Whats the best way to enjoy a vita?

[Damion]

I know that the PSvita isn't the most popular system but I'm in the market for one at the moment and was wondering what games I should get as well as should I worry if I get one that can have a custom firmware or not. I want to be able to play online and enjoy the psn store ( from what I understand paying members get a free game every month ) I've been out of the loop for years and I can't have a home console at the moment so I believe the vita is my best bet. Looking forward to any and all suggestions :-)

[FieryReign]

Can't speak on custom firmware. Be aware there are 2 different models. I like the Vita although the touchscreen is poop, it acts up with the smallest amount of perspiration on the fingertips. And the memory sticks are expensive as hell. Make sure you count that into the equation.

Pretty sure you only get that free game if you sign up for PS+ subscription service. I've never gotten any free games just shopping around. I could recommend games physical and psn, not sure what type of games you're into though?

First thing I recommend is a controller grip, unless you like carpel tunnel. I have this one, it's cheap and feels comfortable in the hands. I won't play it without it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GZG8CV2/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?qid=1447638538&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX110_SY165&keywords=vita+grip&dpPl=1&dpID=41FTapDGCwL&ref=plSrch

[Tanooki]

I had one a few years ago but let it go when then the games dried up. Total wise though there's far more now than before but it is slow though still and your mileage would normally vary if you had a home system. You though do not.

This opens a big door, as part of my problem with the Vita was a lack of releases that weren't just console ports or remixes especially of third person adventure or FPS type stuff which I didn't want. But you though don't have a PS3 lying around, it means lots of opportunity. As fiery said, Sony is greedy with their custom memory cards, research that a lot, get the right size you think you'll need going into it. Why? You said it, freebies. PS+ if you keep it active will give you 1 or 2 free games every single month to use as long as your account is maintained. Secondarily that plus account gives a steep discount on prices on games all the time, the titles roll on those though, but if you buy it, even if PS+ is removed you still paid something, it's yours.

I'd peek at the existing game list, I never looked much, but I don't think the Vita got cracked to where you can warez the hell out of it like PSP, but if they did, you better buy two because Sony maintains and active online connection unless you disable the WiFi and if they smell BS you will be punished severely with probably a banned account, total stone walling short of a bricked system. I'd go peek at the Wikipedia, sort by the US, and see what got a physical release. There's some big time console games that got ports to it, and some amazing sequels and spinoffs, the huge one being Uncharted for one, but there are a lot of others including stuff like Assassins Creed, Hot Shots Golf, and various others. I should temper my post, or I'd get tempted to buy one again as I have like twice this year so far but backed away as I knew I wouldn't commit the time as I rarely do with the 3DS I do have. :)

[Aussie2B]

I hope you like niche games from Japan because that's about all the system has been getting for some time now. Support from Western developers and "AAA" games have all but dried up. It's not a bad thing to me since Japanese games are primarily what I want to play anyway, but it's just something to throw out there and keep in mind. Pretty much all the AAA-style games are from near launch, back before they realized the Vita was flopping in the West and largely abandoned ship.

If you can find one, I recommend the original model with the OLED screen. It's got some downsides (such as its weight compared to the slim model), but the screen is just soooo much better.

[Damion]

OK this is all really helpful is there a certain numbers I should consider? I'll get the older model for sure. Games I like are vared but I know I'll enjoy ffX and X2, hot shots golf and probably call of duty (though I've heard rumored it wasn't very good) I want to get back into the japenese rpgs as I really got into halo, call of duty and oblivion back when I could have a home console. IDid they make a valker chronicles for the vita or a ace combat? I've been out of the loop so long they could have came and and went. Is the metal gear games any good? I know this is all stuff I can look up but honestly I'd rather get real opinions from here.

[FieryReign]

Hot Shots for sure, great pick up and play anytime game.

Racing/Vehicular Combat
Wipeout 2048
Sonic All Stars Racing

Action/Adventure
Uncharted: Golden Abyss
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 1+2
God of War Collection

Japanese Hack n Slash/Brawler
Dragon's Crown
Muramasa Rebirth

Platformer
Rayman Legends
Shovel Knight
Guacamelee

Puzzle Platformer
Limbo
Thomas Was Alone

Shmup
Resogun
Soldner X-2: Final Prototype
Velocity Ultra/2X

FPS
Duke Nukem: Megaton Edition
Killzone Mercenary
Resistance: Burning Skies

Survival Horror/Action
Resident Evil: Revelations 2, though it doesn't hold a candle to the awesome first game.

Tearaway and Gravity Rush are 2 original games for the system. I have yet to dig into them yet, so can't speak on their quality. Then you have the crap-ton of psp games for download. Like the God of War games, Dracula X Chronicles, etc. Going even further you have the ps1 classics. There's a ton of shit to pick from.

Can't help you with the jrpgs. It's far from a niche system. I just hope they don't pull support for it on psn anytime soon. Not going to bother with broken-out-of-the-box consoles like the ps3+4.

[kupomogli]

Since you can't own a home console at this time then the Vita is a better system than those of us who own a PS3 . If you don't mind digital, then the PS1, PSP, and digital game library make it one of the best systems available.

