Unlike the PlayStation Portable, the PlayStation Vita is a host of countless visual novels and adventure games. This may be more of an effect of the rising popularity of the genre than the PlayStation Vita's market viability because, as you know. Anyway, here are seven of the best adventure games on the magnificent gaming gadget.
Best PS vita adventure games
7. Chaos; Child
From the makers of Steins;Gate came another visual novel in"Chaos;Child". Released initially in 2014 on Xbox One and later ported to other platforms, it continues the story from Chaos;Head, but with an entirely new cast. You really do not need to play the prequel in order to enjoy this game.
Chaos;Child is set in 2015 Shibuya, Tokyo, where a series of gruesome murders echo similar events from six years prior. These new murders, known as the "Return of the New Generation Madness," become the focus of the protagonist Takuru Miyashiro, a high school student deeply affected by the past earthquake that ravaged Shibuya.
The game's production values are high, with detailed backgrounds, colorful character art, and a moody, ambient soundtrack that enhances the dark atmosphere. The story delves into mystery and horror, using Takuru's delusions to add depth and complexity to the narrative.The game features a plethora of twists, with a complex route structure that includes a common route followed by multiple heroine routes and a true ending.
Chaos;Child manages to redeem itself from what could have been easily a typical otaku affair due to the abundant female character tropes through its compelling detective story and memorable cast. Ultimately, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of themes like isolation and chaos.
6. Octodad: Dadliest Catch
If you want a wacky yet heartwarming adventure that is more on humor than murder, then Octodad: Dadliest Catch is the game to pick. The game revolves around Octodad, an octopus masquerading as a human, living a seemingly normal suburban life with his family while evading a chef determined to expose him. Despite the simplicity of the storyline, the charm lies in Octodad's absurd attempts to perform everyday tasks, creating a comedic experience filled with laugh-out-loud moments. The humor is further enhanced by the quirky interactions with his family and other characters.
The game’s presentation combines bright and cheerful visuals with a cartoonish aesthetic that suits its whimsical tone. The "Deep Sea" level stands out with its atmospheric design, offering a visual treat despite the overall simplicity. Sound design excels with effective voice acting and humorous sound effects.
Gameplay is a mix of adventure and puzzle-solving, with Octodad’s unique control mechanics providing both fun and mild frustration. Players control each of Octodad’s limbs separately, leading to hilariously awkward movements as he attempts to complete various tasks. The game includes a variety of scenarios, from mundane household chores to more complex challenges in an aquarium arcade, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. Performance is generally smooth on the Vita, though loading times can be lengthy, which is why almost all of the games have this sort of problem. Octodad’s blend of humor, heart, and innovative gameplay make it a memorable, if short, adventure.
5. Broken Sword 5: The Serpent’s Curse
Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse brings a beloved 90s classic into the modern era, continuing the undying legacy of the point-and-click adventure genre. The game maintains its charm and appeal and was released on both PC and PlayStation Vita. With an engaging storyline and the return of iconic characters George Stobbart and Nico Collard, the game invites players to dive into a thrilling mystery set against the backdrop of an art heist gone wrong.
The touch screen controls on the Vita make interacting with the game world straightforward and intuitive. By simply tapping and dragging items, players can easily navigate conversations and puzzles. Although the interface can sometimes feel cluttered due to overlapping items, the simplicity and accessibility of the controls allow for an enjoyable gaming experience. This streamlined approach ensures that even newcomers to the genre can jump in without any hassle.
The Serprent’s Curse is brimming with detailed, colorful characters and smooth animations. The voice acting stands out, bringing depth and personality to the characters, and the background music complements the atmosphere perfectly. The dialogue between George and Nico is particularly captivating, as it is filled with humor and sometimes drama. The chemistry between the protagonists and the rich, interactive world make Broken Sword 5 a delightful experience for fans of point-and-click adventures.
4. Zero Escape: Nonary Games
This might be a controversial opinion but the 999 Vita port is the best version of the game. Although, it is very reasonable to put the original Nintendo DS version on a pedestal due to the game’s execution of the ending alone on the dual screen. Nevertheless, in terms of polish it is arguable that 999 on the Zero Escape: Nonary Games combo pack is the best version of the game.
