Video Game Review: Sony Releases Wave of Games to Introduce PlayStation Vita

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CHICAGO – When Sony finally unveiled their highly anticipated next generation handheld console in February it came with a wave of launch titles meant to show off the capability and potential of the PlayStation Vita. What’s the best one to buy with your new system? What is THE “day one” PlayStation Vita from Sony? We’ve played the first five from the company and offer this handy mega-review to guide the way.

Sadly, the answer to the “day one” question is arguably not a Sony game. Of the titles I’ve played for the system (totaling nine), I think Ubisoft’s great platformer “Rayman Origins” works best. It’s a beautiful game that really illustrates the system’s graphics capabilities and easy-to-use controls. Having said that, there are three games here that definitely work in their own ways (and two that would be better fits for younger players). While I wish I could say that there was one GREAT Sony game for the PlayStation Vita, the truth is that there are a few pretty good ones. We’ll have to wait for the breakthrough (which could very easily be “Resistance: Burning Skies” in May, one of my most anticipated titles of the Summer).

In alphabetical order:

“Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational”

Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational
Photo credit: Sony

HollywoodChicago.com Video Game Rating: 4.0/5.0
Video Game Rating: 4.0/5.0

My personal favorite of the launch quintet is also arguably the game that shows off its capabilities the least effectively. Yes, this game is not drastically different from its PSP incarnation, but that doesn’t stop it from being an addictive, clever, stylized golf experience. And it’s not like this variation on the hit franchise completely ignores Vita functionality. You can use the touch screen for information and even use the sensor to amplify swings or look around the course. I must tell you, however, that I ultimately stopped using Vita-exclusive functions at all, mostly playing the game in a manner not-very-different from the PSP. However, like most Vita games, the title does have a heavy emphasis on social interaction as you can challenge other players and compete in daily tournaments. It looks great too. This is a “greatest hit,” a familiar game that a company smartly hasn’t tweaked too much and so serves as a bridge from what they loved about it on the PSP to something they can love on the Vita.

“Little Deviants”

Little Deviants
Little Deviants
Photo credit: Sony

HollywoodChicago.com Video Game Rating: 2.5/5.0
Video Game Rating: 2.5/5.0

On the other hand, my least favorite of the launch games is heavy on Vita functionality but proves that not all of them have been perfectly refined. As the slogan for the game says, “Touch, Tap & Tilt to save Little Deviants from the evil Botz!” You will have to do a lot of all three and it’s not always responsive or engaging in the way that you wish it would be. Essentially, the title is a collection of mini-games designed to show off the Vita touch screen, augmented reality, and motion sensor functions. In one game, you’ll press on the back to move a landscape to push characters around. In another, you’ll hold up the Vita and shoot bots flying around your room. You’ll tilt it back and forth to fly through rings. You’ll tap it on front and back to knock over robots. Like all mini-game collections, some of them work. But enough of the mini-games here feel unrefined to the point of exhaustion. And the game simply doesn’t look as good as they others. The graphics are simple enough, as is the gameplay, that Sony would have been smarter to just include it with the purchase of the system (like “Welcome Park”). It shows off ways in which future developers will use the Vita. But it doesn’t work on its own as a standalone title.

“ModNation Racers: Roadtrip”

ModNation Racers: Roadtrip
ModNation Racers: Roadtrip
Photo credit: Sony

HollywoodChicago.com Video Game Rating: 3.5/5.0
Video Game Rating: 3.5/5.0

“ModNation Racers” was a hit for the PS3 that essentially blended the deep customization and level design of “Little Big Planet” with the world of racing. It could be called “Little Big Kart” if Nintendo wouldn’t sue. It’s a perfect fit for the Vita, a console built around sharing your gaming experience with friends and those around you. Design a course and share it with other kids on the bus or players waiting with you at the train station. When I had my hands-on, a publicist even hinted that there may be location-specific special downloads for “ModNation.” For example, when you’re in New York you might be able to play a Big Apple Level. That’s fantastic. However, the game as it is right now is not the best racing title on launch day and wasn’t a personal fave on the PS3. If it was one of yours, go for it. Like “Hot Shots,” it’s a nice “bridge title” — something with which you’re already familiar to ease the transition. It’s not my favorite (the best racing/weapons game on the system is further down this mega-review) but it could be yours.

“Uncharted: Golden Abyss”

Uncharted: Golden Abyss
Uncharted: Golden Abyss
Photo credit: Sony

HollywoodChicago.com Video Game Rating: 3.5/5.0
Video Game Rating: 3.5/5.0

I certainly assumed that this would be my favorite Vita title. “Uncharted 3: Drake’s Fortune” was my 2011 Game of the Year. And it’s BARELY better than “Uncharted 2.” This is one of the most essential game series of the last two decades. And yet, given that, “Golden Abyss” is a disappointment. The writing isn’t as strong. The gameplay is inconsistent. And the developers were too focused on incorporating Vita touch screen functionality when they should have concentrated on just making a more entertaining title. The game is actually a prequel, which means that Nathan Drake is the only familiar character that returns (for most of the game). The core is the same — puzzle-solving, treasure-hunting, shooting, jumping, etc. — but a lot of it can now be done with the touch screen. See a treasure? Tap it to get it. Swipe the screen to use your machete. You can even use the screen to climb and jump. In fact, you’ll have to use it too much and I found that it regularly broke up the flow of the storytelling. Having said that, “Golden Abyss” looks amazing. It’s a more impressive game visually than a number of recent PS3 titles. If you want to see what the Vita can do with graphics, pick up “Golden Abyss.” I just wish the storytelling, dialogue, and gameplay matched the stellar visual presentation.

“Wipeout 2048”

Wipeout 2048
Wipeout 2048
Photo credit: Sony

HollywoodChicago.com Video Game Rating: 4.0/5.0
Video Game Rating: 4.0/5.0

Call me old-fashioned but this would be my second choice after recommending you pick up “Hot Shots” and, once again, it’s a title that’s not too different from what you’ve played already. However, “Wipeout” is one of the most addictive games you can buy on the PSN and it’s no less addictive on the Vita. Yes, I wish it was a bit more daring and a bit less familiar, but I’m not going to lie and claim that I didn’t enjoy the hell out of this futuristic racer once again. And it’s cool to be able to compare your scores and times to friends and local players who are enjoying it as much as you are. For now, that seems to be the Vita’s greatest accomplishment. I found myself checking how my friends did on the track I was about to play, getting into the social aspect of the system more than I usually do.

All five of these titles have elements that hint at a company that’s still figuring out the strengths and weaknesses of its own system. If you blend them all — the addictive, bite-sized nature of “Wipeout,” the graphics of “Golden Abyss,” the customization of “ModNation,” the old-fashioned addictive gameplay of “Hot Shots,” and the touch & tilt aspects of “Little Deviants,” it’s clear that the PlayStation Vita is a remarkable system with incredible potential. Let’s just hope they figure out how to blend all of those elements into one game soon. Then it will truly be a must-own handheld.

“Uncharted: Golden Abyss,” “Little Deviants,” “ModNation Racers: Roadtrip,” “Wipeout 2048,” and “Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational” were released by Sony for the PlayStation Vita on February 22, 2012. They are rated E-T.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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