The best rhythm PC games you should try if you like Hi-Fi Rush

The best rhythm PC games you should try if you like Hi-Fi Rush

Will you manage to stay on the beat with these rhythm games on Steam?

The creators of Ghostwire: Tokyo and The Evil Within took us all by surprise by releasing one of the best rhythm games on PC and consoles. Their latest installment helped us to fall in love with this subgenre and realize how fun it can be. The gameplay is pretty simple, yet it can entertain you for long hours and is packed with sick music. No wonder people are getting curious about games like Hi-Fi Rush. Luckily, there’s plenty to choose from.

What defines a PC rhythm game?

PC rhythm games fall under the genre of music-themed games, where mechanics puts players’ sense of rhythm to the test. However, it’s the arcades where the subgenre started its journey. Such titles used to be focused primarily on dancing or imitating musical instruments. In order to proceed through levels, a player must press the buttons in the correct order at a precise time (a.k.a. to the music’s rhythm). The more accurately players clear the stage, the more points they earn. With the emergence of the Dance Dance Revolution arcade on the Western Market, action rhythm games started gaining worldwide popularity and moving to new platforms. 

Later, the genre started developing, and the installments started getting more complex. Even though such gameplay was used merely for mini-games, you can find all sorts of rhythm games on PC. 

Why Hi-Fi Rush is such a good game

Some people have already described it as a GOTY 2023, but what’s so special about it? There are several factors that contributed to the commercial and overall success of Hi-Fi Rush. The element of surprise most certainly played a major role here. Announcing the title and its release at the same time is not a common practice in the video games industry. However, its presence on PC Game Pass made it very easy for players to try out.

As it turned out, gamers got a perfect package of smooth rhythm gameplay, fantastic music, quirky humor, and a defined plot that keeps unraveling throughout the play-through. The surprise turned out to be a pleasant one, encouraging positive feedback. As a result, Hi-Fi Rush got overwhelmingly positive reviews not only on Metacritic but on Steam, too. The audience was quick to point out that a brand-new game from a AAA publisher was bug-free on Day One and extremely entertaining. And that’s how the game became insanely popular without spending a penny on marketing.

Top rhythm and music PC games worth playing in 2023

We’ve managed to find the 10 best rhythm games on PC to try in 2023, but they all have one thing in common. Just follow the beat, stay precise, and you’ll win.

Metal Hellsinger (included with Game Pass)

If you’re convinced that rhythm games are all about pop and light rock music, think again. Like the title of this FPS suggests, players are set for a hardcore ride. Even the plot gives off a fitting vibe as the protagonist fights through the fiercest domains of Hell.

As you destroy hordes of demons, you’ll get to try out a range of guns with various abilities. Shoot to the rhythm to show their full potential, intensify the music, and increase damage.

You can experience Metal Hellsinger and hundreds of other games, thanks to PC Game Pass. If you aren’t subscribed yet, you can do so for just $1 for your first month.

BPM: Bullets Per Minute

If you’re prone to seizures, you might wanna scroll down to the next one. If not, get ready for a blasting adventure. An indie developer Awe Interactive decided to take the risk of mixing a rhythmic game with rock music and a shooter. As it turns out, those elements go nicely together when each of them is well-executed.

BPM is relatively short, but it is also a roguelike, which adds extra points to the game’s replayability. Procedurally-generated levels make sure you don’t get bored of it too soon.

Crypt of the NecroDancer

Crypt of the NecroDancer is a truly unique title. It masterfully combined rhythm-based mechanics with the key features of the best roguelike games. Apart from jumping around the crypt to the beat, you must calculate your movements precisely to avoid enemies’ attacks and defeat them. Sounds like a lot of work, but coming up with a tactic and executing it masterfully gets you hooked for hours. Seven years since its release, it’s still considered one of the best rhythm games on PC. 

No Straight Roads: Encore Edition

If you’re looking for games like Hi-Fi Rush on PC, No Straight Roads is one of the safest picks. They share the same premise of a large corporation causing trouble for many. In a world where music is turned into energy, an evil company, NSR, bans an entire genre. And that’s something our rock-loving protagonists aren’t going to put up with.

Fight the corrupt system and end the reign of an oppressive EDM empire with the power of rock! 🤘 Play as Mayday, who swings her guitar with a powerful hit, or take control of Zuke, who inflicts a series of rapid attacks with drumsticks. 

Trombone Champ

Have you ever laid in bed late at night thinking, “Gosh, I wish I could toot that trumpet”? Your wish to become a tromboner has been granted (that’s the actual name of the playable character)! All you have to do it to control the pattern on the screen by moving the mouse cursor and clicking the button at the right moment.

To make things even more hilarious, the sound correlates with our actions on the screen. Your spectacular fails will be heard, which makes it a perfect game for cheering yourself up after a bad day or entertaining guests that appreciate tromboner jokes. 

Thumper

Don’t expect any plot or deep character development. There’s just a shiny beetle riding a rail in what seems to be a mesmerizing psychedelic fever dream. The creators of Thumper got rid of everything that could distract gamers from the initial gameplay.

Simultaneously, they amplified all aspects that helped with the immersion to the max. In the end, we got a hypnotizing rollercoaster that responded to every pump and obstacle, complementing the music. Enjoy it on a regular PC or with a VR headset.

Beat Saber

Those in search of highly-addicting rhythm games on Steam should pay attention to Beat Saber. If you could own just one VR game and play it on your Oculus Quest 2, grab it! With its neon light effects, it’s more similar to Thumper.

However, this time you’ll have to get off your comfy chair and move your limbs a little. Swinging the swords in the right direction while maintaining the rhythm is fun but not an easy task. It’s better to take turns with other people. In other words, Beat Saber also works as an excellent title for gatherings. Need more ideas? Check out our list of the best party games on PC & Steam to play with friends.

Pistol Whip

The gameplay of Pistol Whip feels similar to Beat Saber, only instead of slashing cubes, you shoot enemies and dodge their bullets. Acid-colored graphics require some getting used to, but easy-to-learn game mechanics lure you and get you hooked for hours.

As you’d expect, getting used to mechanics takes some time, so you won’t be able to John Wick through the levels. Fortunately, you won’t be punished for falling out of rhythm. However, shooting to the beat will grant you extra points.

Sayonara Wild Hearts

This self-proclaimed “pop album video game” is an absolute joy. You get to ride motorcycles, skateboard, participate in dance battles, shoot lasers, wield swords, and so much more. It’s hard to get bored with such a dynamic play-through. 

Each level is bursting with colors, obstacles, and an upbeat custom-written pop soundtrack. As long as you follow your heart (figuratively and literally), you’ll clear it in no time.

DJMAX RESPECT V

If you’re charmed by the atmosphere and music in osu!mania but were discouraged by its difficulty, DJMAX RESPECT V is a perfect pick for you. This Korean game includes over 150 unique tracks from a wide variety of music genres, but if you need more than that, you can purchase numerous song packs., 

Would you like to challenge your coordination? Add more buttons to your play-through. True rhythm masters will play a fast track with 8 buttons.

We hope it helped you find your next title. What do you think of our list of games like Hi-Fi Rush on PC? Do you enjoy this genre, or do you find the gameplay too simple and repetitive? Share your thoughts and opinion in the comment section below or on our Discord.