Heartwarming / Hi-Fi RUSH

Per wiki policy, Spoilers Off applies here and all spoilers are unmarked. You Have Been Warned.

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For a game featuring a goofy wannabe rockstar fighting cartoon robots with musical superpowers, Hi-Fi RUSH really manages to tug at the ol' heartstrings.

In General

"Hanging out feels just...nice."

• Chai and 808's relationship is very close (they are synchronized after all). 808 will often mimic Chai's poses and mannerisms during cutscenes. She's also always the one eager to follow Chai, no matter how crazy his schemes are.
  • While Chai is caught in Peppermint's rope trap, 808 takes the time to lick his face. Peppermint, seeing this, comments that she likes him.
  • The fact that Chai can pet 808 between missions when visiting the hideout. Apparently he's not much of a cat person, but he definitely cares for this little robotic cat. There's even an achievement for this.
    • One of Chai's 'pet the cat' animations has him play Patty Cake with 808. If 808 is using the Chai costume, she will straight up mimic his air guitar, with a proud Chai watching.
• Watching Chai's subtle Character Development over the course of the game. He starts out aloof and disinterested in helping Peppermint, but as time goes on, he grows to genuinely care for his companions and being the one to ground and support them. And they will do the same for him.
  • Both Chai and Peppermint spur each other's character development. Chai's relaxed and silly nature softens Peppermint's harder and hotheaded personality while also influencing Chai to take things a little more seriously.
  • On a smaller scale, Korsica is also another person softened up by Chai. Before, she was Married to the Job and was extremely serious, but hanging around Chai and the others gives her a new appreciation for taking it easy and hanging out with some friends.
    Chai: But you seem like those 'always on the clock'-type people.
    Korsica: I was, but not now. Maybe one of the things you taught me, Chai.
• Macaron is such a genuine guy who always puts his confidence in Chai despite his own insecurities. In turn, Chai is always there to encourage him.
  • Macaron's nickname for Chai is 'Little Guy' and Chai sometimes just calls him 'Mac'.
• There's quite large age gaps between the main group, Macaron being the oldest at 47 years old and the youngest being Peppermint at age 23 (Korsica is 32 and Chai is 25), but that doesn't stop their friendship with each other.
• 808 will often mimic the expression and body language of whoever is talking through her. This includes Peppermint's unimpressed looks, CNMN's robotic movements, and more. And as you can imagine, it's adorable.
• The fact that a lot of the older Vandelay units genuinely enjoy their jobs. Newer units tends to be lazier and are often seen trying to skip work, but older units will try their very hardest, even with the knowledge that they may be eventually scrapped.
  • SCR-UB units in particular are very enthused to clean, talking about how they're so excited to clean. They may be simple-minded, but they are very passionate.

Story

Track 1: A Fresh Start

• Chai seems pretty stoked to have his robot arm. Considering the state of his arm before the surgery, he must be pretty stoked to finish the first step to becoming a real rockstar.
• Upon seeing 808 surrounded by bots, he doesn't hesitate to call their attention, which in turn allows 808 to escape.
• Right after fixing the generator, Chai can find two robot employees arguing with each other about the generator breaking down, blaming each other for it. If Chai hits them, they drop down, hugging each other and apologize. What an odd way to repair a friendship.

Track 3: Trial by (Volcanic) Fire

• The old receptionist unit claiming that she prefers the old management more than she does the current one. When Chai suggests she try to at least act happy, she says that her unenthusiastic behavior is more or less her form of rebellion.
• When Chai figures out how to parry the drones, Peppermint asks him if he's doing alright, genuinely concerned for him. And in this point in the story, Chai is still somewhat reluctant to be helping her.
  • In the second chamber, Peppermint will chime in with a genuine 'Nice, Chai!' when you complete the sequence. She seems genuinely impressed with him, probably even more so since he came up with the parry mechanic himself.
• When Chai meets up with a SMIDGE who is going to be one of the test subjects, Chai actually tries to tell him to escape for his own good.

