What is better than a video game? More than one video game! Here are seven of the best PS Vita compilation games that have great individual titles that are packed in one collection.
Best PS vita compilation games
7. Jak & Daxter Collection
Despite some negative opinions suggesting that the Jak & Daxter Collection for the Vita is a poorly executed port, it is actually a great collection of PS2 classics. While it might not match the visuals of its PS3 counterpart, the graphics still surpass the original PS2 versions. Most importantly, it is also portable.
The port does have its issues, notably being slightly buggy with a couple of crashes, yet they are not gamebreakers. These may be just random flukes, or the Vita giving up for biting off more than it can chew. More significantly, the controls are problematic.
Even with these technical drawbacks, the game retains its appeal. The wide-open areas are enjoyable, and the expansive worlds offer a glimpse into why the series has a dedicated fanbase. While it might not be the quintessential Vita experience, the Jak & Daxter Collection provides a mostly enjoyable platforming experience, especially for those looking to revisit these classic games or indulge in some on-the-go nostalgia.
6. Assassin’s Creed Chronicles
The project began with Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China, initially conceived as part of the season pass for Assassin’s Creed Unity. After a pause due to development issues, Ubisoft revived the series with the chapters set in India and Russia, each featuring its own hero and unique setting. These games are notable for their artistic design that blends traditional elements with vibrant colors, fitting excellently into the format of the PS Vita.
In Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China, it emphasizes Shao Jun’s combat and stealth abilities, integrating touch mechanics that make full use of the handheld console’s capabilities. On the other hand, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India is set in Amritsar in 1841, where Arbaaz Mir navigates political tensions while pursuing the legendary Precursor Box. Finally, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: Russia takes players to post-revolutionary Russia, with Nikolaï Orelov battling the Bolsheviks to protect the Romanov family and retrieve an important artifact.
Gameplay-wise, the trilogy offers varied challenges including platforming, stealth, and puzzle-solving, tailored to the touchscreen capabilities of the PS Vita. Each installment has its own length and unique challenges, complemented by an immersive soundtrack and distinctive visual style. Assassin’s Creed Chronicles Trilogy is a solid addition for franchise fans looking to explore new perspectives and characters within the Assassin’s Creed universe.
5. God of War Collection
It’s always a good time to revisit one of PlayStation’s most important franchises of the last decade. Sony allowed God of War games on PlayStation 3, including collections of the PlayStation 2 titles, the PSP games, and the native PS3 entries, God of War III and God of War Ascension. Sonyalso released a remastered classic for the PS Vita, porting the first two God of War games in a portable format, following similar releases like the Sly Trilogy.
However, the Vita collection comes with some caveats. Arriving later than its PlayStation 3 counterpart, this collection might be less appealing to Vita owners who already possess God of War and God of War II on home consoles. The PS3’s God of War Collection was the first remaster of its kind, announced in 2009, and set the trend for future remasters. Fortunately, purchasing the digital versions on PS3, the Vita collection is cross-buy. This marks the first time these games are available on a handheld console.
The Vita ports doesn’t introduce new content but adjusts controls to fit the portable format. Issues with video quality may appear from pre-rendered sequences that weren’t updated for higher resolutions, leading to some visual inconsistencies. The Vita version utilizes the rear touchpad and touchscreen for certain actions, a change that might take some getting used to. Including the first two games, offering around 20 hours of gameplay with high replayability, this collection provides a valuable experience for those who haven’t played them before, even if it’s not the definitive way to enjoy the series.
4. Rayman Legends & Rayman Origins
Rayman Legends & Rayman Origins twin pack was only released in European territories not just on the Vita but also PC, PS3, and the Xbox 360. Nevertheless, it qualifies on this list because these games are also in English.
There is nothing left to say about both games as they are the best platforming games on the PlayStation Vita. They also graced every other platform imaginable. Everywhere these games are released they are as great. There are no additional content for this package, just Rayman goodness all around.
3. Zero Escape: The Nonary Games
To understand the graphics in the Vita port of 999, it’s essential to know about Chunsoft’s prior iOS port of the game, which removed escape rooms and minigames, focusing solely on the novel aspect. The Vita version used high-resolution background renders and character artwork from the iOS version. The 3D backgrounds and animations are beautifully re-rendered, showing no visual artifacts on the Vita’s display.
The UI is crisp and clear, free from heavy compression. The Vita port offers the best version of 999, with excellent voice acting, an immersive soundtrack, and new features like a flow diagram for easier navigation. The controls work well on the Vita, even without a stylus, maintaining precision with both the analog stick and touch screen.
While Virtue’s Last Reward remains largely unchanged in this collection, its inclusion alongside the enhanced 999 offers both newcomers and series veterans a comprehensive experience. Its intricate puzzles and deep narrative continue to stand out, making Zero Escape: The Nonary Games a solid choice for fans of narrative-driven adventure games looking to delve into a series that has influenced the genre in significant ways.
2. Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
The Vita version of Metal Gear Solid HD Collection brings a rich content-to-price ratio unparalleled by other handheld titles. Despite missing the acclaimed PSP title Peace Walker, the collection offers at least forty hours of gameplay, including MGS 2’s VR missions and MSX Metal Gear ports, with substantial replay value. This version showcases some of the finest production values seen on a handheld device.
Graphically, Metal Gear Solid 3 stands out on the Vita with stunning visuals, thanks to the higher resolution and 5-inch OLED screen. While textures reveal their age upon close inspection, the character models, animation, and art direction remain top-notch. Metal Gear Solid 2, although simpler in design, runs consistently at 60 frames per second, making both games visually impressive and modern-looking on the smaller Vita screen.
In terms of gameplay, the series’ complex controls and design are preserved, with the addition of touch controls that mostly enhance the experience, despite occasional issues with the rear touchpad. MGS2’s VR missions offer quick, engaging gameplay perfect for short commutes, and MGS3 includes excellent ports of the original Metal Gear titles. The collection comprises MGS2: Substance, MGS3: Subsistence, and more, delivering extensive content for a handheld game. With full trophy support and excellent performance, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is an outstanding value and a must-have for Vita owners.These games are considered the G.O.A.T.s and it is an incredible feat that they were made into handheld games.
1. Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster
The Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster brings two iconic RPGs from the PlayStation 2 era into the modern spotlight, showcasing their enduring appeal and influence. Final Fantasy X, released in 2001, was a groundbreaking entry in the series and for Japanese RPGs in general. It introduced voice acting, emphasized linear storytelling, and boasted visually stunning graphics for its time. The game follows Tidus, a spirited blitzball player, who finds himself transported to the mystical world of Spira. The narrative, though relatively simple on the surface, unfolds beautifully through its well-developed characters and engaging storytelling, ensuring players are constantly enthralled as they explore its diverse locales.
Final Fantasy X’s characters remain remarkably well-rounded and relatable. Tidus’s optimistic demeanor contrasts with the varied personalities of his companions, including the steadfast Wakka and the enigmatic Yuna, forming a cohesive and endearing ensemble. The gameplay blends strategic turn-based combat with a deep progression system through the sphere grid.
In contrast, Final Fantasy X-2, its sequel, while enjoyable with its dynamic combat and customization through dresspheres, falls short of its predecessor’s narrative depth and coherence. Set in a more open world of Spira, the game follows Yuna and her companions as they navigate political intrigue and personal growth. Final Fantasy X-2 complements the original’s gameplay with its diverse combat roles and customization options. The HD Remaster revitalizes both games with improved visuals and audio, preserving their charm while introducing them to a new generation of players who can experience these classic RPGs in their best form.