If you pay $50 a year for the PS+ subscription, then you get a minimum of two games a month for the Vita, but some PS4 games and PS3 games also work for the Vita as well, so sometimes you might end up with three or more. The problem is, is that none of these games are retail any longer and that's all thanks to Sony adapting to Microsoft's requiring a subscription to play online for the PS4. That being said, if not for PS+, I'd have never played games like Spelunky, Rogue Legacy, etc. I did get Hotline Miami and finished it on PC prior to playing it on PS+, so getting that game for the Vita, PS3, and PS4 was a bonus. If you're planning on getting PS+ games, then you'll need to keep your system up to date and if the games date expires, you need to load the game while under wifi to get it to reactivate to the most recent PS+ date.

Memory cards are still high priced, but they have been coming down and sometimes you can find them for a decent price once in awhile when there's a sale. If you only plan on purchasing PSP, PSX, and indie games on the memory card, 16GB should be fine and would set you back around $36. 32GB for $65 and 64GB for $85.

So imo, the Vita library is only good if you don't own the competing systems. If you own a PS3 and it's your primary console, then the Vita loses over half of its library because you will be playing the games elsewhere while enjoying the few good exclusives on the Vita. Ive listed some I like that are at retail below, eight of them are also on PS3.

Unit 13
Wipeout 2048(purchase the Wipeout HD/Fury DLC for $10.)
Playstation All Stars
Soul Sacrifice(Delta is digital only)
Uncharted Golden Abyss
LBP Vita
Persona 4 Golden
Final Fantasy 10/10-2
Demon Gaze
Dragon's Crown
Child of Light(retail)
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus
Gundam Breaker(great import friendly game, plays like Devil May Cry mixed with Diablo) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp5tYWAZtc4
The Walking Dead Season 1(player control framerate when during action scenes is bad though.)

[Flynn]

Tearaway and Gravity Rush are 2 original games for the system. I have yet to dig into them yet, so can't speak on their quality. Then you have the crap-ton of psp games for download. Like the God of War games, Dracula X Chronicles, etc. Going even further you have the ps1 classics. There's a ton of shit to pick from.



Tearaway is a very good game. The developpers of Tearaway are Media Molecule, the dev of Little Big Planet. Tearaway have a real story, it's so cool and you will take so much pleasure to play it.
Gravity Rush is also a good game. I played it a few hours and it's a very beautiful game with some great concepts.

But one of the best way to enjoy the PS VITA is buying PS1 classics games on the PSN. That the best way to discover again or for the first time some classics video games.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Aside from Persona 4 Golden, the other major reason to own a Vita is the Hyperdimension Neptunia seires. The Vita has a full fledged remake of the first game that is a night and day difference in quality from what first popped up 2010.

Hyperdimension Neptunia in case you haven't heard, is an hilarious RPG series that parodies the gaming industry with the console manufacturers being represented as anime girls. The thing to remember here is that this a parody series that pokes fun of pretty much all aspects of gaming and nerd culture. It uses an overthetop moe style and self aware trope humor.

After Re;Birth, they also ported and enhanced MK2 and Victory for the Vita as well. There are also three spin off games made by different developers. They aren't the same quality and won't nessesarily appeal to RPG fans. The first - PP - is an idol management sim. Next is U Action Unleashed - which is a Dynasty Warriors style hack n' slash. Third is Hyperdevtion Noire, a turn based strategy game by Sting in the vein of their other SRPGs.


Forget about custom firmware on the Vita for now, especially if you want to access PSN. Despite critics who claim Vita is "dead", there are still quite a number of games that get released for it physically and digitally, plus updates and DLC and such. This isn't the PSP. You can't just get custom firmware and illegally download everything. At least, not while Sony is still supporting it. Could be in a couple of years.

[Damion]

This is great :) you guys are awesome. I love all these recommendations. I'm going to make a list from this thread and try all these (gundam breaker looks cool) Im glad for the warning about getting a custom firmware vita. I like owning the games anyways to be honest.

Though I know the persona series is popular. I had a hard time getting into the PlayStation one persona. But I'm sure it's improved since then.

[kupomogli]

Persona isn't the same game ever since the third game in the series, now it's heavily story based. On Persona 4, Unless you grind, you'll be spending more time during story events and in the town than you'll be spending in the dungeon or battles. You have more than enough time to get whatever you need done, but you're on a calender. You can do a few actions per day and at certain points you're required to complete the dungeon before a certain day or it's game over. You'll basically hang out with characters each day to increase your relationship with them to unlock story events and increase bonus' you get when fusing monsters. Persona 4 has an amazing story, among one of the best JRPG storylines. The dungeons do get a bit repetitious, but the good combat and the amazing story make up for the lackluster exploration.

[Damion]

OK I'm sold that sounds good. Are there any good multiplayer games? A friend mine is getting excited to and was asking all kinds of questions about it. I told him that the vita is similar to a ps3 in visual quality and that the screen is bigger then most phones. He seemed pretty interested.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

In my experience, nearly all the best, must-own Vita games are single player only. You don't multiplayer with handhelds; that's something for consoles.

There probably are some Vita games that are good multiplayer fun, but that's not at all the strength of the system or why you buy one.

The Vita is about two genres above and beyond anything else: JRPGs and Visual Novels. Outside of that there are a splattering of other genres, but like I said, it's mostly for a single person.

[FieryReign]

In my experience, nearly all the best, must-own Vita games are single player only. You don't multiplayer with handhelds; that's something for consoles.

