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@get2sammyb yeah, just not quite what'd I'd hoped. I'm sure I'll love it, but Vita needs a 90%+ AAA on Metacritic to hang it's hat on. I just want the platform to succceed.

@Gemuarto Yeah I agree about Killzone Liberation being awesome. I think there's room for that aspect of the franchise on the Vita too.

@Fruitbat1919 thanks man.

...and while I'm on a rant, I'm going to add something about game length.

Firstly, all genres have their sweet spots, and I'm completely fed up of reviewers complaining about shooters being too short. The scripted shooter genre should be on the short side, otherwise it's full of tons of boring filler.

That said, my main beef is with reviewers, estimating, exaggerating or even worse extracting game length info from other reviews of the game. I know that it's probably difficult to platinum every game that comes across your desk when you review for a living but I see a disturbing trend of collective thought forming.

This is most evident with regards to game-length-moaning. Firstly, I've probably played as many games to completion as many of the reviewers working today, yet they state play times that are often easily 25-50% faster than mine. Bear in mind I'm not failing at levels or dawdling. So what gives? They must be robots.

I honestly believe that some reviewers are speedrunning games, maybe even skipping cutscenes and major, but optional, gameplay elements to produce these estimates. Others are trying to seem heroic I guess "only took me 8 hours" for a freaking 12-14 hour game.

Now to the worst bit. Review copying. I think TONS of reviews out there are done like many of high schools worst essays. They are rewordings of the big site's offerings. It's one of the things I like about this site, in that the reviews come across as unique and considered. That can't be said for a lot of sites out there.

A good example of of how this can get out of hand is with a game like horribly flawed Call of Duty Declassified. I played through the story on 2 star (cause, thanks to the game design, setting sights on 3 stars would have been extremely irritating.) I don't know how long it ultimately took me, but probably a couple of hours altogether, factoring in a few levels I had to replay (which is part of game length...only ordinarily not such a big factor, for shame Nstigate) However in every subsequent review for the game, the single player experience got shorter and shorter. No joke some reviews claimed the game provided 20-30 minutes of gameplay. Break out the egg timer boys, you're full of it. The game was too short and too bad, but stop obsessing about length over quality and stop taking other reviewer's playtime and subtracting 10 minutes...by the last copycat the game ends up being -3hours.

Again, none of this is directed at this site, I love it here.

@Lelouch yeah this concept baffles me. When a vita game manages a console experience, it gets panned for not being "bitesized", as you said. Then when it delivers bitesized games it gets panned for "failing to deliver on the promise of true console gaming experiences."

I honestly think the Vita is getting betrayed by those who should be it's best allies- the gaming media. Finally a company is delivering what we've all asked for and instead of celebrating what it is, the media obsessing on what it isn't.

My primary theory is that most mobile gamers are Nintendo loyalists. This comes from N's long and well earned history as a giant of mobile gaming. It just frustrates me that you can play Uncharted, Gravity Rush and now Killzone anywhere you go and the response is so muted, yet people get giddy waiting in line for another Mario side scroller (which are good, but not the point.)

The spoiled gaming media has to wake up and start rewarding the level
of quality being produced for the system or else people will continue to believe bs like "the Vita still has no games" When it had a better launch lineup than almost any console and continues to bloom. If that happens gamers-products like Vita will fade away and the handheld market will slip back into complacency:

Not directed at you or this review btw @get2sammyb

I feel like some reviewers are targetting the Vita or the concept of portability. 8/10 is a solid score, but if trends continue this game won't break 80% on Metacritic and I have a feeling that's a shame.

This is really cool news, because this is likely how I'll experience the title. I'm a bit mixed about racers. I find them very fun, but the platinum issue highlights my sticking point. Almost all racers have so much filler requirements for 100% or platinum. I love to complete games. If I don't finish a game it's because it's truly bad. Yet racers leave me feeling like the only true "finish" is 100% completion. Then the challenges are insane like goals likely unattainable without a wheel or 24 hour races that make no sense. Other genres give a sense of completion through story mode elements, allowing satisfaction and the option to platinum the truly awesome titles. Racing games need to master this.

