PlayStation Vita (WiFi Version) PS Vita

PlayStation Vita (WiFi Version) Product Details

Released on 22-Feb-2012

• Weird experiment for Bioshock on PlayStation Vita

  With the upcoming Bioshock Infinite, creator Ken Levine has shown he isn't afraid to completely change the setting and tone of the series in the search for more interesting sequels. In an interview with IGN, he's promised that the version planned for the new PlayStation Vita console will be even more distinct from the original underwater game than the aerial city of Infinite.

  think we always want to surprise people Levine told the gaming site. "If I'm just saying, 'Here's BioShock 1 on Vita'... you don't need us to do that. Somebody could make that happen if they wanted that to happen."

  So Bioshock Vita will be an all-new game, designed from the ground up for Sony's powerful new portable and Levine seems to relish the chance to try new things. or us, it's like, 'Hey, here's this weird experiment you want to do.' Experiments always carry risks, though...I'm fortunate that I get to do things that are risky, my team gets to do things that are risky.

  Bioshock Infinite launches its ambitious horror-adventure on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC in early 2012. The PS3 version will support PlayStation Move controls. Bioshock Vita has yet to be given a release date.

• Sony/Namco studio working Ridge Racer Vita

  Seminal driving game series Ridge Racer will be available on Sony's beefy handheld PlayStation Vita, due for launch later this year, and it's being developed by a development studio that doesn't make games.

  Confused? Cellius, the studio in question, was set up as a joint venture by Sony and Namco Bandai not to create games but to explore the possibilities of the PlayStation 3 Cell processor. he concept was to be an outfit that researched ways to use this technology to create neat things vice president Hideo Teramoto told Gamasutra this week. t not exactly pure research; it more about finding ways to expand the things that can be done with the PlayStation family./p>

  And apparently one of the things that can be done is to cram arcade perfect racing simulation into a handheld console. The choice of studio isn't as strange as it might sound though Teramoto is a Ridge Racer veteran, having worked on the series before moving to Cellius.

  He describes their new title as ort of an experimentbut insists that Cellius' unique hardware focus will keep their games distinctive. "If we do continue making games, I think wel still remain different from normal game companies" he says. Sounds like this new game could be quite different from current PS3 hit, Ridge Racer 7.

• Little King's Story to return on PlayStation Vita

  One of the Wii's most enduring cult hits, Little King's Story, will be making a surprise return on the new PlayStation Vita.

  The Japanese publication Famitsu has revealed that Konami will be responsible for bringing a new version of Marvelous Entertainment's acclaimed role-playing title to Sony's latest handheld console.

  Originally released in 2009, Little King's Story casts players as the ruler of a charming fairytale world, in which they must gain the support of their subjects as they seek to build their kingdom and improve society.

  By working together with their people, would-be monarchs can expand their kingdom and unify the entire world under their reign, with the game combining role-playing, strategy and adventure elements.

  The new version of Little King's Story will feature a fresh storyline and a revamped art style that aims for a more realistic anime-inspired look.

  It will also support many of the PS Vita's unique capabilities, such as its wireless connectivity and touch-based controls.

  Published: 26/08/2011

• Shinobido 2: Tales of the Ninja coming to PS Vita

  Namco Bandai has revealed that a sequel to the popular PlayStation 2 title Shinobido: Way of the Ninja will be coming to the new PlayStation Vita handheld.

  Shinobido 2: Tales of the Ninja is the latest game from developer Acquire, the team behind the legendary Tenchu franchise, and is scheduled to launch alongside Sony's high-tech portable device next year.

  Playing as a warrior called Zen who chooses to become a ninja to take revenge on those who left him for dead, gamers will be able to unleash a full arsenal of ninjitsu skills, such as scaling walls and executing silent kills.

  The game will take full advantage of the PS Vita hardware to offer stunning visuals and innovative touch-based controls, allowing players to pull off their attacks with elegance and finesse.

  As they progress through Tales of the Ninja, they will be able to upgrade their abilities and become the ultimate ninja warrior.