Track 4: Less Budget, More Problems

• Look carefully in the cutscene where Chai meets Macaron and CNMN for the first time. On the wall, there's a picture of Macaron and Roxanne on the wall. It's clear that Macaron had been great friends with Roxanne back in the day.
• Despite having a rough friendship so far, Peppermint seems genuinely worried about Chai after he got sucker-punched in face by the Zanzo's new Z-Shielding bot.
  • The first thing she says upon running into the room is: "Chai, don't be dead!"
  • Then she acts all Tsundere when Chai points this out:
    Chai: OK, I want answers. I dodge volcanoes coming here, and you just waltz right in?
    Peppermint: Waltz!? I ran here!
    Chai:So what you're saying is... you were worried about me!
    Peppermint: What? Uh, n-no, it was more, a... general concern for the... state of things!
• Both SMIDGE and an O5-KAR unit are delighted to see Macaron again after he had been demoted and replaced by Zanzo. It really shows how beloved Macaron really is to his robot creations, seeing them as people than just expendable robots.
  • A CA-11E unit being really concerned for Macaron's safety when he hears the explosions from downstairs.
• When trying to escape R&D, Chai selflessly sacrifices himself to become the bait to draw away the enemies from his allies, which allow them all to escape to the hideout, getting captured in the process. The fact that Chai was so easily ready to abandon Peppermint in the beginning, this is the start of the growth of his character into someone better.
  • Following that, 808 manages to catch Chai's trash grabber (weapon) and manages to follow him all the way to Security to rescue him. What a loyal cat.

Track 5: Breaking Out

• Chai striking a sort of odd, but somewhat friendly relationship with the dented TEC-78 worker. Chai doesn't see it as much as a friendship, but Macaron seems pretty happy that Chai went out of his way to help him recover his 'schematics'.

Track 6: L.I.F.T. Me Up

• It's clear that Korisca is both shocked and grateful that Chai went out of his way to fix the security system. He had only done it so he can use the elevator, but in the chaos of equipment and areas breaking down, Korsica seemed strangely touched by Chai's actions.
  • Chai is more than happy to accept the vague praise.
• The same TEC-78 worker appears again in this level and seems unwilling to fight Chai, even after finding out he's the defect. Chai also apologizes to it when he steps on its head to escape. In general, because of Chai fixing the security system, the workers don't fight him, not in gameplay at least.

Track 7: The Climb

• There's a small Pet the Dog moment where you can help free a SCR-UB unit who had gotten stuck in node, rewarding Chai with some extra gears as it goes about cleaning once again.
• In the Boss Fight against Korsica, Chai is genuinely excited when she accidentally makes a pun, since Chai is a big fan of them. Sadly, it isn't the case, but the fact that Chai was so ready to bond over the love of puns.
• Even though he blows it in the end, Chai nearly convinces Korsica to end the fight peacefully with his words, also earning the respect of his friends about his diplomacy for a moment.
• Macaron, Peppermint, and CNMN operating on Korsica and saving her life, despite the fact that she had been working against them this whole time. Korsica is genuinely touched by their kindness and thanks them for saving her life, fully joining their group as a member and a friend.
  • Just before that, Chai risks his own life by tackling Korsica out of the way of Kale's attack, also getting knocked unconscious in the process. Kudos to him not wanting to abandon Korsica despite her aggression to him and Peppermint insisting he do to save his own life.
  • Korsica also apologizing to Chai for not listening to him when talking to her in the hideout and thanks him personally for risking his life to save her.
• Peppermint getting cross at Chai for risking his life like that to save Korsica, terrified that he actually had died. When Chai brushes it off as he always does, Peppermint pleads with him to be careful.

  Peppermint: Look, just at least try to be a bit more...careful next time. Please?

Track 8: A History Lesson

• Peppermint and Korsica share a brief but cute moment after Chai first calls in Korsica.
  Korsica: Peppermint, this [teleportation] tech is amazing!
  Peppermint: Uh, thanks. It’s nothing, really...
  CNMN: Ms. Peppermint, your face is turning red. Are you having an allergy attack?
• Partway into the level, Chai gets annoyed by Mimosa and snaps at her to shut up. A moment later, Korsica tries to calm him and tries to make him feel betrer.
  • Considering that this moment happens right after one of the propaganda exhibits, it's likely that Chai was getting annoyed for Peppermint, who he notices is getting genuinely upset.
• In the Vandelay museum, Peppermint becomes increasingly upset about how the company's history is twisted so that Kale is not only a bona fide genius, but the sole child and successor of Roxanne, the original founder. She soon reveals that she is also a Vandelay by blood, making her Roxanne's daughter and Kale's sister, and she wants to prevent her mom and company's good name from being further corrupted. Now seeing the personal stakes behind her mission, Chai and the others give her their full support.
  Peppermint: I know what you probably think. You think-
  Chai: [interrupting her] Who cares? Did you think we wouldn't talk to you anymore? We got this far because of you. We're all here because of you.
  Peppermint: Yeah, but...
  Chai: And I'm here fighting because of what you found, and what you're trying to stop.
  [...]
  Macaron: Your brother doesn't define who YOU are.
  Korsica: And this doesn't change anything.
  Peppermint: Really?
  Chai: It only gives us a stronger reason to fight. [touches her shoulder] As friends.
  Macaron: [tears up] Chai, that was... Beautiful, mate.
  • The moment Peppermint starts to get teary, 808 quickly jumps onto her lap and curls up there to comfort her. It's such a sweet thought, but it's also heartbreaking to realize that Peppermint had probably programmed that into her cat because it was the only form of comfort she had during her time alone. It's a good thing she has such loyal friends now.
  • Right after this moment, Peppermint makes a pun about crashing Mimosa's party, something Chai usually does and she tolerates at best. Chai had apparently wanted to make that pun ever since they had arrived, but allows Peppermint to have it, offering her a fist bump, which she reciprocates.

