Thinking back to the start of 2023, when we were all cosied up in our winter pyjamas, celebrating the New Year and committing to burning off the Christmas calories. Who were we to know of the sheer awesomeness that is Hi-Fi RUSH. Bethesda and Tango Gamework’s rhythm-action hack ’n’ slasher title has taken the world by storm since its release in January, earning it a number of top review scores. A certain Xbox-based website awarded it the heralded 5/5 score! Yeah, that was us. Now comes some all-new free content, with the Hi-Fi RUSH Arcade Challenge! Update! Expect many exclamation marks in this article!
Two New Modes
Launching for free for players in Hi-Fi RUSH on Xbox Series X|S and PC, the Arcade Challenge! Update! primarily introduces two new modes to play through as our punny protagonist Chai. These can be accessed via the arcade machine in your home base, and importantly can only be played through following the completion of the main game.Â
BPM Rush!
The first mode to focus on is that of BPM Rush!
This sees players tackle waves of enemies in Easy, Normal and EX difficulty modes, where the tempo of the music speeds up as they progress. Things ramp up all the way to 200 BPM – a true test of reactions and rhythm for even the most veteran of Hi-Fi Rush enjoyers. All you have to do is time your attacks to the beat to deal maximum damage. Chaining together combos is also a must, if you are to reach the highest score possible.
Power Up! Tower Up!
Like roguelikes? You’ll feel right at home with Power Up! Tower Up!
This exciting new mode places you at the bottom of the Rhythm Tower, and challenges you to reach the top, with things getting progressively more difficult and frantic.
The only catch? You start with Chai at his weakest, and must defeat enemies and work your way up the tower to unlock new upgrades. Eventually you will recoup some of your lost HP and other skills, with additional upgrades allowing you to access special traits, additional challenges and more. Of course, calling in a friendly companion like CNMN or Smidge is always a good idea.
That’s Not All!
This free update for Hi-Fi RUSH also brings with it a new bunch of enemies within the included game modes, as well as tons of skins for your lovable droid 808 and Chai himself. For those of you who like to express your creativity in photo mode, you can now do so with additional filters and poses.
Play Hi-Fi RUSH Today
The Arcade Challenge! Update! brings with it the best time in a while to jump into Hi-Fi Rush, or to return to one of 2023’s most exciting releases. You can pick up the game on Xbox Series X|S or PC (check out the listing on the Xbox Store for £29.99). Remember, Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass subscribers have access for free!
Just remember, you can’t play Hi-Fi RUSH on Xbox One.
