15 Games That Overcame the Odds to Become Successful

Hi-Fi Rush

Xbox’s first Developer Direct was looking to be a solid, if safe, show for updates. We’d learn more about Forza Motorsport and Redfall, and then move on with our lives. However, the publisher revealed and shadow-dropped a brand new title – Hi-Fi Rush from Tango Gameworks. It also did so with what looked to be overtly cheesy dialogue from its protagonist, Chai.

While not the best first impression, that was thankfully just the first minute, as Hi-Fi Rush was revealed to be an extremely cool-looking, hack-and-slash rhythm game with awesome mechanics and combat. Even the story looked fun, filling that Saturday morning cartoon niche with good humor. The best part? The actual game was even better, whether it was the over-the-top boss fights, the gorgeous environments or just how well the hack-and-slash mechanics gelled with the rhythm game aspects.

Not only did Hi-Fi Rush garner acclaim from critics and cross two million players since its release in January, but it also proved that Xbox had some promising surprises. That alone is enough reason to feel excited about the brand in 2023.