Xbox Desperately Needs More Exclusives Like Hi-Fi Rush

Amidst all the irrelevance and uncertainty, sometimes a gem like Hi-Fi Rush comes along to surprise us. This isn’t the game you’d expect to see on Xbox, feeling more like a forgotten classic for Dreamcast your weird friend who loves anime won’t shut up about. From the outset it establishes itself as bold, charming, rebellious, and bearing hallmarks we have come to never associate with Xbox as a brand. It’s a cool little thing, and we love to see it.

[sammarshall102]

I disagree. Xbox has a few smaller AA games like Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, Grounded

Xbox needs some big markee AAA games to drop like ASAP

[Jin_Sakai]

Grounded and Hi-Fi Rush are some of my favorite games this gen.

[Concertoine]

Grounded is one of the most underrated games I've played. It has everything it needs to be more popular, but no one has given it a shot. I think like many I saw it was an early access game and waited for a release and forgot about it. Now that it's complete, it's great. I think Hi-Fi Rush is as much a lesson in game development as it is in marketing. The surprise release did wonders. The internet had no time to inflict negativity upon the game years prior to release.

[The Wood]

Both

[crazyCoconuts]

In terms of exclusives, I feel like no amount of games like Hi-fi rush (or even mediocre AAA games) can match a single AAA masterpiece like God of War. I'm playing Ragnarok now, and it's just so compelling and amazing, it's a reminder why I love gaming. For the lucky few that have both consoles or a PS and PC, I'm glad you can enjoy all the goodness. But for Xbox only gamers, the catalog of missed gems on Playstation is growing rapidly across the generations, I feel bad that they haven't been able to experience some of the truly best gaming experiences ever.
Maybe MS did the calculus there and determined it would be easier to buy up the market and lock Playstation out of future titles than to capture lightning in a bottle and grow another Naughty Dog or Santa Monica studios, etc.

Oh, and I don't mean to detract from hi-fi rush. Awesome game from the looks of it.

[The3faces]

Have you ever considered that maybe Sony first party games don't appeal to everyone? Last gen I bought a PS4 and a PS4 Pro. The only Sony exclusives I bought were God of War and Uncharted. The rest while I'm sure were great games just didn't appeal to me.

[crazyCoconuts]

Sure. I mean, as an analogy,Avatar, Top Gun, Batman... These movies don't appeal to EVERYONE of course.
But they appeal to a lot of people and for many they represent why we go to movies on the first place. Like how many Fast and Furious sequels would you trade for The Matrix?

[Panhandler]

God of War was 22 hours long with 10 hours of cut scenes. One hour straight of just walking!

[crazyCoconuts]

@panhandler you might enjoy it more of you play it instead of watching someone else do it on YouTube

[MrChow666]

I couldn't finish ragnarok out of boredom...go on downvote all you want, they emasculated Kratos & too many frustratingly boring and cringe worthy segments.

[RedDevils]

That's why you should stay on Xbox and play those shitty games there.

[Flewid638]

Word. Gimme more titles like Quantum Break & Ryse. Sadly the Xbox community only likes their games in first-person.

[sammarshall102]

I loved Ryse and Quantum Break. The Xbox community loves 3rd person games too, some just act like they dont

[GotGame818]

Redfall, Forza, Starfield, are all slated for "Spring 2023". Strange no Forza release date though. Same for Starfield.

Forza will be great, but I will wait and see , when it comes to Redfall and Starfield.
I am being cautiously optimistic. Redfall has a strange art style, and Starfield being so big? Bigger doesn't always mean better in a game.

If they release those, and all 3 end up being great, that would be great!

[giovonni]

Pentiment caught me off guard the most. At first it dragged, but I’m happy I gave it time.

[Elda]

They have enough Indie/AA games on GP. AAA exclusives are a must.

[Cockney]

More rhythm games, yeah just what they need to tilt the balance, it would definitely help halo

[itsmebryan]

Have you played it? It's not a rhythm game is the classic meaning. I normally don't care for those games. But, this one is a lot of fun just look at the reviews Rhythm just gives you a boost. If you have no rhythm you can still enjoy the game.

[Obelisk92]

I know right? Rhythm games are such a waste of time... there are no guns, no explosions... ridiculous...

[Flawlessmic]

Brilliant game loving it!! Best thing iv played since forza 5 on my xbox.

