Please just stop. The Vita is not a better alternative to game on than the PC. This is from someone who owns both.
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NeoGaf Sell me on a vita
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Please just stop. The Vita is not a better alternative to game on than the PC. This is from someone who owns both.
Lumines: ES, Guacamelee!, Gravity Rush, Sound Shapes, Little Big Planet Vita and Persona 4: Golden are the standouts. You should want to own at least two or three of these, and if none of them appeal to you, then the Vita probably isn't your system. (two of these games are indeed available on the PS3, but were originally designed for the Vita, which shows)
Here is a list of Vita games which you should look over- again, if nothing stands out, its probably not for you (I own and would recommend well over a dozen). Keep in mind the Vita also has backwards compatibility with the PSP games you buy off the store, as well as a great deal of PSone games (with some notable exceptions like Crash and Spyro). So you're looking at a wide range of games to play, but maybe not a whole lot you couldn't play anywhere else.
A couple notes in no particular order:
- the Vita ecosystem relies heavily on downloadable games. if you don't plan on downloading games (like, say Hotline Miami or Mutant Blobs) you'd be doing yourself and your Vita a terrible injustice by skipping over a lot of its support.
- the 8gb memory card is the "sweet spot" if you are thinking of a mix between physical (cards) and digital. you won't be able to have all of your games on you at all the time, but you will be able to keep all of your game saves handy, and downloading your games back off the PSN is painless. I regularly have a folder full of 6-8 games I swap in and out depending on what I'm in the mood for.
- Playstation Plus will save you a lot of money, between regular sales/discounts and free games. It also has a bunch of handy features like hosting your saves on "the cloud" as backups. If you already have it you'll be picking up your Vita with 3 of the best games off the bat.
I've owned every handheld released in the US short of the Virtual Boy, and the Vita is my absolute favorite to use. It feels great in your hands and has a lot of features, like (free!) party chat and custom soundtrack support, that should be mandatory from now on.
It doesn't have as many need to own games as the 3DS, or the breadth of cheap usability the iOS ecosystem has, but it does its own thing and it does it amazingly well. Just keep that in mind if you're seriously considering one.
Here is a list of Vita games which you should look over- again, if nothing stands out, its probably not for you (I own and would recommend well over a dozen). Keep in mind the Vita also has backwards compatibility with the PSP games you buy off the store, as well as a great deal of PSone games (with some notable exceptions like Crash and Spyro). So you're looking at a wide range of games to play, but maybe not a whole lot you couldn't play anywhere else.
A couple notes in no particular order:
- the Vita ecosystem relies heavily on downloadable games. if you don't plan on downloading games (like, say Hotline Miami or Mutant Blobs) you'd be doing yourself and your Vita a terrible injustice by skipping over a lot of its support.
- the 8gb memory card is the "sweet spot" if you are thinking of a mix between physical (cards) and digital. you won't be able to have all of your games on you at all the time, but you will be able to keep all of your game saves handy, and downloading your games back off the PSN is painless. I regularly have a folder full of 6-8 games I swap in and out depending on what I'm in the mood for.
- Playstation Plus will save you a lot of money, between regular sales/discounts and free games. It also has a bunch of handy features like hosting your saves on "the cloud" as backups. If you already have it you'll be picking up your Vita with 3 of the best games off the bat.
I've owned every handheld released in the US short of the Virtual Boy, and the Vita is my absolute favorite to use. It feels great in your hands and has a lot of features, like (free!) party chat and custom soundtrack support, that should be mandatory from now on.
It doesn't have as many need to own games as the 3DS, or the breadth of cheap usability the iOS ecosystem has, but it does its own thing and it does it amazingly well. Just keep that in mind if you're seriously considering one.
turnbuckle
Member
I'll keep it brief.
It's my favorite piece of gaming hardware ever.
- If you liked the PSP library
- If you are interested in playing some PSOne classics on a wonderful screen with one of the best d-pads ever
- If you have PS+
- If you are at all interested in playing a lot of smaller indie titles on the go
- If you don't plan to rely on the PSVita for all your gaming needs, but rather as an excellent supplement
- If you plan on getting a PS4 and are interested in remote play
Then buy a PSVita. The full-scale library isn't too vast, but what's there is full of very high quality experiences. Persona, Disgaea, Lumines, Wipeout, Soul Sacrifice, and a few others. Sure, the release schedule is a bit bleak, sales figures are abysmal, but the Vita has been worth it to me despite its miserable state in the marketplace. It won't ever get the support the PSP had, but indies are bringing enough to the table to keep the platform viable. To me, anyways. But I'll concede the Vita certainly isn't for everyone.
