• Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Jun 12, 2012
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 73 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 73
  2. Negative: 0 out of 73
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  1. May 29, 2012
    100
    Gravity Rush is one of the most impressive titles to land on the Vita to date. It's rare to see a project with such lofty ambitions executed so well. The bold new mechanics are complemented by an engaging story, striking visuals and atmospheric soundtrack. If you were looking for an excuse to purchase the Sony handheld, look no further than this must-have gem.
  2. 100
    What do you get if you cross Crackdown with Pilotwings, and add a bit of Mario Galaxy and tons of style? The answer is something like Gravity Rush. The best game to grace the PS Vita so far. In many ways a technical marvel, something completely different. A great campaign spanning 12-14 hours and lots of side quests. Superb gameplay. Loveable characters. Great controls. And an amazing sandbox game. This is contender for game of the year. No doubt.
  3. Feb 17, 2012
    100
    Games that are as exceptional as this one are so rare, than when one comes, it's impossible not to grab it really tight and press it against our chest.
  4. May 25, 2012
    96
    A milestone for PSVITA, and one of the best portable games in the last years. It offers fresh and new ideas, and is a must-have for PSVITA owners.
  5. Jul 9, 2012
    95
    If not for the excruciatingly long loading screens, this would have been the best PlayStation Vita title up to date. Wait, it actually still is. Innovative controls, a unique visual style and an open world worthy to explore… Buy this!
  6. May 24, 2012
    95
    Gravity Rush isn't just the best game to grace the Vita-it's also one of the best games I've played in some time, no matter the system. In so many ways, it shines with a beauty that so many games can never achieve, and it's an experience you'll absolutely not want to miss.
  7. Games Master UK
    Jun 25, 2012
    93
    You've never played anything like it. A lesson in playfully creative game design. [August 2012, p.74]
  8. Jun 3, 2012
    93
    One of the best open-world games available, portable or otherwise. The atmospheric world, likable cast, and clever, entertaining mechanics make it a title that you can easily sink many joyous hours into, even if you spend a lot of them just flying around the city and hunting for gems.
  9. May 25, 2012
    93
    Gravity Rush is simply the best game available on PlayStation Vita: it's innovative and visually amazing, with a compelling story and interesting characters. The gameplay itself capitalizes the hardware's features and offers an all new take on your typical free-roaming adventures.
  10. PSM3 Magazine UK
    Apr 9, 2012
    93
    Perfectly balances free-roaming exploration, focused story missions and RPG-style leveling, with sublime handheld controls in Vita's first killer app. [May 2012, p.112]
  11. Jun 19, 2012
    92
    Gravity Rush is a difficult journey to describe in literary form. It has to be experienced, savored, played and replayed. Who will have the courage to give him a chance will not regret it at all.
  12. Jun 12, 2012
    91
    The writing is light and humorous throughout, and even during serious moments and scenarios, the game doesn't take itself too seriously.
  13. Jul 15, 2012
    90
    Gravity Rush is the best, prettiest and most unique game for the PlayStation Vita to date.
  14. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    Jun 29, 2012
    90
    There've been a few games that have made owning a Vita worthwhile, but Gravity Rush is the first to make it absolutely essential. [Aug 2012, p.78]
  15. Jun 21, 2012
    90
    Gravity Rush is a rare gem. It's a game that defies expectations almost as frequently as the physical properties it's built upon. A surreal narrative is complemented by genuinely ground-breaking gameplay mechanics, and while it's not always flawless, it culminates in one of the most outstandingly original experiences of the year.
  16. Jun 18, 2012
    90
    If you wanted a reason to buy a PlayStation Vita here's the perfect one, but what's more important is that Sony's handheld is a key element of what makes this game so good.
  17. Jun 12, 2012
    90
    Gravity Rush features gorgeous comic book cutscenes with panels that pop thanks to added depth that comes courtesy the Vita's accelerometer. As you tilt the Vita, the comic moves to create a sort of augmented 3D that breathes life into the characters on screen.
  18. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Jun 12, 2012
    90
    A splendid mix of free-roaming action, RPG leveling, and sexy visuals. [June 2012, p77]
  19. May 30, 2012
    90
    Swiping, tilting and touching your way through this gorgeous world (the story scenes in particular showcase physical awareness and interactivity) is pleasurable and deep in a way that will easily draw you away from your main home console(s).
  20. May 29, 2012
    90
    If you have a Playstation Vita this game is a must, if you don't have the console, buy it now and play this game!
  21. May 25, 2012
    90
    Gravity Rush's mission structure may not be all that special - it's basically follow the waypoint, collect this, fight that - but the place you're exploring definitely is, and the way you get around that place is even better still.
