Gravity Rush

Gravity Rush
Developer(s)	SCE Japan Studio Project Siren
Publisher(s)	Sony Computer Entertainment
First Release	JP: February 9, 2012 NA: June 12, 2012 EU: June 13, 2012
Genre(s)	Action-Adventur
Mode(s)	Single player
Platform(s)	PlayStation Vita PlayStation 4 (Remastered)
Followed by	Another Story: The Ark of Time - Raven's Choice

Gravity Rush, known in Japan as Gravity Daze (グラヴィティデイズ/重力的眩暈:上層への帰還において彼女の内宇宙に生じた摂動?) is an action role-playing video game developed for the PlayStation Vita by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Studio. It was remastered in 2016 for the PlayStation 4 and it was followed up by Gravity Rush 2, also released exclusively for the PlayStation 4.

Overview

Gravity Rush started off back in 2008 as a PlayStation 3 project called Gravité before being transferred to the PlayStation Vita. Directed by Keiichiro Toyama, previously known for creating the survival horror series Silent Hill and Siren , the core mechanic of the game is the player's ability to manipulate gravity to facilitate their navigation of the levels in the game. The graphics are cel-shaded, which in Toyama's opinion stand out from the western photo-realistic trend. Voice acting is limited, and the characters speak in a language heavily influenced by French.

The game was released physically on PlayStation Vita card and as digital download on the PlayStation Store, and remastered and available for the PlayStation 4 physically and digitally.

Gameplay

Gravity Rush is an action-adventure, open world game that features gameplay revolving around the aspect of controlling gravity. Using the right analog stick or the accelerometer, the player can shift gravity in any direction they want to fall towards. As players progress through Kat's story, they unlock new gravity abilities by leveling up through collecting gems and completing side quests and challenges. There is a large emphasis on using physical attacks and other special abilities to destroy enemies.

Setting

Gravity Rush takes place in a fantasy world. In this universe, there are several pillars, with the main story focusing on one particular pillar that supports Hekseville, a city of four separate towns: Auldnoir, Pleajeune, Vendecentre and Endestria. The player will also visit the Rift Planes, realms that exist beyond Hekseville.

Reception

Gravity Rush has received generally positive reviews from critics. It has an average ranking of 82% on Game Rankings and has gained an 83 out of 100 on Metacritic.  Notable Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu awarded it a 38 out of 40, becoming its highest rated PlayStation Vita game.  The UK's PSM3 gave it a 9.3/10, concluding that it "Perfectly balances free-roaming exploration, focused story missions and RPG-style leveling, with sublime handheld controls in Vita's first killer app." Destructoid and Gamespot each gave it 6.5/10 and received a 7.5 from IGN. It received the Tokyo Game Show Game of the Year award in 2012 where Toyama said, "I'll do my best on the sequel."

It was also nominated for the "Best Handheld Game" at Spike's 10th Annual Video Game Awards.

References to Previous Works

• On top of Auldnoir's church, players familiar with the Forbidden Siren series may recognize the Mana Cross.
• Manhole covers and the clock tower in Vendecentre feature triangular symbols similar to the Seal of Metatron associated with The Order from Silent Hill.
• During Kat's first trip to a different plane, a father of a lost boy mentions a strange feeling like they all are just figments of someone's imagination or dream, a theme similar to Silent Hill's alternate dimension born from Alessa Gillespie's suffering.

• Sachya (Raven as a child) bares a striking resemblance to the aforementioned Alessa Gillespie.

Appearances in Other Games

• The game appears as a collectible in the PlayStation 4 version of Republique. The character Cooper praises the unique gameplay, story and setting, while also mentioning the original Japanese name of the game.

Videos

Gravity Rush English Trailer