What was the surprise hit of 2023 – dropping unexpectedly at the start of the year –Hi-Fi Rushhas shown that Tango Gameworks was much more than just a creator of interesting horror games. Of course, some would have been curious about whether a follow-up would ever emerge, and it seems the studio is not done with the IP.
In a recent interview withIGN, some of the developers from Tango have said they are keen to revisitHi-Fi Rush, possibly making a sequel of it. Studio head Colin Mack said the team is “considering a sequel positively.” However, the studio is “not yet at the stage where we can say specifically, ‘This is what we’re going to do’.”
Echoing these sentiments, creative director John Johanas has said the staff “have a lot of love” for the game, and they are “considering various opportunities.” It seems clear that the people at Tango Gameworks are passionate about what they did withHi-Fi Rush. Project manager Kazuaki Egashira said the team is interested in the game but also that the “characters and the world are beloved by us,” adding: “I want to cherish this IP.”
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Many of us are all too aware of what went down with the studio earlier this year. In May,Microsoft shuttered Tango Gameworkswhile – almost in the same breath – saying it wanted to keep publishing “smaller games that give us prestige and awards.” You know,likeHi-Fi Rushdid.
Fortunately, the developer was saved when it was acquired by Krafton, the South Korean publisher that brought usPUBGandThe Callisto Protocol. As a result, Tango is managing to hold on, giving it – as the IGN report says – a new lease on life.
Founded by Shinji Mikami ofResident Evilfame in 2010, Tango Gameworks quickly stood out as a studio to watch out for. Given Mikami’s résumé, it’s unsurprising that the developer came out the door with some horror offerings, first withEvil Withinin 2014 and thenEvil Within 2in 2017. This was then followed byGhostwire: Tokyoin 2022, which took a lot of inspiration from Japanese folklore.
It was, therefore, quite a surprise to see Tango come almost out of nowhere withHi-Fi Rush, it being a colorful rhythm game with an aesthetic that could almost be described as a “Saturday morning cartoon.” Fortunately, this surprise was indeed a pleasant one. Hopefully, the team can continue with the IP they’re so passionate about, but only time will tell whether a follow-up will occur.
