Gravity Rush on the Vita was a rough gem. It was riddled with frame rate drops, cumbersome use of the touch-screen, and the story was done before you knew it. And yet, it was an enjoyable action-adventure game that introduced some interesting mechanics, which gave it a unique feel. It was something new, and I fell in love with it despite its flaws. After putting in a good 20 hours, I reluctantly picked up this remastered version and was pleasantly surprised.
Playing on a dualshock with a stable frame rate does the game more justice than I anticipated. Controls are relatively the same compared to the Vita version, except gravity slide is mapped to R2 and L2. It's a nice change that allows for smoother movement on the ground and easier transitioning from the air. While functional, the Vita's method of using the touch-screen was awkward in comparison, and it made transitioning movement difficult as you constantly had to move your thumbs between the analog sticks and the screen. Having gravity slide mapped for easier access encourages you to utilize it more often, and you'll quickly realize how useful it is when you're fighting on the ground or traversing through specific areas, whereas before you'd instinctively contain yourself in the air and spam gravity kick. Still a legit strategy, but also slow-paced and puts you in vulnerable position. Slide remapping seems like a small change, but it really does make movement/combat significantly more seamless once you get used to it. Air movement is still the same and brings a similar learning curve to the Vita version. Of course, I had an easier time with the PS4 version simply due to having played the original and access to larger analog sticks and buttons. Helpful considering combat and gravity travel can get intense towards end-game, as some missions/challenges will require you to traverse and clear multiple areas quickly. Again, doesn't seem much, but it goes a long way when I'm not cramping from chronic gravity kicking. Touch-screen controls are back from the original if you choose to use them for dodging and fondling Kat. And, of course, solid 60 fps is always important for a genre requiring precise movement.
This is my first experience with Bluepoint Games, and I've heard they had a good track record with remastered projects. Seems it checks out 'cause Gravity Rush runs beautifully at 1080p 60 fps. There's a surprising amount of new artwork added to the textures. 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. In addition, frame rate rarely takes a drop. At worst, there's a drop during some challenges where a lot of enemies fill up the screen, but it's rarely noticeable.
Content-wise, the Remastered version is essentially the Vita version with all 3 DLC packs included. While the game certainly plays and looks significantly better, it comes with, more or less, the same gripes I've had with the original. GR is short, and you can beat it in about 10+ hours. Adding in challenges, hidden content, and the DLC will net you about 15-20, depending on how willing you are to explore the city and collect gems to unlock all the upgrades. The main story consists of 21 chapters, but they're all quick and relatively easy. Missions do a good job putting you in different scenarios, but the core objectives remain the same throughout (clear enemies, escort, go from A to B, repeat) and can get repetitive. You'll find yourself breezing through if you don't care for the side content, and even with that, GR's a short ride. It's certainly a fun one, however. Manipulating gravity to move yourself and objects around you is a novel and fun concept, and it's executed well. It's the unique ideas on traversal and combat that drew me in with the original. 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. Additionally, air combat can be somewhat slow due to the camera being too upfront at times, obscuring your field of vision. Although I didn't have too many issues with camera adjusting/centering, it'd be nice if the camera was panned back more consistently so that I wouldn't have to adjust as much.
The story ends somewhat in-conclusively, as not much is explained about the Nevi (main enemies) nor Kat's origin outside of hints and heavy implication. It's a serviceable tale that introduces who Kat is and does quite a bit of world-building. 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. As such, those going in expecting a full story will be disappointed.
It's kind of cheap listing flaws and giving it five stars. And yet Gravity Rush is one of those games where, despite its flaws, I can't help but adore it. The gravity mechanic is something I haven't seen many games do, and GR does it well enough to illustrate not only how fascinating it is, but how much better it could be. I loved the original, and the PS4 version made me enamored with it again, only it actually runs fantastically. My main issue is that the game was over before it blossomed, and it could do so much more with its ideas. I truly hope they become more realized in the sequel. I'm not one for Remastered games and sentimentality, but Gravity Rush really is something special, and for 30 bucks I recommend it, if nothing else then at least just for the fact that it's something new and interesting. And the Remastered version is anything but a lazy port. It looks and runs stunningly.
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From the manufacturer
Gain a new perspective as Kat, a strong-willed girl trying to protect her future in a world that's crumbling to pieces. With incredible gravity-altering abilities, Kat is the only one who can salvage the floating city of Hekseville – if only she could remember who she is. ..
Control gravity and protect the future.
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Enhanced GraphicsDive into a world of beautifully enhanced graphics to explore the unique 3D world, stunningly revamped from the award-winning PS Vita original. |
Dual Shock 4 ControlsManipulate gravity with the Dual Shock 4 wireless controller, using its built-in motion sensors to give you a new level of control. |
ExtrasEnjoy extra missions, challenges and costumes with the Maid Pack, Spy Pack and Military Pack, all included in the game. |
Gallery ModeEnjoy Gravity Rush Remastered’s unique comic book art style with over 600 illustrations available to view in the new gallery mode. |
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Gravity Rush Remastered - PlayStation 4
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Reviews with images
Prepare yourself for Gravity Rush 2.
I completed this game on Vita years ago and bought it again to replay it on a big screen. This is an excellent, flawless port and a really good game. Get it.
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