I guess I didn't keep it as brief as I thought
I think most people who own a Vita probably own both. I have a very good gaming rig, but some games I'd rather play on the Vita. The portability and ability to pick up and play for 10-30 minutes anywhere as well as the d-pad and buttons of the Vita can absolutely make it a better alternative depending on a person's gaming habits. The best version of the game may nearly always (or always) be on the PC, but that doesn't mean it is necessarily the best gaming experience for an individual. If they released puzzle and dragons on the PC I doubt it'd be as good an experience as it is on smartphones even if it had a few more features or an exclusive monster or something. Different strokes, man.
It's my favorite piece of gaming hardware ever.
- If you liked the PSP library
- If you are interested in playing some PSOne classics on a wonderful screen with one of the best d-pads ever
- If you have PS+
- If you are at all interested in playing a lot of smaller indie titles on the go
- If you don't plan to rely on the PSVita for all your gaming needs, but rather as an excellent supplement
- If you plan on getting a PS4 and are interested in remote play
Then buy a PSVita. The full-scale library isn't too vast, but what's there is full of very high quality experiences. Persona, Disgaea, Lumines, Wipeout, Soul Sacrifice, and a few others. Sure, the release schedule is a bit bleak, sales figures are abysmal, but the Vita has been worth it to me despite its miserable state in the marketplace. It won't ever get the support the PSP had, but indies are bringing enough to the table to keep the platform viable. To me, anyways. But I'll concede the Vita certainly isn't for everyone.
I guess I didn't keep it as brief as I thought
hlhbk said:
I think most people who own a Vita probably own both. I have a very good gaming rig, but some games I'd rather play on the Vita. The portability and ability to pick up and play for 10-30 minutes anywhere as well as the d-pad and buttons of the Vita can absolutely make it a better alternative depending on a person's gaming habits. The best version of the game may nearly always (or always) be on the PC, but that doesn't mean it is necessarily the best gaming experience for an individual. If they released puzzle and dragons on the PC I doubt it'd be as good an experience as it is on smartphones even if it had a few more features or an exclusive monster or something. Different strokes, man.
moltonasty
Member
I just bought my Vita last night, and I am blown away. For $199 I got the system, 1 year ps plus, uncharted, gravity rush, wipeout 2049, unit 13, plus all the games that are on ps plus at the moment. The hardware feels very sleek and comfortable, and the screen is incredible. PS1 and PSP games look fantastic on it. The cross buy between ps3 and vita makes me feel justified in my purchases, unlike when i buy a virtual console game on wii u, later to see it on 3ds but have to buy it again. sony did everything right with this device (well aside from the initial high price).
If you like sleek modern tech and a great portable device, you can't go wrong. The vita is incredible.
If you like sleek modern tech and a great portable device, you can't go wrong. The vita is incredible.
Once I heard that Rogue Legacy is coming to the Vita, I decided I wouldn't buy it on Steam because I know I'll enjoy it more on the Vita.
Same for Spelunky. I double dipped on Hotline Miami and enjoy it more on Vita. Retro-City Rampage, Guacamelee, and Rayman all are better on the Vita.
I don't know if I'd rather a game come to Vita or PC these days.
Tricky I Shadow
Banned
I approve this message!
This is why I think the Vita has a very bright future. It might have stumbled out of the start, but the price drop and the PS4 launch is going to be very good for Vita sales and future development.
I'm in the same boat. PC gaming is fucking awesome, but when I can play the same game on my Vita without compromise, I will. Same goes for my consoles. I made the same decision with Rogue Legacy. I saw it and thought 'holy shit, I really want to play that... ...on a Vita'.
Binding of Isaac on the Vita is going to absolutely destroy my life. It was nice knowing everyone.
Nymphae
Banned
Just thought I would mention that this isn't necessarily true, I don't care for any of those games you listed, and I love my Vita.
Right now I alternate between SFxTekken, DOA5plus, Metal Gear Sold HD collection, Rayman Origins, and Dragons Crown.
That's in addition to all the PSone classics & indies/minis that are worth checking out (I have Hotline Miami, Wizorb, Retro City Rampage right now).
Terraria for me. That one is going to eat every spare minute of my life until I'm found in a cobweb covered corner, clutching my Vita to my emaciated chest.
