In a world where gravity takes a vacation and puzzles lead the charge, Gravity Ghost: Deluxe Edition floats onto the PS4 like a feather in a windstorm. Created by indie developer Ivy Games, this physics-based puzzler takes you on a cosmic journey that would make even the most imaginative 5-year-old raise an eyebrow. Strap in, because we're about to explore a game that merges the mundane aspects of sibling rivalry with extraordinary outer space shenanigans.
You play as Iona, the ghost of a young girl who clearly failed basic safety courses after a tragic accident that involves a tree, a lantern, and some unfortunate foxes. Your ghostly self can float around a series of beautifully crafted locations in space, manipulating gravity like it's a material in a magic show. Each level presents new planetary puzzles that require you to harness gravity's whims to solve, almost like a cosmic game of chess where the pieces just so happen to be adorable animals. The primary objective? Fix the universe while acquiring enough emotional baggage to power a thousand drama-free sitcom episodes. Iona's goal is to piece together her fragmented planet and rescue lost animals trapped in the space-time continuum. Spoiler alert: it gets emotional. The game's pacing is perfect, allowing you enough time to solve puzzles without feeling like you're on a time-sensitive mission to catch a bus - or escape from a black hole, which is, let's be honest, even worse. Iona also has a ghostly fox friend, Voy, who acts as both your emotional support ghost and puzzle-solving buddy. Like a canine version of a motivational poster, he's the light at the end of Iona's dark, existential tunnel. Together, you'll traverse expansive constellations filled with otherworldly challenges, all while avoiding any potential black holes, which could ruin the day faster than saying "I forgot to save my game."
Prepare your eyes for a visual treat straight out of a watercolor dream. Gravity Ghost: Deluxe Edition makes you feel as if you've jumped into a storybook filled with vibrant colors and imaginative landscapes. Each level is uniquely styled, creating an ambiance akin to exploring a cosmic gallery. The animations, steered by Iona and Voy gliding through the cosmos, have a fluidity that makes physics feel like an art form rather than a devilish school subject. The soundtrack, composed by Ben Prunty, further amplifies the ethereal experience, playing like the gentle sighs of the universe, inviting you to float off into another galaxy just to see how far you'd get before running into the cosmic wall of reality.
Gravity Ghost: Deluxe Edition is an enchanting mix of problem-solving, emotional journeys, and whimsical visuals that lingers in your mind like the feeling you get when you spot your crush staring at you across a crowded room (or, you know, the weird realization that you're emotionally attached to a cartoon fox). The game carefully balances lightheartedness with deeper themes, making for a refreshing experience that feels both personal and universal. With a sprinkle of humor, a bittersweet story, and puzzles that make you feel like an interstellar genius, this game is worth 8/10. So, if you're ready to float through space and confront the emotional fallout of adolescence - plus save a bunch of confused animals in the process - then Gravity Ghost should definitely be on your radar. Meanwhile, I'll just be here, trying to convince my imaginary furry companion to stop munching on mushrooms.