There probably are some Vita games that are good multiplayer fun, but that's not at all the strength of the system or why you buy one.

The Vita is about two genres above and beyond anything else: JRPGs and Visual Novels. Outside of that there are a splattering of other genres, but like I said, it's mostly for a single person.
That's not true at all. There are tons of multiplayer games for both of the current handhelds. Local and online. Half my collection have some sort of multiplayer included. I don't do it myself but the options are there.

Not sure why people say Vita is a jrpg system? It's not. Only seen 2 mentioned so far. 3DS has way more of those things than Vita. There are more Monster Hunter clones than jrpgs.

[Damion]

So I'm currently trying to work a deal for a white PSvita. I think that might be my best bet am I right in thinking that?

[Tanooki]

Without knowing anything but it being a white ps vita, why do you think it's the best you can do? I mean prices are local, even if youre looking at lame old craigslist, but I've passed on a few OLED screen original Vita's for like $90-100 a few times this year. They usually had some small few GB memory card with it and a game.

[Damion]

The deal I'm getting is 125 for a white PSvita with 4gig memory stick and all the cords. I thought the white vitas were a limited run and it would be my best bet for a oled screen.

[Aussie2B]

All models that aren't slim have OLED screens. Or in other words, all the ones with OLED screens are the bigger-sized Vita systems. So if you can tell the bigger model from the smaller model, you're good to go.

[kupomogli]

Here's the easiest way to tell a Slim Vita from the original apart. The audio and the buttons. If you look at the start, select, and playstation buttons, they're all circular rather than oval and the audio is in a circular shape rather than sort of rectangle.

On the Plus side, the Vita Slim does have bigger face buttons and that definitely makes it better to use games like Mega Man Maverick Hunter X where you're constantly going back and forth between using the face buttons, something I've felt was a bit difficult on the original Vita, but on that same note, the original Vita does have a much better screen. It's honestly give or take. Get the better sized controls and give up OLED screen for a standard LCD, or give up the controls for the OLED screen. I'll have a comparison video of the OLED screen below. The OLED is noticeably better, it's a huge difference. I also haven't used the Slim Vita, but this is just speculation on whether it will be more comfortable to play with the bigger buttons, because I know I can go back to the PSP with no problem and play those quick paced games, but on the Vita I have problems.

http://images.eurogamer.net/2014/usgamer/vitacomparison.jpg/EG11/resize/958x-1/format/jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW7TzE9LnBQ

[Damion]

Wow the difference is really obvious. I'll check with the person I'm buying from and see if its oled

[kupomogli]

Ask if you can see a picture of it, if it matches the bottom one colored white with the circular start, select, and ps buttons, it's LCD, if it matches the top one with the oval buttons then it's OLED.

Also from the list of games that I listed and others I didn't that are multiplayer.

Wipeout 2048 is multiplayer through both adhoc and online. If you want to play online it requires an online pass so I'd recommend to buy new.

Unit 13 is multiplayer only through online so you're required to have an online pass. This game is an excellent score based third person stealth/shooter game. It's designed for single player but all missions can be played multiplayer.

Soul Sacrifice. I don't know if it has a online pass because I played the digital version(it's a Sony game though so I'm guaranteeing the physical version requires an onlinei pass.) I played online so I don't know if it has adhoc as well. The story mode is single player only, it has a lot of additional missions that can be completed multiplayer.

LBP Vita. It requires an online pass and I don't think can be played adhoc.

Dragon's Crown. I've only played same screen co op on the PS3 version, so I don't know if the Vita version is online only or adhoc.

Gundam Breaker. I've only played the PS3 version has no local co op so the Vita version may be online only.

Ragnarok Odyssey Ace. There's no reason to get the non ace version as it has less content. This game has both online multiplayer and adhoc multiplayer.

Earth Defense Force 2017 and EDF2. I've played EDF2017 and I know it has online multiplayer, not sure if it has adhoc.

Playstation All Stars. I've never played the Vita version of Playstation All Stars, so I don't know if multiplayer can be played through adhoc or if it's like Unit 13 and is online only. It also requires an online pass. Playstation All Stars is an easy to learn fighting game but it's actually got a lot of depth to it. One of the best fighting games I've ever played, the only issue is that on both high and low level play their are some unbalanced characters. Good Cole is a crappy character when you don't know how to use him, but he's the best character if you know what you're doing.

If Sony actually put some effort into getting some memorable Playstation characters and didn't send Playstation All Stars off to die as nothing more than advertising for some of the games coming out with nothing more than a few classic characters, they would have had an amazing franchise on their hands. Nintendo does what Sony don't though it seems, because while Cloud would have been a perfect fit for Playstation All Stars, among many other characters fans begged for, Nintendo who has never had Cloud on any of their systems except for spnoff games like Kingdom Hearts, Theatrhythm, Final Fantasy Explorers, he's a big part of Playstation, being on the first Final Fantasy the Playstation has ever had, a game partially funded by Sony themselves, being featured in Dirge of Cerberus Final Fantasy 7, a sequel with Vincent as the playable lead character, Ehrgeiz one of the included characters, Dissidia(the Final Fantasy fighting game,) and then not a Playstation game, but Sony Pictures also published Final Fantasy 7 Advent Children. Characters like Cloud, Snake, Lara, etc, characters that people actually wanted would have put sales into the multi millions, because then it would have been a true celebration of Playstation.

