Why doesn’t Hi-Fi Rush have new songs? 

Since its release in January 2023, Hi-Fi Rush has received numerous additions, such as new game modes and costumes, not to mention all the unofficial content made by modders. Despite this, there is one type of content that has not been added to the game- new songs for existing levels. 

Putting new tunes in Hi-Fi Rush isn’t as simple as asking permission from artists to use their music. Developers and modders have to make sure each piece syncs properly with all the game’s elements. These include the movements of the characters and environment (both of which serve as visual indicators for the beat), plus all the interactive combat, traversal and quick time parts. The vibration of the gamepad must also match the beat of the song, as it can help those with visual or hearing impediments.  

Hi-Fi Rush’s soundtrack is essential to the experience 

Hi-Fi Rush is a rhythm action game, making its soundtrack a vital part of the experience. Just as with titles like Metal: Hellsinger, Thumper, and Sayonara Wild Hearts, Hi-Fi Rush cannot be separated from its soundtrack. It’s even a wonder that the base game has a copyright-free mode that replaces all the licensed music with songs by the band The Glass Pyramids. The replacement songs may not have the same impact as iconic tracks like The Prodigy’s “Invaders Must Die” and Nine Inch Nails’ “The Perfect Drug” but they match the beat and tempo of the developers’ original vision.  

Speaking of the developers, the work that went into the game’s original soundtrack shouldn’t be played down. While the licensed songs make key moments in the narrative more memorable, it’s the score – composed by former Konami composer Shuichi Kobori, former Capcom composer Reo Uratani, and Tango Gameworks’ own Masatoshi Yanagi – that sets the tone throughout Chai and company’s adventure. 

Hi-Fi Rush’s newer content reused its old music in interesting ways 

Making new levels in Hi-Fi Rush and building the music around them seems much easier than breaking down existing stages to add new pieces. This was demonstrated by the added BPM and Power Up! Tower Up! modes. BPM increases the level’s tempo as players defeat enemies, while Power Up! Tower Up! reuses old levels and music but depowers Chai to make things interesting. 

The people who are most capable of adding new songs to Hi-Fi Rush seem to be the game’s original developers and those who understand every aspect of the utilized soundtrack. It’s sad to see Tango Gameworks go before it could fully realize Hi-Fi Rush’s potential. Hopefully, modders and the game’s loyal community will be able to keep the game alive for years to come. 

Although some of the devs who worked on Hi Fi Rush have expressed their regret at Tango Gameworks sudden closure, they have also taken to X to encourage people to play the game (Related Article). 

Hi-Fi Rush is available on PS5, Xbox Series S|X and PC (Steam).