company itself spent most of the year embroiled in the process of getting Activision Blizzard into the figurative catcher's mitt.

So, fittingly, our Best Xbox nominees list wound up looking a little strange. Not only did most of us play Starfield on PC, but it's also where it felt best to play, if we were only opting for a single category. The nominees here that hit Game Pass feel like a testament to the service's strength, at least. Pick-ups like Sea of Stars and Jusant are nice to se?e?, and certainly made the Pass' library feel more diverse.

But Xbox did have one winner that emerged in our voting, an early-in-the-year earworm we just couldn't shake. I'm talking about Tango Gameworks' Hi-Fi Rush.

In a way, this shouldn't be a huge surprise. Just a few months before, Obsidian's Pentiment showed that these more focused, AA-esque projects from Xbox's studios could be a breath of fresh air. But Hi-Fi Rush, in my mind, cemented the???? impact that these kinds of efforts could have on Xbox's Game Pass strategy.

Hi-Fi Rush is a rhythmic brawler, certainly not the type of thing you'd associate with Tango. But its relative length, ??effusive charm, and flat-out incredible playlist selection for the soundtrack all mixed to create a thumping, bumping, ??endearing action game. The lovable cast of characters and general Saturday morning vibes I got from the story helped, too.

In a year where Xbox felt shaky on its AAA legs, the passion projects shone through. And I really hope that Pentiment and Hi-Fi Rush aren't the end, either; I'd love to see more studios ge??t the chance to just make something this exciting and fresh, outside their wheelhouse, and put it on the Pass.

While all the nominees brought something great to the table, I think Hi-Fi Rush's charm and sheer inventiveness, laid over an extremely well-crafted blend of?? rhythm and action, will be something to remem?ber. Hopefully it's the start of more to come, too.

Congratulations, and here's our nominees list, in case you forgot the field:

• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
• Hi-Fi Rush
• Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
• Wild Hearts
• RoboCop: Rogue City
• Sea of Stars
• Jusant

The post Destructoid’s award for Best Xbox game of 2023 goes to… appeared first on Destructoid.

As 2023 comes ??to a close, the games industry once again prepares for another ceremony ??recognizing the year's line-up of adventures that made us laugh, cry, and everything in between. While we all have our personal lists, The Game Awards (TGA) packages that into something a little more formal.

We've crafted our way through Hyrule, rolled in the Forgotten Realms, explored the Settled Systems, and swung through New York. As a massive celebration of video games, TGA acts as a sign-off and spotlight for things to come. With its formal list of nominees planned for a November 13 reveal, I figured I'd highlight a few of 2023's dark horse candidates. Commit the box art to memory 'cause I'm hoping for some snu??bs, surprises, and success stories out of these.

Sea of Stars (Sabotage Studio)

It's an understatement to say Sea of Stars hit big upon release. Created by Game Award winner Sabotage Studio (The Messenger), the RPG felt like it came out of nowhere and surprised everyone, myself included. It's a turn-based 2D RPG harkening back to classics like Chrono Trigger in more ways than one. Andrea Shearon, who reviewed Sea of Stars and awarde??d it a 9/10, noted how it?? manages not only to capture what made retro-RPGs special but also charts its own path.

As for what titles it may run for, it's no stretch to pin it in the Game of the Year category. Its Metacritic score, 91, ranks second among the other contenders here. There's plenty else it works as a nominee for, too, like Best Indie Game, Best RPG, Best Soundtrack, and Best Art Direction. One that wouldn't be too surprising to see it up for is Best Game Direction, as, for an indie studio, the amount of work and polish Sea of Stars has is impressive. There are plenty of stars in the sky right now, but this one might outshine others just enough??.

The second indie on this list, Mintrocket's Dave the Diver captured hearts (and fish) aplenty when it arrived in June. The subnautical adventures of deep-sea diver and sushi restaurant manager Dave as he fishes for the best product was a sleeper hit on PC. Its endearing themes, beautiful graphics, and fun gameplay got many critics (including Christine Choi) 'hooked'. Now, with i??ts release on Nintendo Switch, many more people have taken the dive and fallen in love with? its variety and charm.

Dave the Diver has a little edge over some due to its massive popularity and continued updates. Of course, the pixel art and graphics are prime for a nod in Best Art Direction. It's easily one for Best Indie Game and Best Debut Indie Game, too, as this is Mintrocket's first game. We may see it given a Best Direction nomination, as some indie studios made the mark in years past. Most recently, BlueTwelve Studio was nominated for its indie darling Stray last year and, in years past, games like Hades and Outer Wilds have garnered a spot in the category.

Like a Beyonce album, Hi-Fi Rush dropped out of nowhere and surprised everybody. Created by Tango Gameworks (The Evil Within), the action-rhythm game was revealed and released the same day on Game Pass. It follows Chai, a wannabe rockstar with a 'heart' for music, dismantling a large corporation alongside a team of fun misfits with his trusty scrap-metal guitar and killer beat. The rhythm-based gameplay was a hit with many critics, including Cheri Faulkner, who applauded the creativity. For audiences, the art style and characte?rs were charming and kept us moving and grooving to its fantastic sou??ndtrack.

There is a possibility that Hi-Fi Rush could get some big nods this Game Awards. As the game was available on Game Pass, the title's got a sizeable reach. Nominations for Best Art Direction, Best Audio Design, and Best Soundtrack seem like easy targets for the music-based game. With the game being the last for iconic director Shinji Mikami (Resident Evil 4, God Hand), Hi-Fi Rush easily makes the case for a Best Direction nod. Ei??ther way, the rock n' roll adventure is sure to hit some high notes come nominations Monday.

Out of all the titles on this list, Cocoon may be the most silent but deadly. The Annapurna Interactive-published platformer blossomed from lead Inside and Limbo gameplay designer Jeppe Carlsen. As a world-hopping beetle, you'll explore various settings via mysterious orbs and solve puzzles to unlock the universe's secrets. Cocoon boasts a 92 on Metacritic, ranking the best of these entries and even some AAA releases this year. Much like the games Jeppe has been part of, Cocoon has followed suit in becoming a staple indie gem.

