Title: Gravity Rush
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
Platform: PlayStation Vita
Developer: SCE Japan
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Release Date: June 13th 2012
In my review of the Playstation Vita for this very website not so long ago, I mentioned that the true test of the device would be in its software support, or more to the point, a potential lack thereof. Sure, the launch line-up was solid enough. But high-scale platformers like Uncharted have very limited replay value and the frustration threshold of the common human is just no match for Lumines Electronic Symphony’s ‘voyage’ mode. I also mentioned however, that I felt the Vita had the potential to attract developers and would probably be home to many a great gaming experience by the years end. If Gravity Rush is anything to go by, I might just have been on the money.
From the twisted, magnificent mind of Keiichiro Toyama (Silent Hill), Gravity Rush is the story of Kat, a mysterious young lady with equally mysterious abilities. Waking up in a strange city Kat finds herself unable to remember who she is, where she is or very much at all. She can however, shift her center of gravity for a limited time allowing her to reach places the common townsfolk can not. The city, Hekesville, is also falling into some sort of cosmic void from which Kat must rescue it with the help of a magical cat and an eccentric old man in a flashers coat, all the while fighting off attention from a sexy rival and living in an oversized sewer pipe. If that all sounds completely insane that’s probably because it is. Toyama has never been one for thinking inside the box, but with Gravity Rush he’s turned the box inside out, re-decorated it, thrown it into the air and somehow gotten it to stay there.
Visually Gravity Rush is a sight to behold. The cel-shaded world of Hekesville is a wonderful backdrop to the exquisite character designs and animations. Kat is immediately likeable and charming throughout and the music that accompanies her journey is nothing short of magnificent. The platforming revolves (literally) around shifting Kats center of gravity to reach goals and take out enemies, mostly gloopy monster things called Nevi. A power guage in the left hand corner lets you know when you’re about to return to normal gravity, which usually involves an unexpected one-way trip to cosmic-void-ville and it’s here where Gravity Rush starts to fall down (pun very much intended).
As is the case with many platformers, the camera in Gravity Rush is an erratic, unreliable element that can and frequently will confuse the living daylights out of you. Many a life was lost trying to stabilize the camera while my gravity guage depleted and all I could do was watch as Kat tumbled to her temporary doom.
Thankfully, Gravity Rush is presented with more than enough charm to make up for any technical shortcomings. With a likeable protagonist, an incredibly addictive and innovative core mechanic, beautiful visuals and a brilliant score, Vita owners will definitely be falling for Gravity Rush.