In saying that it's time I finally got to enjoy some AAA bangers on xbox.

[Lightning77]

Redfall May 2. You can Pre-install while you wait for release.

My pessimism is still kinda there. I can see MS delaying the game for some stupid reason. If I'm being perfectly honest.... That's kinda what I think will happen. There's no rumors on it or anything like that just my own personal thought. The only thing I heard is the game could launch rough, that's it.

How many times do you gotta get burned by MS at this point you know.

[Flawlessmic]

I'll defs be playing redfall when it releases but cant say I'm to excited for it, hoping it's another pleasant suprise like hi fi rush and I end up loving it.

The ones I want are starfield and forza which both look like there being delayed which has pissed me off for the sheer fact it's more broken promises from MS about delivering when they said they would. But let's see they arrive first half as promised.

[XiNatsuDragnel]

We need more games like this imo.

[thecodingart]

Meh , the game seems interesting but we’ve had waves of games like this in the past.

Microsoft just needs… games

[Flawlessmic]

Have we really? Sounds like u haven't played it.

And yes Ms still has a lot they need to deliver, so far it's off to a decent start, it's the first time in years I can remember playing my xbox more than my ps in any given month.

[sinspirit]

You've never played a game with a simple combat system that throws in a single timed hit? The overall bpm timing is a little different but this game is super hyped up for what it is. Also when it's supposed to be about flow and being exciting but I can't stand when games constantly take you out of it by camera panning to direct where you move, a character shows up, etcetera.

[Lightning77]

AAA ones.

[LoveSpuds]

XBox needs more games full stop if you ask me.

I honestly hadn't used my Series X in around 6 months, but I excitedly updated the console and downloaded Hi Fi Rush and whilst I was at it, High on Life too. I am excited to play these games, but XBox's offerings have been piss poor over the 2 years that I have owned my Series X, in my opinion.

I just beat the first boss on High on Life and so far, I think that game is great fun. I honestly can't wait to play Hi Fi Rush, it looks like it has elements of some faves of mine, I get Sunset Overdrive vibes, a splash Crypt of the Necrodancer and a generous helping of JetSet Radio. Really pleased for Tango Games, I am a big fan of their games in general although I was a bit like warm on Ghostwire Tokyo.

[Automatic79]

I love how Xbox studios like Obsidian and Tango Gameworks bring unique games to Xbox. I also like how Xbox GamePass is continuously rolling out fun games to play. So far this generation between 1st and 3rd party in Xbox GamePass I've enjoyed the following:

Gears Tactics
Gears Hivebusters
The Medium
Yakuza Series
12 minutes
Flight Simulator
Psychonauts 2
Forza Horizon 5
Halo infinite
Chorvs
Echo Generation
Artful Escape
The Ascent
Tunic
Shredders
Sniper Elite
Human Fall Flat
Vampire Survivors
Plague's Tale Requiem
Pentiment
High on life
Monster Hunter Rise
Hi fi Rush
So much more.

[AnotherGamer]

You can find those on PC, so no really Xbox exclusives.

[anubusgold]

You want to play that game remove spiderman remove Horizon from PS5

[RedDevils]

and yet still have more games than xbox...

[darkrider]

That list says it all. If can't see the problem there, welllll...

[jznrpg]

I wouldn’t even play this game . Just don’t care for the art style

[blackblades]

Bruh, you people and not liking the art style excuse. It's stupid to pass on a game because of the art style

[MrChow666]

Is it stupid having preferences and different tastes? Not everybody likes súper colorful cartoony aesthetics

[blackblades]

@MrC then you have poor taste
Edit I didnt say that i just said you have poor taste a old boring dad taste. Well they have a that old boring dad taste that is

[MrChow666]

I didn't say that I don't like it, in fact I think it looks really cool...

[RedDevils]

Poor taste? Because others don't like what you like? Damn you need to stop forcing your opinion on others, you might see something difference for a change.

[blackblades]

Lol fools how the hell am I forcing anything I just said they have poor taste lol

[Crows90]

You know...I've noticed nobody talks about Sony as much as MS when Sony releases an exclusive.

Xbox needs their longtime studios to release games.
Fable and perfect dark will be a true ish showing of what MS can do. Even though they're not new IP. Both are actually IP they purchased similar to hi Fi rush.