  The PS Vita is already building up a formidable library of games, with new instalments of hit series such as Call of Duty, Uncharted and LittleBigPlanet also scheduled for the device.

  Published: 31/08/2011

• Sony's PlayStation Vita plans revealed at Tokyo Game Show

  After Nintendo's turn in the spotlight yesterday, Sony took to the stage today at Tokyo Game Show and banged the Vita drum loud and long. The powerful handheld console, which will boast more RAM than even the PS3, will launch in Japan on December 17th with 26 games. A further 74 are expected to follow in early 2012, making for a nice neat 100 games to choose from.

  Of these hundred, many are niche role-playing games or educational language tutors. However there are enough big names in the list to make western gamers keenly anticipate its arrival on this side of the world, early next year.

  HD compilations of both Zone of the Enders and Metal Gear Solid titles will please Kojima fans, while fighting fans are well catered for with BlazBlue, Tekken x Street Fighter and Marvel vs Capcom 3 all heading to the handheld. Uncharted, Wipeout and LittleBigPlanet are among the big Sony titles lined up, while Ridge Racer and F1 2011 are also revving their engines.

  It's certainly shaping up to be a well supported machine, and with its drool-inducing technical specs we can't wait to see what it can do.

• Syphon Filter headed to PlayStation Vita

  Sony's upcoming handheld powerhouse just got a brutal addition to its line-up in the shape of Gabe Logan. The star of the Syphon Filter third-person action series will make his comeback on the Vita, having been missing in action since the 2007 title, Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow.

  Development duties have fallen to Sony Bend, the Oregon studio also working on Uncharted: Golden Abyss for the new handheld.

  Bend is the home of Syphon Filter, having helmed all seven of the original games across the original PlayStation, PS2 and PSP. It also developed the rather excellent PSP version of Resistance in 2009.

  Syphon Filter follows secret agent Gabe Logan as he tackles terrorist plots around the world. A PS3 sequel was mentioned on Sony's official US PlayStation blog in May this year, but the post was inexplicably deleted soon after. Could 2012 be Logan's comeback year?

• Sony and Vodafone to deliver 3G services for PS Vita

  Sony and Vodafone to deliver 3G services for PS Vita

  Sony has announced it is teaming up with Vodafone to provide 3G mobile internet services for the new PlayStation Vita handheld console.

  Vodafone has been selected as the preferred provider of 3G services for compatible models of the high-tech portable in the UK when it hits shelves in February 2012.

  It means the 3G-enabled Vita will come with a Vodafone SIM card included, making it easy for users to sign up and enjoy social gaming experiences, web browsing and multiplayer bouts wherever they are.

  Those connecting with Vodafone will also receive a PlayStation Network voucher that entitles them to a free copy of the futuristic racer WipEout 2048.

  Jim Ryan, president and chief executive officer of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, said: "With social gaming and connectivity at the heart of PlayStation Vita, it is important that we partner with a market-leading network provider to ensure users have a high-quality 3G experience."

  Gamers who choose to do without 3G functionality will also be able to purchase a cheaper Wi-Fi-only model, which can be taken online from any compatible hotspot.

  Published: 23/11/2011

• PlayStation Vita Launch more focussed on games than PSP, says Sony

  PlayStation Vita Launch more focussed on games than PSP, says Sony

  The PSP onfusedcustomers, Sony Europe CEO Jim Ryan has confessed. Speaking to Official PlayStation Magazine, he reassured gamers that the PSP's replacement, the PlayStation Vita, is uch more focused

  e talked a lot in the early days of PSP about its video playback functionality, its use as a music device and a host of other multimedia functionality that it had,he told the magazine. "I think this time we've realised that perhaps ended up confusing consumers, and they weren't quite sure what the device was really all about. So this time the Vita does all of that stuff that we talked about on PSP, and it does it a lot better.

  "We've been a lot more single minded and much more focused in our positioning of Vita," he continued. "We're saying that this is primarily a gaming device. It has been developed from the ground up as a gaming device. What it does best is play games."