While indies are a bit foreign for big categories, it's possible Cocoon could sneak up and take some giants down. Best Debut Indie and Best Indie are gimmes. There are strong contenders for Best Soundtrack, Best Art Direction, and Best Game Direction, but the high praise from critics may lead to it being in at least one. Furthermore, when it comes to Game of the Year, indies have been known to sneak in there occasionally, like 2022's Stray and 2020's Hades. Cocoon is one of those titles that may do just that.

Much like its predecessor, Octopath Traveler II continues its reign as a beacon for 2.5D titles. The classic RPG charm from decades ago shines here as the sequel maintains its eight unique protagonists, gorgeous music, and beautiful art style. This time, though, it essentially one-uped the original with more intertwined narratives and new gameplay mechanics. Eric Van Allen found the title captivating, with loads of content and a landmark title for the fairly new franchise. Octopath Traveler II sets the bar for 2.5D games and shows that classic RPGs never went out of style; they've just ?evolved.

At the 2018 Game Awards, Octopath Traveler was nominated for Best Art Direction, Best Soundtrack, and Best RPG. This year, we may have a case of deja vu. I predict Octopath Traveler II will find itself back in its predecessor's nominated categories. Much of the game's praise revolves around its classic RPG gameplay and 2.5D art direction, all done with a fantastic soundtrack. Like the rest of the entries, its competition is very solid but not irreplaceable. To that end, Octopath Traveler II could stand up to ?t??hose and earn a highly-coveted spot.

French for ebb (the motion of waves), Jusant paints a new horizon for Don't Nod. The company known for narrative-driven titles like Tell Me Why and Life is Strange took a risk when announcing a rock-climbing platformer as their next title. However, people fell in love with its simple and e?ndearing gameplay and art style, alongside its usage of envi??ronmental storytelling.

As a lone wanderer, you climb up an abandoned tower and discover relics of another time. Smangaliso Simelane highlights the simplistic yet thoughtful gameplay, as it makes for a wholesome and pleasurable experience. Jusant is proof that Don't No?d can go outside the box, and this is just the tip of the iceberg for new ideas and concepts.

With Jusant's recent release, it may hinder its chances at big nominations. However, Don't Nod's departure from the norm and risk-taking could pay off. The game's narrative is a hit or miss for some, but truth be told, it's reminiscent of Shadow of the Colossus in terms of using the environment as a narrative device. In terms of its direction, both art and game, it's the risks? that come in, as the simplistic art and gam??eplay make for an accessible experience.

The post The dark horse candidates?? for The Game Awards 2023 appeared first on Destructoid.

Toe-tappin' challenges

If you haven't checked out one of 2023's best Xbox games, you're missing out. Hi-Fi Rush came out of nowhere and left a lot of people impressed by its slick, comic-style action, cartoony visuals, and rhythm mechanics. It represented something a little different, made even more special by the fact that it was developed by Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo studio Tango Gameworks.

Now, the latest up??date has arrived, which brings two new game modes which can be accessed by an arcade cabinet in the Hideout. For starters, you can now take on a challenge that really tests your reflexes. Known as BPM Rush, this mode lets you take on endless enemies with things getting faster and faster until you eventually hit 200 BPM. That should sort the wheat from the chaff.

//youtu.be/W1dU394xpvU

The second new mode in Hi-Fi Rush is called Power Up! Tower Up! It's another challenge in which Chai has been downgraded, but with each level that yo??u advance, there are random rewards to help you level up, as well as random enemy sets that spawn. For ?example, you might have to fight off a round of "mega-tough new enemies" or call one of your buddies in to help out.

Plus some bug fixes

For the more admin side of things, you can head on over to the game's Steam page to check out? the patch notes for Update 5. There are a bunch of bug fixes that have been?? implemented, with a few tweaks to some of the tracks.

The update also has some extra superficial content, if you're into that sor??t of thing. So yo??u can get new looks for 808, additional accessories, filters, poses for photo mode, and more. It should also be said that the BPM Rush and Tower Up! Power Up! Challenges are only unlocked after you complete the main game.

There was a time when rhythm games were everywhere. The likes of Guitar Hero and Rock Band were huge money spinners back in the early 2000s, but it's a genre that seems to have died down. That's probably why Hi-Fi Rush was such a breath?? of fresh air, particularly as we're currently in the midst of ??a remake/remaster onslaught.

The post Hi-Fi Rush update chall??enges you to play at 200 BPM appeared first on Destructoid.

Rev up your BPM July 5

One of the surprise success stories of 2022, Tango Gameworks' Hi-Fi Rush, is getting to set to unleash a fresh wave of day-glo color and block-rockin' beats, with the arrival of the Arcade Challenge update �Available to downl??oad next month, free of charge, on PC and Xbox platform??s.

As revealed during yesterday's Xbox Games Showcase extension, the new update will bring two exciting new modes to the highly dynamic hack 'n' slasher. BPM Rush will task players with battling wave after wave of increasingly tough opponents, with bonus points awards for syn?ching the battle to the beat. Stay on your toes, however, as the BPM will increase with each and every wave, and only the most rhythmic melee warriors will be able to keep the pace in this unique-looking endurance test.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1dU394xpvU

The second mode Power Up! Tower Up! is a variant of Hi-Fi Rush's Rhythm Tower mode, and add?s a slew of power-ups and bugs to the battle. Chai will be able to select from a variety of buffs and nerfs between rounds at the cost (or increase of) their score multipliers and other bonuses. Essentially, it is up to the player to increase their powers in exchange for a higher score, or to conversely reduce their own abilities for the big, big numbers.

In addition to the two modes, new challenges arrive that will reward players with clothing for Chai and Korsica, new poses and filters for Photo Mode, and all-new special attacks that see an assist from robo-friendos CNMN and Smidge. Get by with a little help from you friends indeed. You can check out all of this cool content for free when the Hi-Fi Rush Arcade Challenge update drops on July 5.

Hi-Fi Rush is available now on PC, Xbox?, and Xbox Game Pass.

The post New modes coming to Hi-Fi Rush in Arcade Challe?nge update appeared first on Destructoid.