[Damion]

OK got a great deal picking it up all tomorrow.

Black oled PSvita with case, grips, 4gig memory card, and charger. Plus Four games. Need for speed, assassins Creed, call of duty, and killzone. For 125.
I'm also getting hot shots golf, resistance, and wipeout 2048 for 30.

So seven games a really clean vita all the accessories I need for 155 I just have a lot of running around to do tomorrow. The guy I'm buying the vita from is really nice I'm looking forward to this. I've been dying to play it.

I agree that FFVII really helped Sony. Is cloud in PlayStation all stars? It would make sense.

[PizzaKat]

Has anyone played the Danganronpa series? Right now I'm playing Tripper Happy Havoc. Pretty interesting game. Just finished the 1st Chapter. No. Cloud isn't on All Stars.

[kupomogli]

Like Pizza Kat said, Cloud isn't in all stars. I was complaining that Sony could have made Playstation All Stars a great long running franchise if they actually handled it properly and got characters that people wanted, but what Sony should have did and didn't, Nintendo did with a character that was never really part of their library.

[Tanooki]

Dragon's Crown. I've only played same screen co op on the PS3 version, so I don't know if the Vita version is online only or adhoc.


PS3 game, it's why if I ever get a Vita again or find a $20 PS TV lying around it will be the first game (or damn near it) I pick up as I really enjoyed it. The game worked great off and online and blended it well.

[kupomogli]

Anyone who is interested in the PS Vita TV, called Playstation TV in the west, it's available for $20 at Best Buy and Best Buy.com.

[FieryReign]

Keepin this thread going. Tearaway is great, aside from some bugs and glitches which pissed me off(ending).

Nihilumbra has me captivated at the moment. Awesome puzzle-platty that literally makes you feel like a pos at the start. A game that really tries to fuck with your emotions with the narrator calling you out. Similar to TWA, but not at all the same.

Also, Tomba 2 is apparently not available anymore. Why the fuck would you have it listed then, Sony? Just to disappoint people when they click on it?

[Tanooki]

I saw a used copy of Tearaway for PS4 today for $30 I passed on, the box looked interesting but I had wished I knew more but it didn't look like any deal so I ignored it. It's on my list of things to check out and I know it's based upon the vita one.

[FieryReign]

I saw a used copy of Tearaway for PS4 today for $30 I passed on, the box looked interesting but I had wished I knew more but it didn't look like any deal so I ignored it. It's on my list of things to check out and I know it's based upon the vita one.

Didn't know it was on moderns. It relies on so many gimmicks with the camera and such. It's just a good fun silly time. Seeing your own face and whatnot plastered in the game. Creative and good for the young ones.

[kupomogli]

16GB Vita memory card for $20 at Gamestop. Vita is saved?

Unavailable online. You know the reason.

http://www.gamestop.com/ps-vita/accessories/16gb-playstation-vita-memory-card/98471?utm_source=linkshare&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=deeplink&cid=afl_10000087&affID=77777&sourceID=FKSJxY2VJAk-fiPDm_zP5Nxa99O203rzWQ

[theclaw]

Keepin this thread going. Tearaway is great, aside from some bugs and glitches which pissed me off(ending).

Nihilumbra has me captivated at the moment. Awesome puzzle-platty that literally makes you feel like a pos at the start. A game that really tries to fuck with your emotions with the narrator calling you out. Similar to TWA, but not at all the same.

Also, Tomba 2 is apparently not available anymore. Why the fuck would you have it listed then, Sony? Just to disappoint people when they click on it?

Looking at the US web store, the Japanese version was pulled. Tomba 2 is now English only.

[WCP]

I've always heard that Virtua Tennis 4 for the Vita is really, really good.

But man... it's still freaking expensive to get a copy of that game. The cheapest I could find it on Ebay was $23 shipped for just the loose vita game card. I've never seen the game anywhere at any store. Must have been a limited run or something.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

That's unfortunately the future of the Vita. Anyone who wants to collect for it ought to be doing it -now- while you can get games easily through amazon and such. There will come a day when most Vita games just won't be available and the few sellers that do have it will mark up the price due to lack of competition. I don't think it's unreasonable to assume that in ~10 years time, highly desirable Vita games like Persona 4 Golden will fetch $60, maybe even upwards of $100 whereas right now leftover unsold stock sells for $20.

[FieryReign]

I've always heard that Virtua Tennis 4 for the Vita is really, really good.

But man... it's still freaking expensive to get a copy of that game. The cheapest I could find it on Ebay was $23 shipped for just the loose vita game card. I've never seen the game anywhere at any store. Must have been a limited run or something.

That's expensive? That's the price for alot of used Vita games right now. $20-25. No manuals, just the cheapo box. We're not in Virtual Boy clearance mode, yet.

There is no reason to think Vita games will be valuable in a few years. Those Atlus/Persona games are plentiful nowadays. Plus readily downloadable. This ain't the ps1 era.

[Aussie2B]

I dunno, Persona 4 Golden is consistently at or near the top of the chart of the best-selling Vita games on Amazon, so its print run has gotta be pretty considerably sized. The demand is there, but I don't know if a game like that would ever be very expensive, especially when it's not the only version of the game and I wouldn't be surprised if new "definitive" versions appear on other systems further down the road.