  The PlayStation Vita goes on sale in Japan this December, and will reach UK shelves on February 22nd next year.
  

• Sony confident of record-breaking PS Vita launch

  Sony confident of record-breaking PS Vita launch

  Sony has expressed confidence that the new PlayStation Vita could set records when it makes its eagerly awaited UK debut in February 2012.

  PS Vita is poised to shake up the portable gaming scene with its high-definition graphics, dual analogue and touch controls and its robust wireless online features.

  PlayStation Europe boss Jim Ryan told Eurogamer that he fully expects the high-tech handheld console to sell out when it hits stores, thanks to the strong line-up of launch titles that have been announced.

  The Sony man highlighted Uncharted: Golden Abyss as a potential "killer app" for PS Vita, while games such as WipEout 2048, ModNation Racers: Road Trip and MotorStorm RC will also be debuting in February.

  "I think it's comfortably the strongest line-up we've had for any platform launch and I've been around since the year dot," said Mr Ryan.

  The industry veteran went on to suggest that PS Vita stands a great chance of bettering its predecessor the PSP's initial sales of 185,000 and achieving the biggest launch sales in UK history.

  Published: 01/12/2011

• PS Vita - What to expect?

  The world in your hands: introducing the PlayStation Vita

  Once upon a time, the idea of video games you could put in your pocket was all that was needed to get us excited. Back when Nintendo released the first GameBoy, its blocky monochrome screen was as cutting edge as it could get. Today, we're inundated with games wherever we go. We can play them on our phone, on our laptop, on tablets and TVs. Portability isn't quite the selling point it used to be.

  So where next for the gaming giants looking to innovate? Nintendo put its chips on 3D with the 3DS, but Sony has taken a different track for its next handheld console: pure muscle.

  The PlayStation Vita began life as a follow-up to the PSP, but quickly evolved way beyond its family tree. Driven by a processor that rivals the one pulsing away inside the PlayStation 3, the Vita is easily the most powerful handheld console ever created. That alone would make it worthy of attention, but Sony has gone above and beyond in its quest to create the ultimate device for hardcore gaming on the go.

  For the purist the Vita boasts twin thumbsticks, two tight and responsive little controllers that mean any game that works on a DualShock will be equally at home in your hand. It has an eye on the future as well, with a crisp five inch touchscreen on the front, as well as a second touch pad on the rear. Two cameras pointing forward and backwards ensure that wherever reality-based gaming goes in the future, the Vita will be ready for it.

  
  

  

  And, in keeping with the online world that gaming now inhabits, it's a completely connected device. Whether you opt for the basic WiFi model or the always-on subscription based 3G model, the Vita will not only cater to your downloading needs, but will use its clever Near system to hook you up with other players and deliver fresh content directly into your pocket.

  The Vita is also compatible with existing PSP games, though you'll have to download them from PSN rather than using your UMD discs. Perhaps even more exciting, software updates mean you'll be able to remote play your PS3 games using the Vita - either as an optional controller, or by streaming the game direct to the device.

  We're all susceptible to a spot of hardware fawning, but the plastic and chips are really only the gateway. What we really want are the games, and here the Vita really shows what it can do. With one of the strongest launch line-ups in console history (Sony reckons its the best array of launch games they've ever offered) you won't be short of things to do with your new toy.

  Topping the ust havelist is Uncharted: Golden Abyss, a fully-featured Nathan Drake sequel that looks and plays every bit as good as Uncharted 3, yet fits in your hand. One play with this bad boy and you'll never settle for a half-hearted handheld spin-off again.

  WipEout 2048, Ridge Racer and ModNation Racers: Road Trip should scratch that racing itch. Whether you like your action serious or silly, fisticuffs fans can insert themselves into the brawl with Reality Fighters, while traditional action junkies can also get their dose of vitamin bullet with hardcore shooter Unit 13.

  Sony clearly realises that gaming tastes are more eclectic these days, however, so as well as the expected shooting, fighting and driving titles there are quirkier offerings, such as physics-warping adventure Gravity Rush, bizarre platformer Escape Plan and charming mini-game compilation Little Deviants.