So yeah. Glad to get it free on plus and go from there.

@odd69 It's gotten nothing but high scores since it's release on other platforms. I personally love quirky retro platformers, but what keeps my interest low in this title is the endless aspect. When games get endless, it just sorta makes me feel like I could better spend that time on backlogged games.

@8vpiper I agree man. Will still get it on Vita. Seems like it's only missing a game mode, that spans some levels. Nothing is supposedly missing from the core game. This is likely a gamecard space issue. Realistically, unless the game becomes a pure obsession then I won't miss an extraneous game mode. To me, some games just fit my Vita game habits better.

Realistically they might make it available for download later, but it might be delayed as a way if justifying, in part, the $20 price difference.

@JaxonH yeah, that's me. Definite Sony fan, but open to anything that's good. I think the gaming world and the internet in general needs more openmindedness. Things are improving though, at least as far as acceptance of unusual
games is concerned, through indies.

@JaxonH yeah for sure. I appreciate that you get what I'm saying.

I've said it before, but Pushsquare has the best crowd. I love how discussions are about games and not personal arguments. Even when people don't agree, things stay civil. Glad I started coming here. I wish more vg sites were like this one.

@Gamer83 yeah, getting kinda annoyed at people dismissing a game just for being "just another good looking hollow shooter." It's foolish.

The genre is defined partly by it's immersiveness. The looks are a part of that. But on to the shooting...that's the whole point. Excellent shooting action is taken for granted by a lot of gamers now. That's how a game like Max Payne 3 remains so underrated. That game had an incredible shooting dynamic. People fly right by that and put weight on other things like story or rpg elements (though I liked the storytelling in Max Payne 3 too). Don't get me wrong, story is one of Killzone's areas to work on as some of the protagonists are cliche and 2 dimensional, but holding a shooter's worth to it's story alone is like buying a FIFA game and finding the gameplay amazing but then giving it a bad rating on lack of story.

I think people forget where the genre has come from. The state of shooting in Killzone titles is really something of value. The graphics bring immersion. If the characterization is stepped up in Shadowfall the missing element of immersion will fall into place. (The story/universe is actually quite awesome. Just need less 90's action hero character behavior and more depth and soul).

@get2sammyb As launches go, it's awesome, imo.

Killzone is about to break out. Mark my words. Mercenary and shadow fall are going to push each other and the brand. Shadow fall is coming at the right time and on the right system. Shadow fall preorder numbers are looking huge so far.

This is Killzone's year. Btw the other games in the series are way underrated.

@ScreamAimFire99 yep. If they do this in NA for $499 I'd definitely upgrade my preorder...as long as it's guaranteed at launch of course.

@PMasterTy9 Yeah Journey at that price is amazing man. It's maybe more "experience" than game...but it's an amazing experience and "playing" it, never gets boring. I thought a lot about it in the weeks after I finished it and it will stick with me.

Yeah, Rockstar is one of the few studios that can make massive open world games that have the raw excitement of pure linear AAA titles. Every Rockstar game is a preorder for me.

Speaking of indie games, I know everyone in the world
has already recommended it, but playing through Hotline Miami on the Vita and I love it. It's just awesome retro goodness.

@PMasterTy9 yes exactly. I love a lot of indie games though actually. That said, on big games alone, the ps4 alone is set to keep me busy. Especially considering I'm still wading through a backlog. If the complaint is "I can't build a much bigger/huge new backlog this winter." Then true and be patient. But with everything available, unless you game literally 24/7 or only like like one genre, then you're set.

I understand Reggie saying it, it's his job to protect his sinking console. What confuses the hell out of me is "gamers" saying it also, in response. The launch window games of xb1 and ps4 are by far the best launch games ever seen. Like hands down. I'm not necessarily a fan of every single game that is being released but there is tremendous variety and depth. People who are unimpressed are probably mostly very young or can't afford the systems and are trying to comfort themselves. Reason I say they might be young, is an inexperienced gamer might be comparing the launch titles to game offerings from 2nd, 3rd, 4th year etc.

To be "impressed" by a launch requires putting it into perspective. It's like saying you're not impressed by a 1st grader who can do 8th grade math because you know an 11th grader who can do calculus. Makes no sense.

