10 "Zero Expectation" Video Games That Blew Everyone Away

Surprise-released during Microsoft and Bethesda's Developer Direct in January, there wasn't much time for audiences to become acquainted with this title before it become available to play.

First impressions, however, left a huge question mark over this title for a handful of reasons.

Most striking was that this was the next game from Tango Gameworks, a studio best known for horror outings The Evil Within and Ghostwire Tokyo. It only took one look at Hi-Fi Rush's vibrant art style to see that this game was something completely different than anything this studio have done before.

Moreover, the game was sold primarily on its rhythm-based combat mechanic which would have players timing their attacks with the soundtrack.

There was the very real possibility that this was a gimmicky game being rushed out and promptly swept under the rug. But, to the delight of everyone who's played, Hi-Fi Rush is genuinely fantastic.

Animation is slick and stylish. The writing is hilariously self-aware. And, most importantly, combat is exceptional. The addition of dashing, parrying, and special moves give enemy encounters a layer of depth and challenge that nobody was expecting.