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“A red apple fell from the sky, past the stark white clouds, the sunlight so gentle…” Kat’s sweet, hesitant voice fills the air in a moment of unexpected wonder. Her serene melody is abruptly interrupted by a soldier who recognizes her as the “Shifter” responsible for recent attacks. This is just a glimpse into the captivating world of Gravity Rush 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the PlayStation Vita hit, now soaring onto the PlayStation 4. Building upon the foundation laid by Gravity Rush Remastered, this installment promises enhanced visuals, expanded gameplay, and a vastly larger world. Does Kat’s return live up to the hype? Let’s delve into the gravity-defying journey of Gravity Rush 2.

Gravity Rush 2

Mastering Gravity and the Skies

Gravity Rush 2 picks up after the events of the first game. Kat, reunited with her friend Raven, has saved Hekseville, the city where she first awoke with amnesia. During their continued investigations, Kat, Raven, and Syd are caught in a mysterious gravity storm and transported to a new land called Banga. This marks the beginning of their new adventure. While the original game left some narrative threads dangling and featured less memorable supporting characters, Gravity Rush 2 addresses these shortcomings with a more profound storyline that answers lingering questions and explores themes of societal change. The supporting cast now boasts distinct personalities, each leaving a lasting impression.

A World of Exploration

The game offers a vast, open world to explore, encompassing the serene landscapes of Banga and the bustling metropolis of Jirga Para Lhao, each brimming with secrets to uncover. Players also journey to “The Rift Plane,” a tutorial area where Kat unlocks crucial abilities and gathers precious gems to enhance her powers. Navigating this expansive world involves mastering Kat’s unique gravity-shifting abilities. Flying is intuitive: press R1 to levitate, aim with the camera, and press R1 again to propel Kat towards the target. Landing from great heights is also worry-free, thanks to Kat’s remarkable resilience.

Gravity Rush 2

Gravity-Defying Combat

The exhilarating sensation of flight is enhanced by the realistic wind and gravity effects. Few games capture this feeling as effectively as Gravity Rush 2. Players will recognize familiar abilities like Fighting Skills, Gravity Kick, Stasis Field, Evasion, Gravity Slide, and Special Attacks. While Fighting Skills are primarily for close-quarters combat when gravity powers are temporarily depleted, the Gravity Kick becomes the most frequently used ability. Its versatility and power make it essential for taking down enemies, especially when combined with the new Lunar and Jupiter styles.

Lunar and Jupiter Styles

Lunar Style grants increased speed, agility, and higher flight, perfect for traversing long distances. It also amplifies the power of Gravity Kick and Stasis Field. However, it requires practice to control Kat’s movements effectively. Jupiter Style, on the other hand, slows Kat down but significantly increases her attack power, making it ideal for confronting tougher foes. Switching between styles is seamless, adding depth to the combat system.

Gravity Rush 2

Quests and Challenges

Despite her powerful abilities, Kat is not invincible. Upgrading her skills and employing strategic thinking are crucial for survival, especially against larger Nevi or heavily armed soldiers. Gravity Rush 2 offers a rich variety of main and side quests. While the main quests propel the narrative forward, side quests provide insights into the lives of the game’s inhabitants. These range from retrieving lost dolls to racing a child’s pet bird, each offering rewards such as Talismans, which provide helpful buffs, or new gestures and costumes for Kat. Challenge missions, similar to those in the original game, test players’ skills and offer further replay value.

A Visual Masterpiece

Gravity Rush 2

Transitioning to the PlayStation 4 has allowed Gravity Rush 2 to fully realize its artistic vision. The distinct blend of Japanese, French, and Swedish influences returns, creating a fantastical world with floating islands and intricate architecture. The increased population density, bustling with activity, adds to the world’s vibrancy. The game’s visuals are captivating, showcasing a unique style that feels both familiar and extraordinary, reflecting the different social classes within the game’s society. The character designs are equally impressive, capturing the essence of each personality.

Audio Excellence

The sound design further enhances the immersive experience. The game features a distinctive, whimsical language, reminiscent of The Sims, adding a playful touch to the interactions. While voice acting is limited, the overall quality is good, especially considering the prevalence of comic book-style cutscenes. The soundtrack is a highlight, with unique musical themes for each region, reflecting the atmosphere and lifestyle of its inhabitants. From the solemnity of military zones to the melancholic tunes of the slums beneath the clouds, the music dynamically adapts to the environment and gameplay, culminating in the unforgettable “A Red Apple Fell From the Sky” during a memorable main quest.

A Few Stumbles

Gravity Rush 2

Despite its strengths, Gravity Rush 2 isn’t without flaws. The camera, a common issue in Japanese games, can be frustrating and even disorienting. While the lock-on system helps mitigate this, players may still experience some motion sickness. Certain stealth missions, while not difficult, are poorly designed, leading to unfair detections. The enemy AI also suffers from occasional lapses in logic, breaking immersion.

Conclusion

Gravity Rush 2 delivers a truly unique gaming experience, combining stunning visuals, a captivating soundtrack, and innovative gameplay. While the camera and some design choices hold it back from perfection, the game’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. It’s a must-play for fans of the original and anyone seeking a fresh and engaging adventure.

Gravity Rush 2

(Information on Developer, Publisher, Release Date, Platform, System Requirements follows – Retaining original information as per instructions. Images for “BẠN SẼ GHÉT” section are omitted as they illustrate negative aspects and might detract from the overall positive tone intended for the English audience.)