Besides, look at the source. Wii U had some great games at launch...mostly ports of year old 3rd party titles. This is the pot calling the kettle black if I've ever seen it.

@mibtar funny thing is, the main problem with the Vita isn't it's basic horsepower, it's actually the same problem your phone has: storage:

Vita cards don't have anywhere near the space they'd need to store all the assets of these enormous games.

That said, I love the machine and so many of the amazing games that come out on it. Hell, look at Killzone Mercenary and tell me the horsepower is lacking.

Even still though, the Vita obliterates the capabilities of let's say a ps2. A system that kept us all entertained for years...so at what point do we say a handheld is powerful enough to get a pass for not being as powerful as a 10 pound current gen home console?

Think it's gonna be good actually. A simple game done well can be a true pleasure. Variety is one one the best parts of gaming.

Yeah, great show and realistic. Would be dumb to cannibalize next years E3 with out of time announcements. Besides, look what happens when you do that. The Last Guardian STILL earns Sony bad press just simply by it's absence at shows. Games should be close before they are announced and never rob the next event to overdo this one. All in all, loved it, love Sony though, so I'm not a hard sell.

@Lelouch exactly dude. Been saying for years that the "slump" in console sales was a myth due to the length of cycle. Preorders alone are proving our point.

@Epic not hard really. The game's controls are less demanding than most fps games imo. Like how hard would it be to tap an on screen icon for a special skill?

@Gamer83 yeah, don't get me wrong dude, I'm not trying to tell you you're wrong, just want to understand your perspective.

For me it's different. I like racers in doses. So I'll get hooked on one every few years then burn out. (No pun intended) So no big ones at launch isn't troubling. Besides DC and GT6 will probably fill any gaps.

I've never played dead rising games. They don't seem overly great. The zombie thing has to be razor sharp to get me hooked these days(the last of us for example).

Ryse seems beautiful but like 100% qte.

The other smaller games are sort of a toss up with the psn offerings.

Your list didn't mention Knack...it's an underdog for a lot of people, but Japan Studio is no joke.

Again, you're entitled to your opinion but I don't see a super strong exclusivity situation yet. Also, on that front, with MS it's mostly 3rd parties and think: Mass Effect. They usually make it to other systems. Sony on the otherhand you know has tons of first party stuff cooking.

@get2sammyb yeah, I think the concept of abandoning old hardware is weak to begin with. It says "buy this machine, we'll support it till we're ready to sell you a new one." When I buy a Sony product, which I always do, I know it'll keep delivering for years and years. Late cycle titles are often the best anyway. Why are some so eager to bury their PS3s? I'm so excited about next gen not in spite of this gen but because of this gen. Know what I mean?

@Gamer83 wow, what games really do it for you in xb1's exclusive launch library? If you don't mind me asking.

@Gamer83 you find xb1's lineup to be substantially better? I'm surprised. I prefer Sony's, but am open to someone preferring xb1's... Yet by a large margin?

@rjejr yeah I think thats the key@get2sammyb

Launch earlier or later by a few weeks on either platform and it all amounts to the same thing: insufficient stock. At least launching later means a small possibility of a decent showing on the shelves, but even that won't matter. It will be sold day one.

@ErnisDy There's a place in my library, preordered it a few weeks back.

@sajoey yeah, been talking about this a lot lately. Kratos has to truly evolve...like reboot-level evolution. This would give the series the gravity it needs moving forward. The quality of the games is AAA...But the storytelling lacks that level of sophistication that we expect from the cream of the crop. Kratos as a character is largely at fault due to his lack of dimension.

@sajoey you pretty much nailed it. Man, would I like an Uncharted game. I also would love a God of War sequel, based on a mix of alternate mythologies, sort of a parallel game universe/s. Ambitious, I know, but I want to see God of War evolve.

Vita needs a PR overhaul. The sales aren't huge, but the fanbase is solid and average software purchases per system are amazing. Remarkably high actually.

So if the average person who buys the Vita, in fact, buys more games than on most systems, how can the available games be seen as a problem?