Xbox says Tango's surprise drop hit its goals

Hi-Fi Rush was a bit of a surprise drop earlier this year, and certainly made a splash. But as a report circulated that it did not hit its revenue target, Xbox is saying that Hi-Fi Rush was a break out hit.

The back-and-forth started when journalist Jeff Grubb, on the Game Mess Decides podcast, said that Hi-Fi Rush fell short of what it "needed" to do.

"Based on what I've heard, it just straight up didn't make the money it needed to make," Grubb said. "And, I mean, it got good reviews, buzz was good. So?? where do you put the blame for something like that? And it's like, is it the price? Was it the shadow drop? Or could it have sold more? Or is i??t Game Pass?"

Grubb went on to clarify on Twitter that, according to what he's heard, Hi-Fi Rush didn't make the money it was expected to make. "But to be clear, I don't really know how Microsoft measures success," Grubb said. "This was just a small, passing statement in a larger conversation. It wasn't meant to make people worry about [Hi-Fi Rush]."

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgd4aU56Kig

The conversation about this, and how success is determined for Xbox games, carried on through social media. Eventually Aaron Greenb?erg, the VP of Xbox Games Marketing at Microsoft, stepped in to comment.

"Hi-Fi Rush was a break out hit for? us and our players in all key measurements and expectations," Greenberg said. "We couldn't be happier with what the team at Tango Gameworks delivered with this surpri?se release."

Grubb then quote-tweeted and followed up with another clarification:

"I shouldn'tve said 'needed' on the podcast," Grubb said. "I don't know what it needed to do. The conversation we were having was about generating revenue, and the game didn't hit that target. But no matter what, [Hi-Fi Rush] isn't a flop, and Tango's future is bright."

Regardless of what the goal is, Hi-Fi Rush was pretty cool by all accounts. Whether every target was hit or not, I'm personally hoping both it and Pentiment become a regular thing for Xbox, as I've really enjoyed thes?e surprise passion projects.

The post Xbox asserts Hi-Fi Rush was a ‘break-out hit’ amid claims it underperformed appeared first on Destructoid.

B for big business

Way back in the year 2008, my first ever front-page post for Destructoid asked if ultra-expensive, realistic-looking AAA games were where the industry was going. Flash forward nearly 16 years later, and most of the enduring, popular new intellectual properties since then haven't come AAA at all, and instead hail from what you might call "B budget" developers. Human Fall Flat, Five Nights at Freddy's, Genshin Impact, Among Us, Fall Guys, Fortnite, Vampire Survivors, and Rocket League are just a few of the non-AAA games that went on to find big, sustained audiences s??ince then.

The list of games like this to both launch well and continue to perform well is a lot longer t??han the list of new, multi-million-dollar, AAA f?ranchises that achieve the same goals in a similar timeframe.

We don't know how much all these "B budget" games cost, but we can guess that if Fortnite originally cost $300K to produce, the likes of Among Us were likely much less. Player Unknown's Battlegrounds, one of the most played games of all time, started off as a fan mod fer cripes sake! And some of the few new AAA IPs that did manage to take off in the last decade largely found their footing thanks to goodwill built up from their developers' work on less-than-AAA budgeted games. Elden Ring would have never taken off without diehard Souls fans, Cyberpunk 2077 wouldn't be anywhere without the loyalty of fans of the original Witcher games, and so on.

From that perspective, the days of single-player, hyper-realistic games with long expensive cutscenes or other barriers to actual gameplay could be over. Some of the most well-known games in the world in 2023 aren't trying to muscle attention away from casual shoppers in brick-and-mortar stores like Toys 'R' Us or GameStop. They are games that ??????????????????????????make for great "Let's Play" videos, are fun to share screenshots or stories about on social media, s?tream well, and can be picked up and played by a wider audience.

It doesn't always ta??ke a lot of money to make them. So why doesn't AAA make more games like that?

[caption id="attachment_368574" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image credit No Breaks Games[/caption]

The AAA culture bubble

AAA gaming, like most media cultures, exists in its own insular little world. Human Fall Flat sold 40 million copies since its release in 2016, but despite the fact that it's clearly the kind of game that makes a lot of people really happy, you can be sure that it never, ever had a chance of winning one of Geoff Keighley's Game Awards. Those prizes will inevitably go to a game that either attempts to be like a serious Hollywood movie, and/or involve some "auteur" talent from outside of games, like Norman Reedus or George R.R. Martin. When it comes to cute, silly, gleefully game-y games like Human Fall Flat, AAA executives are quick to handwave their success a??way. They're seen as flukes, and their success is perceived to be based entirely on luck.

The fact that they do a better job than most A??AA games at engaging the average player is largely ignored.

This leads to a weird sort of risk aversion where AAA devs feel like they need to spend a massive amount of money to assure that, regardless of what trends are happening at that moment, that their game will be "objectively superior" to the rest. And I get it. It's much harder to predict which quirky, highly accessible game will be the next one to become a phenomenon. But it's also likely that it won't be a AAA game with realistic graphics and a focus on a big, complicated single-player story, because no game like that has sold more than 30 million copies in a long time. GTAV was probably the last one to do??? that, and it was released a decade ago.

[caption id="attachment_368571" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image credit Krafton Inc.[/caption]

It's not as though the risk of AAA games with a big marketing budget selling absolutely nothing isn't there. The capacity to bomb is still strong. AAA titles like Forspoken and The Callisto Protocol are two recent examples. Their AAA publishing, budget, and marketing efforts failed to make them hits. While they never had the potential to be the next Tetris or Minecraft, they don't even look poised to become "cult hits" like No More Heroes. Moving forward, we can guess that all-new, single-player-focused, big-budget IPs will be more and more of a lose-lose proposition. For AAA, there will always be a ceiling for success, marked by a line where the enthusiast market ends, and the mainstream market begins. But there is no bottom to how hard they can fail.

The irony is, the same factors that limit how big AAA games can get are the same factors that make them appealing to publishers. It's much easier to be a big fish in a relatively small enthusiast market than it is to try to swim in the blue ocean against massive mainstream hits like Roblox or League of Legends. And, for now, AAA ?still has the power to craft a niche culture where only they have the resources to make games that will be perceived as "important".