[Daltone]

In between two slices of bread with a little mustard, Huey Lewis and The News playing on your home stereo and a glass of vintage port in the off hand - I understand that that is the best way to enjoy a vita.

I thought maybe reading this thread would be the push I needed to go and get one, but still no interest in either this or the Nintendo offering. Concerned I may be growing old.

[PreZZ]

Killzone mercenary is an awesome multiplayer shooter, still play it regularly on my vita and pstv for the past 3 years, small well designed levels and just plain fun. Also cross play for borderlands 2 is an awesome feature, reviews for the game were bad but I enjoyed the hell out of it, my most played vita game, and it even got a new patch in october for 30% extra ram, the game runs a lot smoother than when it came out. Being able to play on the go and then continue at home with your friends on ps3, ps4 or vita is pretty sweet.

[Gameguy]

I thought maybe reading this thread would be the push I needed to go and get one, but still no interest in either this or the Nintendo offering. Concerned I may be growing old.
I'm 28 and feel the same way so I don't think we're getting old, modern game stuff is just forgettable trash like most modern movies.

[PreZZ]

I'm 28 and feel the same way so I don't think we're getting old, modern game stuff is just forgettable trash like most modern movies.

Im 36 and I have to disagree, people remember the snes with rose colored glasses, it had gems.like zelda and metroid, but most games.were.complete garbage, i rented 3 games a week back then and many times I wouldnt play them for more than 10 minutes. We still get bad games now, but they are not as bad usually as stuff thq or ljn put out

[FieryReign]

I'm 36 and I feel the same about alot of the NES stuff. Alot of hot garbage on that system. And we didn't have internet gaming sites to let us know what was actually good. Just the screenshots on the back of the box, magazines, and word of mouth.

Won't even mention all the trash on the 2600. Playable for about 2 minutes a piece just going for hi-scores.

[kupomogli]

Same here. I will say that the RPGs are the exception, where on past consoles like the SNES and PSX, even some of the worst games on the systems are better than most RPGs released around this time, but the bad retail games that release now days are amazing compared to some of the trash we got back then. For NES, I was lucky in the games I asked my parents to get me when I was a kid, but there've been some bad ones I've chosen, like Ironsword and Deadly Towers. These two weren't broken, they just sucked.

[LordsOfSkulls]

So stuff you should get as PSVita owner.

If you can get at least 32gb card or 64gb from ebay.

If you go with original psvita you can get a nyko grip that has built in battery whoch extends battery life of psvita by twice as much and super super comfortable to play and use for long period of time.

Now game wise it depends on type game you want my personal recommandation are...

Soul Scrafice Delta (digital only)
Gravity Rush
Tearaway

Disgaea 3 and 4

Suikoden 2 (psone digital)

Persona 4

That just some awesome games on the system

[Gameguy]

Im 36 and I have to disagree, people remember the snes with rose colored glasses, it had gems.like zelda and metroid, but most games.were.complete garbage, i rented 3 games a week back then and many times I wouldnt play them for more than 10 minutes. We still get bad games now, but they are not as bad usually as stuff thq or ljn put out

I'm 36 and I feel the same about alot of the NES stuff. Alot of hot garbage on that system. And we didn't have internet gaming sites to let us know what was actually good. Just the screenshots on the back of the box, magazines, and word of mouth.

Won't even mention all the trash on the 2600. Playable for about 2 minutes a piece just going for hi-scores.

Same here. I will say that the RPGs are the exception, where on past consoles like the SNES and PSX, even some of the worst games on the systems are better than most RPGs released around this time, but the bad retail games that release now days are amazing compared to some of the trash we got back then. For NES, I was lucky in the games I asked my parents to get me when I was a kid, but there've been some bad ones I've chosen, like Ironsword and Deadly Towers. These two weren't broken, they just sucked.
Been awhile since I've checked out the thread, I probably should have replied sooner. I agree that most games on the NES and SNES are garbage, but there were still enough good games on those systems to justify owning the consoles. With most modern systems, there's no games at all that interest me. Most recently I almost traded for a PS3 console, so I looked into the supposed best games available on it. The best game that appealed to me was that Sega Genesis compilation. I couldn't find another game I actually felt like playing on it or the 360. With a lot of games they're good enough to watch a playthrough on youtube, but I don't feel a need to play those games myself. With older games, seeing a video often makes me want to play it, at least once to try it out. Seeing someone play Tetris isn't the same as playing Tetris yourself. Plus a lot of those older games are just meant to be played briefly for a few minutes at a time, not hours on end. Not having to dedicate a large chunk of time to games is a big plus. For more deep experiences, there still are plenty of great long single player games on those old consoles. Plenty of older PC games too.

More specifically with the Vita, I can't think of a single game that's an exclusive to it and not a mere port or remake. I have no interest in modern RPGs which is what mostly seems to be available for the Vita, with all the same anime drawn characters on the box. I'll include anything featuring modern anime style characters(as most modern anime sucks too), including the Akiba's Trip/Akiba Strip pervert game aimed at the people who want to masturbate while taking the bus or subway. For me the Vita is a faithful sequel to the original PSP as that had nothing worth playing either, besides the ports of the Castlevania games. I'm only letting that one slide because one of those games hasn't been released in English previously.

