Hi-Fi Rush 2 Could Have Open World Elements

by

Hi-Fi Rush 2 Could Have Open World Elements

Key Takeaways

  • Krafton is hinting that Hi-Fi Rush 2 may feature more open-world elements.
  • Tango Gameworks was unexpectedly shut down in May, but the Korean publisher Krafton acquired the studio three months later, hiring back most of its staff.
  • The development of Hi-Fi Rush 2 is currently on hold as Tango’s transition to Krafton is ongoing.

As a die-hard fan who has been following the gaming industry since the days of Pong and Space Invaders, I must say that the news about Hi-Fi Rush 2 is music to my ears (pun intended). The original game was a breath of fresh air, a rhythmic action adventure that perfectly combined catchy tunes with fast-paced combat. The hints of an open-world design in the sequel have me excited and curious at the same time – I’m eager to explore larger areas while still enjoying the synced environment and music that made the first game so unique.

Krafton suggests that the upcoming sequel to “Hi-Fi Rush,” being developed by Tango Gameworks, could feature a more expansive open-world design compared to its predecessor, which was more linear in structure. The original “Hi-Fi Rush” captivated both gamers and critics when it was suddenly released by Xbox in January 2023. Contrasting with Tango’s horror-focused past projects like “The Evil Within” and “Ghostwire: Tokyo,” “Hi-Fi Rush” offered a vibrant, rhythmic action experience that rapidly gained recognition as one of Xbox’s top games from the previous year.

Contrary to popular belief that Tango Gameworks was thriving after the massive success of Hi-Fi Rush, it was unexpectedly closed down by Xbox, along with Arkane Austin, Roundhouse Studios, and Alpha Dog Games in May 2024. This move was particularly puzzling given Tango’s rising status as one of Xbox’s most promising studios following the success of Hi-Fi Rush a year prior. However, three months later, Korean publisher Krafton stepped in and purchased Tango Gameworks, rehiring most of its former employees. As part of the deal, Krafton acquired the rights to the Hi-Fi Rush IP, but the Evil Within and Ghostwire IPs remain under Xbox’s ownership.

In an interview, Maria Park, Krafton’s Head of Corporate Development, stated that when Krafton initially contacted Tango Gameworks, they had already developed a six-month-old version of Hi-Fi Rush 2 that could be played. Notably, Park also disclosed in the interview that Tango Gameworks intends to provide players with a sequel featuring a more open-ended design, which would deviate from the original game’s linear structure. To clarify, Park explained that while it may not be a fully open-world game, it will offer a more interactive environment for gamers to explore.

Hi-Fi Rush 2 Might Feature Larger Open Areas

In the potential sequel to Hi-Fi Rush, Park mentioned that while it may not transform into a completely open-world game, expanding the playable areas could offer an engaging spin for players who found the original game’s linear structure less appealing. One of the standout aspects of the first game was the seamless integration of moving environment elements with its music. Expanding these areas might present challenges in maintaining this synchronization, and it will be intriguing to observe if the open-ended follow-up incorporates additional features like side quests.

It seems the game won’t be entirely open-world, rather it will offer a more interactive and evolving setting for players to explore.

At present, development on “Hi-Fi Rush 2” has been temporarily halted due to Tango undergoing a transition to Krafton. However, the team is determined to release “Hi-Fi Rush” on the Nintendo Switch, and they’re also working on additional DLC content. As for when we might see “Hi-Fi Rush 2,” it seems like it’s going to be quite a few years down the line according to Park’s latest updates. Besides “Hi-Fi Rush,” Tango is also collaborating with Krafton on a new multiplayer game that operates online, but details about this project remain scarce at the moment.

Read More

2024-10-01 20:04