[caption id="attachment_368580" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image credit Rockstar Games[/caption]

Maintaining dominAAAnce

I was laughed off of the internet once for theorizing that home console controllers have become increasingly complicated over the years in order to push away players who are more likely to criticize AAA games. I can see how that might sound paranoid, but just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you. Just look at the amount of hate people have gotten for suggesting that tough boss fights be skippable, or that games should always have easy modes. The level of venom that the Wii and the DS received for valuing "casuals" was wild to witness. AAA marketing had worked for years to instill a weird pride in p??eople for playing difficult, complicated games, and with that pride came the urge to shame anyone who took a different road.

You'd think that AAA publishers wouldn't want to create an audience that repels potential new customers from getting into gaming, but as many politicians know, winning elections isn't about getting everyone to like you. If using divisive, mean-spirited rhetoric pushes 50% of voters away so much that they don't even want to think about politics, but also excites 30% of the remaining people, then that only leaves 20% of the population who may vote against you?.

And in AAA, every vote costs at least $60 to cast, making the barrier to entry much higher than voting in most of the world's political elections. Expensive to make, expensive to buy games do even more to alienate any reviewer who may consider playing a GTA or CoD game for review and say, "?It's too long, divisive, or meanspirited."

If the only people p?laying your games are the ones who are predestined to love them, then y?ou've already guaranteed a win.

[caption id="attachment_368584" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image credit InnerSloth LLC[/caption]

But that can't last forever, especially with something as awesome as video games. Eventually, people are going to find them and love them, no matter how much you try to alienate them. As a result, the urge from the old guard to fight back can lead to some pretty strange comments. You see something similar happening in the film industry, where directors who love making movies about real people will complain that superhero blockbusters aren't "real cinema". What they're really trying to sa??y is, they preferred the days when the movies they loved to make were also the movies that the industry valued the most. They want to continue to be the ones to establish what "good" and "bad" movies are, so they can continue to easily get financing for the kinds of movies they like making.

If controlling the standards for quality in your medium is the #1 way to avoid risk in any art industry, you can bet your sweet bippy that AAA will do its darndest to exercise that control. That's why Bethesda's Hi-Fi Rush was such an anomaly. The game was a huge hit, despite not being a typical AAA game. In fact, that's exactly why it did s?o well. It was a massive breath of fres??h air in an otherwise stale market filled with games aiming for the same safe, AAA goals.

But if Bethesda and other AAA publishers continue to make that type of game, they are going to implicitly admit that you don't need a ton of money to make something really popular. T??he emperor's new high-res, photorealistic clothes will be off, and they'll have to compete with other publishers and developers on a much more even playing field. It's enough to give your average AAA CEO low-budget nightmares.

[caption id="attachment_368591" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image Credit Sony Santa Monica[/caption]

Delaying the inevitable

Just like fossil fuel companies that desperately want to keep their good thing going until either electric cars, government regulation, (or the planet Earth itself), says that the party's over, AAA publishers really don't have much reason to embrace the truth right now. If the vocal minority online, which is still made up of millions, keeps believing that t?hey are number one, it will keep that FOMO feeling alive in those with enough dis?posable income to splurge on a $60 or $70 title just because it got a lot of reviews/awards/buzz online. As long as they maintain their stature with the loudest voices in the enthusiast market, then they are going to keep making plenty of money.

That said, I think it's inevitable that their brand of game will eventually lose the capacity to even appear "important" to anybody. AAA games in long-running franchises like God of War, which appeal to both older players like me and the kids who care about AAA gaming history, are going to continue to do well for at least another decade. It's not a coincidence that these games tend to be about aging parents and their up-and-coming, game-loving children, because that's exactly who's still buying them. Eventually, the generation brought up on disc-based home consoles will hit their 60s and 70s, leaving the Minecraft-loving tablet and phone gami?ng generation to fully inherit the me??dium.

By 2050, the current st??yle of AAA games will look "retro" at best,?? like how N64 games look to us now.

And, by then, making realistic-looking games will be as cheap and easy to do as it is to use art-generating apps today. The games that win the popularity contests will be the ones that give people the opportunity to work out their stress and live out their fantasies in the most novel and interesting ways, regardless of how much money was put into them. It could be that The Last of Us may really end up being one of the last of the single-player-focused, story-heavy, AAA-budget franchises that will appeal to anyone but the ?most diehard of video game fans.

The post Why don’t ‘AAA’ publishers put out more ‘B budget’ games? appeared first on Destructoid.

Take a picture of your rhythmic beat-downs

The stylish rhythm-action game Hi-Fi Rush is breaking out the camera. A new update today adds Photo Mode to Hi-Fi Rush, letting players snap shots of th?eir favorite moments and characte??rs.

Xbox Series X|S and PC users can download the update today and start capturing their favorite moments, whether that's a posed cast shot or an active snap of Chai slamming bots with his guitar. Once the game's updated, the Photo Mode can be accessed? directly through the in-game menu.

What options do y?ou have? Well, it looks like you can use plenty of frames, as well as pose characters and add filters. It's got the bells and whistles you'd want from a Photo Mode, from the look of it.

//twitter.com/hifiRush/status/1630968954750369800

That said, it's a Photo Mode for Hi-Fi Rush, a game that's all about style and has some excellent character designs. It looks like that thematic drive carries into the photo options too. I love the ability to tool around with color settings and poses, and creat??e some really vibrant screenshots.

Picture rush

Alongside today's Photo Mode addition, Hi-Fi Rush also issued a patch addressing some issues. Thi?s includes some "UE4 Fatal Error" issues that had been popping up, due to various reasons. Some progress blockers and other annoyances have been tuned up too, and even the stick and trigger dead zone calculation has been adjusted.

Hi-Fi Rush was an early and pleasant surprise for 2023, adding onto the pile of projects that have emphasized Game Pass' strengths. It's nice to see Tango Gameworks contin??ue to add onto it, and in a way that feels very fitting to what players would still want out of this experience.

