There are games which did not cross over the ocean and stayed in Japan. That is understandable since the Vita did not really sell well. Here are seven PlayStation Vita games with English translation floating all over the Internet.
Best PS vita games with english translation
7. Uppers
Uppers is a vibrant brawler set on Last Resort Island, where delinquents vie for dominance and the attention of attractive women. Its visually captivating world filled with diverse locations—from glitzy casinos to gritty alleyways is an interesting set up.
Uppers’ visuals are amazing with its colorful aesthetics and dynamic combat animations, presenting a visual treat especially on the Vita’s OLED screen. Character designs by Hiroaki (known for King of Fighters) are striking, featuring a diverse cast of muscular brawlers and well-detailed female characters. Combat animations are fluid, complemented by vibrant special effects that enhance the spectacle of battles.
Gameplay in Uppers revolves around straightforward brawling mechanics reminiscent of classics like Final Fight and Streets of Rage, with added depth from interactive environments. Players engage in arena-style battles and utilize surroundings creatively, from kicking barrels to smashing foes through walls. Uppers on delivers flashy action and engaging visuals. There should be no need for an English translation since this game is all action, but sometimes we all need context. Its appeal lies in its over-the-top style and interactive combat environments, making it a worthwhile choice for fans of the genre.
6. Puyo Puyo Tetris
Puyo Puyo Tetris combines the timeless appeal of Tetris with the joyful complexity of Puyo Puyo, creating a game that offers a wealth of entertainment options. It goes beyond mere inclusion of both games, introducing new modes like “Swap” where players alternate between Puyo and Tetris in timed intervals. The combination mode, while not as groundbreaking as the originals, manages to blend Tetris’ block-clearing mechanics with Puyo Puyo’s blob-linking strategies effectively.
Adventure Mode weaves a humorous, albeit nonsensical, storyline that unites the worlds of Tetris and Puyo Puyo. It doesn’t take itself seriously, focusing instead on delivering laughs and enjoyable challenges.Multiplayer modes include online matchups and ad-hoc play.
Puyo Puyo Tetris excels in honoring the legacies of both games while innovating with new modes and multiplayer options, which by now probably does not exist, and even it is very doubtful one can enter the PlayStation Network with a patched game. It’s a solid addition to any puzzle enthusiast’s collection, offering enduring fun from hereon to forever.
5. Catherine Full Body
Catherine: Full Body has generated considerable controversy, yet amidst all the noise, it’s a game that is fantastic. This game elevates the visual novel genre by blending it seamlessly with choice-driven gameplay and challenging puzzles. The addition of Safety mode, designed to simplify the notoriously difficult block-pushing puzzles of the original, was a welcome relief. It strikes a balance between accessibility and challenge, providing tools like autoplay for those who need assistance without compromising the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles independently.
The game introduces new questions and pathways, expanding the narrative possibilities significantly. This encouraged me to explore multiple endings over many hours of gameplay. The introduction of Rin, a character who adds substantial new content and offers a refreshing departure from the intense dynamics between the original game’s Katherine and Catherine, was particularly captivating. Rin’s presence not only enriches the story but also serves as the focal point for what some may consider the true ending of the game.
4. Chaos Rings III: Prequel Trilogy
Chaos Rings III marks a departure from its predecessors, which were dark, smartphone-based games featuring couples trapped in a grim alternate dimension. This installment, despite being the fourth in the series, takes a markedly different direction. Set in the vast space colony Teia near the planet Marble Blue, the game introduces a world brimming with magical treasures known as Gifts. These treasures are sought after using the power of Genes, which manifest as heroic spirits in card form, and exploration is a popular profession due to the dangers involved.
The characters in Chaos Rings III are diverse and central to the storyline. Nasca, a determined 16-year-old, dreams of discovering the mythical Paradiso and is guided by prophetic dreams. Eruru, the daughter of a fortune-teller, joins him after centuries of isolation, fascinated by his adventures. Nasca’s younger sister Patty, though not a playable character, plays a crucial supportive role. Leary, with her mysterious powers, and Daisuke, driven by his mother’s illness, round out the party, each contributing uniquely to the group dynamics.
Thematically, Chaos Rings III also deviates significantly from its predecessors, adopting a more upbeat, adventurous tone akin to classic JRPGs. The storyline unfolds with dreams, quests for treasures, and close friendships driving the narrative, a departure from the darker themes of sacrifice and survival seen in earlier games. The game retains its core appeal with an expansive world and intricate character arcs, making it a compelling choice for JRPG enthusiasts.