  It's a wonderfully varied array of games, covering every conceivable genre, so whether you're in love with the sheer grunt of the hardware, looking to recreate the PS3 experience on the move, or just eager to play some of the most innovative games around, there's no shortage of reasons to be excited about the PlayStation Vita.

  
  

  
• PlayStation Vita - Preview

  

  
  

  First impressions

  The first time you clamp your hands on a PlayStation Vita it feels great. They fit snugly around the smooth, curved surfaces of the system, which is light without feeling fragile and packed with hardware features without feeling overloaded or unattractive. In fact, it's sleek, shiny, and probably the best-looking gaming handheld we've ever seen. The awkward shoulder buttons of the PSP have been switched out for sturdy bumpers, and the analogue slider replaced with two analogue sticks that offer more comfort and greater game playing precision.

  Switch it on and you notice the new LiveArea interface, a touch controlled user interface that has taken the place of the XrossMediaBar used for system navigation on PS3, PSP and many other Sony products. Make no mistake, this isn't a PSP upgrade - it's a full-on successor offering unique features and slick presentation that make it look, feel and perform like a next generation gaming device.

  Box of tricks

  Available in two flavours, one offering Wi-Fi connectivity and the other both 3G and Wi-Fi, Vita is something of a jack of all trades. It offers a gorgeous five inch organic light-emitting diode front touch screen, displaying approximately 16 million colours and boasting twice the resolution of the PSP. There's also a rear touch pad and gyroscope for further motion control, front and rear cameras, plus built-in stereo speakers, microphone and GPS (3G / Wi-Fi model only).

  Vita also offers double the system memory of PS3, enabling features even Sony's home console is incapable of such as cross-game chat. On top of that, it enables cross platform play with PS3, meaning owners of both systems will be able to play PS3 games on their Vita remotely via streaming technology. The system's music player lets users import MP3, MP4, and Wave files from PC, Mac, or PS3 onto their handheld to listen to tunes on the go too.

  The games

  Vita is set to launch with one of the strongest console software line-ups yet, with plenty of games created exclusively for the system by Sony and third party developers, each of which makes interesting use of the handheld's unique features in one way or another.

  Standout names include the stunning looking action adventure title Uncharted: Golden Abyss, futuristic racer Wipeout 2048, and military shooter Unit 13, although there's plenty of casual fare too, such as the cute and crazy mini-games on offer in Little Deviants and the puzzle-filled, slapstick tale of survival that is Escape Plan. Like PS3, Vita will support PlayStation Trophies for achievement hunters to show off to their friends.

  Social butterfly

  As well as the aforementioned ability to chat with friends online (up to eight at a time), Vita provides users with an array of social features and ways to enjoy connected experiences. With its lovely screen, the portable offers a great web browsing experience, as well as custom Vita apps for popular social media networks like Facebook and Twitter.

  Pre-installed application PSN Message lets players send one another text and picture messages, while another, called Near, enables users to find other players based in their local area, challenge them to games or even play co-operatively. It also lets their Vitas swap Trophies, various game stats, and even items such as outfits or weapons.

  With just over a month until release, it's clear that the feature packed Vita is gearing up to be more than just a handheld game player. It has the killer games, of course, but it also offers the technical specs and applications to make it a true portable entertainment device which lets players enjoy all of their favourite activities wherever they are, whenever they want.

  Published: 12/01/2012

• PS Vita - Best Launch Games for the PlayStation Vita

  
  

  With the release of Sony's PlayStation Vita less than a month away, we're taking a sneak peek at some of the biggest and best games that are lined up for launch. We've never seen a better choice of games for a handheld launch, so choose carefully - or just treat yourself to all of them - when you come in to collect your shiny new Vita!

  

  Uncharted: Golden Abyss

  You can't get a much bigger headline act for your new console than the next outing for everybody's favourite adventurer Nathan Drake. Golden Abyss is an epic journey for our wry hero and it even manages to give the PlayStation 3 a run for its money in the looks department. There's of course a lost city to be investigated and - with the long-overdue inclusion of two analog sticks on the Vita - gaming on the move has never felt so much like playing at home.

