Regarding the hardware, all you need to know is that it’s great. But that honestly doesn’t matter in the end, because even the sexiest hardware will tank if the games aren’t there. Thankfully, the starting line-up for Vita looks mighty impressive. Consider picking up these titles for your initial Vita experience…
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Believe it or not, this is currently the best game for the platform. At the very least, it’s the portable version that diehard fans of the series have long waited for. Unlike the gimped PSP version and flat out wretched iOS iterations, it actually plays just like the console originals, thanks much in part to the system’s dual analogue sticks. Otherwise, it’s basically more of the same, but with one key difference: the ability to stretch and squash your Katamari via the Vita’s rear touch panel. Another excellent showcase of the hardware. Plus the music is as catchy as ever, and the story might be the very best for the entire franchise.
One of the PlayStation’s flagship franchises is back, and aiming to do what it’s always done: provide white knuckle, high speed thrills, while also providing a demonstration of the hardware. Approached from that point of view, the game is an unqualified success. Aside from looking just as good as the PS3 version, one can actually race on some of the same tracks against players on that end. Though long-time fans of the series should also dig the underlying premise of the “origin point” in this latest installment. Admittedly, when it comes to options, it isn’t as feature rich as many other racers on the market today, but it’s what Wipeout fans are used to. Though the real selling point here is the brand new control scheme offered, it’s a lifesaver for those of us who constantly bounce around like a pinball.
One of the best games of 2011 that many may have completely ignored or simply missed is back and just as good as before, albeit with one major difference. The core of the game remains untouched; Rayman Origins is quite simply one of the most beautiful platformers ever conceived and executed, with brilliant mechanics and wonderful level designs. It’s the whole package. To a certain degree it’s even better with the ability to pinch and zoom in on the action, allowing one to truly admire the visuals. Unfortunately, the New Super Mario Bros Wii-esque multiplayer modes have been completely axed for some reason. But given how it wasn’t as enjoyable as Nintendo’s take, this isn’t the biggest loss in the world.
Here’s the deal: for those of you who love mini golf, and especially the Hot Shots Golf series, you’re going to absolutely love this most recent edition. It’s by far the most polished of the series, and with the prettiest visuals. It’s also yet another title that proves to achieve truly accurate shot planning and execution, golfing on the go is best suited for a platform with buttons. Though a few iPhone-esque features do manage to sneak into the mix (mostly in the form of using the gyroscope and touch panels to adjust the camera). Now, as for those who aren’t fans of the series, this might be the first jumping on point thus far; golf is simply the perfect sport for such a medium. Easy to pick up but challenging to master, it’s well suited for short bursts of play – as any good portable game should be.
There’s not a whole lot to say here: it’s a pixel perfect port of the last year’s number two fighting game. Sorry, but the king of the hill is still the Mortal Kombat revival, which is also coming to the Vita later this Spring. For those who absolutely need to punch and kick on the go, Ultimate MvC3 is certainly not the worst of options available. Again, the same rules apply; silky smooth, over the top tag-team action, featuring a cast of colorful characters from the houses that Stan Lee and Mega Man built. Unfortunately, the same questionable DLC price structures are also intact. As for any Vita extras, you’ve now got the ability to tap the screen for unleashing those combo assaults. Which makes traditional button mashing seem ultra skillful in comparison.
It’s another version of the now classic block puzzler that was to the PSP as Tetris was to Game Boy, only with fancier tunes. But like every installment that has come since, the absence of Mondo Grosso, and Lumines is still felt.But for those who can deal, it’s the same rock solid and engaging gameplay as before, with a few additions now in the mix. Expect brand new types of blocks, and avatars that have special abilities instead of just bouncing to the music. Music-wise, big name highlights include The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, LCD Soundsystem, and Goldfrapp. They’re no Mondo Grosso, but who is these days?
I’m not saving the best for last, because Nathan Drake is only here by the skin of his teeth. It’s not a horrible game per say, just not quite up there with the standards of the other console offerings. In fact, if it didn’t have the word “Uncharted” in the title, I’d be far more enthused. Anyhow, for an Uncharted game that was not crafted by Naughty Dog, it’s a pretty damn fine facsimile. Where the game somewhat drops the ball is with control. Being a launch title, Golden Abyss is meant to showcase all the tricks that the system is capable of, but these can also prove to be unnecessary and often times annoying. It can be frustrating at first, but if you give it time you’ll eventually get the hang of it. At the very least, it’s one of the most technically brilliant looking games out of the batch. Things could be better, but they could also be much worse.