Gravity Rush 2 is a 2017 role-playing video game, a much anticipated sequel by SIE Japan Studio and Project Siren that follows Kat and her gravity-manipulating action-filled adventure. Here’s a look at our demo playthrough.
The original Gravity Rush was initially released in 2012 by SIE Japan Studio, Project Siren and Bluepoint Games for Playstation Vita. In 2015 and 2016, it was released under Gravity Rush Remastered for Playstation 4 in Japan and North America respectively. This action-adventure game captured its audience with its unique use of manipulating gravity with a protagonist named Kat and set on a floating city called Hekseville.
https://youtu.be/5rSIXM_HdB0
In the upcoming sequel, Kat is yet again thrust into uncovering the mysteries in Hekseville. The world is beautiful and imaginative. The demo is not particularly long however for new players (like us) entering the world now, it is an introduction to the controls, the characters and especially the world. For older players, perhaps, it will mean seeing the improvements from the original. This demo starts off what we could assume is the story for this sequel and what Kat will be trying to find answers for.
As new players to the series, there are quite a few redeeming points to get excited about shown in the demo. The first is how the story is presented. Cut scenes are shown in comic panels and dialogue bubbles. It definitely is a breath of fresh air from the cinematic cut scenes (not that we are opposed to those).
The gravity manipulation controls do get a little confusing at first, especially then the first introduction is the previously mentioned chasing down of a bird that has stolen something of Kat’s. As we chase it down, we need to maneuver Kat to various locations and changing the gravity frequently. This requires stopping and aiming for another gravity direction but it also requires quite reflex to not come crashing to the ground. It takes time to master and sometimes, it means that the bird has already left and traveled somewhere else in this case. However, with time, the controls do give the impression that they can be mastered. They are unique to say the least. If you take the time to manipulate gravity on the ground and the people and objects around you levitate, it is one of those silly fun moments.
While the controls are a little challenging at first, another redeeming part is the first look at the enemies and mid-air combat mixed with the gravity manipulating skills. There are some great moves that Kat can do including a special move that can be activated. The enemies themselves present engaging battles.
Overall, Gravity Rush 2 seems like a fine game with certain aspects of an open world. The unique presentation of gravity manipulation may prove a little tricky to new players such as ourselves but is not impossible with rather smooth controls that can be mastered with time. The way the story is told through a more manga/comic style is refreshing and the characters, including our protagonist Kat is intriguing to learn more about. There’s a lot of good in this demo regardless of its short length but it sets up the stage well enough to leave us wanting to jump back into the world and uncovering its secrets and stories.
Gravity Rush 2 releases on January 20th in North America and UK on Playstation 4.