What are some games worth playing still on the Playstation Vita

The PlayStation Vita, while having a shorter lifespan than some of its handheld counterparts, boasts a fantastic library of games that are well worth playing. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best and most popular titles across various genres, often highlighting how they utilize the Vita’s unique features:

Must-Play Vita Exclusives & Enhanced Versions:

• Persona 4 Golden: Often cited as the Vita’s killer app, this enhanced version of the PS2 JRPG classic offers a captivating story, memorable characters, and hundreds of hours of content. It’s a must-play for any RPG fan.
• Gravity Rush: A truly unique action-adventure game that lets you manipulate gravity for traversal and combat. Its innovative mechanics and stylish comic-book art style make it a standout.
• Tearaway: Developed by Media Molecule (LittleBigPlanet), Tearaway is a charming and creative 3D platformer that brilliantly uses all of the Vita’s features, including the front and back touchpads, camera, and gyroscope, to immerse you in its papercraft world.
• Killzone: Mercenary: Widely considered the best first-person shooter on the Vita, offering console-quality graphics, a solid campaign, and robust multiplayer.
• Uncharted: Golden Abyss: A fantastic spin-off prequel to the main Uncharted series that was a launch title for the Vita. It showcases the system’s graphical capabilities and incorporates touch and motion controls seamlessly.
• LittleBigPlanet PS Vita: A perfect fit for the Vita, this game combines the platforming and creation elements of the series with clever use of the Vita’s touch controls for building and playing levels.
• Soul Sacrifice Delta: An ambitious action RPG from Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune, known for its dark fantasy setting, unique “sacrifice” mechanics, and deep combat.
• Freedom Wars: A Vita-exclusive sci-fi action RPG where you fight giant mechanized monsters called Abductors. It features in-depth combat, co-op, and an addictive gameplay loop.
• Odin Sphere Leifthrasir: A beautiful 2D beat-’em-up action RPG with stunning hand-drawn visuals and five unique characters to play through.

Excellent Ports & Multiplatform Titles (Often Best on Vita):

• Hotline Miami (1 & 2): These top-down, hyper-violent, and stylish action games feel right at home on the Vita, with precise controls and a pulse-pounding soundtrack.
• Guacamelee!: A vibrant and humorous Metroidvania based on Lucha Libre and Mexican mythology. It’s a fantastic 2D side-scroller with engaging combat and platforming.
• Rayman Origins / Rayman Legends: These 2D platformers are visually stunning and incredibly fun, offering challenging levels and smooth gameplay.
• Spelunky: A challenging and highly replayable roguelike platformer with randomized levels, traps, and secrets to discover.
• Dragon’s Crown: A gorgeous 2D beat-’em-up with a unique art style and deep combat system.
• Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster: A great way to experience these beloved PS2 RPGs on the go, with updated visuals and some touch-screen features.
• Ys: Memories of Celceta: A fast-paced action RPG in the long-running Ys series, known for its engaging combat and exploration.
• Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc (and sequels): An excellent visual novel and murder mystery series that is perfect for a handheld, offering intriguing stories and memorable characters.
• Rogue Legacy: A challenging and addictive roguelike where you play as descendants of fallen heroes, each with unique traits and disabilities.
• Velocity 2X: A fast-paced top-down shoot ’em up combined with puzzle-platforming, known for its sharp HD graphics and addictive gameplay.
• Minecraft: The popular crafting and building game is well-suited for portable play, allowing you to create and explore on the go.
• Metal Gear Solid HD Collection: Classic Metal Gear Solid games in a portable format, a treat for fans of the stealth genre.

Other Highly Recommended Games:

• Undertale: A unique RPG that subverts expectations and judges your actions, offering a truly memorable experience.
• Severed: A unique dungeon-crawling RPG with touchscreen-based combat and a distinctive art style.
• Lumines: Electronic Symphony: A mesmerizing and addictive puzzle game that combines falling blocks with music.
• Mortal Kombat: A solid fighting game port that brings the brutal action to the handheld.
• Need for Speed: Most Wanted: A surprisingly well-done open-world racing game for the Vita.

The PS Vita has a diverse library that caters to many tastes. While physical copies of some games can be harder to find now, many are available digitally on the PlayStation Store. Enjoy discovering the hidden gems and popular hits on the Vita!