Xbox has actually not created a successful new IP.

[Lightning77]

So with this thinking what's the end goal? Scrap existing projects and start over completely under MS or what?

So they can take even longer and you can complain even longer?

[Crows90]

Or maybe Xbox shouldn't be praised for keeping games off platforms...you won't see me praising Sony over the same shit.

Maybe Xbox team can actually be a driving force for gaming instead of against it.

If HiFi Rush was not good that would've spelled doom for the recently bought studio.

[Zhipp]

Sea of thieves is successful despite the rocky start.

[Thundercat77]

Xbox in general needs more games. Look at how Xbox community reacts when they finally get a good game... Like they haven't get anything good in a long time. Also, to be exact, HiFi Rush is multiplatform as it available on PC. Is not an Xbox exclusive and if it is, then we have to also start calling exclusives those Playstation games that are on PC too.

[LabRat]

All of MS games come to PC, they've openly said that this will be the case like 4 years ago.

[Thundercat77]

Then they can't be called exclusives. That's the point, and if they are, then PS5 and PC only games must be called exclusives too. No double standards.

[LabRat]

I think at this point it is pretty clear (at leat I thought so) that they are implying consoles. Both systems have been putting games on PC which is great. I haven't heard anyone use this as an argument/complaint for a couple years now.

[Orchard]

@Thunder “Then they can't be called exclusives”

So by that logic, the only exclusive PS has left is Gran Turismo?

[BehindTheRows]

@Orchard

Yes, because Ratchet (oops, not quite), Killzone (nope again), inFAMOUS (dammit, you neither)..... point made. Not every Sony exclusive comes to (or has come to) PC.

[Orchard]

KZ and Infamous haven’t had entries in ~10 years. Irrelevant. They aren’t available on PS5 either.

Okay so two franchises - GT and Ratchet. Great.

And those two franchises will likely end up on PC too.

[BehindTheRows]

@Orchard

What's irrelevant are viewpoints that have no basis in reality and are cancerous. With that nonsensical thinking, I guess Perfect Dark is also irrelevant.

[Orchard]

@Behind I agree, the idea that games being on PC devalues them on console is absurd, but it's been a common opinion for years now.

PD was irrelevant up until they announced a new title, yes. Can you point me towards the announcement trailer for a new KZ or Infamous?

[Simundo]

It's very good. GG to Tango Gameworks and all involved. Variety is the spice of life so it's nice to have as many games that feel fresh in general.

[AnotherGamer]

But its on PC and steam too.

[franwex]

The fact that there’s a drought makes this game stand out more. If this would be on the Switch for example it wouldn’t have gotten this much attention. Still a fun game.

[Fishy Fingers]

Top 10 seller on Steam because PC has no games either...

[darkrider]

You said it. What was the last major title on pc? Cyberpunk? A game that people keep talking? It's always on the news? A major hit?

A title that console gamers want to have and are always saying why it's not coming to consoles?

[Orchard]

@darkrider Sorry, what? PC has had no games since CP2077 back in 2020?

Surely you can’t be that misinformed.

But let’s assume you are. The last big major title on PC was… *checks* about 48 hours ago - Dead Space remake.

[Orchard]

That doesn’t explain the reviews. Reviewers look at the game all up, and in relation to other games released. They don’t factor in which platform it’s on.

[Father__Merrin]

Overhyped due to it being Xbox. It's an ok game as an indie has a Dreamcast style arcade feel to it

[BehindTheRows]

Xbox desperately needs more exclusives PERIOD!

[Darkhorizon]

I'm sorry, but Microsoft is playing you all for fools. You get thrown some scraps and all of a sudden, all is forgiven. It's not even like Microsoft has to try anymore. They say a few magic words and give a small slice of a great game and you all are drooling. The Xbox used to be a great brand ( Xbox 360 days) but now they are just another subscription service.

