Gravity Rush 2 Review (PS4)
Introduction
This is the sequel to Gravity Rush, with some new feautres introduced such as the addition of side missions and new fighting styles. The Limited Edition includes an extra Blu-Ray disc called the Gravity Rush: The Animaton - Overture, which is an original animated video done by Studio Khara and acts as a prologue to Gravity Rush 2.
Story
The story takes place after the events of Gravity Rush and Gravity Rush: The Animaton - Overture. Kat and Syd ended up in a new location called Jirga Para Lhao, and they need to find a way back to Hekseville while surviving there. Not only there are different cultures in that location, there are Nevi terrorising in different parts of Jirga Para Lhao areas. Not only Kat will end up helping the oppressed people in Jirga Para Lhao, she will also find out her true identity later on under different circumstances.
The story is actually interesting, but has not very good pacing. Chapter 2 basically acts like a filler arc except for one subplot, and it acts more of an introductory arc to new players. However, this game did a decent job in answering a number of mysteries from the first game, such as Kat's origins, Alias, and etc. The lore of this game is pretty deep, although it is left to player's interpretations in many occasions.
The characters are pretty interesting. Kat is still an energetic, cute and courageous girl, Raven is a serious yet brave girl, and other returning characters as well. The new characters are also interesting, such as Lisa, Fi, Vogo, Cecie, and Dr. Brahman having unique personalities. However, the returning characters from the first game are underutilised unfortunately, especially in Chapter 3.
Gravity Rush: The Animaton - Overture is a decent prologue, but I think it should be included as a playable prologue in this game instead of being an animated video as this game glosses over two characters introduced in the animation as well as an important plot point left hanging in the first game and this animation.
Gameplay
1) Main Gameplay Section
The gameplay remains similar to the previous game, except with some new features and improvements. The progression and exploration remain the same as previous games, where you must complete Main Missions to proceed the storyline. Main Missions have different mission objectives, such as defeating enemies, following someone, infiltrating an area stealthily, or escorting someone. Like previous game, you can use Kat's gravity powers to travel to a location quickly, such as sliding or flying. You may also warp into different locations by discovering warp points, located in different areas in this game.
Kat's powers can be improved like in the first game, which is by spending Red Gems. Red Gems can be obtained by scouring in different areas in the game, completing Challenge Missions, or by mining. You can upgrade different category of Kat's powers, such as her Stasis Field power, Gravity Slide power, and etc. Each upgrade will make her powerful, so take advantage of that.
This game also introduces the Talisman system, where it allows Kat to equip three different talisman jewels for various passive effects. For example, one of the Talismans increases her health bar. Different talismans have different effects, which can be found by mining ores and completing Challenge Missions. This may not make much difference in regular playthrough, but can make a difference in harder difficulties or tackling harder enemies.
Another new feature in this game is the addition of Side Missions. Side Missions are optional missions where you can partake. Each Side Mission has different objectives and substory, which may or may not link to the game's lore. They are actually interesting to do, as it shows Kat's willingness to help people. Completing Side Missions may reward you health and gravity gauge upgrades, and sometimes talismans.
This game also has online feature, where you can participate in Challenges issued by online players to beat their records in Challenge Missions, as well as completing Online Treasure Hunts. Challenge Missions are side missions where you must overcome different obstacles, such as combat and platforming. Online Treasure Hunts are side missions where you must find the treasure based on a picture taken from online players.
The combat in this game remains the same as previous games, where you can use kicks or gravity powers to defeat enemies. This time, there is a bit more variety of enemies to be fought such as human enemies and new Nevis. The other new feature in this game is the new fighting styles. As you progress in the game, you will gain access to new styles that can assist you in different combat and platforming sections. For example, Jupiter Style allows you to do high jumps or rocket jumps easily without using Gravity Gauge and allow you to hit quick or nimble enemies.
The boss fights in this game are also the highlights, as you will fight a variety of bosses, which range from human and Nevi bosses. They are exhilarating and fun to fight, and a good amount of the boss fights require different strategy to beat them.
2) Downloadable Content Section
There are also few downloadable cotnent you can get for free, such as new costumes for Kat as well as a playable chapter featuring Raven, which is called The Ark of Time - Raven's Choice. This DLC chapter takes place between Gravity Rush and Graviry Rush: The Animation - Overture, where it answers some of the mysteries surrounding Raven. Not only Raven has her own playable episodes, new enemies, and new boss fights, she also has her own moveset that makes her more combat proficient compared to Kat.
The Ark of Time - Raven's Choice DLC is a neat playable chapter, and it does answer some of Raven's mysteries. Raven is also a compelling character and should have more playable sections in the main game. The problems I have with this story DLC is the execution and the weird time travel subplot. There are many story contradictions in both Gravity Rush games, although it is much safer to say that this DLC episode retcons many important plot points from the first game. I wish there are more story episodes as they can be utilised to improve the storytelling and lore in both Gravity Rush games, but I do not have high hopes on Sony doing that.
