The PlayStation Vita isn’t quite available yet; it’ll be on store shelves in just over a week’s time. That hasn’t stopped international media outlets from reviewing its launch titles though; embargoes dropped yesterday like flies after a Raid assault, flooding the internet with opinions and, importantly (apparently!), scores.
Here’s what the world thinks of the PlayStation Vita.
Uncharted: Golden Abyss
Drake’s latest adventure is getting some mixed, but mostly favourable reviews. Some outlets say it’s a must-buy title, giving you an uncompromised console-experience in the palm of your hands, while others say it’s a fun, but formulaic romp that doesn’t quite match up to its console counterparts.
- TheSixthAxis – 9
- CVG – 8.7
- GameSpot – 7
- GiantBomb – 3/5
- SPOnG – 8
- Eurogamer – 8/10
- Digital Spy – 4/5
- Joystiq – 3.5/5
- God is a Geek – 9
- IGN – 8.5
- Destructoid – 9.5
WipEout 2048
Sony’s futuristic racer once again comes in first place, although it’s apparently a little too familiar, and beset with long load-times. Reviewers say it’s still the best racing title available on the fledgling handheld, and if you want a racing title at launch, this is the one to get.
- CVG – 8.6
- TheSixthAxis – 8
- TheAverageGamer – “Great”
- GameSpot – 7.5
- IGN – 7
- Edge – 8
ModNation Racers
Cute and colourful, ModNation hasn’t quite managed to escape from under LittleBigPlanet’s shadow. Though it’s a competent racer, reviewers have called it a bit of a rushed cash-in.
- CVG – 7.5
- IGN – 7
- Destructoid – 3.0
- Game Informer – 7.0
- GamesRadar – 3/10
Everybody’s Golf
The closest thing Sony has to a Nintendo-ey game, Everybody’s Golf (Hotshots) is cute and cheerful – but deep and packed with features.
- IGN – N/A
- Destructoid – 9/10
- Edge – 7
Little Deviants
This seems to be one of the biggest disappointments in the launch library. Little Deviants ends up as an uninspired collection of mini-games that serves as more of a tech-demo for the Vita’s new input options than a full-fledged game.
- CVG – 6.3
- SPOnG – 7
- IGN – 6
- Gametrailers – 6.3
- Game Informer – 6/10
- Games Radar – 5/10
- VideoGamer – 5/10
- Destructoid – 5.0
- Spong – 7/10
Reality Fighters
< p>This augmented-reality fighting game ends up as more of a curiosity than a necessity, better suited as a technical showcase than a real game.
- CVG – 6.5
- SPOnG – 5
- Digital Spy – 3/5
- IGN – 4.5
FIFA Football
It’s FIFA, and it’s portable. More accessible than its console versions, FIFA on the PSV is a pared-down version of last year’s football game.
- GameSpot – 8
- IGN – 8
- GamesRadar – 6/10
Super Stardust Delta
Successor to one of my very favourite PSN games, the frantic twin-stick shooter still hits all the right notes, with some calling it one of the system’s best launch games. It’s also free you activate 3G on your more expensive Vita – so it’s definitely one to get.
- IGN – 9.5
- Giantbomb – 4/5
- Gameinformer – 8.0
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
Capcom’s port of the insanely frenetic fighter makes few compromises,delivering a nearly perfect portable version of the game that features extensive on-line capabilities. It does, however, have some dodgy touch-screen controls.
- IGN – 8
- GamesRadar – 7/10
- God is a Geek – 9/10
As far as the hardware goes, everybody seems to be gushing over it, calling it the perfect argument for keeping dedicated handhelds around, and a swiss-army knife of entertainment features.
So far, it seems like the Vita is an essential bit of gaming gear for the core gamer – though it doesn’t seem like it’s essential right now. We don’t have a Vita yet, but you can expect our impressions when we do. What I do know is that my technolust is getting the better of me, and I MUST HAVE ONE.
Last Updated: February 14, 2012