The PlayStation Vita meant life but not to its games. Most of the games released on the platform flopped, may be because of its small install base? Here are seven of the best games on the PlayStation Vita that deserve to get remade.
Best PS vita games that need a remake
7. Army Corps of Hell
This launch game was bashed in the skull when it was released. Detractors called it edgelord Pikmin, which is partly right, but it was a decent game for the time. Army Corps of Hell is a hybrid strategy action, combining elements from both genres with a metal soundtrack to enhance its hellish theme.
As the King of Hell, you fight to reclaim your throne by battling demonic enemies and colossal bosses. The gameplay involves commanding three types of goblins: Soldiers for close combat, Spearmen for long-range attacks, and Magi for magical assaults. Each type can be arranged in formations to boost their combat effectiveness.
The game’s story and aesthetics are reminiscent of a heavy metal album cover, featuring a battle for dominance in the underworld. Players collect loot and drops from enemies to alchemize new items and upgrade their goblins’ weapons and armor, adding a layer of progression. The boss battles are a highlight, featuring giant dragons, horned demons, and hydra-like monsters that provide some of the most thrilling moments in the game. The remake should rectify the wrongs about the game, like performance and variety of units and enemies, and with the latter, the core gameplay should be much deeper.
6. Chaos Rings
Chaos Rings just begs to be remade because it is not available at all in any modern platform. It is truly in “gone”. Thankfully, the four games were available on the Vita, but then again, only the first game is in English. Now patching the actual English translation is another topic but for today, let us talk about the good things about the game and why it needs the remake. Same applies to its sequels.
Originally a mobile game released in 2010 by Square Enix, Chaos Rings transitioned to the PlayStation Vita. Developed with the Vita in mind, the game aims to fill the gap of quality RPGs on the platform. The game centers on five couples brought together to compete in a deadly tournament called the Ark Arena, overseen by a mysterious figure named The Agent. Players control these couples, navigating dungeons, battling monsters, and collecting Gene Plates to gain magical abilities.
The gameplay is traditional JRPG fare with turn-based combat and dungeon exploration. Players can choose between solo or paired attacks. The Gene Plate system allows for character customization and mastery of abilities. The combat system incorporates a unique break meter that shifts the advantage between players and enemies.
Chaos Rings’s visuals, mostly in the art direction is impressive. It also features a compelling soundtrack by Noriyasu Agematsu. While the touch controls are intact, the Vita’s buttons and analog sticks provide better accuracy, which should be easy remake for Square.
5. Unit 13
At the time when Unit 13 was released, mobile internet is still in 3G. The internet connections of majority of the people is not as fast as compared today’s. Unit 13 has great cooperative foundations, which is a shame because it was never given the chance. This spot should have been given to Killzone: Mercenary but that game received accolades and was played by most of the Vita owners.
Unit 13 starts off with basic training to familiarize players with the Vita controls, followed by over 45 missions that can be played solo or with an online partner. Performance in these missions is graded, with high scores unlocking tougher VIP missions, and the game tracks and ranks players on leaderboards.
Unit 13 does not offer an in-depth storyline but focuses on short mission briefings and varied mission types, including recon, assault, and stealth, perfect for mobile gaming. Each mission type influences the choice of soldier, with six to choose from, each offering customizable weapons and statistical bonuses. Soldiers earn XP during missions, leveling up to gain perks and bonuses. Daily Challenges add replay value, offering special missions with fixed objectives that can only be played once.
4. Freedom Wars
Freedom Wars, developed in collaboration with Studio Japan and key members from the God Eater franchise, brought a fresh and ambitious game on the Vita. While God Eater provided a futuristic alternative to the medieval Monster Hunter series, Freedom Wars retains this influence with fast-paced gameplay, a strong narrative focus, and futuristic themes. Both games fall into the “hunter” genre, where players hunt massive monsters to gather resources and craft better equipment, but Freedom Wars differentiates itself with its unique premise and setting.
