Gravity Oddity, the brainchild of developer Invincible Cat, brings a fresh twist to the 2D space roguelite genre with an interesting mix of platforming, bullet-hell action, and a healthy dose of humor thrown into the blender as well. In the game, which we’re reviewing on PlayStation, you embark on a quest to rescue your kidnapped roommate, Gary, with the help of gravity-defying boots from the enigmatic Rio Grande Corporation. While the narrative may not be the centerpiece, the game’s charm lies in its engaging gameplay and quirky universe.
Navigating the cosmos in Gravity Oddity is a challenge in and of itself. The introduction of gravity boots and a teleport gun fundamentally change how you interact with the environment. Traversing walls, ceilings, and floors feels liberating, although there’s a learning curve involved. The teleport gun adds a layer of strategy, allowing for quick escapes and precise positioning, but mastering it takes practice. The jetpack introduces an element of risk versus reward, requiring careful management to avoid being left vulnerable in a firefight. The controls, though initially tricky, become intuitive with time and practice.
The gameplay loop centers around boss battles and exploration. Each area presents a mix of foes, from standard enemies to turrets you’ll want to steer clear of, creating a dynamic mix of challenges. Boss encounters, while not overly complex, demand adaptability due to the unconventional 0G environment – and you’ll find them to be considerably easier on a second playthrough. The mini-map provides guidance as well, allowing for different avenues of approach in your navigation and pacing.
Gravity Oddity offers a robust customization system, allowing players to tailor their characters and companions to their liking. The variety of options, from skin color to spacesuit aesthetics, adds a personal touch to the adventure. Collecting mods and skills is a highlight as well, providing opportunities for tactical depth and adding replay value. The interplay between mods and perks keeps each run engaging, encouraging experimentation to find synergies that suit your playstyle.
Gravity Oddity’s visual style strikes a balance between simplicity and vibrancy. The 2D sprites and environments, reminiscent of other 2D indie titles, carry a certain charm. While not groundbreaking, the art direction effectively conveys the game’s whimsical tone. The music, however, falls a bit short. Because of a limited number of different tracks the music becomes a little repetitive over time, even though the music itself isn’t bad.
The game’s simplicity is its strength, offering a unique blend of roguelite gameplay and unconventional movement mechanics. While the narrative takes a backseat, the engaging gameplay loop, complemented by customization options and tactical depth, ensures an enjoyable experience. The game’s art style, though straightforward, exudes a certain charm. With room for improvement in the music department, Gravity Oddity manages to carve out its own niche in the space of indie roguelites, promising hours of gravity-defying entertainment.
Score: 7.5/10
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