Gravity Rush 2, the sequel to the physics-defying action-adventure game from SCE Japan Studio and Project Siren, is set for release this week (January 20, 2017). And while hype continues to ramp up for the much-awaited launch, a playable demo was released to give us a taste of what to expect for the series’ latest installment.
Gravity Rush 2 Playable Demo Review
Before you dive into any feats of weightlessness, the game gives you a simple introduction to the controls. Most of Kat’s movements are typical of the action-adventure genre, but not everyone is familiar with her powers and how to use them to interact with the environment. Newcomers to the series who haven’t played the first game will experience the clumsiness of taking the first flight like a newborn baby trying to walk. You learn it pretty fast though, and getting the hang of it is pretty exhilarating, especially when you get so high up in the air to chase a bird that stole your skewered snack in one of the objectives.
And the while the whole experience of being adrift in midair is the meat of the Gravity Rush games, it also happens to provide probably the most frustrating thing about it: the camera. It isn’t exactly a deal-breaker to put everyone off, but the camera at times does a mediocre job at keeping up with flying in whichever orientation and direction you want, especially at top speed.
Combat on the ground and in midair is still somewhat decent. Kicks are still Kat’s most prominent show of melee athleticism, as with the previous game. Expect the same anime-influenced spunk as you come at Nevi at close range.
In terms of abilities, Kat’s improved Stasis Field ability now allows her to hurl objects at enemies at a distance, called “Gravity Throw”. While something this simple could’ve been included in the first game, it nevertheless feels satisfying to deck it out Matilda style and throw everything but the kitchen sink at hostile Nevi.
Gravity Rush 2’s cel-shaded graphics are simply stunning. Of course, it still has that colorfully vivid anime feel to it, but the game in a glorious full-sized display like the remastered version of Gravity Rush is nothing short of eye candy. And it’s almost as if Gravity Rush 2 has maintained the subtle Studio Ghibli vibe to this beautifully-rendered sequel. For the most part, the game retains its manga-style narrative in addition to some CG ones for cutscenes.
Overall, the game looks and feels pretty solid, and is still a very exciting sequel to the cheerful and stylish Gravity Rush on the Playstation Vita and Playstation 4. With practically the same formula as its predecessor (both its strong and weak points), there’s still some fun to be had in Gravity Rush 2, whether you’ve played the first game or not. The gravity-twisting premise coupled with the title’s playful charm still make for a great experience, while new characters, abilities and locations should hopefully bring more color and exuberance to the much-awaited follow-up.
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