The post Hi-Fi Rush gets a Photo Mode in new update today appeared first on Destructoid.

Welcome to Vandelay Technologies

Hi-Fi Rush is a rhythm-based action game developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softworks. It was dropped on the globe as a complete surprise during an Xbox showcase on January 25, 2023, and was available almost immediately on Game Pass for PC and Xbox consoles.

Until recently, Japanese developer Tango Gameworks had been working on an entirely different genre of games, being responsible for The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo to name just a couple. Hi-Fi Rush could not be any more different from these releases if it tried, with a cartoon-inspired art style and a ??population of mostly robots.

The player takes on the role of Chai, a wannabe rock star whose heart is "accidentally" replaced with his own music player in a factory-based mishap, or experime??ntal surgery dependent on your viewpoint. Vandelay Technologies, the corporation that took out said surgery, labels him a defect and begins a quest to remove him from the production line or, you know, kill him. Again, dependent on your viewpoint of course.

[caption id="attachment_365413" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Tango Gameworks[/caption]

Hi-Fi Rush (PC [reviewed], Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S)
Developer: Tango Gameworks
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Released: January 25, 2023
MSRP: $29.99

In this animated world, every action you take is synced to the outstanding musical soundtrack's beat, which includes licensed work from the likes of Nine Inch Nails and The Prodigy, amongst others. There's a handy "streamer mode", which replaces these licensed tracks with original works from the team at Bethesda, meaning those who'd like to share their Hi-Fi Rush gameplay online won't be hit with an inconvenient DMCA notice ???for broadcasting the music.

One of the most satisfying things about this though, is that the player doesn't actually need to be able to keep a beat at all. Unlike games such as Guitar Hero or the more recent Metal: Hellsinger, the actions will automatically sync with the beat. For those that do have a little more musical inclination, score multipliers and damage output will be ramped rig??ht up for every action players perform in time with the music, meaning it's more rewarding to do so but not a dealbreaker.

//youtu.be/pgd4aU56Kig

Slowly does it ... sometimes

Hi-Fi Rush gets off to a high-octane start, with a lot of activity both in the story and in the l?inear stages that follow. The game drip feeds information to the player, with the road to each boss battle teaching new skills and combat styles - such as a useful parry that allows for an immediate super strong retaliation as well as minigames that work in a “Simon Says�format. All the while, the animated environment is bopping away to the beat, with lam??pposts, machinery, and trees all bouncing in time which simultaneously helps the player to ensure their button-mashing hits the beat too.

Chai himself contributes to the comic book stereotype, snapping his fingers and quipping about the music from time to time. Traversing through Vandelay Technologies, each area tells an unfolding story of how it began by manufacturing robotic limbs and evolved into selling robots. Kale Vandelay, the big boss man, seems to have a particularly? interesting goal of using those robotic limbs and manufactured implants to control their user's minds.

Chai is slow to pick up on everything that the game is laying down, leading to some frustration in areas where the player really just wants him to understand the objective. Con??versely, this is entirely why he is so charming as our protagonist. He's clumsy, comedically unaware of others' disdain towards him, but over and above all of that he is eager to be exactly who he is. His blissful ignorance becomes endearing and when he's partnered with some well-fleshed-out characters �such as Peppermint and her adorable robot cat, 808 �they give him the space to shine whilst facilitating his character development throughout the story.

No spoilers here, but there are some revelations that ??might make the player look at Chai slightly differently and the game is better for it.

[caption id="attachment_365460" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Sidekicks with an extra kick

Each of these characters, with the exception of CNMN late?r on, can be summoned throughout the game's stages to bring their individual skill sets to certain puzzles, traversal difficulties, or battles. Peppermint has a gun to deal huge damage to enemies for a limited time whereas Macaron can remove enemy armor with a smash attack. Throughout the stages, earned currency can be used to upgrade attacks or buy new moves and passive abilities.

The boss battles are the best examples of combat in Hi-Fi Rush. They're imaginative?? with different puzzles and tasks to complete in each one, and the enemies themselves have varied attack styles and narratives surrounding them which kept me engaged and intrigued. The areas between these boss fights are often too long, and can get tiresome especially with so much currency and so many collectibles to uncover.

The rhythm element of the game really holds its own and brings an advantage, since enemies will also only attack on-the-beat, so their attacks can somewhat be predicted, dodged, or parried. This unfortunately does remove some of the challenge that comes with learning the game and can lead to some somewhat dull and predictable combat at times. That said, digesting the game in small one-to-two-hour bites negates this issue and leads to excitement to boot it up again. Hi-Fi Rush isn't meant to be fired through in marathon sessions, and shorter play??time sessions is the way to go.

[caption id="attachment_365461" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Twisted platforming with lethal consequences

The most satisfying moments in Hi-Fi Rush don't come from the combat or combos, but from the platforming that each environment tasks the player with traversing. As the stages progress, so too does the difficulty and complexity of these traveling phases. Environmental traps and hazards such as billowing lava plumes and falling platforms are thrown in to catch Chai out, and the controller-wield??er must hit the jumps and summon allies to break shields before the next beat in the music comes or the section is failed and Chai must start afresh. The strength of the soundtrack and clear beat makes this a breeze for those with an ear for it, and less so for those more musically challenged.

The soundtrack does fall flat sometimes, with the story's strong anti-capitalist message perhaps better fitting to punk music or just presented with a grittier overall style. It's a message we can all agree with, (except perhaps for Kale Vandelay), but the unadventurous, (if polished), gameplay doesn't quite deliver what Tango Softworks is aiming for. There are never any any opportunities to play as any character other than Chai is offered, ??and I found myself longing to wield Peppermint's guns or have the chance ignite the battlefield as an unnamed character that I'm not going to spoil here. Perhaps this would be a possible ide??a for post-release DLC or future sequels.

The gameplay concept for Hi-Fi Rush is very needed. Few other games on the market plug the gap for an accessible rhythm adventurer that doesn't rely heavily on skill to feel fun. Does the concept feel fulfilling though? Well, yes and no. Approaching the title in bite-size segments did make me genuinely excited to return to the game after a day or two away. And th?is, in turn, meant that I could learn important mechanics at my own pace, including how to parry to the beat.