DirtyLarry
Member
So Gravity Rush is really that recommended by people huh? I gave it a go and played about 2 hours and it never hooked me in, does it pick up much and should I give it another chance?
I have owned a Vita since Day 1, and have always been happy with it even when it was looking dire there for awhile. I still recognized the fact it was easily the most impressive hardware in a handheld and also the closest I could get to having a console experience on the go.
Now that the games library is no doubt good, and seriously, Remote Play on the PS4, I really cannot even fathom how one has any hesitation whatsoever at this point.
I have owned a Vita since Day 1, and have always been happy with it even when it was looking dire there for awhile. I still recognized the fact it was easily the most impressive hardware in a handheld and also the closest I could get to having a console experience on the go.
Now that the games library is no doubt good, and seriously, Remote Play on the PS4, I really cannot even fathom how one has any hesitation whatsoever at this point.
chickdigger802
Banned
1. mixed on boot times for games in my experience... some take a min or so to even get to the main menu, who knows how long it takes for wipeout. It wins on portability though yep.
2. true. I'm not sure if hotline miami got controller patched in either or terraria, but games that don't support controller and do on handhelds is quite a rarity these days.
3. idk... if i'd 'ign' them, ps3 would be an 8, vita would be a 9. if I can play a fighting game without wanting to die, the dpad is ok.
I am 100% the other side on this. 99% of the time if a game comes out on consoles and pc and are identical I go pc.
Phire Phox
Banned
thewhitehawk
Member
You love jRPGs and you can get one discounted to around $55 and you're still on the fence? You can play most of the best jRPGs released in the past 10 or more years on it. It's the only portable device that allows you to do this legally.
From Final Fantasy 1 to (soon) 10, to Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross and Xenogears, Legend of Dragoon and Suikoden (provided you use a USA PSN account), all of the improved Persona games from 1 to 4, Front Mission 3 and Vagrant Story.
It's a near dream-machine for jRPG lovers in my opinion. If you need heavy convincing to get one I don't think you really want one.
From Final Fantasy 1 to (soon) 10, to Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross and Xenogears, Legend of Dragoon and Suikoden (provided you use a USA PSN account), all of the improved Persona games from 1 to 4, Front Mission 3 and Vagrant Story.
It's a near dream-machine for jRPG lovers in my opinion. If you need heavy convincing to get one I don't think you really want one.
FoxhoundNL
Member
No. It's just boring. I played up until chapter 18 and I just gave up. Someday I'll get the remaining easy trophies, but not until I have absolutely nothing else to play on it.
Beside AssCreed it's the only Vita game I wish I didn't buy.
turnbuckle
Member
Not always true. Especially for something with as little fanfare as the Vita. It's easy to not know exactly what is out there or get a sense of people's impressions on the thing until you ask. It's not going to be something for everyone, but someone on the fence might be convinced if they can relate to another person's positive experiences. Same is true on the other end, where a person might have a negative impression that the OP finds relevant and meaningful enough to abstain from making a purchase.
Not all of these type of threads are trolls. Sometimes a nudge is needed; a nudge to keep a person from jumping in or a nudge that puts them over the edge. Let's not be so cynical!
GuessMyUserName
Member
I say this a lot, but Gravity Rush really isn't much of a great game. It's sad to me because I love the art and the environment and it's a unique kind of game that very much appeals to me... but the gameplay is just so very shallow, It's not really fun and not without it's horrible gimmick controls (I groaned so much when I got the Power Slide move... so horrible to control, and then immediately after I get dumb side missions to slide across town, ugh. Holding your thumbs on the screen and rotating the Vita is not a good control scheme at all. Lastly though flying really takes a lot out of the joy of changing gravity, and the combat of the game is really monotonous.
That being said I do look forward to seeing a sequel that could fix some of Gravity Rush's flaws - believe it or not Kat is easily my favourite Sony character ever. I like the idea of Gravity Rush, but not this game.
At least the game's free now though so anybody can just get it and try it themselves.
Robert at Zeboyd Games
Banned
For me, Gravity Rush was one of those games that got better as I got better at it. I felt like it really took off once I figured out how to reliably use the Gravity Slide in combat.
1.21Gigawatts
Banned
Here, Wipeout2048, Sol - The Drop:
For a second I thought this was a 3DS thread.
Seriously though, with the price drop, PS+ and some awesome games announced (Killzone Mercenary, Tearaway, Luftrausers, etc.) & already out (Gravity Rush, Wipeout 2048, P4G, Virtue's Last Reward, Soul Sacrifice) it's a device that will only continue to get better. I'm also on the fence, not sure if I should buy a Vita, or a PS3.
