As a graphic designer, I have always been drawn to the visual aspect of video games. The PS Vita, Sony's handheld console, may not have been as popular as its predecessors, but it certainly offers a unique gaming experience with its stunning graphics and touch screen capabilities. In this article, I will review some of the best games available on the PS Vita that showcase its visual prowess and innovative gameplay.
Whether you're a fan of action-packed adventures or puzzle-solving challenges, the PS Vita has something for everyone. With its library of over 1,000 games, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to play. That's why I've compiled this list of games that I believe are worth your time and money. So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of PS Vita gaming.
Uncharted: Golden Abyss
No list of PS Vita games would be complete without mentioning Uncharted: Golden Abyss. This action-adventure game takes players on a journey through ancient ruins and treacherous jungles as they follow the trail of a lost city of gold. The game's stunning graphics and cinematic cutscenes are on par with its console counterparts, and the touch screen controls add a new level of immersion to the gameplay.
Graphics and Visuals
The graphics in Uncharted: Golden Abyss are some of the best on the PS Vita. The character models, environments, and special effects are all top-notch, with attention to detail that makes the game feel like a true AAA title. The game also makes use of the PS Vita's gyroscope and accelerometer, allowing players to tilt and turn the console to aim their weapons and solve puzzles, adding to the immersion factor.
Gameplay and Controls
The gameplay in Uncharted: Golden Abyss is similar to its console counterparts, with a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. The touch screen controls are intuitive and add a new level of interaction to the game. For example, players can swipe the screen to climb ledges, tap to perform melee attacks, and draw paths for their grappling hook. The game also features optional motion controls for aiming and throwing grenades, which can be turned off if preferred.
Story and Characters
The story in Uncharted: Golden Abyss is engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep players on their toes. The characters are well-written and likable, with voice acting that is on par with the console games. The game also features optional collectibles that add to the backstory and lore of the Uncharted universe, giving players even more reason to explore every nook and cranny of the game's environments.
Tearaway
Tearaway is a charming platformer that takes place in a world made entirely of paper. Players control the messenger, a small creature made out of an envelope, as they journey through various environments to deliver a message to the player themselves. The game's unique art style and use of the PS Vita's touch controls make it a must-play for anyone looking for a fun and imaginative gaming experience.
Graphics and Visuals
The graphics in Tearaway are whimsical and charming, with a papercraft art style that is both unique and delightful. The game's environments are intricately designed, with every detail made out of paper, from the trees to the animals to the buildings. The use of the PS Vita's touch screen and rear touch pad allows players to interact with the game world in creative ways, such as tapping the back of the console to make the messenger jump or using the touch screen to cut out paper shapes that can be used in the game's creation mode.
Gameplay and Controls
The gameplay in Tearaway is simple but satisfying, with a mix of platforming, puzzle-solving, and exploration. The touch screen and rear touch pad are used in creative ways, such as using the rear touch pad to push objects into the game world or using the touch screen to draw paths for the messenger to follow. The game also features a creation mode where players can design their own paper objects and share them with the community, adding to the game's replay value.
Story and Characters
The story in Tearaway is heartwarming and uplifting, with a message about the power of creativity and imagination. The characters are charming and lovable, with voice acting that brings them to life. The game also features optional collectibles that add to the backstory and lore of the game world, giving players even more reason to explore every corner of the game's environments.
Muramasa Rebirth
Muramasa Rebirth is an action-packed hack-and-slash game set in feudal Japan. Players control one of two characters, each with their own story and unique playstyle, as they battle their way through hordes of enemies and bosses. The game's beautiful hand-drawn graphics and fast-paced gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Graphics and Visuals
The graphics in Muramasa Rebirth are stunning, with hand-drawn character models and environments that are vibrant and detailed. The game's use of color is particularly impressive, with each environment having its own distinct palette that sets it apart from the rest. The game also features optional DLC that adds new playable characters and environments, further expanding the game's visual variety.
Gameplay and Controls
The gameplay in Muramasa Rebirth is fast-paced and satisfying, with a mix of swordplay, magic, and item management. The controls are intuitive and responsive, with the touch screen used to switch weapons and the rear touch pad used to dodge attacks. The game also features RPG elements, such as leveling up and crafting new weapons, that add to the game's replay value.
Story and Characters
The story in Muramasa Rebirth is engaging, with two distinct campaigns that offer different perspectives on the game's world and characters. The characters are well-written and likable, with voice acting that is on par with the game's visuals. The game also features optional collectibles that add to the backstory and lore of the game world, giving players even more reason to explore every corner of the game's environments.
Persona 4 Golden
Persona 4 Golden is a remastered version of the popular RPG for the PS Vita. Players control a high school student who moves to a new town and discovers a world inside the TV where they must battle monsters and solve a mystery. The game's engaging story, deep characters, and addictive gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Graphics and Visuals
The graphics in Persona 4 Golden are not the game's strongest point, but they are serviceable for an RPG. The character models and environments are decently detailed, but the game's real strength lies in its art style and character design. The game's use of anime-style cutscenes and character portraits add to the game's charm and personality.
Gameplay and Controls
The gameplay in Persona 4 Golden is a mix of turn-based combat, social simulation, and dungeon crawling. The controls are intuitive and easy to learn, with the touch screen used for menu navigation and the rear touch pad used for camera control. The game also features a calendar system where players must balance their time between school, socializing, and dungeon crawling, adding to the game's depth and replay value.
Story and Characters
The story in Persona 4 Golden is engaging, with a mystery that slowly unfolds over the course of the game. The characters are well-written and fleshed out, with their own unique personalities and backstories. The game also features a social link system where players can form relationships with the game's characters, unlocking new abilities and storylines, adding to the game's replay value.
Gravity Rush
Gravity Rush is an action-adventure game that takes place in a world where gravity is constantly shifting. Players control Kat, a young girl with the ability to manipulate gravity, as she navigates various environments and battles enemies. The game's unique gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals make it a must-play for anyone looking for a fresh and innovative gaming experience.
Graphics and Visuals
The graphics in Gravity Rush are some of the best on the PS Vita, with a cel-shaded art style that is both beautiful and distinctive. The game's environments are intricately designed, with attention to detail that makes the game world feel alive and vibrant. The game also uses the PS Vita's gyroscope and accelerometer, allowing players to tilt and turn the console to manipulate gravity, adding to the immersion factor.
Gameplay and Controls
The gameplay in Gravity Rush is unique and innovative, with a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. The controls are intuitive and easy to learn, with the touch screen used for menu navigation and the rear touch pad used for camera control. The game's use of gravity manipulation adds a new level of depth to the gameplay, allowing players to fly through the air, walk on walls, and even reverse gravity to reach new areas.
Story and Characters
The story in Gravity Rush is engaging, with a mystery that slowly unfolds over the course of the game. The characters are well-written and likable, with voice acting that is on par with the game's visuals. The game also features optional