There are lots of magic going on at the time when the games are releasing on the PlayStation Vita. PlayStation 3 games releasing and performing technically well on a handheld! That is the first time that games run on video game console and handheld 1:1 as a general rule and not the exception. Here are seven of the best ports on the beloved, and bereaved handheld.
7. Helldivers
Helldivers 2 is one of the most popular games as of this writing. While the first game is a popular game, never has the original had this attention, aside from being embroiled with a controversy that the sequel is receiving. Helldivers remain extremely playable today, after several years of release.
“Join the Helldivers!” The game’s opening implores, inviting players into a dystopian world reminiscent of Starship Troopers. Helldivers is set in a universe where individuals are encouraged to join a fighting force and battle the enemies of ‘New Earth’. After basic training, players find themselves on a starship hub where they can select missions, engage in multiplayer matches, and upgrade their equipment. Missions involve selecting a battlefield populated by different enemy races and completing objectives in a top-down shooter format.
The core gameplay involves navigating maps, completing objectives, and using a variety of weapons and grenades to combat enemies. Missions, though basic, are made exciting by the multiplayer aspect, allowing up to four players to join forces. Cross Play with PS4 and PS3 players enhances the experience, offering seamless multiplayer interactions with no lag. Each player brings their own set of stratagems, adding depth and fun to the game. These stratagems, activated by pressing a sequence of arrow keys, can summon equipment, call for help, or deploy defensive measures, but can also lead to humorous mishaps like drop pods crushing teammates. Helldivers remains an enjoyable game and a great addition to the PS Vita’s library, thanks to its engaging multiplayer mode and the thrill of cooperative gameplay, all of which may not be working today.
6. Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
Hotline Miami on the Vita is a hyper-violent, stylish, top-down action. This recommendation has both the original and sequel in mind. These games are known for their brutal gameplay, where players infiltrate gang hideouts and eliminate enemies in a flurry of blood and gore.
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number,, in particular, stands out with its significant improvements in gameplay, graphics, and overall polish, offering a more refined experience compared to the original. The sequel’s art direction, with its cleaner graphics and more dynamic soundtrack, further elevates the gaming experience. It controls better too.
On the Vita this game delivers a compelling, fast-paced beat ’em up experience in one package. This is, of course, when you somehow missed them both upon their respective releases. Both games emphasize swift, strategic violence, with players needing to quickly decide the best ways to dispatch enemies using various weapons and abilities. The game’s aesthetic, inspired by ’80s and ’90s drug movies. While the extreme violence and controversial scenes may not be for everyone, the collection’s tight controls, engaging gameplay mechanics, and intense action should find a place in your gaming time.
4. Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition
It is a miracle that this game runs at 60FPS on a handheld. It is not just the graphics that made this game one of the greatest ports of all time, the sheer content that is inside that tiny cartridge is defying physics, it might as well black magic.
SEGA’s adaptation of this console game to a handheld platform is exemplary, showcasing a seamless transition without the typical compromises seen in portable versions. The game on Vita retains all the features and quality of its console counterpart, offering the same thrilling experience as before.
Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition excels on the Vita setting a new standard for handheld game ports. The arcade-style tennis gameplay with its quick matches and mini-games suits the portable format perfectly. It was the perfect game to be followed by the developers, but even Sony largely ignored the platform.
3. Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Need for Speed: Most Wanted had appeared in many of the the best-of lists articles here in Nerdvana Central. It is just a good game all around, from graphics to controls, from gameplay to soundtrack, everything about this game is perfect.
The Criterion version of Need For Speed Most Wanted offers a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience reminiscent of the PS2 Burnout, even at the soundtrack selection at that. Players jump straight into the game without a main menu, with nearly all cars and locations unlocked from the start.
The gameplay involves high-speed racing, drifting, and smashing through billboards and security gates. Cop chases, while fun, can be relatively easy to evade. Races are shorter but plentiful, with five events per car plus additional exclusive races. The AI is less aggressive than in previous games, but certain races remain challenging. The game combines thrilling racing mechanics with exploration and customization, offering a satisfying experience for racing fans.
2. Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster
Many would rank Final Fantasy VII as the best Final Fantasy, but Final Fantasy X might have something to say about that. Nevermind about that, it would cause a ruckus every time people start discussing which Final Fantasy is the better game, all of them are great, but the PS Vita port of the remaster is a goddamn miracle second only to the number one game in this list.
The HD remaster also includes several extras, such as the Eternal Calm video, which bridges the story between FFX and FFX-2, and Final Fantasy X-2: Last Mission, a post-game dungeon. Additionally, a new audio drama hints at future developments. This collection offers two beloved games with improved visuals and sound, making it a must-have for fans and haters alike.. The ability to transfer saves between the PS3 and Vita versions adds further value, allowing players to enjoy FFX on the go as the games are a bit grindy, but blissfully enjoyable although the game is an existential crisis galore.
1. Metal Gear Solid HD Collection
The Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection offers an impressive compilation of two of the most acclaimed games in the stealth genre, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Beautifully remastered in HD, these games continue to set the standard for stealth gameplay. The series emphasizes cunning and patience, with action sequences primarily viewed from a third-person fixed camera perspective. MGS3 also features a free-moving third-person view introduced in the Subsistence edition. While the analog sticks can feel twitchy initially, additional touchscreen inputs effectively compensate for the absence of L2 and R2 buttons on the PS2.
The environment is your greatest ally in both games. MGS3’s lush jungles and MGS2’s claustrophobic corridors provide ample opportunities for staying hidden, which is crucial for survival. Combat requires strategic use of cover, as the enemy AI is relentless in tracking you down. Boss battles are varied and inventive, ranging from sniper duels to fights against mechs and quirky characters.
The HD remaster boasts smooth frame rates, vibrant visuals, and first-class character design by Yoji Shinkawa. Harry Gregson-Williams’s soundtracks remain powerful and immersive, enhancing the tension and atmosphere. The collection also includes additional content such as VR Missions, Snake Tales, and two MSX-era Metal Gear games. The Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection is an outstanding package that offers phenomenal value and an excellent opportunity for both newcomers and series veterans to experience these classic games.