And that is just Chaos Rings III. The game comes with the first three Chaos Rings games. If you do know how to count, that is four excellent role-playing games in one fully English translated package.
3. IA/VT Colorful
IA/VT Colorful is Marvelous’ inaugural entry into the vocaloid rhythm game genre, attempting to rival the popular Hatsune Miku series. Segments featuring IA in vibrant performances with dynamic effects dazzle with its colorful and engaging presentation. Gameplay-wise, IA/VT Colorful follows the standard rhythm game formula with notes flowing down lanes that players must hit in sync with the music. The game offers some leniency in timing, which makes it accessible.
Gameplay involves hitting notes that correspond to the Vita’s face and directional buttons as they reach a pink circle, with special notes adding to the song’s “colorful” rating. While the game is generally easy to pick up, mastering it on higher difficulties requires dexterity. Despite similarities to the Project Diva series, it distinguishes itself with a unique scoring system that emphasizes accuracy and maintaining combos, particularly during colorful segments of songs.
Players can unlock all 60 songs through a DJMax-esque leveling system, earning points for completing songs and unlocking additional content like costumes and UI themes. The game offers several modes, including free play, challenge mode, and a customizable playlist feature. The game’s clean and vibrant aesthetic, combined with engaging gameplay, makes replaying songs enjoyable despite some grindiness in unlocking certain items.
IA/VT Colorful balances approachable gameplay with challenging elements, making it suitable for both casual players and hardcore rhythm game enthusiasts. Despite not being localized due to IA’s relative obscurity among Vocaloids, a fan translation is now available so that everyone can enjoy the game.
2. The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero
Zero no Kiseki or Trails of Zero is one of the finest JRPGs due to its near-flawless execution. As the fourth game in the Trails series, it continues the overarching narrative set in the same world, with each game exploring different arcs and characters. This particular game marks the beginning of the Crossbell Arc, making it an ideal entry point for new players. The series’ unique structure allows for new arcs to be accessible without prior knowledge, though it remains essential to play sequential games within an arc for full comprehension. The interconnected storylines and gradual character introductions create a deeply epic experience.
In Trails of Zero, players take on the role of policemen, with the game structured into chapters that represent various cases and tasks. This format adds a unique twist to the typical JRPG formula, blending police work with classic adventure-style quests. The turn-based combat on a grid system remains faithful to traditional JRPG mechanics, but with added elements like counterattacks for a fresh gameplay experience. The setting of Crossbell, a crime-infested city-state with a corrupt government, provides a gritty and engaging backdrop. The narrative delves into serious themes of corruption and idealism yet maintains a light-hearted tone through its humor and character interactions.
The game excels in character development and storytelling. Characters are richly detailed, with expressive 2D portraits that convey a wide range of emotions, making them feel lifelike. The writing ensures each character remains consistent and relatable, avoiding typical JRPG tropes. The narrative is compelling, with the story becoming particularly intense and fast-paced in the final chapters.That is why the English translation is mandatory, this game must be played and understanding the entire world and characters is priority number one.
1. Taiko no Tatsujin V
Taiko no Tatsujin: V Version brings the beloved arcade rhythm game experience to the PlayStation Vita with a vibrant and engaging entry that resonates with its song choices and gameplay mechanics. Developed by Namco and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, the game introduces a rare narrative element where players follow Don and Katsu as they navigate a mystical world, combating Noise Devils alongside Maple through rhythmic drumming challenges.
The game employs a charming and colorful presentation that captures the essence of its whimsical characters and settings. From customizable protagonist Don to various quirky monsters and animals, the game exudes a distinctly Japanese aesthetic that enhances its appeal. Despite some repetitive elements in its design, the game compensates with a soundtrack that spans diverse genres like J-pop, vocaloid, anime, and game music. With standout tracks from popular series such as Attack on Titan and Sword Art Online, the game boasts an impressive selection of 88 base songs.
Taiko no Tatsujin: V Version centers on its accessible two-button control scheme, which evolves into challenging complexity as players progress. The game offers three main modes: Practice for honing skills, Instant Action for immediate song enjoyment, and Donder Quest, which combines rhythm gameplay with RPG elements. Donder Quest introduces strategic gameplay elements like elemental equipment and dynamic challenge. It stands as a recommended choice for those seeking lively rhythm gaming with a distinctly Japanese flair, now in English.