[4Sh0w]

Who said all is forgiven? Uhm even the headline is screaming Xbox needs MORE games like this, thats the topic, so how is telling Microsoft they need more games send the message that ALL is forgiven? Are you confusing fans praise of HiFi Rush & the praise for great fan service with shadow dropping a excellent game as saying everything is OK now? NO. Your comment is dripping with envy= "a small slice of a great game", lol its a full release, superbly polished experience with minimum 8-10hrs on the low side, thats plenty for a SP game like this. Also most Xbox gamers have been complaining alot this last year, (go to Xbox forums, not n4g) which Phil acknowledges in every interview for the last 6mo, which still doesn't mean its OK but short of "a few magic words" to make a few great 1st party AAA games pop out of thin air, all we can do is complain & wait (play great 3rd parties too) BUT we also enjoy when we do get something great, lol otherwise whats the point of complaining?

Also the excuse HiFi Rush is just some "scraps" that ONLY Xbox fans are hyping doesnt hold up in reality= #1Look on the internet, HiFi Rush is receiving tons of praise outside of the Xbox community #2That would mean every exclusive AA or indie game on GP the last year wouldve gotten the same attention but they dont so just admit its a rare unforseen great game and people know quality when they see it(HiFi Rush is far better than tons of $70 AAA games). Sony bought timed rights to Forspoken, sony fans been hyping it every since, which is fine but I dont see Xbox fans calling them fools for it, we just enjoy what we can and look forward to whats coming. HiFi Rush is definitely something we should celebrate= why does that make you so mad is the question?

[Darkhorizon]

It's called an observation. How many times does Phil Spencer say things that never amount to anything? I used to love the Xbox brand and I am waiting for a reason to buy again, so envy is not the right word. I want Xbox to do well, as it make the whole gaming market more competitive and that's good for everyone. A scrap of steak still taste's great but it's not the whole steak is it! I feel that the die hard fans are being taken for a ride and they are part of the problem. If they had enough of the crap that comes from Microsoft and voted with there wallets, maybe Microsoft would take notice and do something about all of the false promises. It's not like it's only been a couple of years, is it? It's been over 10.

[4Sh0w]

"How many times does Phil Spencer say things that never amount to anything?"
-I literally just said if you read Xbox forums many fans like me are complaining & Phil apologizes all the time BUT that doesn't make it OK, what else do you want?

"A scrap of steak still taste's great but it's not the whole steak is it! I feel that the die hard fans are being taken for a ride and they are part of the problem."
-Again this is why a say you have envy, HiFi Rush its not just a scrap, it would be a GREAT game and a huge bonus on any platform but you continue trying to unerhandedly dismiss it. Also you keep trying to pretend n4g is representive of the Xbox fanbase, #1 its not , #2 even in my brief visits here I dont see *most xbox guys saying that bc of this 1 game Microsoft is off the hook for overall 2022 lack of 1st party AAA output. No we're demanding more consistency.

"and voted with there wallets, maybe Microsoft would take notice and do something about all of the false promises. It's not like it's only been a couple of years, is it? It's been over 10"
-Uhm they're buying studios to increase their output, which sony fans cry about but of course that takes time. I vote with my wallet because I wait & only buy what I like exclusive or not, hell I prefer Xbox because Im specificly more fps & MP inclined gamer, which sony imo focuses on less but I love great SP games, just like what Xbox does slightly more *when they do it well and if you think they haven't had great lineups in the last 10yrs then you are the one whos delusional, which explains this made up narrative you keep repeating.

[Darkhorizon]

Ok we are not going to get anywhere. You seem to be very defensive with my criticism of Xbox and there game output. It's a observation people have made regarding there game output. Sony's first party games usually don't appeal to me, as they can be very samey and are more cinematic experiences at the expense of gameplay. That said they do bring out games on a consistent basis, without playing lip service. So it's hard to criticize them on that aspect. They do deserve harse criticism, especially on there pricing practice and censorship. Xbox releasing one good game does not invalidate my arguement. You seem to thing I'm a fanboy because of my criticism of Xbox? I am not loyal to any mega corporation and there for any bad practices from said corporations I have no problem pointing them out.

[4Sh0w]

Wow, so your last response is very rational, I mostly agree with you. Except the part where you state Im defensive about your observation of Microsofts game output lacking. Ok dude for the last time Ive said I complain openly about that directly to Microsoft & on sites like this. Where we disagree was you stating that Xbox fans act like "all is forgiven" after this 1 game AND when you said or implied its been 10yrs.

Thats it, I got nothing else, enjoy your day.

[Darkhorizon]

Just to point out you have made some good points and it seem a good place to end. Enjoy the rest of your day as well.