With the 3DS, there's possibly some games on it I might want to play at some point. Nothing I'm really desperate to though. The original DS had plenty of great games that grabbed my interest, with the 3DS it's mostly the slightly less good sequels to those DS games that I'm mostly interested in. I'll probably still get one of these eventually, once the consoles become less than $10. Plus I'll wait to get one of those new versions that are actually compatible with all games. As long as I won't need to update the system or patch any of the games or play online, it'll be fine.

[Aussie2B]

You must have extremely specific tastes if you think the PSP has nothing worth playing. It's got excellent games in just about every genre the NES and SNES are lauded for.

[Gameguy]

I actually own a PSP, I bought it a few years ago and so far played less than an hour total on it really just trying it out to make sure it's working. It's stored in some box somewhere. I'm willing to consider games if they can stick to the list below.

-No ports or remakes of other games
-No RPGs or strategy games
-No sports games
-No rhythm games that use DDR or Guitar Hero type of controls
-No one on one fighters, I'm not that into the genre so playing Street Fighter II or Mortal Kombat every few years is enough for me
-No games that may have come out first on the PSP but have later been ported elsewhere(as I'd rather play it elsewhere)
-No games that are available multiplatform, if it's also available on another system that's what I would consider instead
-Nothing that's centred around multiplayer
-No digital downloads, only physical retail releases would be acceptable to me
-No import only titles

I await some suggestions, keeping in mind just being the types of games I'm into isn't enough as the games still have to be good and not mediocre. Other games I do sometimes play like car racing games or puzzle games, but really as I own plenty of these on other systems already I tend to pass most of these over on newer systems. What mostly drew me to the DS were all the adventure games, visual novels, and general 2D games which appear to be absent from the PSP. 3D platformers and 3D shooters are mostly what I'll pass over too, really tempted to add these to the list above.

[celerystalker]

Prinny, Prinny 2, and Hammerin' Hero are good 2D action games I believe are exclusives. Kenka Bancho is an interesting 3D adventure with some Yakuza-like elements, but simpler. Loco Roco 1 and 2 are pretty unique action puzzle games that remind me of On the Ball/Cameltry. Its version of Little Big Planet is unique. I also had fun with Jikandia: The Timeless Land and Ultimate Ghouls n Ghosts. Those all fit your criteria, so it's just a matter of whether or not they suit your tastes.

[Aussie2B]

Well, that pretty much confirms my assessment that you must have extremely specific wants. Frankly, the combinations don't make much sense to me. You rule out imports, while also ruling out ports and remakes, but (not even taking into account that the PSP is region-free, easy to import for, and you can find plenty of English-friendly imports that would satisfy your list otherwise) the PSP has plenty of games that were only released in the US on PSP, even if they're ports or remakes of older Japan-exclusive games (and I'd say this holds true even more so for DS, so I guess you'd eliminate a huge swath of DS titles). You rule out games that are multiplatform, while also ruling out digital-only releases, but there are games where the ONLY US-released physical release is on PSP (Gurumin would satisfy your list, if not for being available digitally for PC).

Considering you rule out or would largely pass on nearly a dozen different genres and add on half a dozen stipulations on top of that, yeah, it's hard to come up with recommendations, and I'm not really interested in busting my butt to do so in some attempt to prove that the PSP is worthwhile to someone who has already made up their mind. It would be hard for practically any system from the 32/64-bit generation forward. I'm not really sure what you're playing on the classic 2D systems either, for that matter, unless it's nothing but like platformers, shmups, and point-and-clicks. Good luck finding US-released visual novels on those retro systems. The irony here is that the PSP and the Vita are basically the best systems (outside of PC) to own if somebody wants localized visual novels. I know it's my primary reason for owning a Vita, with games like Danganronpa 1 and 2, Virtue's Last Reward and the upcoming Zero Escape 3, Amnesia: Memories, Code: Realize, Norn9, the upcoming Muv-Luv trilogy, etc. My favorite PSP games are visual novels too (Sweet Fuse is my favorite US release).

[FieryReign]

I actually own a PSP, I bought it a few years ago and so far played less than an hour total on it really just trying it out to make sure it's working. It's stored in some box somewhere. I'm willing to consider games if they can stick to the list below.

-No ports or remakes of other games
-No RPGs or strategy games
-No sports games
-No rhythm games that use DDR or Guitar Hero type of controls
-No one on one fighters, I'm not that into the genre so playing Street Fighter II or Mortal Kombat every few years is enough for me
-No games that may have come out first on the PSP but have later been ported elsewhere(as I'd rather play it elsewhere)
-No games that are available multiplatform, if it's also available on another system that's what I would consider instead
-Nothing that's centred around multiplayer
-No digital downloads, only physical retail releases would be acceptable to me
-No import only titles

Goddamn, talk about picky. Thought I was bad. Maybe pick a game that looks interesting and sit down and play it, instead of categorizing it?

Ports and remakes are going to happen and has been going on for years. On every console ever in existence. Don't want to play ports/remakes on psp/vita, but would play a port/remake of a psp game on another system? Digital downloads are happening, and oftentimes it's the only way to play a particularly superb game.

There's 2 excellent God of War games on psp. Daxter is a well-made little platformer. 2 Syphon Filter games that are pretty good. A Jak n Daxter original game that's pretty good. A Rachet n Clank original game. Motorstorm: Arctic Edge and Ridge Racer are fun racers.

[kupomogli]

You're missing out on games that haven't came to the west and the best versions of games if you discount some ports and remakes.