The Vita version of 999, offers a unique experience compared to its NDS predecessor, incorporating elements from the iOS port to enhance its visual appeal. The high-resolution backgrounds and re-rendered animations look stunning on the Vita’s screen, free from any visual artifacts.
Gameplay on the Vita benefits from responsive touch screen controls, making navigation and interaction straightforward. The UI is substantially sharper and cleaner than it has ever been. The addition of a flow diagram significantly reduces the need for repetitive gameplay, allowing players to easily jump between events and explore different narrative paths.
The audio aspects of the Vita version shine, with the original soundtrack by Shinji Hosoe remaining untouched, perfectly setting the mood for the game. The voice acting adds depth to the characters with the expanded dialogue and new sound effects further adds up. Ultimately, this version of 999 is recommended for both new players and fans of the series, offering a superior version of the game in terms of graphics, audio, and quality-of-life improvements. Also, before it is forgotten, Virtue’s Last Reward is part of the package.
3. The Unfinished Swan
The Unfinished Swan follows a simple, fairy-tale-like approach, while the gameplay offers a relaxed, experimental 3D exploration experience.The game's story revolves around a boy named Monroe, whose mother, a prolific painter, leaves behind an unfinished drawing of a swan that leads him into a mysterious world. The narrative explores themes of creativity and legacy through the tale of a king who painted his kingdom, but it only delves into these themes deeply towards the end of the game.
The simplicity of the storybook presentation is its biggest strength since some adventure games overcompensate for the inherent lack of action of the genre with horror vacui. Sometimes, it is nice to have empty spaces.
Gameplay in The Unfinished Swan involves navigating an initially blank world by splattering black paint to reveal the environment, which offers a novel and visually striking experience. This visually striking adventure game is comparable to the acclaimed Journey. Its diverse and unique level design, coupled with a variety of play styles, sets it apart from other games. The artistic levels offer an experience unlike any seen before. Though it can be completed in about three hours, its replay value significantly extends the overall playtime. In every aspect, The Unfinished Swan is a must-have, solidifying its status as one of the best adventure games on the PS Vita.
2. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair builds upon the success of its predecessor, offering an even more compelling experience set in a series of tropical islands. Like its predecessor, the game revolves around a group of Ultimates trapped in a deadly game orchestrated by Monokuma, the sinister bear-like mascot. The characters are a standout, with larger-than-life personalities and designs that enhance their interactions and the overall visual novel experience. The game's humor is also a strong point, with Monokuma's antics providing many laughs throughout.
Gameplay improvements are notable, especially in the complexity of murder mysteries and trials. Unlike the first game, where solutions could be straightforward, here, murders are more intricate, taking advantage of the varied island settings to add depth to investigations and trials. This complexity challenges players to think critically and enhances the suspense during trial segments.
The narrative explores a wide range of scenarios and challenges. Interactions between characters are dynamic and entertaining, adding to the game's overall charm and making the bonds between characters feel genuine. The inclusion of new mini-games, including one featuring Monomi in arcade-like battles is a surprisingly fitting addition.
1. Grim Fandango Remastered
As good as Danganronpa 2 is, no game can unseat the greatest adventure game of all time,Grim Fandango. Developed by Tim Schafer, known for classics like Monkey Island and Psychonauts, the story follows Manny, a travel agent in the Land of the Dead, on a quest for redemption. The Vita's touchscreen controls were well-suited for navigating the game's environments.
The game's narrative depth and character development are its strongest points, showcasing Schafer's knack for witty dialogue and imaginative storytelling. Manny's journey through various afterlife locales not only entertains but also explores themes of community and existential longing. Despite its age, the game's puzzles, typical of 90s point-and-click adventures, remain challenging and occasionally obscure, encouraging players to think outside the box or seek assistance from walkthroughs.
Looking back, Grim Fandango Remastered remains a significant title for its narrative richness and thematic depth. The game's unique blend of humor, poignant storytelling, and challenging puzzles makes it a worthwhile addition to any gaming library, particularly for those who appreciate narrative-driven adventures.