  22. May 24, 2012
    90
    Gravity Rush is a journey. An artistic, unique and intriguing journey. It's not as free or interactive as its 'open world' might have you think, but forget about that. It's an adventure through an odd and interesting land that pulls you through a twisting quest of isolation, dubious friendships and selfless heroics.
  23. May 24, 2012
    90
    Lovely graphics and design makes this a standout Vita title, but the real greatness lies in how joyful the simple mechanics of shifting gravity and flying through the air are. Enjoying the wonderful city is easy with the powers of heroine Kat at your disposal, and Gravity Rush feels like a bigger experience than you should be able to keep in your pocket.
  24. May 24, 2012
    90
    Unique, different and original. Three elements that make Gravity Rush one of the best titles in the PS Vita library. Long, visually stunning and very, very fun to play, probably most gamers will spend hours just floating and rushing through the air feelin' free, instead of following the story of the game, just like playing GTA or a sandbox Spider-Man. A unique feeling that undoubtely deserves our attention.
  25. 90
    Playing Gravity Rush delivers sensations that I haven't felt in years, and it's truly unrivaled in providing this exact type of fun. Believe the hype. Gravity Rush is a game like no other.
  26. May 24, 2012
    90
    This adventure has such a vibrant world, exhilarating gameplay systems, and a delightful narrative that it deserves a spot in every Vita owner's library. It's the kind of game that wouldn't exist on any other platform, and honestly, it's so perfect for the medium that it wouldn't need to.
  27. May 24, 2012
    90
    It's easy to forgive the things that Gravity Rush gets wrong because of the absolutely basic thing it gets spectacularly, brilliantly right: movement. You might have guessed already, but I found flying around wildly to be fun in itself.
  28. Kat is the perfect, charmingly reluctant heroine, and stylish, interactive cut-scenes reveal her to be endearing and smart-talking. Sharp characters and an utterly bonkers narrative combine with gorgeous visuals to create a wholly unique experience, and this is the thrilling and magical adventure that you and your Vita deserve.
  29. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 14, 2012
    88
    While Gravity Rush is not a perfect game (The combat is lacking, the camera disorientating and the story lacks a proper ending) it is still an extremely fun and addicting piece of gravity shifting adventure. The world, with its odd inhabitants, colorful areas and memorable music deserves most praise. [Sept 2012]
  30. Official PlayStation Magazine Benelux
    Jun 14, 2012
    88
    The freedom that Gravity Rush offers is simply unrivalled. Only titles like Infamous or Prototype can offer a bit of competition and even those don't allow you to rush from one end of the city to the other in just a matter of seconds. [June 2012, p.76]
  31. May 25, 2012
    87
    Kat's adventure has a lot in common with Mirror's Edge: Both games fascinate with their very unique way of movement. Gravity Rush almost breaks through all limitations into a nearly endless freedom. Also like Mirror's Edge it misses some attention to detail: A lot of fights play out too similar und besides the crystals there is not much to discover.
  32. Jul 3, 2012
    86
    Gravity Rush has some rough edges in it, but the game as a whole is incredible. The storyline is intriguing with some interesting characters, and the scope of the world is pretty remarkable for a portable adventure. Sadly, some control hitches make me wish this was just on a console where they couldn't shoe-horn in some functionality that doesn't work well for the game. Thankfully, there aren't many problems, and they're largely negated by the amazing graphics and catchy soundtrack. Any Vita owners longing for a really exciting adventure-platformer should snatch it up as soon as possible.
  33. Jun 25, 2012
    86
    In the end, Gravity Rush is one of the most original games on the PS Vita that really challenges the player but be warned, the learning curve is a little steep initially but once mastered, you will become a Jedi of gravity manipulation. Imagine being trapped in a world created by a madman and then thrown into a blender because at times, you don't know what's going but that's the magic of this game which will definitely keep you coming back for me.
  34. Play UK
    Jun 17, 2012
    86
    If the combat was a little bit tighter this would be absolutely excellent. [Issue#219, p.74]
  35. Jun 15, 2012
    86
    Gravity Rush is the best game available on PlayStation Vita. Long, visually stunning and very fun to play.
  36. Jun 13, 2012
    86
    Gravity Rush is by no means a perfect game. Though it doesn't feel like a rushed production, many of the controls and other design choices might not have been given the proper discretion prior to the game's launch. Yet despite my scrutinizing eye, I am still anxious to delete my quick playthrough file and comb every inch of Hekseville with a new adventure.
  37. May 29, 2012
    86
    If you like Japanese fairy tales combined with a unique twist around gravity manipulation that's the game you should buy – finally also available outside of Japan!