3) Gameplay Conclusion
The gameplay is great, with many improvements in progression, combat, boss fights, and new content. The combat is improved a lot as there are more combat strategies with different fighting styles and decent variety of enemies. Boss fights are also more fun to fight this time, with good variety of them. Online feature is pretty neat, such as the online Treasure Hunts, and the Side Missions are incredibly fun to play, with either funny or heartwarming sub-stories. Missions also have more variety of objectives, such as following someone, escorting someone, etc.
However, this game still has some gameplay issues. First of all, the camera system. Although the camera system works fine in regular exploration, the camera can be an issue when you are stuck or moving in tight places such as tunnels. Secondly, the Nevi enemy weaknesses. The Nevi enemies may have different types, they still have the same weak points and it doesn't take much strategy to expose their weakpoints like the previous game. There is also a lack of playable Raven sections, considering she has likable design and different moveset. Regardless, this game is still incredibly fun to play.
Graphics
This game has amazing cel-shaded graphics, with great looking character models, environments, and animations. I also love the manga-style portraits and manga strips on many of the game's cutscenes, making this game feels like a superhero game for some reason.
So far, this game has no bugs and glitches. However, I do notice there is one framerate issue happened while playing one side mission which has lots of NPCs on screen. Fortunately, it is not a gamebreaking issue.
Sound
Like the first game, this game has great soundtrack, with good variety of jazz, orchestra, and rock. The game's soundtrack is done by Kohei Tanaka, famous for his works in One Piece anime series. The game's voice acting is good, despite being minimal throughout the game. Like the previous game, this game uses a fictional language that mixes different language such as Japanese and French, which is distinctly unique.
Replay Value
This game has good replay value. You can complete all of Side Missions, complete Challenge Missions, go to optional mining sites, play online Treasure Hunts, or play the game again in harder difficulties.
Conclusion
This game is great, with many gameplay improvements and good new features. The inclusion of Side Missions, new fighting styles, and the Talisman system are excellent, making this game more varied than it's predecessor. Combat is also improved, with more fighting options, a bit more enemy variety, and fun boss fights.
However, this game still has faults, such as uneven story pacing, easy exploitation of Nevi enemy weakpoints, and camera system issues. Due to this game's story focus, the game's story also has some issues as some unresolved subplots like the kidnapping case, as well as many underutilisation of the first game's characters. Raven's story DLC adds a lot of confusion to the game's story and lore, contradicting a lot of plot points from the first game.
Regardless, I think this game is a great sequel from the first game, mostly in gameplay department. In story perspective, despite this game's somewhat convoluted yet interesting story, it serves either as a good conclusion to Gravity Rush duology, or a possible second-part for a possible trilogy since both games have many unanswered questions. I recommend any action platforming fans should try out both Gravity Rush games available on PS4, despite some of the story and lore issues.
Score
Story: 7/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Final Score: 8.5/10 or 34/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Interesting story and lore.
- Great conclusion to Kat's story.
- Kat is an excellent lead character.
- Interesting characters.
- Improved combat.
- Fun and exhilarating boss fights.
- Fun Side Missions.
- Interesting Talisman system.
- More varied mission objectives.
- Decent online feature.
- Great cel-shaded graphics.
- Great soundtrack.
- Good replay value.
Cons
- Unnecessary story arc in Chapter 2.
- Many unanswered plot points from both games.
- Many underutilised characters from the first game.
- Easily exploitable Nevi weak points.
- Lack of Raven playable sections.
- Camera issues in tight spaces.
- Story issues in The Ark of Time - Raven's Choice DLC.
- Weak tie-in of characters and story in Gravity Rush: The Animaton - Overture.
**Images are from official PlayStation game page.
This is the sequel to Gravity Rush, with some new feautres introduced such as the addition of side missions and new fighting styles. The Limited Edition includes an extra Blu-Ray disc called the Gravity Rush: The Animaton - Overture, which is an original animated video done by Studio Khara and acts as a prologue to Gravity Rush 2.
Story
Kat is back again, along with her partner Raven.
The story takes place after the events of Gravity Rush and Gravity Rush: The Animaton - Overture. Kat and Syd ended up in a new location called Jirga Para Lhao, and they need to find a way back to Hekseville while surviving there. Not only there are different cultures in that location, there are Nevi terrorising in different parts of Jirga Para Lhao areas. Not only Kat will end up helping the oppressed people in Jirga Para Lhao, she will also find out her true identity later on under different circumstances.
The story is actually interesting, but has not very good pacing. Chapter 2 basically acts like a filler arc except for one subplot, and it acts more of an introductory arc to new players. However, this game did a decent job in answering a number of mysteries from the first game, such as Kat's origins, Alias, and etc. The lore of this game is pretty deep, although it is left to player's interpretations in many occasions.
The characters are pretty interesting. Kat is still an energetic, cute and courageous girl, Raven is a serious yet brave girl, and other returning characters as well. The new characters are also interesting, such as Lisa, Fi, Vogo, Cecie, and Dr. Brahman having unique personalities. However, the returning characters from the first game are underutilised unfortunately, especially in Chapter 3.
Gravity Rush: The Animaton - Overture is a decent prologue, but I think it should be included as a playable prologue in this game instead of being an animated video as this game glosses over two characters introduced in the animation as well as an important plot point left hanging in the first game and this animation.
