There are only a few games which can be said as having great looks and great gameplay. On the PlayStation Vita, they are actually numerous given the hardware of the handheld, the OLED that is. Here are seven of the best PS Vita games with amazing graphics.
Best PS vita games with the best graphics
7. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
The story of Final Fantasy X remains compelling after all these years, and so does its gameplay. There is nothing to improve in the game because it is perfect as it is except that the graphics have aged--hence the remaster. The art direction of this game is sublime, opting to go the tropical instead of the gray and drab.
If you are not familiar with the skinny of the plot of the game, protagonist Tidus, a star blitzball player from Zanarkand, is thrust into a world where he becomes a guardian to Summoner Yuna. Together, they embark on a pilgrimage to defeat the monstrous Sin and uncover various secrets along the way. Final Fantasy X-2, the dress-up follow-up of the original game, is set two years later; we opt not to reveal the narrative of this game so as not to spoil the game.
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster features turn-based combat that requires strategic use of abilities and character switching. The Sphere Grid system, especially the Expert version, allows for diverse character customization and multi-classing, adding depth to the gameplay. The remaster retains the challenging nature of the original game, particularly in boss battles that demand careful use of buffs and debuffs, even though there are certain changes in the international revision of the game that were not present in the original release.
6. Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus follows Master Ninja Ryu Hayabusa on a quest for revenge after his village is destroyed. The story is rooted in mythology, leading Ryu to battle soldiers, rival ninjas, and fiends, although the narrative takes a back seat to the gameplay. Set in the same universe as Dead or Alive (which is high in this rankings, just so you wait), Ninja Gaiden serves as a prequel, focusing on Ryu's journey with limited appearances from other familiar characters. The game emphasizes challenging combat over storytelling, with a deep system that requires players to master various techniques and strategies to progress.
The combat system in Ninja Gaiden is akin to that of a fighting game, with numerous weapons and hundreds of combos available. Players must learn to effectively use these moves against different enemies, each with unique weaknesses. Unlike typical hack-and-slash games, Ninja Gaiden demands precision and strategy in every encounter, making it a notoriously difficult game even on the easiest settings. The inclusion of RPG elements, such as earning cash to upgrade weapons and purchase itemsis also unique for the genre.
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus, an updated version of the original game, introduces significant changes, including a "very easy" mode to make the game more accessible, and a second playable character, Rachel, whose brute force fighting style contrasts with Ryu's speed. Other enhancements include new weapons, enemies, boss fights, and, of course, the main course: a complete graphical update, making Sigma the best version of the game.
5. Uncharted: Golden Abyss
Uncharted: Golden Abyss is truly an Uncharted game with it being set entirely on tropical jungles and ruins. Its pacing and encounter design, reminiscent of Uncharted 2, ensure engaging gameplay with well-balanced and brief gunfights, elevating it above the original game of the series which, really, did not age well.
Golden Abyss incorporates many familiar Uncharted tropes, including collapsing ledges, a cheesy plot, and witty banter. The game's integration of Vita's touch and motion controls is a novel experience. These include rubbing the screen for charcoal rubbings, swiping for melee combat, and tilting the Vita for balance, which can be intrusive and frustrating.
Uncharted: Golden Abyss is an impressive and faithful adaptation of the Uncharted formula especially in its bombastic set pieces that is pushed through by its incredible visuals. It showcases the Vita's capabilities and maintains the franchise's fundamentals in terms of pacing and encounter design, sometimes surpassing the console versions.
4. Dead or Alive 5 Plus
The inclusion of this game is not because of the certain body parts of the characters. Aside from that fact, the graphics of Dead or Alive 5 Plus is just insane to behold on the Vita screen. It is also a great fighting game too.
This title is more user-friendly than the previous entry of the franchise, featuring a traditional fighting game approach with a balanced challenge. Players can engage in various offline modes such as arcade, survival, time attack, and training,.
The story mode is a mix of serious and silly elements, including outrageous scenarios like Zack's circus tent escapade. It develops the characters, introduces unlockables, and teaches game mechanics through optional missions. The Vita's instant screenshot feature allows players to capture absurd moments from the story mode.
Dead or Alive 5 Plus retains the impressive graphics and fluid animations of the console versions, with detailed character models and dynamic stages. The audio complements the gameplay with atmospheric sound effects, enhancing the intensity of battles. The Vita version supports cross-save with the PS3, ensuring continuity in game progress at the time of its release.
3. YS VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana has polished visuals on top of its awesome gameplay. The game presents a significant improvement in character models and environments compared to its predecessor, Memories of Celceta. During battles, the graphics maintain their integrity, showcasing flashy skills without looking like a discombobulated pixel.
The game's real-time, fast-paced battles are a highlight, allowing players to engage in dynamic combat while managing an array of skills and resources. Ys VIII also offers a substantial amount of content, including missable quests, crafting, fishing, and village building. Players can save anywhere except during boss fights and warp to any checkpoint early in the game, adding convenience to the extensive exploration and adventure.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana provides a meaty story with a relatable cast of characters and a mix of dramatic and humorous moments. Its engaging gameplay, rich content, and significant improvements over previous titles make it a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
2. WipeOut 2048
Nothing screams visuals like WipeOut 2048. The game's design, including futuristic fonts, stylish menus, and pantone patch color schemes, is eye candy and worth drooling over. On the track, WipeOut 2048 is a visual spectacle, filled with particle explosions, light trails, and contemporary graphical details.
The game effectively showcases the Vita's capabilities, handling intense vehicle scrambles through richly detailed futuristic New York settings. The game's graphical richness introduces a level of difficulty that may not have been fully intended by the developers. But that is the price of extreme speed, right?
It is a shame that the franchise may not have an actual racing title, WipeOut Merge is a sim manager so that does not qualify as an entry to the franchise. Grasp your Vitas tightly and play this game until the end of time, this is the last of it.
1. Killzone: Mercenary
Killzone: Mercenary is a miracle. How did it look so good on the Vita without involving black magic? Aside from great looks, it also has a great gameplay hook, it’s a damn good first-person shooter.
The game offers smooth controls utilizing the Vita's twin analog sticks for movement and aiming, and various buttons and touchscreen functions for actions like shooting, reloading, and melee attacks. The rear touchpad is also used for sniping and sprinting, adding to the intuitive control scheme that enhances the gameplay experience.
The single-player campaign features nine missions where players take on the role of mercenary Arran Danner, fighting solely for cash with no allegiance to good or evil. The campaign can be completed in around four hours on one of three difficulty levels, with harder difficulties yielding more earnings. Players can choose stealth or direct combat, purchase weapons, armor, and Vanguards from Blackjack stations, and the in-game currency and equipment are shared with the multiplayer mode.
The multiplayer aspect of this game was the bee’s knees. But it is dead now, nevertheless, single player matchups with bots is still a blast.Killzone: Mercenary's smooth controls, stunning graphics, and extensive replayability make it a standout title for handheld FPS enthusiasts.