For someone who also works in music journalism, my skills are shaky, to say the least. But, having taken the time to improve these skills, I now feel better equipped to appreciate the game for what it is: a fun, quirky, sometimes weird, ?and often cheesy critique of capitalism. When I was less focused on how perfectly I was playing, I had a much better time headbanging through each stage. Just give me a wider variety of music nex?t time and I'm sold.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game made available through Xbox Game Pass.]}

The post Review: Hi-Fi Rush appeared first on Destructoid.

They are The Robots

Destructoid has been known for its iconic robot mascot, Mr. Destructoid, for almost two decades, so it's strange that there has never been a list here featuring of th??e best robots in gaming. Well,? today, we are fixing that by talking to you about the most beloved walking and talking machines from throughout gaming history. From a certain lombax's robotic pal to the most adorable cat (that isn't a cat), here are the 10 best robots in gaming, ranked.

10. 808 (Hi-Fi Rush)

[caption id="attachment_360679" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Our newest entry on this list but the most adorable addition is 808 from Hi-Fi Rush. 808? is an animal, yet robotic, companion that accompanies Chai on his adventures. While it doesn't necessarily help in battle, it can turn into different forms like a sphere?? to amplify Chai's music. During cutscenes, its eyes also change color depending on who's speaking in the conversation through 808's speakers. For example, when Peppermint comes with a sharp remark about Chai, its eyes turn blue. It's a neat touch and gives 808 plenty of personality. Lastly, between missions, Chai can pet 808 in the cutest way possible.

9. BD-1 (Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order)

[caption id="attachment_360682" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via EA[/caption]

Another cute ally that just happens to be a unit droid is BD-1 from Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Its main function is to guide the stranded Padawan Cal Kestis through treacherous landscapes and scan artifacts. It can also heal the promising Jedi with a quick injection to Cal. Within cutscenes, the developer Respawn Entertainment successfully makes BD-1 as adorable as BB-8 with impeccable animation and model quality. Despite having no English-speaking voice, BD-1 carries a bunch of charisma and charm, thanks to its ?gestural communication.

8. R.O.B.

[caption id="attachment_360684" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

R.O.B. is an iconic robot all the way back to the NES era for Nintendo. This Robotic Operating Buddy was used as a cool accessory for Gyromite and Stack-Up, which have the robot twisting from side to side. In Gyromite, this robot balances spinning tops onto real-life platforms to move the level's pillars in the game. The professor you control in Gyromite can then move forward through the platforming sections. While this NES accessory was not particularly successful, R.O.B. has also appeared as a playable character in the Super Smash Bros. series with an exhilarating move set l?ike spinning its arms rapidly and releasing a rocket-like fire under its base towards the ground.

7. Bastion (Overwatch)

[caption id="attachment_360698" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Blizzard[/caption]

Bastion is arguably one of the strongest characters in the Overwatch series, and it's incredibly satisfying to play as him. Alongside its quirky personality, Bastion can instill fear in the hearts of its enemies. The mini-gun on its back when utilized can incur massive amounts of damage, and his ultimate attack has him hailing down artillery fire. While many Overwatch players hate him for how much DPS opportunity he has, he is still one of the best robot gaming characters, thanks to his ability to wreck everyone in front of him. He even has a LEGO-like skin in the game.

6. Connor (Detroit: Become Human)

[caption id="attachment_360695" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Quantic Dream[/caption]

While Quantic Dream's games can be hit or miss when it comes to its characters, Connor is one robot that truly shines in Detroit: Become Human. The game tackles a future in which A.I.-driven robots can take on investigations and work other jobs humans usually perform. In Detroit: Become Human, there's a conflict that arises about the rights of robots and how they should be treated. Connor is an endearing and intriguing character within this universe as he considers the relationship between humans and robots. His decisions between right and wrong rest upon the player most of the time, and what comes out of it is a memorable performance by Bryan Dechart as the character struggles to understand his true purpose. This fascinating storyline with the char?acter makes him one of the best robots in gaming.

5. Claptrap (Borderlands)

[caption id="attachment_360723" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via 2K[/caption]

Many people hate Claptrap, but he's arguably one of the funniest characters in gaming history. The slapstick humor matched with his nutty antics in the Borderlands series makes him a charismatic character to get to know. There are some memorable gags throughout the series like him not being able to climb stairs to his absolute dismay and him being a god to some bandits with a mighty hat on top. More often than not, when he's whining and struggling in the game, you'll likely be laughing. Hopefully, he makes for some excellent comedic relief in the upcoming movie adaptation.

4. Clank (Ratchet & Clank)

[caption id="attachment_360702" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via PlayStation[/caption]

Ratchet's right-hand man and constantly on his back, Clank is a wonderful sidekick to the lombax. Alongside his trademark ?laugh, Clank has hilarious quips to bounce off Ratchet's hair-brazen attitude. He's the smarty-pants of the duo, coming up with clever plans and resolving issues with his quick thinking. Clank also has you solving puzzles while you're playing as him, maki??ng for a needed break from the third-person shooting chaos that Ratchet delivers. He's an endearing character that is a perfect hero within Insomniac's famous platforming franchise. Clank's one of the best robots in gaming for that reason.

3. Dr. Nefarious (Ratchet & Clank)

[caption id="attachment_360703" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot via PlayStation??'s YouTube Channel[/??caption]

Another robot character from the Ratchet & Clank series makes the list. While we don't usually have two characters from the same franchise in a list, you have to make an exception for Dr. Nefarious. He's a clever, yet dumb antagonist for Ratchet, who loves to complain and make insults towards the lombax. The slapstick comedy from the character is absolutely hilarious, especially within the original trilogy of the franchise. For example, when he gets too angry, he suddenly malfunctions and a love scene is played as his system tries to recompile itself. His scenes with Clarence are especially funny. However, when the final boss battle arises, Dr. Nefarious pulls out all the stops to defeat Ratchet & Clank. The one in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, for example, is spectacular.