  

  ModNation Racers: Road Trip

  Frantic lap-time competition hits the Vita with ModNation Racers, a game that features some of the most fun and furious racing around. What really makes this game special though is the community's devilish creations, all of which are available to download and share with your friends. If you like to let your creativity shine, this is a game that offers much much more than just a quick race around the block.

  

  Everybody's Golf

  As one of the most popular gaming series on the PSP, another outing for Everybody's Golf was a no-brainer on Sony's part. It's already leading the sales charts in Japan and is a must-buy for those who like their sports games to lean more on the side of good arcadey fun than serious simulation. Don't expect a walk in the park though - the game may not aim for realism, but it still offers up acres of challenging gameplay that will keep you competing for months.

  

  WipEout 2048

  The game that sold a million PlayStations and brought gaming into the mainstream is back and looking incredible on the Vita's gorgeous 5 inch screen. As a prequel to the original game, WipEout 2048 looks at the origins of the high-speed anti-gravity racing league and includes ten blisteringly fast original tracks. As well as a beefy game in its own right, the title will also support cross-platform play, allowing Vita and PS3 racers to compete for glory together. This is definitely one to use to show off the horse-power of the Vita to your envious friends.

  

  Unit 13

  It's impossible to even think about releasing a console these days without a hopeful shooter franchise leading the charge. Amazingly, we only got our first look at this beautiful third-person military game when it was announced in November last year. The good news is that it's shaping up very nicely indeed. As with Modern Warfare, the game offers a number of scenarios for players to take on, from dispatching terrorists, to intercepting drug traffickers and gunrunners. You'll be spoilt for choice in the role you take too, with options to be the sniper, technician or soldier on the battlefield, to name just a few.

  
  

  

  Little Deviants

  Little Deviants is very much Sony's answer to the kind of bite-sized portable gaming that's become so popular in recent years. It's also a fantastic showcase for the Vita's extensive features. Plentiful use is made of both the front and rear touchscreens, the Vita's gyroscopic functionality and, yes, even the microphone when you're tasked to make a total fool of yourself in public and sing your way to victory! A real treat for mini-game fans, this will offer up no shortage of chuckles for you and your friends.

  

  Reality Fighters

  Now this is where things get really interesting for Sony's latest box of tricks. Using the Vita's fancy technical magic, Reality Fighters lets player really put themselves in the game while fighting opponents on the backdrop of whatever happens to be in front of the Vita's screen. Once you've captured an image of yourself, you can customise your fighter even further by choosing from 16 different fighting styles that range from break-dancing to ballet. Ridiculous, fun, and ever-so-charming, this is one game that never plays the same twice. The action can be scaled up or down too, so players can fight like ants on the pavement, or as 30-foot monsters on the horizon.

• Reality Fighters to feature movie legend Mr Miyagi

  Sony has revealed that its forthcoming PlayStation Vita game Reality Fighters will feature a special appearance by one of cinema's most famous martial arts teachers.

  SCE Xdev Studio has confirmed via the Official PlayStation Blog that none other than Mr Miyagi, the wise sensei from the classic Karate Kid movies, will feature as the player's instructor and guide through the augmented reality experience.

  As players learn how to create their own fighters and battle it out in real-life locations using the PS Vita's in-built camera, Miyagi-san will offer guidance with his trademark warm humour and mystic wisdom.

  Veteran voice actor Jim Ward will play Miyagi in Reality Fighters, as original actor Pat Morita sadly passed away in 2005.

  Truly skilled players who battle through all the other characters will even have the chance to fight against Mr Miyagi, a testing battle that could earn them the chance to play as the legendary character.

  Reality Fighters is set to launch in February 2012 alongside the PS Vita console.
  

