It seems like a necessity for a new gaming device -- be it a console or handheld -- to launch with at least one "blockbuster" title. Sony's new handheld, the PlayStation Vita, has that sort of support to a degree, with big franchises like 'Virtua Tennis', 'Everybody's Golf' and 'Ridge Racer' launching alongside 'Uncharted: Golden Abyss'.
The US launch lineup, which we should assume would be the same as the Australian launch lineup, is very solid, with games like 'ModNation Racers', 'Lumines' and 'WipEout' adding to a very impressive collection of first-party and third-party games.
However, if for whatever reason the PS Vita launch isn't especially enticing, the PlayStation Store may just have something you're looking for. The most impressive thing about the Vita thus far is its decent range of quality PSP games, a collection of titles that, when added to the already-robust lineup of Vita-exclusive titles, makes the handheld especially appealing to gamers that never owned or played a PSP.
For those of us that did play PSP and its many games, we may not be as pulled in by what's on offer for download. However, if you're new to the PlayStation portable gaming experience, you have access to easily the deepest, broadest range of games available at launch, ever.
Just by looking at what's available on the Hong Kong PSN, it's obvious that PSP support is strong for Vita. Great PSP games help make up a fantastic collection of classic handheld gaming:
- Dissidio 012[duodecim]
- Fat Princess'
- Final Fantasy TYPE-0
- God of War: Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta
- Gran Turismo
- LittleBigPlanet
- LocoRoco (both games)
- ModNation Racers
- Monster Hunter
- Motorstorm
- Patapon 3
- Persona 3
- SOCOM: US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo
- Pro Evolution Soccer
Technically if you were a little short on cash at the Vita launch you could essentially go without buying any games and simply entertain yourself with a number of cheap and acclaimed PSP games, which is simply fantastic. These aren't little arcade games or classic games from the 90s: they are lengthy, critically acclaimed titles from within the last few years, all affordable and priced between $10 and $50 AUD (when converted from HK Dollars).
This is a fantastic launch if you factor in what's available for download, and even if you don't, the Vita lineup on its own is still very solid. If you're never owned or played a PSP, namely the system's biggest and best titles, then the Vita's launch lineup is easily one of if not the best you'll experience.
By Gaetano Prestia
Stay tuned for more PS Vita coverage in the coming days