Out this week, Gravity Rush 2 is kicking off 2017 with one of the first big releases this year. The original was released first on the Vita and later ported to the PS4, causing some gamers to start with this highly-anticipated sequel. Even returning fans might be a little rusty about which way is up and which is down, so here are five beginner tips for Gravity Rush 2.
1. Save Your Gems for Later
Much like the first game, Gravity Rush 2’s elaborate landscapes are filled to the brim with little pink gems that are used as a sort of upgrade currency for your abilities. While abundant in number, it can be time-consuming to find enough to upgrade even one ability. The temptation is strong, especially in the beginning, to immediately spend all your gems at once but it is wise to at least set some aside for later.
For one, it is hard to nail down from the start how you will play the game, noob or not. Just because you played the first game focused on one certain aspect does not mean you will want to continue that in Gravity Rush 2, as the developer has tweaked all the mechanics, making some abilities more enjoyable to play than before. Give yourself time to develop your specific playstyle so you don’t end up regretting spending those precious gems on something you rarely use.
Secondly, new styles of play are unlocked at a certain point in the story. These add to what upgrades will unlock alongside the normal ones and could influence what decisions you want to make based on which style you prefer to use the most.
2. Don’t Forget About Photo Mode
The photo mode in the game is easily one of the best new features. At any point in the game, you can freeze and press up on the D-pad to pull out your camera for a photo op, even mid-air. The world of Gravity Rush 2 is simply stunning, with its cel-shaded art and colorful areas, allowing for an unlimited amount of Internet-worthy pictures. A lot of work was put into the mode with additions like tripod mode, poses, props, filters, and more so don’t forget to take a pic if you see something you don’t want to forget.
For those that don’t care about taking pictures, the photo mode is still important for the fun treasure hunts. These optional online events require you to study a photo that another player took of a treasure chest and use environmental clues to find where it was taken and grab the treasure for yourself. The treasure is not only a joy to find, but also a chance to take your own photo as a hint for other players. You can make the photo as challenging or goofy as you want and you get more rewards if it successfully helps someone find the treasure.
3. Don’t Spend Too Much Time In Chapter 1
Without spoiling anything, Gravity Rush 2 starts out very drab and limited. The opening area in Chapter 1 is confined to a smaller space than the rest of the game. Though there are only a few missions and side quests to be found here, there is the option to mine for gems and grind to upgrade your abilities, as well as explore the first town and get a feel for your abilities.
Related: Top 5 Essential Upgrades For Gravity Rush 2
Doing all of this can have you here for several hours, which will lead to repetition and frustration quickly. Instead, don’t feel bad about focusing on the main story and moving onto Chapter 2 as fast as possible. The town and mining are still available, with the rest of the game world opening up as well with side missions and collectibles galore. Chapter 2 and onwards also lacks most of the strangely monotone environment of Chapter 1, giving a wider range of colors and areas to experience.
4. Explore
Mentioned above, the game world opens up rather quickly starting from Chapter 2. Jirga Para Lhao is one of the most memorable cities in a video game ever and exploring the ups and downs of it with your gravity-defying powers is some of the most fun in the whole game.
Discovering the 26 various manholes located throughout the city allow for fast travel, but it is a disservice to the game to use them at all. You should strive to manually fly whenever possible, as there are gems, side missions, NPC’s with optional info, treasure hunts, and more scattered everywhere in the city to find.
Leaping from the highest point in the city and falling all the way down to the slums at the bottom never gets old, as the verticality of Jirga Para Lhao provides some much needed levity from the sometimes repetitive missions. Even in a mission, it is almost always possible to break away for a moment and collect gems you might not have seen otherwise, so don’t pass up on the opportunity.
5. Stasis Field Is Great When You’re In a Pinch
The Stasis Field ability is back and improved. For those that don’t know, Kat uses her gravity to create a field of random items around her to throw at enemies. The Stasis Field wasn’t a hugely useful ability in the first game, but that has changed here. Picking up and throwing items is super smooth and easy, with a healthy amount of aim-assist. This allows for a quick, almost over-powered solution when overwhelmed by tons of enemies.
The field even picks up human enemies, allowing for picking them up and using them against other human enemies like little ragdolls. This is crucial during several missions where you are pitted against waves of enemy troops with a time limit to defeat them.
Are you excited for Gravity Rush 2? Have your own tips to share? Let us know in the comments below.
