• DLC Review: Gravity Rush - Spy Pack

    by
    Chris "WildCardCorsair" Garcia
    Published on 07-01-2012 05:50 PM
    0 Comments Comments


    Gravity Rush - Spy Pack DLC

    Developer: SCE Japan Studio
    Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
    Platform:PlayStation Vita
    Genre: Open-World, Action/Adventure
    Rating: Teen
    Release Date: June 26th, 2012

    Say hello to the Black Cat in Gravity Rush's first available DLC, Spy Pack. The Spy Pack adds two new story missions and two challenge missions as well as the purrrfectly delightful Black Cat costume. This pack will set you back $3.99, but will it land on its feet with Gravity Rush fans?

    Presentation
    When a gang of superfast airship bikers called the Snakerabbits gets out of hand, bungling detective Syd enlists the help of the Gravity Queen for a poorly planned undercover operation. What begins as a simple hot rodder hunt ends as a race against time involving the return of the master thief Alias! Also, will Kat ever find a boyfriend?! This and more in the latest DLC for Gravity Rush: Spy Pack!

    Graphics
    There is little in this DLC that stands out graphically. Well I should rephrase that, there is little in this DLC that stands out as being new. All the areas you journey to, not just in challenge missions but story missions as well, are currently existing areas. In fact, aside from the new costume itself and a few cutscenes there nothing new can be found here at all. Thankfully the cutscenes that do exist are well done but just don't expect anything truly new here. The DLC will take you through the entertainment, factory, and historic districts of Hekseville so the familiar sights of billowing smoke stacks, neon buildings and ferris wheel, and antiquated buildings will remind you how good the city actually looks.

    Sound/Music
    The music suffers from the same problem the graphics do. The songs and sounds are in no way new but that isn't to say they aren't good. Gravity Rush's soundtrack remains unchanged but the familiar themes are just as catchy and entertaining. The same made up language can also be heard and unfortunately nothing has been done about that annoying beeping as you hang in the air. A guy can hope, can’t he?

    Gameplay
    The Spy Pack's story missions start off a little slow. They start with a race. Yes, that makes perfect sense to me. The second story mission gives you some more search and retrieval type missions with a twist... you don’t really know where to go. It was actually interesting trying to figure out a few of the "fortunes" that dictate your next objective in this mission but if you take too long the game does step in to give you a helpful hint. These riddles did good to mix things up so you aren't just playing the same missions you’ve already played quite a few times in the main game, if only just enough.

    When it comes to the challenge missions, watch out! I tried my hand at the Rift Plane Health Race challenge mission only to have it laugh in my face. This takes you back to the Inferno Rift where you have to race through the magma tunnels and loads of angry Nevi with minimal health. To make it even more challenging there are a whopping 32 check points before you finish the race. It's an unmercifully brutal gauntlet and a maxed out dodge stat will really be your crutch here. As tough as it is to complete part of me really respects the fact there is a new type of race, especially one that is a real challenge. The second challenge mission is the Pleajeune Pitching Contest. In this challenge you have to move from station to station killing Nevi only by throwing objects via your Stasis Field. This is certainly not as hard as the Rift Plane Health Race but it is certainly fun. This is actually a great mission to get the "Pitching Machine" trophy if you haven't already.

    Lasting Appeal
    While you can't repeat the story missions without starting the game over you can always retry the challenge missions in hopes of topping those leaderboards. Of course trophies are available, eight in total, and there is a unique thing to them. As you obtain them they all are a piece of a vertical picture that displays Kat in her Black Cat costume. While this has no bearing whatsoever on the trophies or game themselves, it is kind of cool to see the picture come together. Other than that the Spy Pack nestles itself very easily with the existing story of Gravity Rush and you will probably feel inclined to repeat these missions should you replay the main game itself.

    Conclusion
    At $3.99 this DLC provides a decent hour or two for your gaming pleasure. Even though there is little new content added chances are if you are a fan of Gravity Rush you will probably pick this up, because it will give you more of what you like, more Gravity Rush. The only real drawback here is that these missions fit into the game so well; it leaves you wondering if they were removed from the game to serve as DLC. In the end the Spy Pack certainly is not a crucial purchase but anyone with even the slightest Catwoman fetish will probably find themselves drawn to this DLC's gravitational pull.

    Score:
    7.0/10

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.

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