Sony’s little handheld that could – the PSVita – receives a whole lot of (insert profanity here). We constantly hear the complaints about its system specs to the most notorious argument against the device: the “Vita has no games” followed by stupidly-unnecessary-laughter. Tip: Follow up that asinine moment with a simple question: “Do you own a Vita?” It’s almost a guarantee that whoever made the initial comment probably will answer “no” to the question at hand. However, if they by chance say yes, then, go on to say, “Oh, really? Well… (this is the point where you reach into an imaginary Mary Poppins-like bag and pull out a list of Vita games for said person to play – one tap download away).
Present them with the following list of games played or haven’t yet played but are waiting to be played on the Vita. Prepare oneself because this is no ordinary list.
Note: There’s no particular order that follows. Also, Vita exclusives are in bold.
- “Broken Age”
- “Grim Fandango Remastered”
- “Helldivers”
- “Metal Gear Solid HD Collection”
- “Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker”
- “Shovel Knight”
- “Killzone Mercenary”
- “God of War HD”
- “Jak and Daxter Collection”
- “Uncharted Golden Abyss”
- “Dragon’s Crown”
- “Dokuro”
- “MLB The Show”
- “Assassin’s Creed III Liberation”
- “Limbo”
- “Luftrausers”
- “Muramasa Rebirth”
- “Super Stardust Delta”
- “CounterSpy”
- “Resogun”
- “Gravity Rush”
- “Hotline Miami”
- “Don’t Starve”
- “Child of Light”
- “Need for Speed Most Wanted”
- “The Wolf Among Us”
- “Freedom Wars”
- “Minecraft”
- “Plants vs. Zombies”
- “Dead Nation”
- The Walking Dead: Seasons 1 and 2
- “Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc”
- “Rogue Legacy”
- “Thomas Was Alone”
- “Velocity Ultra”
- “Borderlands 2”
- “Soul Sacrifice”
- “Guacamelee”
- “Injustice: Gods Among Us”
- “Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale”
- “LittleBigPlanet”
- “Tearaway”
- “Persona 4 Golden”
There’s plenty more. This is just small and great batch of games worth any sort of self-proclaimed gamer’s time. Believe it or not, some of the above games can be easily overlooked. Here’s where the “Vita has no games” arguments originates. Of the 43 listed, only eight are system exclusive. But that’s not fair to the handheld to shun it. Still not convinced? Okay, it’s time for honesty and compromise.
Let’s be frank. Us Vita lovers will concede that the vast majority of the handheld’s library are ports. Our counter to that is those games play best on Vita. Or, as the cliche goes, where they’re most “at home.” It really isn’t entirely accurate to say the handheld has no games because it sure does. It comes down to a matter of preference. Where does the player enjoy playing his or her games? PC, PS3/4 or Vita. Although there aren’t many Vita exclusives, they utilize the handheld to its fullest most of the time to showcase exactly what it’s capable of.
If convinced, buy the Slim model and start off with “Uncharted Golden Abyss” and “Killzone Mercenary.” Those two exclusives will give a good idea of what’s in store for the rest of the time with the handheld. Once hooked there’s no turning back. The Vita has a charm of attachment to its user that can’t be properly described. If still not convinced, just know that the Vita offers a really great and fun time anywhere you can plop down. From on-the-go gaming to being at home using PS4 remote play, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that is in every sense of the word – under-appreciated.