Track 9: Take the Stage

• After Mimosa's boss fight, the audience, which once was cheering for the far more famous Mimosa, starts cheering for Chai. For him, whose always wanted to be a rockstar, this must be a dream come true for him. Instead of gloating, he looks genuinely happy.
  Chai: I could get used to this...

Track 10: The Masterplan

• Although Kale is selfish and narcissistic, Roquefort is extremely loyal to him. The reason is because Kale saved him when he had almost died and had made him 'stronger'. Even though Kale is a less than stellar person, Roquefort's loyalty is something to admire. A wolf fits him after all.
• Chai is genuinely terrified by Roquefort's secret werewolf form. When summoning Peppermint or the others in this fight they all encourage and stand by him.
  Peppermint: Don't be scared, Chai!
  Macaron/Korsica: You don't scare us!

Track 11: The Needle Drop

• In the conversation before entering the office, Chai takes the time to do a 'vibe check' and check in on everyone to make sure they're alright. Even though he had been playing more of a Lancer role to Peppermint's Leader, it seems like he has the makings of a good leader somewhere in there too.
• After criticizing Chai for his reckless behavior for much of the game, Chai and Peppermint apologize to each other for how they treated each other in the beginning. Peppermint then reassures Chai that she does trust him shows how much they've both grown.
  • Doubly so during the climax, when her words serve as motivation for Chai to free his friends from Kale's trap.
• When Chai becomes genuinely angry when Kale traps them, even smashing his guitar against the forcefield, his friends look at him in concern. The moment Chai starts to express doubt in himself, his friends immediately jump in to support him. Chai uses their friendship and trust as motivation to break open the forcefield.
  [Chai's memories]
  Korsica: You may not be slick, but you get it done.
  Chai: You might not see it...
  Macaron: I like this new Chai! He's quite come around, hasn't he?
  Chai: We're in this together...
  CNMN: I, for one, Mister Chai, like your pants.
  Chai: Ehhh, good enough.
  Peppermint: Chai... I DO trust you. You know that, right?
  Chai: And I know it now... I don't need a guitar. I AM a rockstar.
• The entire level of Track 11: The Needle Drops. It starts with Chai finding the strength within himself with the encouragement of his friends to unlock the harmonic barrier (in perhaps the most heartwarming moment in this entire game), then switches to a hopeful climb to the top with 'Whirring' by The Joy Formidable playing in the background (in the Streamer Off mode). It really does feel like a hopeful culmination of everyone's friendship and hard work.
  • Throughout the entire level, Chai's friends are seen helping him reach his destination, whether it is knocking things into place or providing a distraction so he can escape Zanzo's robot.
• When saving him from Zanzo's robot, Korsica gives Chai the same 'Hey!' salute he had given her when she had first joined their group back at the end of Track 7.
• CNMN finally getting his time to shine by defeating Zanzo's robot, as well as his dialogue with Chai afterwards, where the latter is more than grateful for CNMN's assistance.

Track 12: Curate the Future

• During the short 808 segment where she faces off against Kale, Peppermint and the other will cheer for 808 if she gets hit by an attack, encouraging her to get back up. Also, 808 standing up to Kale himself to save Chai from brainwashing.
• In the final segment against Kale, everyone contributes to the beatdown on the man who has caused them so much grief and suffering.
• Everyone's happy ending:
  • Korsica getting re-hired by Roxanne and finally getting to work for the company she had grown up to admire.
  • Peppermint reuniting with her mother after all this time apart and given a chance to repair their estranged relationship.
  • Macaron is just happy to see Roxanne, a good friend, after all these years and is happy to start working with her on future projects.
  • Chai feels out of place compared to his comrades as they all reconcile with Roxanne Vandelay and feels as though he should leave since he feels like he wasn't meant for a corporate job. Roxanne stops him before he leaves and tells him that Vandelay needed an ambassador and that he was a perfect fit. Chai's dream of becoming a rockstar is coming true.
    • Roxanne's words go even deeper than Chai simply getting a 'trash collector' arm and making the most of it. Her words could easily apply to the life Chai had before getting roped into the plot, having something wrong with his arm, but still pushing forward, remaining positive, and making use of his life despite that, never once giving up his dream. It's really an inspiration and a testament to how special Chai is despite the hand he's been dealt. To people who have disabilities and such, it's a great message to hear.