  Published: 27/01/2012

• Get hands on with PlayStation Vita at Gamestation

  Chomping at the bit to get your paws on a PlayStation Vita but haven't been able to make it to one of the Vita Rooms preview events? Don't worry, just head to your nearest Gamestation. Sony is sending a Vita to every store before the launch so that customers (and staff, if they're lucky) can have a go.

  "PlayStation Vita is an amazing piece of technology - but the very best way to make people realise this, is by putting it in their hands. The beauty and clarity of the 5 inch OLED screen, the ergonomic design with the dual analogue joysticks, the interaction of the rear touch panel, all come emphatically to life." said Fergal Gara, Vice President and Managing Director of Sony Computer Entertainment UK.

  "With our own Vita Rooms and now, with this opportunity for consumers to sample PS Vita in any of GAME or Gamestation's 600 specialist retail stores, the excitement can only continue to build."

  The PlayStation Vita launches on February 22nd. Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Wipeout 2048 and ModNation Racers are among the games that will be released alongside the powerful handheld.

• Try out PlayStation Vita in GAME stores now

  Gamers across the country can try out Sony's eagerly-awaited PlayStation Vita console at their local GAME stores right now.

  A PS Vita unit has been sent out to each of the chain's 600 dedicated shops in the UK, while 150 leading outlets will also be setting up a special interactive display unit showing off the high-tech handheld's capabilities.

  It means fans can get hands-on time with the sleek device, as well as ensuring that GAME's in-store staff will be familiar enough with the machine to answer any questions.

  Fergal Gara, vice president and managing director of Sony Computer Entertainment UK, said: "PlayStation Vita is an amazing piece of technology - but the very best way to make people realise this is by putting it in their hands."

  The successor to the popular PSP, PS Vita features a stunning five-inch OLED screen, front and rear touch panels and dual analogue controls, as well as graphics to rival PlayStation 3 games.

  Launch titles include big-name releases like Uncharted: Golden Abyss, ModNation Racers: Road Trip and WipEout 2048.

  Published: 31/01/2012

• Three More Top Titles for the PlayStation Vita - Preview

  We've already previewed some of the top titles coming to the PlayStation Vita. Here's a round up of three more exciting games that we're looking forward to.

  WipEout 2048

  Featuring stunning graphics and a pumping dance soundtrack, WipEout 2048 is the prologue to Sony's futuristic racing series and sees players speeding across ten brand new tracks. Using a mixture of traditional, touch and motion controls, players navigate their ships in adrenaline-fuelled events through the streets of Nova State City in solo or multiplayer modes supporting up to eight players.

  The gravity-defying racing plays out at a breakneck speed across tiered courses that show off futuristic architectural details at lower levels and modern, futuristic elements of the city at higher ones - zip between high-rises at impossible angles and scale skyscrapers before taking violent vertical plunges back towards street level. Tracks are wider than in previous series entries, making things a bit more accessible and allowing for more varied use of offensive and defensive weapons and items.

  The game also offers cross-platform play with PlayStation 3 WipEout players, allowing handheld and home console owners to compete with each other. Among the current Vita software line-up, WipEout 2048 is arguably the most visually dazzling game, and the closest approximation of an existing PS3 title yet.

  Everybody's Golf

  The Everybody's Golf series has been one of the unsung classics of Sony's gaming library down the years, and the new PS Vita version looks set to be one of the most accessible, enjoyable editions yet.

  There are a variety of visually stunning courses to play on that make excellent use of the PS Vita's touchscreen controls, motion sensor and an innovative new shot system that allows players to drive, chip and putt their way to the pin. You can tap and drag the front touchscreen to interact with each course, and use the rear touch pad for shot-aiming, making plotting your route and taking aim less fiddly and more interactive than ever before.

  The game also offers all of the quirky characters, costumes and collectible items players have come to expect from the franchise, as well as a range of game modes to suit all tastes, from practicing or playing a round of golf solo to enjoying a leisurely, turn-based round with friends, or chatting with other players and getting stuck into thrilling live tournaments online via the PlayStation Network.

