10 Incredible Video Games That Came Out Of NOWHERE

2. Hi-Fi Rush

Hi-Fi Rush
Tango Gameworks

The most recent example of a shadow-drop is also one of the most successful to date.

During the Xbox and Bethesda Developer Direct at the end of January, Bethesda dropped a reveal trailer for new rhythm-action game Hi-Fi Rush, before announcing that it would release later that day.

The game went on to receive rave reviews from most outlets, lauding its gorgeous art-style, fluid animation, addictive combat, and breezy tone.

And despite releasing on Xbox Game Pass, Hi-Fi Rush still managed to climb the Steam charts, even impressively beating out AAA newcomer Forspoken, which amid mixed reviews failed to crack the top 10.

The overall rapturous reception to Hi-Fi Rush has opened a debate among players about the merits of zero-hype shadow-drop releases.

In the case of this game it was most certainly the perfect storm of releasing a high-quality game at a reasonable price when there was a clear gap in the market for such an experience.

Don't be shocked if we see Bethesda and other publishers experimenting more with this release model in the future, even if most will surely struggle to replicate the meteoric success of Hi-Fi Rush.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.