(or a tablet for reading books)
There is no real emulator for the vita. I'm not even aware of it being cracked at this point in any capacity unless it's been kept on the DL.
kiunchbb
www.dictionary.com
If I already have PC and PS3, the only games left out is gravity daze and persona 4.
turnbuckle
Member
I think there is but probably not available if you keep your system updated. Also, the trade off between having an emulator or having access to playing online and access to online games / DLC makes it seem not worth it.
But I sure would love to be able to rip my PS1 games to it as well as use it as an incredible NES/SNES/Genesis emulator.
1.21Gigawatts
Banned
There is an eCFW available. Its basically the PSP CFW for the PSP emulator in the Vita.
So it can run everything that runs on the Vita, but it can only utilise the power that the Vita OS gives to the PSP emulator. So N64 still won't run smooth.
But to have the eCFW you need a firmware from last november or so. So you won't be able to play Vita games online anymore and you won't be able to use the PSN.
I tried it a few months ago and it looks awesome. Super Mario Land + OLED + AA = epic (PSP emulator in the Vita adds a little bit of AA, and the Vita thinks that your running a PSP game, so you can map the buttons as you wish and you have AA)
The PSP is a JRPG beast and has a pretty strong library of games if graphics aren't a huge priority for you; even then, what some devs managed to accomplish on the system is really impressive. Note PSN is missing some real gems in Crisis Core and Kingdom Hearts due to licensing/legal issues, but much of the good stuff is available and can be acquired cheaply.
The Vita library itself is a disappointment, mostly because very few developers are bothering to push the system to its limits. It's understandable given the system's decrepit condition, but disappointing nonetheless because every Vita owner knows that the system is capable of more. The fact that Sony is now pushing it as an indie platform reaffirms that worthwhile original content will continue to be the exception rather than the rule.
Either way, if you're looking to get one I would wait for holiday bundles to come around. Memory cards are still stupidly overpriced and the console at $199.99 isn't a fantastic deal since it's already been $199.99 many times over. If you need convincing to buy one, chances are you'll be willing to wait.
The Vita library itself is a disappointment, mostly because very few developers are bothering to push the system to its limits. It's understandable given the system's decrepit condition, but disappointing nonetheless because every Vita owner knows that the system is capable of more. The fact that Sony is now pushing it as an indie platform reaffirms that worthwhile original content will continue to be the exception rather than the rule.
Either way, if you're looking to get one I would wait for holiday bundles to come around. Memory cards are still stupidly overpriced and the console at $199.99 isn't a fantastic deal since it's already been $199.99 many times over. If you need convincing to buy one, chances are you'll be willing to wait.
I'll be getting for about $40 at gamestop after a trade credit boost no instant game collection though
Is it available anywhere online? I checked Wal-Mart, Game Stop, and Sony Store and it's out of stock in all of them.
This. Same as all wsig posts.
Winnie the Pimp
Member
Robert at Zeboyd Games
Banned
EDF is in NA (digital only). I think WRC3 is only UK.
EDF has been out in America a while now and has a physical copy too.
Not sure what WRC3 is.
FoxhoundNL
Member
EDF is digital only for the west.
About WRC3, I'm pretty sure the new one was announced for Vita. So you might want to wait to see how it turns out.
Cornbread78
Member
ewww, such a waste....
Well, OP, I think the system has sold itself to you by now. Great purchase, I don;t regret it 1 bit and I've played a lot of games I never thought I would be interested in and have loved every minute of it.
Did you get Uncharted, Gravity Rush, Wipeout and Unit 13 as part of Playstation Plus? I'm not sure on your wording there.
EDF is on Europe, digital too
https://store.sonyentertainmentnetw...able/cid=EP0700-PCSB00239_00-EDF2017PORTABLE0
Augemitbutter
Member
And don't forget, Broken Sword: The Serpent's Curse is coming this year as well...
didn't know this. awesome!
Moosehole
Member
As others have stated, I'm a firm believer that if you need to be convinced to buy something, you probably shouldn't buy it because you don't actually want or need it.
That said, from a purely technical standpoint the Vita is the best handheld ever created. For the unit itself, it is worth the $200. Hell, it was worth the $250 before the price cut.
While there are a good number of excellent retail games (Dragon's Crown, Gravity Rush, Hot Shots Golf, P4G, Soul Sacrifice, Uncharted, Wipeout, etc.), be aware that there are more than triple the amount of excellent Vita games that are digital download only.
