PlayStation had a really great year in terms of exclusives in 2016. Naughty Dog gave us the final chapter in Nathan Drake's story, Fumito Ueda graced us with The Last Guardian after nearly a decade of waiting, and they almost closed the year with Gravity Rush 2 but they delayed it so it could have room to breathe outside of the crowded holiday season.
The wait is nearly over though and it sounds like it was worth it! Reviewers are praising the game for its excellent gameplay, beautiful world, and well-crafted story. It's not getting universal praise as some people have picked out a few issues, but it's not enough to prevent many reviewers from recommending it! Below you'll find some reviews from prominent outlets with all sorts of opinions. The game is currently sitting at an average score of 80 on Metacritic.
IGN
After a couple of story hiccups, Gravity Rush 2 righted itself and pulled me in with the personality of its world and wide variety of activities. The new gravity powers and styles make combat exciting, and well-written side quests and character relationships grant better insight into Kat’s universe. After 40 hours I found it hard to put the controller down, and I can’t wait to jump back in to finish every sidequest I can find.
DualShockers
Here in Italy we say that “you see a good day from the morning,” and if Gravity Rush 2 is an indication of what we can expect from this year, 2017 might really be awesome for gamers. Japan Studio’s new game hits almost all the right notes, and besides a few sparse flaws, it’s a delightful experience all the way through the many hours of gameplay it provides.
Not only Gravity Rush 2 is a worthy successor for the first game, but it surpasses its predecessor (and its remaster) in ever aspect. Not only it’s extremely fun, engaging and even challenging, but due to its production and artistic value, it’s definitely one of those titles that you’ll want to show your friends when you need to demonstrate why you’re proud to be a gamer. They’re bound to be impressed.
GameSpot
With a wealth of stories big and small to chew on, Gravity Rush 2 fulfills the needs of both a sequel and a prequel. The first Gravity Rush had enough going for it, but Gravity Rush 2 is stuffed with things to love. While its stealth missions are lame and it's disappointing to experience camera issues from time to time, Gravity Rush 2 excels in almost every other respect, making its predecessor seem quaint by comparison. This is easily one of the best video game sequels in recent memory, and an adventure truly worthy of its excellent lead character.
Jim Sterling (The Jimquisition)
Gravity Rush 2 is a bigger sequel, but not necessarily a better one. While it offers more to play with and in greater variety, the lack of improvements to core features – as well as graphics that are far from impressive – hold it back from being something truly great.
I’d still heartily recommend it despite the criticisms I’ve raised. There’s something unassumingly likable about it, reminiscent of Sega’s wackier years when they’d make any weird thing and toss it on the Dreamcast.
Even if it wasn’t a good game at its core – which it is – it’d at least get some credit for the soundtrack. I realize this is an odd note to end a review on, but I couldn’t find a natural fit for it in the rest of the text and just had to make a note of how great these bloody tunes are!
GameInformer
Even with all the new abilities and mission types, too much of Gravity Rush 2 is dedicated to tasks that don't make the best use of your ability to control gravity. Falling around the various locales is a lot of fun, but that doesn’t assuage the nagging feeling that with better missions and less frustrating side content, this series could go from a fleeting joy to something truly great.
Polygon
Coming in fresh, I found Gravity Rush 2 so bright and original that I'm still playing it, even after the end credits. Gravity Rush 2 has its stumbles — the camera often feels at complete odds with what the game requires of you, a real problem in a game that so aggressively eschews standards physics. But even with so many directions to fall head over heels in, it lands on its feet — just like Kat.
USGamer
Gravity Rush 2 is a real treat for the eyes, ears, and reflexes. Its cinematic looks and score are wonderful, and its storyline is enthralling and thoroughly compelling. All combine brilliantly with the addictive and entertaining mission-based action to create a terrific game that's an absolute joy to play.
Gravity Rush 2 is out exclusively on PS4 on January 18th, but if you're eager to jump in you can play the free demo on PS4 today.