  38. May 24, 2012
    86
    It's that addictive feel that permeates much of Gravity Rush. I don't think I've ever played a game that challenges me so much on a basic mechanical level, and still fulfills just about every need I have for top-notch interactive entertainment. It's a bizarre marriage, one that has you smile and grit your teeth simultaneously.
  39. May 24, 2012
    86
    While it might not be all that suited to the quick 'pick-up and play' format, Gravity Rush's novel combination of platformer, beat 'em-up, RPG, and puzzler make this a very worthy game for the Vita.
  40. Jul 2, 2012
    85
    Gravity Rush is unique in multiple ways. Playing with gravity takes a while to get used to, but thanks to the intuitive controls, the game soon plays like a dream. Together with the amazing visual style and great cut-scenes this makes Gravity Rush a true work of art.
  41. Jun 15, 2012
    85
    The visuals, narrative, and gameplay of Gravity Rush are unlike anything available on any other system. The motion and touch controls here are perfectly tuned to its platform and nothing feels tacked on or gimmicky. The only drawbacks are the somewhat clunky combat and some disorientation while travelling or trying to position yourself carefully. Vita owners who have been looking for a new justification for their purchase have certainly found one here. If you own the system this game should be in your library.
  42. Jun 13, 2012
    85
    Gravity Rush allows players to alter gravity in order to reach any places, with heroine's head upside down. A great idea who makes the player feel as if he can fly through the entire city without limits. Despite minor gameplay issues, Gravity Rush is a unique experience, combining energetic fights and a true sense of adventure in gorgeous environments.
  43. 85
    Gravity Rush is a mind-bending experience and a great addition to the PlayStation Vita library. Navigating an open world on a handheld platform has never been so much fun.
  44. Jun 16, 2012
    82
    Gravity Rush is by no means a perfect game, as there are certainly some areas that could have used some tweaking, but when you flush it all out it is a pretty darn good game and one worthy of any Vita owners attention and money.
  45. Jun 9, 2013
    80
    Despite the shortcomings of the combat, Gravity Rush can still stand alongside some of the best games on the Vita. With its wonderful art style oozing character, it’s a game that once you start; it’s really hard to put down.
  46. Aug 3, 2012
    80
    A beautiful art style and an interesting take on gravity. Though the world and the lead character aren't very interesting.
  47. Hyper Magazine
    Jul 19, 2012
    80
    As glorious as its central mechanic is, it would be good if there was a bit more to Gravity Rush. [Aug 2012, p.68]
  48. Jul 5, 2012
    80
    Gravity Rush uses all parts of the bull, from motion to touch controls, and none of it feels ill-suited, unnecessary, or poorly crafted. For Vita owners, there's no reason not to give this a shot.
  49. 80
    You got to admire Gravity Rush for its commitment to its idea. It's the kind of pure, to-the-point design philosophy, that classics like Super Mario or Halo have written on their banners: if the experience is enjoyable on its most basic level of interaction, the rest will follow on its own.
  50. Jun 22, 2012
    80
    It's new, is unique, feels cool and makes the Vita shine with splendor. Too bad that some moments lead to some frustration.
  51. Jun 20, 2012
    80
    As it stands, Gravity Rush is an enjoyable romp through a world without gravitational limitations.
  52. Jun 16, 2012
    80
    That none of these extra-curricular activities can stack up to the base thrill of simply lobbing Kat into the abyss and seeing where she might end up a few gravity shifts down the line is no slight on the optional stuff on offer, though – it's simply testament to the captivating power of so novel a central mechanic.
  53. Jun 11, 2012
    80
    Gravity Rush might not always live up to the promise of its tutorial, but it's exactly the kind of original game that a fresh-faced system such as Vita needs, taking subtle, thoughtful advantage of its control inputs while showcasing its power.
  54. May 28, 2012
    80
    A game that truly showcases the power and special features PS Vita has. Gravity Rush delivers a beautiful artistic design, unique to the PS Vita features and an interesting concept.
  55. May 24, 2012
    80
    Finally PlayStation Vita has a great (but not flawless) game, tailored to its features, with great gameplay and gorgeous visuals.
  56. May 24, 2012
    80
    Bold and unique, Gravity Rush is a strong PS Vita release that gets better and better the more you play it.
  57. May 24, 2012
    80
    Kat's gravity-shifting powers are the star of the show in Gravity Rush, as the story struggles to maintain focus. Characters are constantly introduced and dismissed throughout the narrative, leaving you wondering who's important and who's disposable. Despite this, the upgrade system and gravity mechanic kept me engaged throughout the adventure.