This means two things: 1) You must not be against buying games digitally, and 2) You will need a sizeable memory card. 4GB and 8GB cards just don't cut it.
32GB cards are the best route to take if you don't want to be constantly deleting and redownloading titles, and that costs $80. It's a high initial investment, but IMO its totally worth it.
I bought a 3G Vita on launch day for $300 and a 32GB memory card for $100 and never regretted it. You can now get that same package for $280.
One last thing, if you have PS Plus you're going to get a slew of great games immediately without paying a dime.
That said, from a purely technical standpoint the Vita is the best handheld ever created. For the unit itself, it is worth the $200. Hell, it was worth the $250 before the price cut.
While there are a good number of excellent retail games (Dragon's Crown, Gravity Rush, Hot Shots Golf, P4G, Soul Sacrifice, Uncharted, Wipeout, etc.), be aware that there are more than triple the amount of excellent Vita games that are digital download only.
This means two things: 1) You must not be against buying games digitally, and 2) You will need a sizeable memory card. 4GB and 8GB cards just don't cut it.
32GB cards are the best route to take if you don't want to be constantly deleting and redownloading titles, and that costs $80. It's a high initial investment, but IMO its totally worth it.
I bought a 3G Vita on launch day for $300 and a 32GB memory card for $100 and never regretted it. You can now get that same package for $280.
One last thing, if you have PS Plus you're going to get a slew of great games immediately without paying a dime.
As an owner of Vita (as well as a 3DSXL), I'm not really sure the Vita is a great option at this point. To me, it's largely dependent on your experience with the back catalogue available on the system and/or the urge to replay those games. If there's lots of PS1/PSP games you want to play/re-discover, then yeah, Vita is probably a worthwhile purchase.
In terms of new content though, I think the Vita is pretty lacking. I certainly had a blast playing Persona 4 Golden (who didn't?), but again that was a PS2 game. Granted, I never got to play it on PS2 so for me, it was a fantastic experience...although for most buyers, probably not going to be a system-seller alone IMO.
Remote play via the PS4 sounds like a cool idea if you're into that, though obviously it is all conjecture and theoretical at this point...who knows for sure if all games will actually support it effectively and/or play without lag. I know Wii U does a great job of this feature (which I enjoy) but naturally having another piece of kit to enjoy playing in your bed is more $$$ to plunk down.
Vita defenders seem to harp on the fact that ports like Borderlands 2 (which will likely come out 2 years after console/PC releases, OMG!), and lots of indie titles being available. To me, if titles like Rogue Galaxy being ported to Vita are the raison d'etre for getting the system, then I think you're undoubtedly one of the niche consumers (and I say this as a fan of the game on the PC).
In short, it's a great looking piece of hardware with 2 analog sticks (although personally I find the feel of them to be lacking, they feel too small to me and not particularly comfortable). If you are content with going through Sony's great back catalogue of games on PS1 (and to some extent, PSP) then it could be a worthwhile purchase. I know I've enjoyed going through Squaresoft's PS1 games, although I could also do that on the PSP.
Cheers
In terms of new content though, I think the Vita is pretty lacking. I certainly had a blast playing Persona 4 Golden (who didn't?), but again that was a PS2 game. Granted, I never got to play it on PS2 so for me, it was a fantastic experience...although for most buyers, probably not going to be a system-seller alone IMO.
Remote play via the PS4 sounds like a cool idea if you're into that, though obviously it is all conjecture and theoretical at this point...who knows for sure if all games will actually support it effectively and/or play without lag. I know Wii U does a great job of this feature (which I enjoy) but naturally having another piece of kit to enjoy playing in your bed is more $$$ to plunk down.
Vita defenders seem to harp on the fact that ports like Borderlands 2 (which will likely come out 2 years after console/PC releases, OMG!), and lots of indie titles being available. To me, if titles like Rogue Galaxy being ported to Vita are the raison d'etre for getting the system, then I think you're undoubtedly one of the niche consumers (and I say this as a fan of the game on the PC).
In short, it's a great looking piece of hardware with 2 analog sticks (although personally I find the feel of them to be lacking, they feel too small to me and not particularly comfortable). If you are content with going through Sony's great back catalogue of games on PS1 (and to some extent, PSP) then it could be a worthwhile purchase. I know I've enjoyed going through Squaresoft's PS1 games, although I could also do that on the PSP.
Cheers