Vita 1

Sony may be betting the PlayStation Vita’s future commercial fortunes on the Remote Play functionality that it shares with its home console counterpart, but that doesn’t mean that the miniscule machine is without its own roster of tailor made software. With a sizeable chunk of the manufacturer’s own network of internal developers focusing their efforts on the PlayStation 4, pickings are admittedly slim – but we reckon that this little lot should be enough to keep you occupied during your daily commute to work.

Vita 2

Borderlands 2

The first title in production as part of Sony’s new localisation and external development division, Borderlands 2 is the type of late port that Vita cynics have argued against. Having said that, assuming that Iron Galaxy – the outfit responsible for converting the title – can maintain the original’s slick visual style and tight gunplay, we can see Gearbox’s gorgeous loot-‘n’-shoot role-playing game applying itself perfectly to the portable format. Other late console conversions have fallen flat on the Japanese giant’s pocketable platform, but we remain curiously optimistic about this one. Let’s hope that it delivers.

Vita 3

Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster

As is now customary for the franchise, it’s taken Square Enix an age to convert Tidus and Yuna’s tearful PlayStation 2 escapades to the Vita. However, already available in Japan, this svelte portable compilation is shaping up to be one of the more promising titles in production for Sony’s portable powerhouse. Offering completely overhauled visuals, re-mastered audio, and a cloud-save option that will allow you to share your progress with the PlayStation 3, you’ll now be able to re-explore the angst of your high-school days while kitted out in sensible office attire on the train to work. Where did it all go wrong?

Vita 4

Freedom Wars

Arguably the most intriguing entry on this list, Freedom Wars represents Japan Studio’s second attempt at cracking the Monster Hunter nut. With Capcom’s cash-cow now pledging its allegiance to the Nintendo 3DS, the pressure’s on this collaboration with God Eater developer Shift to hit a homerun. Fortunately, its fusion of anime-esque visuals and eight-player co-operative action seems like a solid start. With the world decimated due to overpopulation, you assume the role of a convict sentenced to a life behind bars, where your only crime is being born. Fortunately, you can reduce your term by battling gigantic monsters known as Abductors. That Bionic Commando-esque grappling hook attached to your arm should come in handy, then.

Vita 5

Gravity Rush 2

All we really know is that Kat’s making a comeback, but given how much we liked the original Gravity Rush, we can’t say that we really needed any additional information for its sequel to put in an appearance on this countdown. The first title provided the basis for something special, and now we’re eager for creator Keiichirō Toyama to really flesh out all of the ideas on display and realise the property’s enormous potential. More of the unlikely heroine’s witty dialogue would be nice, but we’d also like to see the combat refined and some additional variety in the mission structure. We wouldn’t object to the catsuit costume coming along for the ride, either.

Vita 6

Soul Sacrifice Delta

Not strictly a new title, but an overhauled re-release, Soul Sacrifice Delta promises more of the macabre demon slaying intrigue that was originally glimpsed in its inaugural outing earlier this year. In addition to augmenting a third option in its save-or-sacrifice decision-making dynamic, however, the reincarnation will include several new foes based on the characters from Grimm’s famous fairy tales. Antagonists include Little Red Riding Hood – who adopts the guise of a gigantic knight – and a tortured Cinderella. The storybook stunner is transformed into a caterpillar here, where she’s haunted by a prince with a foot fetish. Don’t act like you’re not excited.

These are just a handful of our favourites, but there are more titles heading to the Vita over the coming months. What are you most looking forward to playing on your portable platform? Is there a glaring omission from our list? Hop into the comments section and poll to let us know what's on your radar.

Which Vita game are you most looking forward to in 2014? (78 votes)

  1. Borderlands 215%
  2. Destiny of Spirits1%
  3. Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster15%
  4. Freedom Wars9%
  5. Gravity Rush 241%
  6. Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number10%
  7. Soul Sacrifice Delta3%
  8. Toukiden: The Age of Demons3%
  9. Other3%

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