The Best Xbox Game Every Year 2001 - 2024
2. 2023 - Hi-Fi Rush
2023 wasn't without its issues for the green brand but it also had plenty of wins. For the company, their acquisition of Activision-Blizzard was finally a done deal. For gamers, Xbox delivered console exclusives like Cocoon, Lies of P and Starfield. Whilst the last of those was perhaps the biggest (and certainly most anticipated) launch of the year for the console, it was met with very mixed reactions.
On the other hand, Hi-Fi Rush was a unifying moment. The slick, stylish action game shadow-dropped in January, kicking off 2023 with smiles amongst GamePass owners who had immediate access to Tango Gameworks' latest accomplishment.
And an accomplishment it was, as Hi-Fi Rush's sense of humour, breezy pacing and chaotic gameplay cut through the usual modern gaming fare with aplomb. The rhythm-based combat was entirely addictive and paired wonderfully with the game's colourful world, which animated perfectly in time to the beat to create a setting that was simply satisfying to be in. Appropriately, Hi-Fi Rush's audio design and soundtrack went on to win awards at the end of the year, proving it left a mark through all of 2023.
With the sad closure of Tango in 2024, it's a sting in the narrative to know that Hi-Fi Rush will not get the sequel it no doubt deserves.