Xbox had a successful start to 2023 with the release ofHi-Fi Rush,the rhythm-based action hit from Bethesda’s Tango Gameworks. Despite barely any marketing, the game’s surprise launch proved to be a bet that paid off the company asHi-Fi Rushbecame one of Xbox’s most notable first-party releases in recent times. Among the many things that have contributed to the title’s success, its design around music and the distinct art style stands out throughout the gameplay.
The fact that it leans so much into its soundtrack and lets its unique art style shines through has prompted many to liken it to a number of other popular titles ranging fromDevil May CrytoSunset Overdrive. But the most noticeable comparison has come in the form of an early 2000s cult classic,Jet Set Radio. Similar toHi-Fi Rush, the Sega title’s appeal stems from the music-synchronized gameplay and the cel-shaded environments. Both games also showcase a familiar style of storytelling often relying on comical tones and expressive characters, so it may not come as a surprise to seefans likeningHi-Fi RushtoJet Set Radiogiven how the game has seemingly breathed life into some of the interesting elements that made the Sega title so popular. Soon,Bomb Rush Cyberfunkwill do the same.
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Bomb Rush Cyberfunk’s Potential
While it’s been decades sinceJet Set Radio’s release, fans have long held expectations over a potential revival of the franchise. Themassive success ofHi-Fi Rushmay have renewed interest in this category of games and likely set up an interesting opportunity for titles looking to takeJet Set Radio’s place.Bomb Rush Cyberfunkby Reptile Games is one such title that’s dubbedJet Set Radio’s spiritual successor. From the visuals and character movements to how the music encompasses the game, its similarity toJet Set Radiois immediately apparent. But apart from the look and feel being familiar,Bomb Rush Cyberfunkalso features a soundtrack fromJet Setcomposer Hideki Naganuma.
Of course, fans of the Sega franchise were already rallying behind Reptile’s upcoming titlem and the reception toHi-Fi Rushcould likely translate to more attention on the game.Bomb Rushalready has a potential advantage overHi-Fi Rushin the form of platform availability. DespiteHi-Fi Rush’s commercial success, its availability is currently restricted to PC and Xbox platforms. In contrast,Bomb Rush Cyberfunkis set to release on PC and Switch, as well as other unannounced consoles. While that doesn’t necessarily meanBomb Rushwill make it to Sony’s platforms, the possibility that it could make its way to PlayStation along with Switch consoles already opens up the genre to many fans who might have felt left out following the hype aroundHi-Fi Rush.
Interestingly, this growing interest in rhythm-based, cel-shaded style games could prompt Sega itself to renew its focus on bringing backJet Set Radioonto modern platforms.Sega was reportedly working on a newJet Set Radiolast year, though the company has yet to provide any details on the project. Recently, Xbox chief Phil Spencer commented on the success ofHi-Fi Rushand how the company wanted to bringJet Set Radio Futureto Xbox via its backward compatibility program. Neither company has commented about the possibility of bringing the title to modern platforms in the future, but it wouldn’t be too far off to imagineJet Set Radiomaking a comeback.
As of now, it’s unclear what the future actually holds for the beloved Sega title. But should it make a reappearance, it could meanBomb Rush Cyberfunk’s 2023 releasemay be entering into a more competitive space around the rhythm-based genre. Either way, Reptile Games stand to benefit from the renewed interest inJet Set Radioform of titles, thanks to the commercial appeal ofHi-Fi Rush. Whether that appeal will translate to a top seller, only time will tell.
Hi-Fi Rushis available for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
