PlayStation Vita Birthday Header

Much like those people forced to celebrate their birthday on Christmas Eve, the PlayStation Vita’s first anniversary on the market has been somewhat overshadowed by the impending PlayStation 4. But we couldn’t let the handheld’s big day pass without a commemoration of some sort, so we’ve compiled a list of five of the system’s must play games. The console may not be setting the sales charts alight – but few could argue with the quality of the titles within.

Gravity Rush

Gravity Rush

At its core, Gravity Rush is a game about a girl and her cat. But the most recent release from Silent Hill creator Keiichirō Toyama is so much more than that. An open world platformer with a fascinating physics-based hook, the topsy-turvy adventure sends you on a sprawling journey through a floating city known as Hekseville. The plot may mimic the mechanics a little too closely, hopping about in a nauseating manner – but the gameplay is exquisite, and lead character Kat is arguably the greatest new PlayStation protagonist since Nathan Drake and Sackboy.

LittleBigPlanet PS Vita

LittleBigPlanet PS Vita

Inferior home console adaptations are one of the most frequent criticisms pointed at the Vita, but LittleBigPlanet PS Vita proves them wrong. Tarsier and Double Eleven’s impressive portable riff on the ‘Play Create Share’ format is not only one of the best Vita games, it’s also arguably the best entry currently available in Sackboy’s growing series. Touch inputs, motion controls, and better design tools make this a valuable addition to your video game collection – even if you’ve already played all of the entries on the PlayStation 3.

Persona 4 Golden

Persona 4 Golden

One of the best games on the PlayStation 2, revisited on a more suitable platform; Persona 4 Golden may slot into the dreaded ‘port’ category, but that doesn’t make the Atlus published title any less worth playing. Boasting new gameplay features, fresh story beats, and network functionality, this quirky blend of high-school drama and fantasy action is both a compelling Vita title and a real shot in the arm for the sagging JRPG genre. Plus, we kind of have a crush on Yukiko.

Super Stardust Delta

Super Stardust Delta

An enhanced version of the PlayStation Network favourite, Super Stardust Delta is an addictive dual-stick shooter with gameplay so absorbing that we don’t recommend playing it on the bus. The title may have been overshadowed by the wizardry of Uncharted: Golden Abyss at launch, but this was the system’s first true showpiece, boasting high-resolution visuals at a blisteringly slick framerate. The game’s only downside is its implementation of Near – we’ll scream if we discover any more soundtrack-based ‘Game Goods’.

WipEout 2048

WipEout 2048

Tinged with the sadness of Studio Liverpool’s demise, WipEout 2048 is a fitting tribute to the legendary UK studio. Boasting arguably one of the greatest intro movies of all time, the same trademark high-octane action that the franchise is famous for, and a particularly compelling online campaign, this is a swanky racer with some satisfying combat mechanics. Oh, and it has some of the best downloadable content that money can buy.

What’s your favourite Vita title to date? What are you most looking forward to over the next twelve months? Speak your mind via the comments section and poll below.

What's your favourite PlayStation Vita game? (52 votes)

  1. Gravity Rush21%
  2. LittleBigPlanet PS Vita15%
  3. Persona 4 Golden31%
  4. Super Stardust Delta2%
  5. WipEout 20486%
  6. Something else25%

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