Gravity Rush 2
- January 20, 2017
- SIEA
Gravity Rush is solid fun on the PS4 with a really fun protagonist, enjoyable gaming mechanics and a way to become involved in interactive anime... just be wary, the controls can be annoying at times.
"Gravity Rush 2" is a single-player action game with a spectacular story. The player controls Kat, a gravity queen who can manipulate gravity, in her search for answers about her origin. With the help of Raven, she must master three unique gravity attack styles to defeat a new danger threatening the universe. The game offers a mind-bending adventure with exciting enemies and massive bosses.
Reviews
- Gravity Rush 2 features a vibrant and beautifully designed world, with a unique art style that enhances the overall experience.
- The gameplay mechanics, particularly the gravity-shifting abilities, provide a fun and engaging way to explore the open world and engage in combat.
- The story is well-developed, with a charming cast of characters and a satisfying narrative that builds on the original game.
- The camera controls can be frustrating, especially during combat and in tight spaces, leading to disorienting gameplay experiences.
- Some missions, particularly stealth and fetch quests, can feel tedious and repetitive, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- There are occasional pacing issues in the story, with some players feeling that certain plot points are disjointed or poorly executed.
- story205 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story of Gravity Rush 2 is praised for its engaging narrative and character development, particularly focusing on the protagonist Kat and her origins, enhanced by comic book-inspired cutscenes. While the main storyline is substantial and well-integrated with numerous side missions that enrich the world, some players find the pacing uneven and certain mission types, especially stealth, tedious. Overall, the game offers a captivating experience with a vibrant world and memorable characters, though it suffers from occasional mission design flaws and a lack of clarity in objectives.
“The characters have great designs, the world is vast and filled with a sense of wonder, and the story fully fleshes out its main character in her own secret origin.”
“The story and characters keep their charm and several characters from the original game make surprise appearances.”
“Everything from the world, characters, story, music, art and aesthetics are captivating.”
“The mission design is atrocious, with very vague directions on where to go for numerous missions.”
“The missions themselves aren't much better, with the worst stealth missions I've ever seen.”
“Quests are repetitive and the main story doesn't flow well.”
- gameplay85 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay in this title is characterized by its unique gravity-shifting mechanics, which provide a refreshing and enjoyable experience, particularly in traversal and combat. While some players may find certain missions frustrating or the camera control challenging, the overall mechanics are praised for their fluidity and fun, making it a standout in the genre. The game successfully expands upon its predecessor with improved features, a larger world to explore, and a charming cast of characters, ensuring a captivating experience for both newcomers and returning fans.
“The gameplay has improved and has added some really badass elements for combat.”
“Gameplay: flying through the air as Kat is one of the best parts of the game.”
“Kat's traversal mechanic is still among the most satisfying that the sandbox genre has to offer, and an endearing cast of characters means that you'll actively want to spend time in their world.”
“However, I really think the game falls short in gameplay and doesn't improve on much.”
“The core mechanic this game is based around is barely used.”
“The game is entertaining as an anime experience, but the story is weak and the movements of the gameplay get tiring after a while.”
- music39 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers highlighting its fantastic quality and ability to enhance the overall experience. The soundtrack is noted for its diversity, ranging from classical to jazz, and includes a standout song with lyrics that resonates with players. Overall, the music is described as captivating and integral to the game's atmosphere, contributing significantly to its status as a masterpiece.
“The music is awesome and the online interactions are pretty neat, whether it be challenging your friends with your new record on a challenge mission, to helping them find a treasure that you previously stumbled upon.”
“Everything from the world, characters, story, music, art, and aesthetics are captivating.”
“The game features fun and varied gameplay, fun characters, unique art style, and one of the best soundtracks in recent times.”
“Or you may find it strange that she would have such a particular song in her head at all while not recalling the song that plays when you make that apple fall from the tree in the first game.”
“Do not forget about that opening song on Gravity Rush 1 when you made that apple fall off that tree.”
“I have the song even though I have no idea what they're saying.”
- graphics38 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning, vibrant visuals and unique art style, reminiscent of Studio Ghibli and watercolor manga. Players appreciate the colorful cel-shaded graphics and captivating world design, which enhance the overall experience and emotional connection to the characters. The combination of beautiful artwork, engaging gameplay, and a fantastic soundtrack creates a visually immersive environment that stands out in the gaming landscape.
“The graphics are amazing and the character developments are much more obvious, and you build up a lot of connections along the way.”
“It's going to take turns you were never prepared for, and give you visuals you never would've believed to see in a game that seems to just fill you with hope.”
