Playing Around With Gravity Daze on the PlayStation 4 - Preview
by VGChartz Staff , posted on 28 September 2015 / 5,920 Views
Curiously, Gravity Daze (known as Gravity Rush outside of Japan) on the PlayStation 4 was one of the most popular titles on the show floor at this year’s Tokyo Game Show. I say curious because it is a port of a two year old PlayStation Vita game in the handheld system’s most popular territory, so there has already been ample time for people to get their hands on Kat’s gravity-defying adventure.
In any case, the lengthy queue for the remaster's demo (waiting times average well over an hour) lends credence to the belief that the criminally underappreciated Gravity Daze is about to get the attention it really deserves once it lands on the PS4. Of course this may simply have been the result of residual excitement spilling over from the announcement of the PlayStation 4 exclusive sequel. The original game also won a TGS Game of the Year Award a few years back, though, so love for the franchise runs deep at the show.
The demo allows you to either start from the beginning or load a save file from an episode later on in the game. I selected episode six, which takes place just after the town’s train line had been re-opened.
The game’s unique cel-shaded visuals remain attractive when blown up to 1080p resolution. The colors also seem fuller and bolder than they did on the Vita’s powerful yet pocket-sized screen. Kat’s figure fills up more of the screen and the streets of Heskeville somehow feel cosier because of it. Unfortunately an unattractive haze in the distance muddies the background; no doubt a by-product of the port and not something fans can expect to find in the sequel.
There was no story mission to complete so I decided to try out one of the game’s side quests. I rode along the top of the train and ventured off the beaten path to collect power-ups and came across some enemies in the process. Combat against the Nevi remains the same, for better or worse. The game does a good job of helping you target their ruby eyes when attacking with gravity-based attacks, but it all feels rather mundane compared to the joys of flight.
Gravity Daze felt at home on the Vita thanks to its short mission-based level design that could be enjoyed in brief bursts on the go. Holding the entire interactive world in your hands added to the sense of freefalling and weightlessness. Played on a HD screen in a fixed position, though, I was able to maintain my bearing while flying through the air and had little trouble re-orienting the camera exactly where I wanted it.
Flight and freefalling are still remarkably enjoyable and feel unencumbered by the vastness of the sky you are allowed to explore. Gravity Daze has one of the most fun and unique ways to roam around its semi-open world compared to other action games. A lot of this has to do with the complex structural design of the town of Hekesville, which sprawls out vertically and horizontally in intriguing ways across the game world, and features many surprising nooks and crannies.
Gravity Daze will include all of the episodic DLC content from the Vita version at no extra costs. It will also offer a glimpse at how the built-from-the-ground-up PlayStation 4 sequel will shape up. Gravity Daze will launch on PS4 in December in Japan and next February in the US and Europe.
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I'm really glad more people will get to try this gem. It is one of the best games on Vita and sold criminally low. I'm very happy the series is still alive.
Can't wait to play it.
Next release Soul Sacrifice & Freedom Wars! We already got Toukiden & now Gravity Rush/Daze!
When does this drop on PS4? I want!!!
Here is another reason for me to buy a PS4. I actually have this on the VITA via digital for only a mere $5, but lack of time prevents me from playing. But I think it's worth double dipping for the PS4 for the upgrade and the chance to play it on a big screen HDTV.
I have this on the Vita, but have yet to play it. Will have to make an effort to do so soon. Has always looked like a gooder.