2. GLaDOS (Portal)

[caption id="attachment_360724" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

The cake is a lie, but it's true that GLaDOS is one of the best robots in gaming. The sarcastic tone and engrossing writing behind her lines is top-notch. The dark comedy is on point as she delivers her lines in a dark AI-driven tone. The way GL??aDOS tries to fall you until the very end is extremely compelling. And then the puzzles?? she lays forth for the player and how she makes fun of you is just a delight. GLaDOS is one of the best robots in gaming because it's satisfying to stop her in her tracks and outwit her at the end. She's one of the best antagonists in gaming and wonderfully evil while trying to confuse you.

1. Mega Man

[caption id="attachment_360726" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Mega Man, since his legendary adventures on the NES, has been an iconic Capcom character. His platforming adventures helped grow the genre as he faces tough bosses and takes on their powers. He has also been in a charming RPG series called Mega Man Legends and a set of long-running GBA spinoffs within the Battle Network. After decades of challenging players, this robot boy has fought the likes of Mario, Link, Sonic, and Cloud Strife among other famous video game characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Mega Man's varied arsenal in each game makes h??im one of the best robots in gaming because of Capcom's well-crafted level design.

The post 10 best robots in gaming, ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

In a sea of mediocre and padded games, a well-paced experience is welcomed

Welcome back! It’s another Tuesday, which means tonight there will be a new episode of the Spot Dodge Podcast exclusively on Destructoid. Topics: After the explosive shadow drop of HI-FI Rush, a trending topic across socials has been short video games. I thought this would be a great opening topic after the recent releases of High on Life, The Callisto Protocol, Evil West, along with HI-FI Rush. All of which have caught s?ome flak for their lengths. Along with this topic, the Spot Dodge crew discusses Nintendo's 2023 and the games they're p?laying.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jvh??r6PVsIFY&ab_channel=SpotDodge

Over time the expectation of video game length has gotten way out of hand. To the point of excruciatingly long development cycles and video games that are poorly paced, bug-filled, and sometimes just blatantly unfinished. The question is, why are gamers still equating time with value in an industry full of so many soulless, overly-padded?? games? This question comes f??rom someone whose favorite genre is JRPGs. Games that tend to take 60-100 hours to complete. The fact is, not all games need to be that long. Or anywhere near it.

The game-length criticism across the internet is also strange to me considering some of the most beloved titles of all time are under ten hours long. One thing is for sure, the years of AAA games like BioShock, Portal 2, and Metal Gear Rising being a mainstay in the industry are long gone. Because nowadays releasing a ga??me under twenty hours is bound to come with some scrutiny. Let's discus??s it all in the latest episode of Spot Dodge!

Our lovely cast from around the web: Brett Medlock (me) and Mary Stowe from Destructoid, John Friscia from The Esc?apist, Greg Bargas from PC Invasion, and Brett Larsen, our extra special guest. Behind the scenes, Gamurs�Eric Weichhart is live-editing this week’s show.

Spot Dodge is a weekly Nintendo-focused Podcast here at Destructoid where we dedicate an hour or two to go over the latest Nintendo news and disc?uss the games we’re playing. If you’re a fan of Nintendo Switch, RPGs, or having a good time, Spot Dodge will be a great addition to your podcast rotation. So be sure to subscribe!

Spot Dodge is streaming live every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. ET on Twitch channel. ICYMI: We now have a dedicated Spot Dodge YouTube channel! All future epis??odes will be live-streamed and uploaded there.

Afterward, the show will be available on-demand for audio listeners via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. The live video version will remain on both YouTube and Twitch (don’t ??forg?et to follow and subscribe). So many options!

The post Why are short games being criticized still? appeared first on Destructoid.

A quiet banger

Hi-Fi Rush has a lot going for it. The latest title from The Evil Within developer Tango Gameworks is an action-rhythm game that blends the two genres expertly. It was practically made in a lab for me, as someone who's very enthusiastic about both rhythm games and Tango Gameworks' transition into action game design. I love its plucky hero, Chai, and his companions (I have a special fondness for 808, the robot cat that turns into the flying ball thing from Mobile Suit Gundam). I'm a huge fan of the game's flashy comic book art an??d its early-00s soundtrack.

But you know what I love more than Hi-Fi Rush's electrifying gameplay? Its humble release. Just hours after the game was announced, it quietly dropped on PC and Xbox consoles via Game Pass. I have long held that certain games would fare better with no hype cycle whatsoever, and Hi-Fi Rush has left me with an addendum to that belief: certain games would fare better with no hype cycle and with a Game Pass release.

[caption id="attachment_360001" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Well, duh

I know I'm not breaking any new ground by saying "it's good when games are on Game Pass." Obviously, it would be great if every game was released on Game Pass, so nobody would ever have to buy a video game again. But Hi-Fi Rush's surp??rise release is almost the ideal Game Pass situation.

Hi-Fi Rush would not be served by a traditional marketing campaign. Its action-rhythm gameplay doesn't translate very well into a video - just looking at the game makes it seem like a bubble gum take on Devil May Cry, and while that's not strictly incorrect, it's also a little misleading. The game leans much harder on its rhythm aspects than some would expect from a trailer. I suspect that a months-long marketing push would leave a lot of players anticipating a very different game, and, ultimately, the exciting launch that Hi-Fi Rush is currently experien?cing would have looked much less positive.

[caption id="attachment_360007" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Just give it a try

The nice thing about Game Pass is that there are no stakes. You can flip a game on, decide whether or not it's for you, and flip it off without losing anything but a few minutes (or hours, if you're feeling generous). As someone who adored Tango Gameworks' last game, Ghostwire: Tokyo, I always would have been willing to drop 30 bucks on Hi-Fi Rush. I want Tango Gameworks to take more genre swings, and I want them to keep getting wider. But not everybody wants that! Or, at least, not everybody thinks they want that. Ghostwire: Tokyo left a lot of people?? cold, and I think that's because the stakes were too high at ?launch.

[caption id="attachment_356095" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Bethesda Softworks[/caption]

Ghostwire: Tokyo was hyped up as the triumphant return of the developers of The Evil Within. That is not what that game is. It's a first-person shooter with snazzy action and a spooky setting. It also launched at 60 dollars after an expensive marketing campaign, and if you bought the new Evil Within game only to find out that you actually bought the new Doctor Strange game, well, too bad.

