Gravity Rush
- February 9, 2012
- SCE Japan Studio
- 20h median play time
Gravity Rush is a killer app for the Vita; one that not only oozes a lot of charm and creativity, but also provides some much-needed diversion for people who own the system.
Gravity Rush is a single-player open world comedy game with phenomenal game mechanics and fabulous graphics. As Kat, you'll explore a mysterious world, manipulate gravity to your advantage, and uncover the secrets of your past in this interesting plot-driven game, all with a touch of humor. The PlayStation Vita's tilt controls add a unique twist to the combat and exploration.
Reviews
- Unique gravity-shifting gameplay offers a fresh and engaging experience.
- Visually stunning with improved graphics and a charming art style, running at 1080p 60fps.
- The remastered version enhances controls, making gameplay smoother and more enjoyable compared to the original Vita version.
- The story feels rushed and incomplete, leaving many questions unanswered.
- Missions can become repetitive, often relying on similar objectives throughout.
- Combat can be disorienting due to camera issues, and some players may find the learning curve steep.
- story108 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The story of "Gravity Rush" is characterized by its whimsical and imaginative premise, featuring a protagonist with amnesia navigating a vibrant, floating world. While the narrative is engaging and filled with memorable characters, many players feel it lacks depth and resolution, ending abruptly and leaving several plot points unexplored. Overall, the story serves as a charming backdrop to the gameplay, but those seeking a fully fleshed-out narrative may find it disappointing.
“On top of some interesting characters and their amusing, playful interactions with Kat, it's a story that sets the stage and tone while setting up several mysteries of both Kat and the world to be solved for the sequel.”
“Gravity Rush delivers everything I love about video games: gorgeous art, satisfying combat, and an interesting story.”
“The story is unpredictable and very Japanese; but it doesn't rely on any RPG tropes and progresses at a very smooth pace.”
“The main story consists of 21 chapters, but they're all quick and relatively easy.”
“The story ends somewhat inconclusively, as not much is explained about the nevi (main enemies) nor Kat's origin outside of hints and heavy implication.”
“The only negatives I can think of is that there are 2 sections that I found unnecessarily and frustratingly difficult, and that the story feels like the first half of a story; there's no real resolution to be had.”
- gameplay46 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by innovative mechanics, particularly the gravity manipulation, which offers a unique and exhilarating experience. While the action-adventure elements and stylish art are praised, some players feel that the mechanics and story are not fully developed, leading to a somewhat abrupt conclusion. Overall, the gameplay is engaging and fun, though it can become repetitive, and the remastered version enhances the experience with improved graphics and controls.
“The gameplay and gravity manipulation feels absolutely amazing; there is nothing quite like it.”
“The gravity mechanics were a blast to play with; I had tons of fun flying around everywhere, walking on the side and underneath buildings.”
“Super charming, fun, refreshing gameplay that requires only a small learning curve, and a unique art style set this one apart from the pack.”
“That said, these ideas weren't fully explored to their potential, as the game ends before you really see its mechanics and plot develop and shine.”
“The gravity mechanic is unique and the wild camera angles got me a bit queasy after playing for 5 hours straight.”
“Gameplay is a bit slow at first so that it can set the story, after that it gets addicting.”
- graphics32 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics in the remastered version of the game have received significant praise for their crisp, high-resolution textures and a unique art style that draws inspiration from French artwork and anime aesthetics. While some elements still reflect the game's PS Vita origins, the overall visual upgrade is considered impressive, with smooth performance and a vibrant color palette that enhances the gameplay experience. Despite minor criticisms regarding certain environmental graphics, the artistic design and improved draw distances contribute to a visually stunning presentation.
“The visuals look closer to the concept art as a result, and I appreciate that, visually, GR Remastered is a more meaningful upgrade and not just an upscale.”
“The world has a crisp anime look and takes inspiration from French artworks.”
“Graphically, this game is oozing with style and looks fantastic on PS4 in 60fps.”
“Graphics: they in no way changed the overall look of the game when upping the texture resolution and polygon count on the models.”