It isn't. This is a perception issue. People, on average, (not nuts like us) get sold on potential, but generally never put their money down on most of the games they bought the system for.

For a system to average a purported 10 games or so per user, one has to assume the catalogue is actually very healthy. What's missing is the dreamy talk of future games. This machine needs, announcements, a price drop and a gear shift, which includes stronger advertising and a tone that says: Vita has emerged from it's cocoon and has arrived in earnest.

@MorriganIsHot don't forget Beyond Two Souls... But yeah, no still...next gen is gonna rock, can't wait. Luckily current gen will fill the gaps during the launch period.

@get2sammyb I hope I'm wrong... Makes me wonder what the end of the next gen cycle games would look like. Almost seems a waste that it takes 7 years to master a platform, just in time move beyond it.

If this had just been some PS3 Cell optimized exclusive, then I would be more open to this witchcraft, but this runs on both ps3 and 360? The same way?

Damn... again, I have it preordered for the PS3 and I expect to love it... But can it be this good?

I LOVE GTA, buy anything Rockstar and have this Pre-ordered. I'm excited as hell. BUT....

This is current gen? I dunno guys. Something just sets alarm bells off. It's an open world game with some of the best graphics out there, with infinite draw distance running at that framerate? I want to believe...but....

I think it's partly the effect of having units to compete in prime territory...but I offer a third reason: time.

Lemme explain, I think it's possible they aren't ready for mass production or got started late. This might be due in part to feature mirroring in xb1 announcements. They may have gotten ahead of their architecture and had to take time/are taking time to make sure launch units are cooked right. All along they've played mocking bird to the PS4, maybe now that it's almost time to fly they were short a few feathers.

@Azikira cool, yeah the graphics look beautiful too. Think maybe you're right about the beta, but have it preordered, waiting for full retail!

@Splat well, IGN was complaining about some post boss battle sequences, not sure. I generally like hard platformers, will grab it if it comes to Vita. Thanks for the reply.

@mibtar Yeah, he's right. You have to relax. Launch titles are not known for blowing anyone's mind with their diversity. Go back and look at PS3's launch titles, then compare it with a list of the system's best games, not a ton of overlap. Still though, pre-ordered a bunch, too excited.

@Splat how's Duck Tales? Looks kinda amazing, but IGN was luke warm on it.

@KALofKRYPTON agree. They need a $199 Killzone Mercenary bundle.

The root of this though, is will the growth in adoption expected due to PS4 result in higher Vita game sales? If not the machine will become more of a peripheral unfortunately.

@ztpayne7 How is it? Had it in the backlog for a long time.

Ok so yeah, on the Vita front I finally started Gravity Rush... Holy crap, now I get why some people have been calling for a PS4 sequel! I LOVE the Vita, but this world rendered with ps4 tech played with a dualshock 4? Unbelievable. For anyone who hasn't picked it up, or had it buried in the backlog, you gotta play this gem!

@Confused_Dude Ok cool, good to hear. I like to play through series. So good to know I have a lot to look fwd to.

@Epic Oh man...The Last of Us + your weekend = awesome in every way.

Takes about 16 hours though, so try to remember to eat.

As for Borderlands, I'm playing alone, but gonna hang in there. Is pretty fun.

Finally playing Borderlands. Mixed feelings so far, about 4 hours in. Lacks the impact of a true AAA game, but has that addictive thing that open world rpgs tend to have. Have a feeling a lot of the quality issues will be fixed in pt 2 (next in the backlog). Any thoughts on the Borderlands games?

Awesome!

My answer was "Yes but I already have a Vita." That pretty much sums it up. Would be a steal for people who don't have one yet. The Vita is one of favourite pieces of hardware of all time. It is superb. Resurrect the AAA watchlist as adoption grows with PS4 functionality and this thing could be unstoppable. Only stumble is if playing PS4 works too well they might get complacent, with PSN on the go and PS4 play when a connection is available. That might be enough for consumers, but even still 3rd parties would be sold on the adoption numbers alone.

The Aisha Tyler clip definitely looks like it comes from a current gen console. I'd be surprised if it's representative of how it runs on next gen.