DrGamerDad

In Japan, December saw the launch of the PlayStation Vita.  February will be the release for the rest of the world.  In the United States, the full launch will be February 22^nd with the ‘First Edition' bundles available one week earlier on February 15^th. 

I am so excited for this hardware launch!  Check out the following 'Top 10' list of reasons.

10. Modnation Racers: Roadtrip.  Kart racers are common.  Good kart racers are not.  The original PS3 Modnation Racers was okay, but it had too many flaws that held it back.  Chiefly, too much time was spent between races on loading screens.  With a few adjustments, and without the loading problems, I expect this handheld version to be much better than the original.  And, who doesn’t like a good kart racer?

9. Escape Plan.  The visual style of this game is completely stunning.  The gameplay utilizes touch to interact with the environment in order to help the main characters, one Laarg and one Lil, escape from... somewhere.  There is a lot to learn about this game, and I am looking forward to finding it all out.

8. Front and rear multi-touch screens.  I have not been enamored with most touch screen gaming.  But, it is perfect for certain games.  The rear touch screen may not work out to be a great addition, but I love that they are trying it.  To have touch controls that don’t obscure the screen seems great, but I am not sure how well it will work when I don’t see what I am touching.  Likely, it will depend on the implementation within specific games.

7. Lumines: Electronic Symphony.  I missed out on the original Lumines, but I have only heard great things about it.  I look forward to downloading this version to have with me for all the times I can get in a short burst of gaming.

6. Retail and digital releases for most games.  I prefer downloading games compared to purchasing physical media, because I don’t have to worry about having it with me or losing it.  On the other hand, there are some drawbacks, it doesn’t give me the same opportunity to price shop, big games can be slow to download, and it does not afford me the chance to sell back my games if I know that I will never play them again.  The PlayStation Vita gives me both options!  I plan to mostly buy digitally, but the option for physical media allows me to be selective about which games I download and which games I buy in physical media format.

 5. Uncharted: Golden Abyss.  The Uncharted series is one of my favorites.  Nathan Drake on a portable?  Yes, please.  My only concern is that Naughty Dog has not developed this title.  I’m excited about it anyway.  Sony Bend seems to be doing a good job, and they have done some well received games in the past, so my hopes are high. 

4. Dual analog sticks.  I like portable games.  I played my DS Lite for years.  I use my PSP for games and media frequently.  But, I like the controls of console games better than the controls of portable games.  The PlayStation Vita brings the control options that I like from console games to portable gaming.

3. LittleBigPlanet Vita.  Although it will not be available at launch, one of my most anticipated games for the PlayStation Vita is the newest version of LittleBigPlanet.  This should be a perfect showcase for the unique features of the Vita, allowing for new play mechanics as well as more intuitive tools for building levels.  I look forward to seeing what the community can create with what appears to be a great addition to the series.

 2. Trophies on the go.  I do not have too many trophies, but I sure do like them.  The idea of being able to play portable games for trophies has me gleeful.  I love to game at home, but the truth is that by the time I get home from work, have dinner, get my kids to bed, relax with my wife, get jobs done around the house, etc., I just don’t have the time for games that I would like.  On the other hand, I have five minutes here and there for gaming every day.  Being able to use that time for gaming makes me think that I can finally earn a respectable number of trophies.

 1. The Screen.  That five-inch OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen looks awesome.  I would still be excited for the system without such a fabulous display, but this screen jumps out and makes me take notice of everything else.

      Pre-order now from Amazon:  PlayStation Vita - WiFi