“The only negatives I can think of is that there are 2 sections that I found unnecessarily and frustratingly difficult, sometimes the graphics of the environments show the game's Vita roots (although the amazing art style helps a lot), and that the story feels like the first half of a story, there's no real resolution to be had.”
“The graphics aren't really too much different but when you played this game on the Vita the touch controls and camera angles on the small screen were a lot to handle.”
- music11 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 18 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its sublime quality and ability to enhance the atmosphere, often compared to the enchanting soundtracks of Studio Ghibli films. Reviewers highlight the beautiful classical soundtrack, particularly the standout track "downtown," which captures the essence of the game's vibrant city. Overall, the soundtrack significantly contributes to the immersive experience, making it a memorable aspect of the game.
“Add some of the best character designs and animation I've seen in a game in a long time, and a beautiful classical soundtrack; it almost evokes a Ghibli-esque feeling.”
“Another strong point is the music; the soundtrack is fantastic and sets a nice tone for the city and characters with an almost Ghibli-esque sound.”
“A highlight for me is the track 'Downtown,' the song playing in the largest city; it evokes the wonderment of the big city.”
“The soundtrack really pulls you in, and the story isn't completely amazing, but there's enough that you'd want to know more and find out more about the world of Hekseville.”
“The gameplay, music, characters, world, and story are all awesome in this game.”
“After playing through this game, I love the art style, the gameplay, and the soundtrack that's very Studio Ghibli-esque.”
- character development3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development in the game is highly praised for its stunning designs and animation, evoking a Ghibli-esque aesthetic complemented by a beautiful classical soundtrack. Reviewers appreciate the vibrant art style and the engaging character portraits, which enhance the overall experience.
“Some of the best character designs and animations I've seen in a game in a long time, along with a beautiful classical soundtrack that almost evokes a Ghibli-esque feeling.”
“The art style really appealed to me, from all the character designs to the portraits.”
“The colors look beautiful, the gravity gimmick is still a lot of fun, and the character designs are wonderful.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is largely derived from its quirky characters, each with unique personalities that shine through their expressive body language and facial expressions, despite the absence of dialogue. Players appreciate the nostalgic clumsiness reminiscent of earlier titles, which adds to the charm and comedic effect of the overall experience.
“I have to say, each individual character in this game is interesting, each with a unique personality. What's even funnier is that they do not talk at all; they have this strange language they speak in their own world. However, their body language and facial expressions speak louder than words. It's a very nice touch for this fantasy world game.”
“This game brings back a lot of memories from one of the Vita launch titles. I must say I am impressed, but the funny thing is that it still has the same clumsy controls and everything you are familiar with from the Vita port is still there.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game has been criticized for its lack of replayability, as players feel that once the main story and side challenges are completed, there is little incentive to return, resulting in a quick loss of depth and engagement.
“The only reason I knock out one star is that this game does not have any replay value whatsoever. When you complete the story and even the side challenges, this game will instantly lose its depth right away in a heartbeat.”
“Interesting game, albeit lacking long-term replay value due to a lack of much to do outside of missions.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted through the player's unintentional interactions, suggesting a sense of immersion and connection to the gameplay. The use of the touchpad and d-pad for navigation adds a layer of personal engagement, enhancing the overall emotional experience.
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, with users highlighting its fantastic ambiance, complemented by sublime music and a compelling story. The remastered version builds on the already immersive experience, maintaining the high standards set by its creators, known for their work on Silent Hill and Siren.
“Great story, great gameplay, the music is sublime, the atmosphere is fantastic (from the creator of Silent Hill and Siren). While I haven't finished the remastered version, I have played a few hours of it and it builds on an already wonderful game.”
“The atmosphere was great too.”
Critic Reviews
Gravity Rush
Gravity Rush is a unique, entertaining PlayStation Vita game with a fun twist on third-person action gameplay, but it doesn't quite come together.
70%Gravity Rush Review
Gravity Rush is a killer app for the Vita; one that not only oozes a lot of charm and creativity, but also provides some much-needed diversion for people who own the system.
90%the upside of down
GRAVITY RUSH IS THE MOST INTERESTING THING HAPPENING ON THE VITA
70%