Wow... My mind was blown. Vita games programmers, take note.
I admit that the first 45 minutes of this game left me skeptical, but I easily surrendered to what came after that...
Let's get started:
1 - Graphics
Graphically this game is a masterpiece. The artistic design is outstanding. I've heard some people claiming that, graphically, the vita has much more to offer. Well, that could be right, but ARTISTICALLY this game is from another planet. It's really sad that the meaning of art is getting lost in this "realistic graphics" era. Kids nowadays think that the best game is the game with the more realistic graphics. On the contrary, this game chooses to offer a beautiful and varied artistic world. I love when once in a while a game sacrifice the "realistic graphics" potential to give the gamer a work of art. I'm not criticizing the "realistic graphics" games, I'm just saying that gamers should be able to appreciate this kind of art.
As I said, in this game we get a big world which could perfectly be divided in pictures. The colors are magical, giving a leitmotif feeling when blended with the music. You end up distinguishing every corner and associating the music with certain color tones. Definitely, this is one of the most shocking games I've ever played from a graphical point of view.
100/100
2 - Music
Ok, imagine that John Williams and George Gershwin (RIP) were invited to compose some tracks for a videogame. Now add some good tracks for RPG videogames. Well, this game would be the final result. I love the fact that each part of the town has its own music, like a leitmotif. It's awesome. I have only good words for the music of this game.
98/100
3 - Gameplay
This game is revolutionary. The force of gravity carried to a handheld in an almost perfect way. It's awesome how the combination works. Platforms and role playing together; the Vita was calling for a game like this. The controls may be hard to use at first, but once you get used they are very good. From a technical point of view this game exploits the vita perfectly too. No sliding, tilting or touching looks forced.
Now,specially for Vita games programmers, take note: Big open world+Flying+Good secondary missions and challenges=Game over 75/100 rating. This game uses that formula very good. In fact secondary missions (challenges and trials) are pretty funny to play.
Many people is criticizing the combat system. Perhaps it's hard to get used to it but once you've got it, it's awesome, at least in my opinion. The only 'weak point' in the gameplay was that the game is too short XD. Many game programmers say that's always the 'weak point' they are willing to see, because it means that gamers want more. And that's my case for sure. This game leaves the plot ready for a sequel, and I would buy it for sure. To get at least a serious complaint, I'll say that I feel this game needs somehow more interaction with the citizens. I mean, they look good walking in the streets and doing their business, but it would be awesome to get something else from them. All in all the gameplay is awesome too.
90/100
4 - Conclusion.
PS Vita finally takes off thanks to Gravity Rush. Even if the game takes advantage of the very poor existing catalog of the Vita, it shines very brightly, not only in handheld gaming, but in artistic expression and gaming in general. This game is a cornerstone for the Vita. This is no scam or false hype, this is art.
9,1/10