Gameplay
1) Main Gameplay Section
Gravity is your best friend as always.
Kat's powers can be improved like in the first game, which is by spending Red Gems. Red Gems can be obtained by scouring in different areas in the game, completing Challenge Missions, or by mining. You can upgrade different category of Kat's powers, such as her Stasis Field power, Gravity Slide power, and etc. Each upgrade will make her powerful, so take advantage of that.
This game also introduces the Talisman system, where it allows Kat to equip three different talisman jewels for various passive effects. For example, one of the Talismans increases her health bar. Different talismans have different effects, which can be found by mining ores and completing Challenge Missions. This may not make much difference in regular playthrough, but can make a difference in harder difficulties or tackling harder enemies.
Another new feature in this game is the addition of Side Missions. Side Missions are optional missions where you can partake. Each Side Mission has different objectives and substory, which may or may not link to the game's lore. They are actually interesting to do, as it shows Kat's willingness to help people. Completing Side Missions may reward you health and gravity gauge upgrades, and sometimes talismans.
This game also has online feature, where you can participate in Challenges issued by online players to beat their records in Challenge Missions, as well as completing Online Treasure Hunts. Challenge Missions are side missions where you must overcome different obstacles, such as combat and platforming. Online Treasure Hunts are side missions where you must find the treasure based on a picture taken from online players.
The combat in this game remains the same as previous games, where you can use kicks or gravity powers to defeat enemies. This time, there is a bit more variety of enemies to be fought such as human enemies and new Nevis. The other new feature in this game is the new fighting styles. As you progress in the game, you will gain access to new styles that can assist you in different combat and platforming sections. For example, Jupiter Style allows you to do high jumps or rocket jumps easily without using Gravity Gauge and allow you to hit quick or nimble enemies.
The boss fights in this game are also the highlights, as you will fight a variety of bosses, which range from human and Nevi bosses. They are exhilarating and fun to fight, and a good amount of the boss fights require different strategy to beat them.
2) Downloadable Content Section
Try out Raven's playable chapter, with her own unique moveset.
The Ark of Time - Raven's Choice DLC is a neat playable chapter, and it does answer some of Raven's mysteries. Raven is also a compelling character and should have more playable sections in the main game. The problems I have with this story DLC is the execution and the weird time travel subplot. There are many story contradictions in both Gravity Rush games, although it is much safer to say that this DLC episode retcons many important plot points from the first game. I wish there are more story episodes as they can be utilised to improve the storytelling and lore in both Gravity Rush games, but I do not have high hopes on Sony doing that.
3) Gameplay Conclusion
Great and improved gameplay.
However, this game still has some gameplay issues. First of all, the camera system. Although the camera system works fine in regular exploration, the camera can be an issue when you are stuck or moving in tight places such as tunnels. Secondly, the Nevi enemy weaknesses. The Nevi enemies may have different types, they still have the same weak points and it doesn't take much strategy to expose their weakpoints like the previous game. There is also a lack of playable Raven sections, considering she has likable design and different moveset. Regardless, this game is still incredibly fun to play.
Graphics
Amazing cel-shaded graphics.
So far, this game has no bugs and glitches. However, I do notice there is one framerate issue happened while playing one side mission which has lots of NPCs on screen. Fortunately, it is not a gamebreaking issue.
Sound
Great soundtrack and good voice acting.
Replay Value
Good replay value.
Conclusion
A great game with many gameplay improvements.
However, this game still has faults, such as uneven story pacing, easy exploitation of Nevi enemy weakpoints, and camera system issues. Due to this game's story focus, the game's story also has some issues as some unresolved subplots like the kidnapping case, as well as many underutilisation of the first game's characters. Raven's story DLC adds a lot of confusion to the game's story and lore, contradicting a lot of plot points from the first game.
Regardless, I think this game is a great sequel from the first game, mostly in gameplay department. In story perspective, despite this game's somewhat convoluted yet interesting story, it serves either as a good conclusion to Gravity Rush duology, or a possible second-part for a possible trilogy since both games have many unanswered questions. I recommend any action platforming fans should try out both Gravity Rush games available on PS4, despite some of the story and lore issues.
Score
Story: 7/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Final Score: 8.5/10 or 34/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Interesting story and lore.
- Great conclusion to Kat's story.
- Kat is an excellent lead character.
- Interesting characters.
- Improved combat.
- Fun and exhilarating boss fights.
- Fun Side Missions.
- Interesting Talisman system.
- More varied mission objectives.
- Decent online feature.
- Great cel-shaded graphics.
- Great soundtrack.
- Good replay value.
Cons
- Unnecessary story arc in Chapter 2.
- Many unanswered plot points from both games.
- Many underutilised characters from the first game.
- Easily exploitable Nevi weak points.
- Lack of Raven playable sections.
- Camera issues in tight spaces.
- Story issues in The Ark of Time - Raven's Choice DLC.
- Weak tie-in of characters and story in Gravity Rush: The Animaton - Overture.
**Images are from official PlayStation game page.
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