PlayStation Vita: The Games Guide
No platform is successful without a strong third party showing. What can you expect on day one?
Published: February 8, 2012
Even with an amazing first party lineup it could be said that the Vita’s strength is its third party launch titles. There are seventeen titles and for the sake of keeping this page at a decent length we should get started.
Army Corps of Hell
[ Screens | Videos ]
I actually wrote about this game back in October. It’s an interesting spin on a tried and true concept. Head on over to our media page for the game and check out the four trailers, just make sure you’re 18 or older. ACoH will be $39.99 at launch.
Asphalt Injection
[ Screens ]
Gameloft’s Asphalt series has been on just about any handheld you could imagine (including the N-Gage!) except for the PSP. Well, PSP owners never got the chance but Vita users will get to see what the racing series is all about for a penny shy of $30.
Ben 10: Galatic Racing
[ Screens ]
This isn’t exactly a new game, it actually came out in October for the PS3 and other consoles. Still, it seems like a great game for anyone who is buying the system for his or her children and kart racers are always welcome. MSRP for this title is $29.99.
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift EXTEND
[ Screens ]
The third iteration of BlazBlue continues the tradition of being available in handheld form. It also boasts cross platform online with the PS3 so readers can now destroy me with touch screens. If you have to get your Bloodraging on it’ll cost you $39.99.
Dungeon Hunter Alliance
[ Screens ]
The PS3 version of this game is $12.99 but for the Vita it’ll cost $39.99. Still, it’s a pretty nifty action RPG with some cool online and it’s worth a look if you’re into the genre. Hopefully it won’t have the connectivity issues of its bigger brother.
Dynasty Warriors NEXT
[ Screens ]
The newest title in the never-ending Dynasty Warriors gives us some interesting new features. Fans will eat this up and cynics will complain that it is repetitive and the world will keep moving on. It’ll run you $39.99 bones.
F1 2011
[ Screens | Videos ]
It’s odd to see a game with 2011 in the title coming out for a console releasing in February 2012 but here we are. Codemasters’ highly recommended F1 racer races on to the Vita for $39.99. Check out the trailer in the game’s media section for a better understanding of the features.
FIFA 12
[ Screens ]
If you’ve always dreamed of having Cristiano Ronaldo in your pocket, here you go. EA’s flagship soccer franchise sprints on to the Vita and brings along touch screen passing, kick control, and rear touch shooting among other things. Soccer fans be set aside $39.99 in advance.
Lumines: Electronic Symphony
[ Screens ]
Have you been missing the Lumines franchise? Well, have no fear, the puzzler is back with its crazy soundtracks and an all new experience system that provides to provide “deep stat tracking” whatever that means. Check it out for $39.99.
Michael Jackson: The Experience
[ Screens | Videos
There are many jokes that could be made about a Michael Jackson game on a touch screen. However, Ubi’s rhythm title will allow you to draw shapes with your fingers to pass sections. If you need more “Billie Jean” in your life, it’ll be $39.99.
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus
[ Screens ]
The late comer to the PS Vita launch, Sigma Plus comes with a host of new features. Six axis arrow shooting and touchscreen prompts are in and there's an all new Ninja Challenge Mode. No word yet on how these could impact the difficulty so only the hardcore should apply. We don't want you spiking your brand new Vita in frustration, now do we?
Plants vs. Zombies
[ Screens ]
I don’t know if there is a game I play more on my iPhone than Plants vs. Zombies. Obviously the game already has some of the best touch controls out there so it will almost definitely be a hit among the few Vita fans that haven’t tried it out yet, and will only cost them $14.99 to do so.
Rayman Origins
[ Screens ]
Hopefully the Vita will be kinder to Rayman than the consoles were. Unfortunately with the console version’s price dropping so quickly you can currently get the PS3 version for $10 less than the Vita’s $39.99. Still, it’s a fantastic game and you owe it to yourself to check it out.
Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen
[ Screens | Videos ]
This title may be a bit confusing to our readers since the Shinobido games are only available in Japan. Check out Sam’s write up on the game to learn more. It’ll also cost $39.99.
Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack
[ Screens | Videos ]
Our very own Aram enjoyed his time with the game’s predecessor. It looks like this Vita title is more of the same from Drinkbox. It’s a PSN title so there’s no word on pricing yet but check out this awesome trailer.
Touch My Katamari
[ Screens | Videos ]
Sam went hands on with the newest Katamari title and walked away wanting more. Rolling up cows and planets in the span of 20 minutes should translate well to the portable scene. Check out the opening cutscene below and nab this game for $29.99.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
[ Screens | Videos ]
Another fighting title for the Vita. The touch screen is supposed to help simplify attacks and it will also have online. Check out the media page for some videos and the gameplay trailer below. Beating up Iron Man as Chris Redfield will cost you $39.99.
Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition
[ Screens ]
I reviewed the PS3 version of this title and enjoyed saving chickens. It’ll be interesting to see how the series translates to the small screen and how the touch controls are implemented. It’ll cost $39.99 and if you’re a tennis fan you should check it out.
Phew! That brings us to the end of the Vita’s massive launch lineup. There’s a little bit of something for everyone and it’s nice to see that we won’t have the “PS Vitas has no games” trolls out there on the Internet. It’s a pricy launch for just about anyone and feel free to share with us your pre-order receipts and games you plan on picking up.