  58. May 24, 2012
    80
    Despite a few lengthy load times, a terrible name and an unimaginative character introduction, Gravity Rush quickly became a very enjoyable game indeed. It doesn't feel like a typical handheld title, either: Gravity Rush has the depth, length and graphical prowess of something you'd see on consoles. The mission-based structure is great for portable play and the story is worth the investment despite the many unanswered questions. It's easily the best experience I've had on the Vita thus far.
  59. Mar 4, 2012
    80
    Pleasantly distinctive and great fun to play, making decent use of the Vita's attributes without ever giving you the impression that they have been shoehorned in.
  60. Jun 15, 2012
    75
    Gravity Rush offers an interesting concept and a great audiovisual style, capable of creating an instant classic. Unfortunately fighting can be frustrating and the ending can be unclear, keeping this game from achieving said status.
  61. Jun 14, 2012
    75
    Gravity Rush is definitely a looker, achieving a level of visual fidelity that wouldn't seem out of place in a high-end console game.
  62. May 24, 2012
    75
    I love Kat and totally dig most of the superhero story, but the cumbersome combat in latter missions definitely had me cursing at my handheld.
  63. Oct 29, 2012
    71
    The concept is just dripping with potential on paper, but once it actually hit my Vita, something seems to have been lost.
  64. Jun 30, 2012
    70
    Despite a few control hiccups, Gravity Rush succeeds on the strength of its excellent movement system and endearing protagonist.
  65. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jun 18, 2012
    70
    Finally there is an original title for PS Vita that can prove its quality without being ported from other consoles – action adventure where you can play with gravity as you wish. [June 2012]
  66. Jun 13, 2012
    70
    Its flaws are frustratingly obvious, but this has some of the most enjoyably original gameplay and visuals of any game this year - on the PS Vita or otherwise.
  67. Jun 13, 2012
    70
    Despite the struggles of the combat system, the story of Kat and overall atmosphere of the game are extremely well executed and make up for the small misstep. Sure, Gravity Rush isn't the Vita's savior, but it doesn't really need to be. It's a competent action game with a unique mechanic that works well on a handheld.
  68. Jun 12, 2012
    70
    It can be repetitive, obtuse and occasionally difficult to control, but it's one thing above all else: Joyful. And for that reason, Gravity Rush is the most interesting thing happening on the PlayStation Vita.
  69. Jun 18, 2012
    68
    I actually liked Gravity Rush quite a bit. An interesting concept, a great story and some super easy controls made the game a dream to play, that is until a Nevi or two (or 10) stand in your way. The awful combat drags the entire game down and makes the story missions more a chore than an offshoot of a truly fun handheld game.
  70. Jun 13, 2012
    65
    Harnessing the power of gravity is exhilarating, but dull combat keeps Gravity Rush from being the soaring success it could have been.
  71. May 24, 2012
    65
    Gravity Rush has everything it needs to be something great, but it takes all the wrong forks in the road and ends up rather unfulfilling. It's a real shame, too, because you it's so clear how brilliant it truly could have been.
  72. Jul 5, 2012
    60
    The game's smooth-as-butter movement is a great hook which deserves to be paired with a more engaging game, as the end result feels far too sparse and underused in the greater context of everything it has going for it.
  73. Jun 11, 2012
    60
    The gravity-shifting gameplay offered might be complete enough for game-starved Vita owners on the hunt for something to do with their device. But do manage your expectations, lest you be disappointed by how hollow Gravity Rush is underneath its breathtaking shell. This is a game that does one thing very well. If you need more than that, then Gravity Rush isn't for you.
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 740 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 35 out of 740
  1. Jun 12, 2012
    10
    This is quite simply the new high standard for future games on the amazing handheld Sony has brought to us, I see a bright future for the VITAThis is quite simply the new high standard for future games on the amazing handheld Sony has brought to us, I see a bright future for the VITA if high quality games like Gravity Rush keep coming. Full Review »
  2. Jun 12, 2012
    10
    Best game I have ever played on a handheld. Played it on one of my buddy's PS Vita and immediately went to Best Buy to buy my own along withBest game I have ever played on a handheld. Played it on one of my buddy's PS Vita and immediately went to Best Buy to buy my own along with Gravity Rush. All my friends already have PS Vita's so its awesome that we all have on now. The gameplay is rock solid just like all Sony exclusives. Buy it!!!!! Full Review »
  3. Jun 12, 2012
    10
    awesome visuals, tight controls,new gameplay innovation, colorful artstyle
    highly recommended to all Vita owners
    edit: Ignore all those Troll
    awesome visuals, tight controls,new gameplay innovation, colorful artstyle
    highly recommended to all Vita owners

    edit: Ignore all those Troll they haven't even played the Game this Game is definitely not a Jrpg
    (nice try Derpgames lol)
    Full Review »