Now, if you simply downloaded a random new Tango Gameworks game as a part of a paid subscription, then maybe you'd feel a little warmer towards the Doctor Strange game you accidentally got saddled with. Take advertising out of the equation, don't ask for a massive upfront chunk of change, and I suspect a lot more players would feel a greater fondness towards Ghostwire: Tokyo.? More importantly, the people who didn't like i??t wouldn't feel slighted by its existence.

It's happened before

In fact, this exact situation happened with 2022's Scorn. That game looks a lot like a grimy action-horror title, but it's more of a slow, moody puzzle-fest. Scorn's developers warned people that it would be an atmospheric adventure game, but it didn't matter. The game seems like one thing in a trailer, and another thing in your ?hands. The best way to really understand a game like that is to play it.

[caption id="attachment_359998" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Kepler Interactive[/caption]

I know a lot of people who bought into the hype for the game ahead of launch and did not like it. Folks who paid full price got it the worst, but even if they played it on Game Pass, they wanted one thing and got another. On the other hand, the people I know who had never heard of Scorn but stumbled upon it on Game Pass walked away with much more generous feelings. If you don't know what you're getting into, then it's a lot easier to be won over by whatever you get. Hype is fun, but if you buy into it too hard, you can easily end up with a ?sense of disappointment and a lighter w??allet.

My Game Pass subscription is an on-and-off affair, but every time my sub is active, I end up stumbling across a wealth of games I might have otherwise missed out on. I don't like all of those games, but that's fine. The stakes are lowered to the ground, and if I'm not enjoying a game, I can s??imply turn it off.

[caption id="attachment_359999" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Xbox Game Studios[/caption]

I think there are a lot of high-profile games that would benefit from the "simply turn it off" mentality. Without the heightened expectations that come with months of PR buzz and a full price tag, it's easier to appreciate what a game has to offer, and not just what it has to promise. I wish that there were options like this available for a weird, ambitious, excellent game like Sunset Overdrive, ?which never found much of an audience at launch. I don't think this kind of release is right for every game, but for certai?n titles, it could be an absolute boon.

I have no idea if this model is actually financially sustainable (I have my doubts about any subscription service after the demise of MoviePass), but it does seem like it provides players with a much healthier way to look at certain games. Also, by the way, you should totally play Hi-Fi Rush. It whips so hard.

The post Hi-Fi Rush represents Game Pass’ secret strength appeared first on Destructoid.

Xbox's spring plans are set in motion

The curtains have closed on Xbox and Bethesda's Developer Direct. The roughly 45-minute showcase spotlighted a taste of the year ahead for ??Xbox studios, running the gamut from updates on big launches to an out-now surprise.

It was, I think, a pretty solid showcase. Direct and to-the-point, the studios under Microsoft's banner showed off just what's in store in the coming months and year. Granted, this isn't all that Xbox has in store; we didn't see Starfield, though we knew we wouldn't going in.

This felt like a nice check-in for the new year. A few games finally locked in their release dates, the Forza team? at Turn10 got to show off their rad tech, and Tango Gameworks dropped a surprise. Here's the rundown.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-Et8r1413Y

Everything shown at the Xbox & Bethesda Developer Direct

Minecraft Legends kicked the show off with a spotlight on its multiplayer. I'll admit, while the action-RPG hadn't hooked me in before, the build-and-battle set-up of its PvP looks like it could be fun. Brawling with mobs and ransacking the enemy's base, or forging an impenetrable fortress of your own, could be a good time for gaming groups with disparate tastes. Mojang and Blackbird Interactive's new Minecraft spin-off arrives April 18, 2023.

Next came the Forza Motorsport team, highlighting the work its putting into the next Motorsport en??try. No date on this yet outside 2023, but the cars look and sound great. Big fan of the red convertible Mazda they highlighted during t?he stream.

Tango Gameworks was next on the mic, and they used their time to reveal Hi-Fi Rush, a departure from their usual horror-inspired games. It's a rhythm-action game with a ton of style and color, and if you like the look, I have great news for you: it's out now on Xbox Series X|S and PC. A nice little "out now" s??urprise!

The Elder Scrolls Online revealed that its next expansion, Necrom, is on the way. It's a very Morrowind expansion, set in the Dunmer City of Dread. And what's more, all previous expansions will be free for a limited time. Seems like a decent thing to check out if you can't wait for Elder Scrolls VI.

Lastly, Arkane Austin took the stage with Redfall, its vampire-infested RPG-shooter. The co-op action looks solid, and there's a lot of town to retake from the dreaded horrors. It won't be long until your party can venture into Redfall either, as the new Arkane adventure arrives on May 2, 2023.

The post Everything shown at today’s Xbox & Bethesda Developer Direct appeared first on Destructoid.

Feel the rush

Tango Gameworks has something a bit different in store for its next game. Hi-Fi Rush is a musical rhythm-focused action game, comi?ng to PC and Xbox Series X|S consoles today.

Revealed during today's Xbox Developer Direct, everything in Hi-Fi Rush is connected to the b??eat. The whole world, from its action and combos to the trap??s and scenery, moves to the rhythm.

Playing as Chai, a "defect" who can detect the rhythm of the world, you team up with pals to take on your enemies. It's got a vibe similar to something like Sunset Overdrive, and I'm very much down for it.

//twitter.com/Tan??goGameworks/status/1618344785357447221

The team wants it to be playable for ??those who aren't so rhytmically inclined too, though. Chai's cat, the appropriately named 808, can keep the beat for you as a little helper drone. And a marker at the bottom of the screen can also track? the BPM for you.

While Tango Gameworks may be known for series like The Evil Within or the more recent Ghostwire: Tokyo, which falls more into the dark and scary, Hi-Fi Rush is a bit of a departure. And the added surprise, revealed during the show, is that it goes live to??night. Being an Xbox studio game, too, it's also part of Xbox Game Pass.

The post Hi-Fi Rush is Tango Gameworks’ rhythmic action game launching today appeared first on Destructoid.