Occasionally here at Player2.net.au we will play something that deserves your attention but probably doesn’t need a full review written for it. Be it DLC for the latest AAA title, a little indie game or even an Android/iOS title. We play these titles for a blockbusting amount of time (2 – 5 hours) and report back to you the reader on what we found. So grab your popcorn and settle in for the latest episode of Blockbuster Gaming.
Gravity Rush: Remastered – Blockbuster Gaming
If ever there was a game that deserved to be played by more people it is Gravity Rush. Originally released early in the PS Vita’s lifespan I remember thinking at the time that this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. If this was the sort of game that the Vita could deliver then surely it would be a huge success. Sadly we all know how that turned out and as a result only a small percentage of gamers out there managed to get their hands on Gravity Rush. Luckily Sony have come to the party and re-released the title in HD format on the PS4.
The first thing I noticed in the HD version was just how good it looks. There is no way anyone could tell this was originally a Vita title. The graphic style has a slight cel-shading effect that brings the impression of a comic brought to life, which is only enhanced by the comic panel cutscenes. The art direction is stunning and has created a wholly unique world that is a joy to explore. This is truly a beautiful game that pushed the Vita to the limit and now feels right at home on the PS4.
The game actually controls better on the PS4 too. The extra buttons and ability to turn motion controls off has made some of the frustrating elements of the original release disappear. Also due to the nature of the game’s signature gravity shifting mechanic playing on a big screen is a god send. Playing the game on the Vita’s small screen made it very easy to lose track of which way is up. The big screen experience on the PS4 eliminates this problem entirely making the game move in a much more free flowing way. It is amazing what a 50 inch screen size difference can do.
The only problems with Gravity Rush are really problems with the original game. The combat, while entertaining initially, can become repetitive fairly quickly. This means that the end game becomes a little bit of a chore with some of the tougher enemies taking a long time to take down. Also the early story missions are a little on the boring side, taking a couple of hours before things actually get interesting. But don’t let these problems put you off because they hardly matter in the grand scheme of things.
In the end this is the sort of HD re-release I would like to encourage. A great game, missed by many, has been improved by releasing it on a new console and those improvements are more than a prettier shell. Gravity Rush is a unique open world experience that should be experienced by everyone with a PS4. The movement is sublime, art direction astounding and story (after the initial hour or so) thoroughly entertaining. Don’t let this one pass you by a second time.
Matt Hewson
