Gamers have been waiting for "Gravity Rush" (★ 1/2 out of four stars; $40 for PSP Vita; rated Teen) for more than a year since its demo at Electronic Entertainment Expo 2011 wowed attendees with its gravity-defying control scheme and original female hero.
Kat is an unlikely heroine. Devoid of memory and her city overrun by a nefarious force called the Nevi, she must become the hero the citizens need, even if they don't exactly like her. As the game's title suggests, gravity is key for Kat.
She can manipulate it, which provides the most interesting aspect as you hurl her around using the Vita's touchscreen. It's dizzying and confusing at first, but directing Kat around rooftops and up and down the sides of buildings becomes old hat.
The combat, unfortunately, suffers. Where you once enjoyed Kat's limitless ability, the action becomes bogged down by poor targeting of the Nevi's weak spots and easily beatable opponents.
The comic-book-inspired cut scenes are another matter. These latch onto you in every good way a game's cut scene could. The artistry and storytelling are strong and keep you pushing forward, even when the game gets tedious and lame.
At about 10 hours of game play, which included challenge missions, "Gravity Rush" called out for the label of "weekend rental." Most won't be blown away by it. Only those who relish the freedom of defying gravity will feel enough of a rush to see it through to the end.