Check back on Friday for the final part of our Vita launch blowout, which will focus on the handheld’s immediate and distant future.
Army Corps of Hell
[ Screens | Videos ]
I actually wrote about this game back in October. It’s an interesting spin on a tried and true concept. Head on over to our media page for the game and check out the four trailers, just make sure you’re 18 or older. ACoH will be $39.99 at launch.
Asphalt Injection
[ Screens ]
Gameloft’s Asphalt series has been on just about any handheld you could imagine (including the N-Gage!) except for the PSP. Well, PSP owners never got the chance but Vita users will get to see what the racing series is all about for a penny shy of $30.
Ben 10: Galatic Racing
[ Screens ]
This isn’t exactly a new game, it actually came out in October for the PS3 and other consoles. Still, it seems like a great game for anyone who is buying the system for his or her children and kart racers are always welcome. MSRP for this title is $29.99.
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift EXTEND
[ Screens ]
The third iteration of BlazBlue continues the tradition of being available in handheld form. It also boasts cross platform online with the PS3 so readers can now destroy me with touch screens. If you have to get your Bloodraging on it’ll cost you $39.99.
Dungeon Hunter Alliance
[ Screens ]
The PS3 version of this game is $12.99 but for the Vita it’ll cost $39.99. Still, it’s a pretty nifty action RPG with some cool online and it’s worth a look if you’re into the genre. Hopefully it won’t have the connectivity issues of its bigger brother.
Dynasty Warriors NEXT
[ Screens ]
The newest title in the never-ending Dynasty Warriors gives us some interesting new features. Fans will eat this up and cynics will complain that it is repetitive and the world will keep moving on. It’ll run you $39.99 bones.
F1 2011
[ Screens | Videos ]
It’s odd to see a game with 2011 in the title coming out for a console releasing in February 2012 but here we are. Codemasters’ highly recommended F1 racer races on to the Vita for $39.99. Check out the trailer in the game’s media section for a better understanding of the features.
FIFA 12
[ Screens ]
If you’ve always dreamed of having Cristiano Ronaldo in your pocket, here you go. EA’s flagship soccer franchise sprints on to the Vita and brings along touch screen passing, kick control, and rear touch shooting among other things. Soccer fans be set aside $39.99 in advance.
Lumines: Electronic Symphony
[ Screens ]
Have you been missing the Lumines franchise? Well, have no fear, the puzzler is back with its crazy soundtracks and an all new experience system that provides to provide “deep stat tracking” whatever that means. Check it out for $39.99.
Michael Jackson: The Experience
[ Screens | Videos
There are many jokes that could be made about a Michael Jackson game on a touch screen. However, Ubi’s rhythm title will allow you to draw shapes with your fingers to pass sections. If you need more “Billie Jean” in your life, it’ll be $39.99.
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus
[ Screens ]
The late comer to the PS Vita launch, Sigma Plus comes with a host of new features. Six axis arrow shooting and touchscreen prompts are in and there's an all new Ninja Challenge Mode. No word yet on how these could impact the difficulty so only the hardcore should apply. We don't want you spiking your brand new Vita in frustration, now do we?
Plants vs. Zombies
[ Screens ]
I don’t know if there is a game I play more on my iPhone than Plants vs. Zombies. Obviously the game already has some of the best touch controls out there so it will almost definitely be a hit among the few Vita fans that haven’t tried it out yet, and will only cost them $14.99 to do so.
Rayman Origins
[ Screens ]
Hopefully the Vita will be kinder to Rayman than the consoles were. Unfortunately with the console version’s price dropping so quickly you can currently get the PS3 version for $10 less than the Vita’s $39.99. Still, it’s a fantastic game and you owe it to yourself to check it out.
Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen
[ Screens | Videos ]
This title may be a bit confusing to our readers since the Shinobido games are only available in Japan. Check out Sam’s write up on the game to learn more. It’ll also cost $39.99.
Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack
[ Screens | Videos ]
Our very own Aram enjoyed his time with the game’s predecessor. It looks like this Vita title is more of the same from Drinkbox. It’s a PSN title so there’s no word on pricing yet but check out this awesome trailer.
Touch My Katamari
[ Screens | Videos ]
Sam went hands on with the newest Katamari title and walked away wanting more. Rolling up cows and planets in the span of 20 minutes should translate well to the portable scene. Check out the opening cutscene below and nab this game for $29.99.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
[ Screens | Videos ]
Another fighting title for the Vita. The touch screen is supposed to help simplify attacks and it will also have online. Check out the media page for some videos and the gameplay trailer below. Beating up Iron Man as Chris Redfield will cost you $39.99.
Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition
[ Screens ]
I reviewed the PS3 version of this title and enjoyed saving chickens. It’ll be interesting to see how the series translates to the small screen and how the touch controls are implemented. It’ll cost $39.99 and if you’re a tennis fan you should check it out.
Phew! That brings us to the end of the Vita’s massive launch lineup. There’s a little bit of something for everyone and it’s nice to see that we won’t have the “PS Vitas has no games” trolls out there on the Internet. It’s a pricy launch for just about anyone and feel free to share with us your pre-order receipts and games you plan on picking up.
Check back on Friday for the final part of our Vita launch blowout, which will focus on the handheld’s immediate and distant future.
