Now we've stepped into the light...

(Hello I'd like to preface this post by saying 1. Despite the probably aggressive tone of this post, I am completely joking, and 2. I have mobility issues, and they were very noticeable for me lately, which is why I thought to make this post. Ok let's all laugh together now)

I have no idea why, but I was reminded of this one specific ramp in R&D that makes my blood boil every time I see it.

Who. Who approved this?????? Why is it so steep???? I am NOT making it up that without help.

Then I fell down a rabbit hole.

Why are all these ramps so steep????? And why are there no handrails in the majority of them?? NOT TO MENTION (though they're not pictured) that there are stairs usually right after these ramps (which feels counterintuitive)

And then this. This feels problematic. Bc the majority of BK/old Vandelay models have wheels instead of legs, and would thus have the same issues with mobility as, for example, a wheelchair user.

Korsica, honey, I'm gonna hold your hand when I say this. I physically cannot go up the stairs without being in pain or needing prolonged breaks. Also have you seen how TALL THE SECURITY BUILDING IS????? Please.

Post Track 3: Trial By (Volcanic) Fire

(stage songs: Heatwave, Test Chamber, That's Mister Chai to You!)

Now that the @hfr-encore Zine is out, I can post my piece for it!

I've been mulling this one over for a while, trying to phrase it as well as I can, because I think it might be my favorite thing that the writing team did with the parallels between them?

The thing is, Chai and Roxanne both have a gift for inspiring and encouraging people. In Roxanne's case, since she doesn't appear in person until the end of the game, we see this mostly through the reputation of her company, and the way other characters talk about her. She's obviously a very charismatic person, who naturally draws other gifted people into her orbit and makes them feel like they're part of something special.

But in Chai's case? Well. Here's the thing:

In every track of Hi-Fi Rush, there's a quiet interlude between missions. Sometimes it's in the hideout, sometimes out in the field, but it's always there. It's like the chorus of a song, repeating between every new verse. And the whole game is structured around this recurring pattern.

The gameplay purpose of these interludes is to give the player a chance to unlock new upgrades and rewards and equipment; but, in what seems like a very deliberate design choice, that process involves Chai actually walking around to check in with each member of the team, one by one. This routine gets more complex every time a new team member is added, but the game always encourages you to "make the rounds" and chat with each character, and give them a little pep talk if they need it.

And as you progress through the game, you can see Chai getting better at cheering his friends on! He starts asking how they're doing, listening to their worries and fears, praising their strengths, and making them feel seen and appreciated. In a very real sense, he's taking on the inspirational role that Roxanne played in their lives, before she disappeared.

You get into the habit of doing this round of check-ins, whenever these quiet moments happen between missions. It becomes a familiar part of the rhythm of the game.

And then, at the very end of the game, there's one last quiet interlude in Roxanne's office. But this time, it's Roxanne who "makes the rounds" instead, speaking with each member of the team one by one. It's very sweet, but it also produces a subtle sense that Chai has been displaced. Is his presence still necessary, now that Roxanne has stepped back into her old leadership role?

...and then, at the end of her rounds, Roxanne alters the pattern by turning to Chai and checking in with him. She listens to his worries, and she reassures him that he still has a place here, and that he's more than welcome to stay.

As Peppermint plods down the tunnel to the hideout door, she can hear faint notes of music drifting through the air. Something inside her unknots, just a little.

Chai looks up from his guitar practice as she lets herself inside, and winces. "Oof," he says, flatly. "You look awful."

"Thanks, Chai, you say the nicest things," Peppermint groans. She slumps down on the couch next to him, buries her face in her hands, and lets out a long, shaky breath.

808 trots across the couch cushions and climbs into her lap immediately, snuggling close to her. Peppermint sinks her fingers gratefully into the cat's warm synthetic fur, and the knot in her guts unties itself a little more.

Chai sets his guitar aside and gives her a sympathetic frown. "Rough interview, huh?" he observes.