The PlayStation Vita, Sony’s last foray into dedicated handheld consoles (the new PS Portal doesn’t count), boasted an array of unique and wonderful titles. Despite being overlooked by the masses due to the meteoric rise of mobile gaming and stiff competition from the Nintendo 3DS, the Vita became a cult favorite among dedicated fans. Sadly, many of its best games have not been ported to other platforms. The PS4 and PS5 both have touch pads, making the Vita touch-specific controls portable in some manner. Here, we shine a light on the top 5 PS Vita games that risk fading into obscurity if they aren’t given the modern console treatment.
5. Oreshika: Tainted Bloodlines
Dive into ancient Japan in this unique RPG, where players command a cursed clan seeking to rid themselves of a demonic curse. With a unique aesthetic reminiscent of traditional Japanese paintings, every decision impacts generations of fighters.
Oreshika offers an unparalleled experience of managing a clan over several generations, each affected by the choices of the previous ones. This dynamic mechanic, combined with its enchanting setting, makes it deserving of a new life on modern consoles.
4. Freedom Wars
Set in a dystopian future where the world’s resources are scarce, players assume the role of a prisoner fighting for their freedom by battling massive creatures and rescuing civilians.
With its high-octane battles and cooperative multiplayer, Freedom Wars offers a unique action experience on the Vita. The game’s mechanics and intriguing story would benefit greatly from the technical capabilities of modern consoles, offering enhanced graphics and larger multiplayer lobbies.
3. Muramasa Rebirth
A beautifully hand-drawn action RPG set in mythological Japan, players switch between two characters, each with unique storylines and abilities, battling demons and forging weapons along their journey.
Does this count? The game was technically originally released on the Wii, but the Rebirth edition featured a bunch of new content not previously seen. The stunning visuals and swift combat mechanics make Muramasa Rebirth stand out. This game, with its two intertwined stories set in a vibrant and detailed world, would truly shine on modern platforms with enhanced graphics and controls.
2. Soul Sacrifice Delta
This dark fantasy action-RPG offers players a choice: to save or to sacrifice. Every decision impacts the gameplay, narrative, and, ultimately, the player’s fate.
The morally complex choices and captivating lore behind Soul Sacrifice Delta make it more than just a game; it’s a profound narrative experience. The moral dilemmas posed to the player and the consequential world alterations deserve to be re-experienced in the fidelity of modern hardware.
1. Uncharted: Golden Abyss
Before the events of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Nathan Drake embarks on an adventure in Central America, unraveling a historical mystery involving Spanish conquistadors and a lost city. It’s the Uncharted experience specially tailored for the PS Vita.
While the Uncharted series has seen success on console platforms, Golden Abyss offers unique puzzles and mechanics designed for the Vita. Porting this title would complete the collection for fans and introduce a fantastic storyline to those who missed out on the Vita iteration. The game was also excluded from the 2015 Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection due to the standalone nature of the story.
The PS Vita, despite its short-lived limelight, was a haven for inventive titles that deserve recognition and preservation. These games highlight the system’s potential and make a strong case for their reintroduction on modern gaming platforms.