Castlevania Dracula X Chronicles is a remake of Castlevania Rondo of Blood, includes Rondo and SotN with new voice acting. Dracula X Chronicles remains faithful while fixing issues in some of Rondo of Blood's level designs. It also fixed balancing issues, making certain parts that were too easy harder and making parts that were too hard easier. You can still play the original garbage stage 5' stage in the original Rondo of Blood, but on the remake, they created a great brand new stage for the game. Maria is also a playable character on SotN, not Ninja Mega Man Maria from Nocturne in the Moonlight, but Maria that actually plays like Maria. Literally amazing package of games and the remake is the best version by far.

Like Aussie2B wrote, Gurumin came out on PC prior to the PC, but it was a Japanese exclusive and the first time the game released in the west. The game is a great 3D platformer. It was just recently released in the US to Steam though.

Your list also includes no RPGs, but if the game wasn't remade, we wouldn't be able to experience Star Ocean First Departure which took the SNES game and remade it into how Star Ocean the Second Story is designed. Just pointing out flaws within your logic. Star Ocean First Departure shares the same story, same abilities and similar skills, but other than that it's like night and day.

Also like Aussie2B stated, you're discounting the many English friendly imports. Let's just say you're a fan of Gundam, maybe you're not, but just an example. The Gundam Battle series is English friendly. You go through the entire Gundam Universal Century as a pilot of your own creation through every major mission talked about within the franchise. Universe includes includes the beginning of 0079 all the way to Char's Counterattack. Over 200 missions between all sides of the war, Federation, Zeon, Axis, and Titans with over 200 mobile suits. In the missions there's dialogue, but if you know the Gundam franchise then you know what's happening, so that would be the only downside, but maybe watch the anime while going through the game?

But additionally, like was already said, your tastes are extremely specific. With the PSP being so heavy with great RPGs and great strategy games, there's little that I could actually recommend you without wracking my brain. Like if I was to recommend a puzzle game called What Did I Do To Deserve This, My Lord 2(which includes the first game if you use a password,) you might like that, but then nevermind, because it's also sort of a strategy game as well. I could recommend Dissidia Final Fantasy, but that would technically be both in the RPG genre and the one on one fighting game genre despite not being a traditional fighter in any sense of the word. I could recommend Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars, but even though it has much much much much better graphics, it's a remake of the DS version of the game. I could recommend Half Minute Hero, but despite that it's a puzzle game cleverly designed as being being an RPG, it's just that, a puzzle game that's cleverly designed around an RPG(also has a digital port to the 360 and PC.) Test Drive Unl... no that's on 360 and PC, Space Invaders Ext... no that's on DS, God of War Chains of... no, ported to PS3, Son of.... ported to PS3, Wipeout Pulse... digital on PS3 as Wipeout HD, Wipeout Pure... digital on PS3 as Wipeout HD Fury, the Ys se... action "RPG" and now on Steam.

[Niku-Sama]

Hmm gundam battle on vita. Any reason it wouldn't work on a pstv?

[Tanooki]

Only if Sony decided to black list it, unless it has some quirky touch or camera thing to it (which I doubt.) Isn't there a list of stuff out there that's up to date on this stuff?

I still can't commit to PSTV given you have to hack it to get proper functionality which stinks. Given the state of gaming going into 2016 though I really can't rule out finding or saving up for a Vita again, even the off the shelf used/new stuff isn't expensive.

[FieryReign]

I use the 2 lists at thevitalounge. They keep the lists up to date, for the most part.

http://thevitalounge.net/released-playstation-vita-games/

http://thevitalounge.net/forum/threads/the-playstation-tv-psone-classics-psp-minis-compatibility-list.2466/

[Gameguy]

Prinny, Prinny 2, and Hammerin' Hero are good 2D action games I believe are exclusives.
So far the Prinny games and Hammerin Hero are looking to be the best available, when I searched for 2D games on the PSP previously those were basically all the games I could find. Hammerin Hero sadly uses 3D characters rather than better looking 2D sprites, but I'm more than willing to overlook unappealing graphics for good gameplay. Of course from what I've seen when looking at videos, it seems to play pretty slowly so I don't think it's a great game. The two Prinny games have good graphics and look like they play fine, I've just never considered them games to buy a system specifically to play.

Also I did try the Loco Roco games at store kiosks, never could get into those ones.

I always thought that Ultimate Ghouls n Ghosts was a remake, is it a different game instead? It came out around the same time as the GBA version.


It would be hard for practically any system from the 32/64-bit generation forward.
Like I said earlier;

I'm 28 and feel the same way so I don't think we're getting old, modern game stuff is just forgettable trash like most modern movies.
I'd like to make something else clear. As a whole I don't usually have a problem with remakes or compilations or ports in general, these are just more secondary games to me. Meaning they're the games I would seek out if I'm already attached to a system and want to find every decent game available on it. I wouldn't buy a system just to play ports or remakes of games I already own. I wouldn't buy a GBA just to play A Link to the Past and I wouldn't buy a DS just to play Chrono Trigger. But as I already own those systems I'll gladly pick up those games too. With RPGs or strategy games I do occasionally play them, but I still rarely play them as I don't spend a lot of time on them. If I just had a PSP for those games they would sit on a shelf for years practically untouched, if I have spare time I'd rather just play older ones on the SNES or Genesis that I haven't finished, for strategy Shining Force 1 and 2 are hard to beat. Plus other genres like racing, sports, or one on one fighting, I do still have plenty of them on other systems but I wouldn't own a system just to play those games. I wouldn't buy an NES console just to play Rad Racer or Ice Hockey, but as I already own one for other games I'll gladly get them to play too. When I'm not big on certain genres I'm not going to just buy every game in those genres that's decent, I'd only buy the best ones. What I want for the PSP are games that make me want to buy a system just to play them, not just games that I'd play if I happened to come across them at some point. I do already own a PSP system, but I constantly think about selling it off.