“Graphics: it feels like you are running through a watercolor manga.”
“In reference to other games, I can see Jet Set Radio for the cell-shaded graphics and Skies of Arcadia for the floating cities.”
“Characters generally have softer features that are more in line with Studio Ghibli’s art style.”
- emotional7 mentions
- 86 % positive mentions
- -29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The emotional impact of the game is highlighted by its heartbreaking ending, which resonates deeply with players, evoking strong feelings akin to those experienced in other beloved titles like Final Fantasy X and the Mother series. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay elements, the narrative's conclusion is described as profoundly moving, leaving a lasting impression on those who engage with it.
“A heartbreaking ending for a masterpiece series doomed for obscurity [semi light spoilers]”
“And it's not going to end with her waking up in her home down in the pipe under Auldnoir, but I'll leave you to discover that heart-wrenching conclusion on your own.”
“Plus it nearly made me cry, and only 4 other games have done that (Final Fantasy X, Mother, Mother 2, and Mother 3).”
“The emotional depth of the story is overshadowed by too many tedious side quests, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“I found the story to be sometimes boring, which really detracted from the emotional impact it could have had.”
“The constant help pop-ups and fidgety controls pulled me out of the emotional experience I was hoping for.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in Gravity Rush 2 is praised for its impressive diversity and captivating locations, mirroring the strengths of its predecessor. Reviewers highlight it as a significant aspect of the game, contributing to its overall masterpiece status alongside gameplay, soundtrack, and story.
“The locations and diversity in atmosphere in Gravity Rush 2 is as amazing as from the first game.”
“The game itself is a masterpiece in terms of gameplay, atmosphere, soundtrack, and story.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively balances its darker themes with a fun and humorous tone, featuring memorable funny moments, particularly with the character Kat. Overall, players appreciate the lightheartedness that complements the gameplay.
“Despite some of the darker themes, the game has a very fun and humorous tone!”
“Great gameplay and some funny moments with Kat!”
“Despite some of the darker themes, the game has a very fun and humorous tone!”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization for the game on the base PS4 has been criticized, with users noting that Japan Studios failed to ensure smooth performance, particularly during transitions between locations like Jirga Para Lhao and Hekseville.
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development is highlighted as a strong aspect of the game, with players noting that it is clearly depicted and fosters meaningful connections throughout the experience.
“The graphics are amazing, and the character development is much more obvious, allowing you to build up a lot of connections along the way.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find that while some side missions can become tedious and detract from the overall experience, the impact is minimal. However, issues such as a boring story, excessive help pop-ups, and fidgety controls contribute to the grinding feeling in the game.
“Some of the side missions get a bit tedious, but it doesn't take much away from the overall game.”
“There are too many tedious side quests, and sometimes the story feels boring. Additionally, there are too many help pop-ups, and the controls are a bit fidgety.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Overall, users report minor stability issues, including occasional glitches like getting stuck in tight spaces, but these are generally considered manageable and do not significantly detract from the gameplay experience.
“There are a few glitches that can be easily overlooked, such as when your head gets stuck in the roof in tight spots.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
“I experienced several bugs that disrupted my gameplay, including freezing and random disconnects.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users note that while the game is playable on PS4, the region-locking of DLC can hinder replayability, as players may not be able to access additional content based on their region.
Critic Reviews
Gravity Rush 2 Review – A Step Up From Its Predecessor
Gravity Rush 2 is a game designed for those who are looking for a lot of fun in a little package. There is never a shortage of tasks to accomplish - even if they are sometimes boring - and combat that takes getting used to but overall this game will leave a smile on your face.
80%Gravity Rush 2 Review
Even though the core of Gravity Rush 2 remains largely unchanged, you'll be hard pushed to find a fresher open world title in a sea of Grand Theft Auto and Assassin's Creed clones. Kat's traversal mechanic is still among the most satisfying that the sandbox genre has to offer, and an endearing cast of characters means that you'll actively want to spend time in their world. The combat and mission structure may still be this series' biggest shortcoming, but colourful scenarios mean that you'll stick around long enough to see the sizeable story and its many side-quests through. So, while not everyone will be dazed by what this release has to offer, the sequel should at the very least ensure that existing fans continue singing Kat's chorus.
70%Gravity Rush 2 review: "An original, inventive world held back by rote mission design"
When Gravity Rush 2 sticks to its strengths, it soars; it’s a shame that its stale mission design and clumsy controls keep it from getting too high off the ground.
60%