Post-game

• In the credits sequence, Peppermint fixes the truck that Roxanne used to sell Vandelay chips out of. Macaron and a semi-repaired CNMN drive it around to pick up all their friends. Once they all group up, they relax and hang out on a scenic hilltop somewhere, listening to Chai practice on the guitar.
  • Before getting picked up, Chai is seen practicing his guitar with 808. After the chaos these two have gone together, it's great to see them just relaxing together, for good this time.
    • Better yet, the new (real) guitar has Peppermint's logo on it, implying she built it for him even if she wasn't sure he was actually going to practice yet.
  • Korsica, who had been a dangerous opponent before her Heel–Face Turn, smiles at Peppermint. Peppermint returns the look, having very clearly developed a crush on her former enemy.
    • When Chai accidentally interrupts Peppermint trying to move on Korsica, instead of getting mad, she affectionately grabs him and gives him a noogie.
  • At the beginning of the game, Chai has very strong aspirations of being a rockstar, but is incapable of playing the guitar because of his arm (which is why he needed the prosthetic arm in the first place). By the end, after all the fighting is over, he finally has the chance to sit down and learn to play the guitar.
    Peppermint: So, you're actually gonna learn how to play guitar?
    Chai: Yeah, gotta practice. Need a backup job in case this doesn't work out.
• Chai being very worried about Peppermint, who had found stray SPECTRA signals. In his inner thoughts, he resolves to do his best to help her and put all her fears and worries to rest.
• If you return to Track 7: The Climb and use Korsica to blow out a fiery doorway near the breakroom with cleaning bots, Chai can find PMIDGE, the Artist, a special version of SMIDGE that has been the one painting all those graffiti scattered throughout the levels. In the room, there is a painting of Korsica and when Chai points it out to her, she smiles and says its really nice. Unfortunately, PMIDGE takes this the wrong way and thinks it's just 'good' not 'great', but at least Korsica likes it.
  • Chai feels bad for putting it into 'sad mode'.
• A SCR-UB unit ends up completely derailing Kale's plans to bring SPECTRA back, getting tangled in the device's wiring. Chai frees it with no hesitation, with a smile on his face.
• After finishing the SPECTRA postgame content, Chai will tell 808 to show some love to Peppermint once in a while, knowing she would appreciate it.
  • When talking to Peppermint, she states how worried she is about what else things Kale had planned, but Chai assures her that he's would be right there, by her side and Peppermint is genuinely touched by this.
    Peppermint: I'll try to take a break, but you never know what ELSE he had planned.
    Chai: Whatever it is, you got me by your side.
  • Chai asks if Macaron got any vacation time or a bonus for saving the company, and Macaron states that he would have done it all for free because that's how much he loved his job. It turns out, Roxanne still gave him some vacation time as thanks still. Better yet, he could go anywhere during his vacation, but he likes to spend his free time hanging out with the team.

Gameplay

• Anytime Chai calls in his allies into battle, they all share encouraging words to pep each other during battle.
  Peppermint: You got this, Chai!
  • When calling in Korsica, she will sometimes ask if Chai is doing okay. It just seems like a sweet gesture that she's checking on him.
    Korsica: Are you alright, Chai?
  • The pacifist Macaron, angrily tells the opponents to:
    Macaron: Leave my buddy alone!
• Any time when Chai calls on his companions to help him with obstacles in the levels, he (and 808) is always cheering for them on the side. When they succeed, he cheers even harder.

Vlogs

• From the vlogs found in the Security levels, it becomes clear that Korsica really does care about her job. In her Vlogs she is always requesting for better equipment and her workers don't seem to resent her that much. It's clear to see how great a fit she is as Head of Security.
• There is a Vlog found in the beginning section of Track 8, where a CAR-11E bot details how they enjoy coming to this spot to play with KUT-WAN dogs (lawnmower bots). The CAR-11E also tells the reader that this is a great place to take a break without being spotted, aw.

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