If the system is import friendly I would consider them too. Usually I try to avoid games that are difficult to obtain locally, if it's a pain to find games I avoid specifically searching for them.

Anyway, the Zero Escape games do look pretty interesting. As they're also out or coming out for the 3DS, that's the platform I would get them on. I want to find the first game on the DS first before I decide to start buying the sequels. More on visual novels, I'm more into the Phoenix Wright or Snatcher/Policenauts types of games, not the romance or dating sims which the majority of the titles you've mentioned are(the majority of visual novels are like this as a whole). Like with everything there's a few exceptions, but for the most part not. I'm also aware of the Danganronpa games but they didn't really appeal to me, at least not enough to actively search them out. If I find anything cheap enough like at a yard sale, maybe I'll try them out.

No worries about Gurumin, watching several videos of gameplay makes me pretty sure I wouldn't be interested in it. Watched the game over half an hour so I think I got what I needed to. Point of interest, there was a mustached character who would constantly ask your character out on a date, refusing to give up when told no. Your character is a small child by the way. So yeah, that was creepy instead of funny.

As for what genres I like, besides platformers, shmups, and point-and-clicks there's beat em ups and survival horror. I'm not a big fan of 3D games but adventure games and survival horror seem to be alright with it, beat em ups not so much. Occasionaly puzzle games but so many are mediocre I tend to avoid a large percentage of them. Try playing Gunpey on the DS, I'd rather go back to Tetris or Dr Mario. I wouldn't mind a good Zelda game or clone but there haven't been many worth playing in years, the best ones are the early ones so I'd rather play them on old consoles.

With download only games, there's no way I would pay for download only titles. If they were free, sure. I don't want to encourage the industry to continue heading towards download only so I don't want to support them with download only games. If Corpse Party had a physical release I'd probably have considered the system as worth owning, at least that's what I thought when it first came out but looking now the game is getting released on the PC in english(assuming it's not already out). There's even a 3DS version out in Japan, if it actually heads to North America I'll be happy, same with the sequels. In any case, it's still a remake of an old PC freeware game that has an english patch available.

That sort of relates to what kupomogli was saying with remakes. Star Ocean never came out officially in North America before so the PSP version is the first official one that people can get. I could get the angle that it's not just a remake in that case which makes it more worthwhile. At the same time it's still possible to play the original version as an import, or as a fan translation. With some games like Rondo of Blood I'll gladly play the import on the original console. Or with something like Policenauts I'll play the fan translation. Usually I'm not like that with games, I usually only want to play official North American versions that are officially in English. With the Phoenix Wright games I'll gladly play the DS versions over the original GBA Japanese only releases. I'll admit that I don't have strict personal rules when it comes to games released like this as I often feel different based on the game involved. I can say that the types of rereleases or remakes I don't normally seek out are like Symphony of the Night which came out on the 360, or those various HD remakes of games that just came out 5-10 years ago. Though I am reminded that Duck Tales got a remake on the PS3, it's not something that would make me buy a console but if I already owned one I would pick up the game. That slipped my mind when I was thinking of good PS3 games, so that's something.

[celerystalker]

Ultimate Ghouls n Ghosts is entirely new. It's good.

[kupomogli]

Hmm gundam battle on vita. Any reason it wouldn't work on a pstv?

I was listing PSP games actually.

[JSoup]

From what little I've used my Vita, it seems like something I would have loved 10 years ago when I was a super active RPG player.

[Gameguy]

Ultimate Ghouls n Ghosts is entirely new. It's good.
I didn't know that it was all new, I'll keep an eye out for it. I was just used to Street Fighter II style naming so I assumed it was just another enhanced port or remake, similar to Street Fighter II Turbo, Street Fighter II Champion Edition, Super Street Fighter II, Hyper Street Fighter II, etc.

[Niku-Sama]

I use the 2 lists at thevitalounge. They keep the lists up to date, for the most part.

http://thevitalounge.net/released-playstation-vita-games/

http://thevitalounge.net/forum/threads/the-playstation-tv-psone-classics-psp-minis-compatibility-list.2466/

finally got a chance to check that out, really not mobile friendly and its not listed as working or not, I may wait and see if a PSTV goes on sale again soon for ~$35 or less new, I think before xmas I saw a few at ~$25 on amazon and I am kinda kicking my self for not getting one...

[kupomogli]

Here's a snippet of the PS Vita version of Gundam Breaker 3. What with Gundam Vs Force coming to the US, here's hoping this game is localized for the US. I'll be getting the PS4 version of course, but if the PS4 version is localized the Vita version will most likely atleast get a digital release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VufLt3loaVA

Here's an 11 minute promotional video, presumably all the graphics here are the PS4 version and not the Vita version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8X8NK0DOLc#t=102.191451