  Unit 13

  Hot on the heels of the PS Vita launch is Unit 13, arriving on 9th March and looking to be one of the standout action titles. The latest game from MAG and SOCOM developer Zipper Interactive, Unit 13, was designed from the ground up exclusively for Sony's new portable, a fast-paced, hard-hitting third person shooter which offers a unique twist on the highly competitive genre. Without a traditional single-player story or a conventional multiplayer battleground, the game focuses squarely on bite-sized, highly re-playable scenarios designed to be experienced on the go, either alone or with a friend cooperatively using Vita's voice chat functionality.

  Players can choose from six operative classes with upgradeable abilities to tackle 36 standalone missions set across nine different locales, each of which is playable in any order. Objectives such as rescuing hostages, destroying weapons caches or taking down high-value targets vary in size and difficulty, ensuring there's something here for less experienced players as well as seasoned shooter fans.

  The PS Vita's precision dual analogue sticks a re used to great effect, making for a comfortable, natural-feeling shooter experience, while touch controls are used to interact quickly with in-game elements, like picking up and reloading weapons, vaulting over barriers, and accessing a tactical map.

  Unit 13's scoring component has been a major focus for developer Zipper, which hopes to keep players coming back on a regular basis to challenge their friends for a position at the top of the game's online leader boards. The game tracks and reports the player's virtual exploits and broadcasts them to the community, and Daily Challenges, which will bring a unique mission objective to the game every day, are also planned to keep things fresh.

  Published: 31/01/2012

• PlayStation Vita Day at GAME

  
  

  As you may know from our Twitter, Facebook and YouTube posts, SONY have been nice enough to let us try out a shiny new PlayStation Vita.

  Well, last Friday SONY rocked up to GAME HQ with cases more of them for us to play with, so that we're ready to help you when the PS Vita goes on sale on 22nd February. While we were having fun, we thought we'd share with you some of our first-hand experiences of this nifty new handheld.

  Double the touchscreens, double the possibilities

  
  

  At the front, a five inch OLED touchscreen. Bright, clear, crisp (the graphics were described as 'lush' by one staff member) and very responsive. Then there's the unique rear touch pad, and that's the real game-changer. You interact with games in ways you've never done so before, and the multi-touch feature means you can use multiple fingers on both pads at the same time.

  In Little Deviants we poked the back of the PS Vita, to physically lift the world that we saw in the game and have our Deviant roll around in response. It felt like we were literally poking into the game itself and it's a refreshingly, immersive experience.

  It's also put to good use in Escape Plan. As well as moving characters and obstacles with the front screen, you can use the rear pad to push objects towards (or away from) you and complete paths. Plus there are some moves that can only be done by 'pinching' both screens at once. Again, it's an incredible experience that needs to be enjoyed first hand!

  Motion - captured!

  
  

  The PS Vita comes armed with inbuilt motion sensors and gyroscopic controls, so the game will move in reaction to the way the PS Vita is being moved. We saw this highlighted in a few different games.

  WipEout 2048 gives you the choice to play it safe and use the buttons and control sticks, or use the motion controls. Choose the latter - you'll tilt the PS Vita in your hands to steer your ship, slingshot around bends and overtake your rivals! Once you get used to it, you won't want to go back to using the control stick!

  In Gravity Rush, after you stumble across a strange cat who (for some reason) grants you the ability to manipulate gravity, a whole realm of possibilities for a whole new type of platforming game are opened up. Specifically, moving your console around in 3D space to aim where your character will shift gravity to.

  Both Little Deviants and Reality Fighters use the motion controls together with the rear camera, superimposing the action onto whatever you're pointing at and following the action around. It's real 360-degree gameplay that became less self-conscious the more we got into the games!

  Two analogue sticks are better than one!

  
  

  Successfully bridging the gap between the PS3 and PSP are the dual analogue sticks, giving a greater freedom - and variety - of control in all manner of games.

  The forthcoming Super Stardust evolves the controls of the PSP version to something more akin to Smash TV (for you old school gamers!). The left stick moves your ship around, and the right stick is used to aim and fire your guns. This may sound simple, but the screen soon fills with tons of enemies and coordination between movement and aiming becomes crucial. On the PSP this was a tricky task; the Vita pulls it off beautifully.

