Xbox had a successful start to 2023 with the release of Hi-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 as Hi-Fi Rush became 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 from Devil May Cry to Sunset Overdrive. But the most noticeable comparison has come in the form of an early 2000s cult classic, Jet Set Radio. Similar to Hi-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 see fans likening Hi-Fi Rush to Jet Set Radio given how the game has seemingly breathed life into some of the interesting elements that made the Sega title so popular. Soon, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk will do the same.
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk's Potential
While it's been decades since Jet Set Radio's release, fans have long held expectations over a potential revival of the franchise. The massive success of Hi-Fi Rush may have renewed interest in this category of games and likely set up an interesting opportunity for titles looking to take Jet Set Radio's place. Bomb Rush Cyberfunk by Reptile Games is one such title that's dubbed Jet Set Radio's spiritual successor. From the visuals and character movements to how the music encompasses the game, its similarity to Jet Set Radio is immediately apparent. But apart from the look and feel being familiar, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk also features a soundtrack from Jet Set composer Hideki Naganuma.
Of course, fans of the Sega franchise were already rallying behind Reptile's upcoming titlem and the reception to Hi-Fi Rush could likely translate to more attention on the game. Bomb Rush already has a potential advantage over Hi-Fi Rush in the form of platform availability. Despite Hi-Fi Rush's commercial success, its availability is currently restricted to PC and Xbox platforms. In contrast, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is set to release on PC and Switch, as well as other unannounced consoles. While that doesn't necessarily mean Bomb Rush will 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 around Hi-Fi Rush.
It should be noted that despite being a small-scale release for Tango Gameworks, Hi-Fi Rush was published under Bethesda and Xbox. Its tie-in with Microsoft meant that the game already had a support system even though Hi-Fi Rush came from a relatively small team with almost barely any marketing for the game. Reptile Games will have a tougher hill to climb if it aims to capture the attention of both Jet Set Radio players and fans of rhythm-based colorful games. One possible route is to bring the Bomb Rush Cyberfunk to Game Pass, which could entice a lot of gamers considering the millions of existing subscribers.
Interestingly, this growing interest in rhythm-based, cel-shaded style games could prompt Sega itself to renew its focus on bringing back Jet Set Radio onto modern platforms. Sega was reportedly working on a new Jet Set Radio last year, though the company has yet to provide any details on the project. Recently, Xbox chief Phil Spencer commented on the success of Hi-Fi Rush and how the company wanted to bring Jet Set Radio Future to 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 imagine Jet Set Radio making 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 mean Bomb Rush Cyberfunk's 2023 release may be entering into a more competitive space around the rhythm-based genre. Either way, Reptile Games stand to benefit from the renewed interest in Jet Set Radio form of titles, thanks to the commercial appeal of Hi-Fi Rush. Whether that appeal will translate to a top seller, only time will tell.
Hi-Fi Rush is available for PC and Xbox Series X/S.