Set in a distant future where humanity has depleted Earth’s resources, Freedom Wars features a society divided into factions called Panopticons. Players, known as “sinners,” are sentenced to a million years of servitude, which they can reduce by completing missions. This setting marks a departure from the medieval themes typical of hunter games. The gameplay involves a dynamic relationship between players and their AI companions, known as “accessories,” who assist in combat but also enforce the society’s strict rules. This relationship, combined with the social aspects of the game, emphasizes teamwork and collaboration for the greater good.
This game is effectively dead on the platform. There seems to be no plan of porting the game, so might as well, after all these years, make a remake of this game. This should be great on modern platforms especially on handhelds, but this is Sony’s, maybe that’s why there is an apprehension.
3. Gravity Rush
What were the good things said about Gravity Rush that were not written in Nerdvana Central? Nothing. Gravity Rush is one of the best action / open world game at one point in time. Gamers wanted different back then? Probably, as the PlayStation owners did not support the sequel.
Gravity Rush offers a unique and exhilarating experience by combining captivating gameplay, stunning visuals, and an intriguing story. Players assume the role of Kat, a girl with the extraordinary ability to manipulate gravity thanks to her mysterious feline companion, Dusty. This gravity manipulation is central to the gameplay, enabling Kat to fly around the city, stick to walls, and walk upside down.
While the controls may take some time to master, they provide an incredibly fun and liberating experience once you do. Players can control Kat’s movements using the R trigger and aim with either the right control stick or the Vita’s internal gyroscope for more precise adjustments. Kat’s primary attack is a powerful gravity kick, usable both on the ground and in the air, that homes in on enemies with precision.
Additionally, the game features a stasis field that allows Kat to pick up and throw objects at enemies, adding another layer of strategy to combat. With its innovative mechanics and engaging story, Gravity Rush offers a refreshing and enjoyable adventure.
2. Muramasa Rebirth
Here is another entry that also appeared in our best action games on the Vita list. Muramasa Rebirth was reborn on the PS Vita in 2013 after originally appearing on the Nintendo Wii. This reincarnation of the game brings notable enhancements, including an improved English translation with clearer story elements and previously obscure details. The Vita version also introduces a jump button, customizable controls, and smoother graphics, refining the overall experience.
Muramasa Rebirth retains the breathtaking 2D side-scrolling graphics of the original, resembling a painting with enhanced clarity on the PS Vita. The visual appeal extends to beautifully illustrated food items, atmospheric backgrounds, and meticulously drawn character sprites. Combat animations and Secret Arts are fluid and visually impressive.
The gameplay involves strategic combat, Persona management, and exploiting enemy weaknesses. The story is divided between Princess Momohime and the ninja Kisuke, offering depth and intrigue as their narratives unfold and intertwine. Muramasa Rebirth does not need graphics and gameplay overhaul ala Final Fantasy VII: Remake. What it needs is to upres everything and it is good to go–easiest remake of any publisher.
1. Soul Sacrifice Delta
Soul Sacrifice Delta is an enhanced version of the original Soul Sacrifice, offering an improved experience in the boss hunt genre similar to Monster Hunter. The game features fast-paced combat where players, as sorcerers, battle grotesque monsters using a limited number of spells. The story follows a nameless prisoner about to be sacrificed by the evil sorcerer Magusar, who finds a talking book, Librom, that allows the player to relive the author’s experiences. The narrative is delivered through voiced narration, and while the visual storytelling could be more robust.
The gameplay in Soul Sacrifice Delta is where the addiction lies. Deep and varied combat options cater to different play styles. Players can save, sacrifice, or offer enemies to fate after defeating them, each choice affecting their character’s growth and abilities. The game allows for extensive customization through sigils and offerings, which replace traditional armor and provide unique advantages in battle.
The game’s strengths in storytelling, customization, and combat make it a standout title for the Vita. Anyone who sunk countless hours playing this game will truly sink hundreds more again and again. Like what the game is all about, endless loop of hell.