  Then there's the remote control carnage of Motorstorm RC. The steering, using the left stick, is responsive and quiet nippy, as you'd expect from a remote control car, with the cars being able to turn at extreme angles. Using the right analogue stick for acceleration and braking works like a dream as you can determine how much you brake or accelerate by how far you push the stick forward or pull it back.

  ModNation Racers uses the second analogue in two very different ways - if you're lucky enough to be leading the pack you can see who's chasing after you, and by flicking the stick left or right you can bump into other players to knock them away.

  Possibly the most visually appealing title so far shown off is Uncharted: Golden Abyss. PSP players have for a long time wanted to hold drake in their hands whilst on the move. As the Vita packs that second analogue that dream is now a reality as now you can aim and look around like you would on the PS3 versions. It handles like the PS3 version, too!

  All together now...

  
  

  Of all the games we played, there was one that proved to be surprisingly fun, and enjoyably addictive - Frobisher Says. Much like Wario Ware, Frobisher Says is a collection of mini games that use every feature of the PS Vita, whether it's to fan a lady using the motion controls, split clouds using the touch screen or even have your picture taken by the Vita's camera. It may not be at the top of everyone's list, but if you want a party piece to show the Vita's extra features off, look no further than Frobisher.

  Social. Network.

  
  

  One thing that really stood out was how well-designed the PS Vita is for connecting with others, from online chat and 'Parties', to social networking through Facebook and Twitter, and, of course, PlayStation Network.

  Thanks to the Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity of the PS Vita, mobile PSN Messaging from wherever you are is now possible. You also have access to over 300 PS1, PS Minis and PSP Essential games available to download at launch - and if you've already bought it, you can download it again no extra cost. You can even play music and rent movies.

  For more social gaming, there's NEAR. If you're sat in, say, a coffee shop or restaurant that has Wi-Fi then you can turn on to NEAR that will show you all Vita players that are 'NEAR' to you. You'll be able to see what they are playing, and join them for a game. And with Crossplay, you can even play against PS3 players on certain games, with full compatibility.

  There's also the trophies. For some, collecting trophies is an obsession and to know you can collect them on the go is brilliant. Much like the PS3 system, whenever you do something that is deemed worthy, like complete a level, come first in a race, set the fastest lap etc, you'll be awarded a trophy that your friends can see and become jealous of. And by connecting your PS Vita to Facebook, you'll be able to post a status showing off the trophies you have just collected. Your friends now have no escape from your trophy collecting skills!

  With all these social and mobile features, plus the selection of mini-games, movies and music, the PS Vita appears to be the missing link between the PlayStation and modern smartphones.

  Anything else we need to know?

  
  

  The PS Vita is easy to use and to set-up. It comes with all the leads you need to power and charge it, and to connect to a PC to help manage your content. There's even a 'Welcome Park' to guide you through how to use it. It also comes with an Augmented Reality card to get you going with the AR features.

  But the real treat is how you can personalise it. You can have up to 100 applications, and even have different applications running at once. You can move and customise your icons, menus and backgrounds, including taking your own screenshots from within the games you play. It really is your PS Vita, your way.

  Final Thoughts

  
  

  We had a great day enjoying everything the Vita had to offer. There really seems to be something for everyone, from the most casual of gamers to the most devoted PlayStation player, and SONY really seem to understand what modern, mobile gamers want.

  We've got a PS Vita in every GAME store - with a lucky 150 stores having a nifty pod - so why not pop in and try one out yourself!

  Published: 01/02/2012

• Sega details touch controls for Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition

  Sega has provided details of the new touch-based controls that will be included in Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition on PlayStation Vita.

  Speaking to the official PlayStation Blog, executive producer Mie Kumagai said the development team has taken full advantage of the unique front and rear touch panels incorporated into Sony's new handheld console.

  It means gamers can simply tap the screen to move their players into position or aim their shots using finger swipes, while special shots can be unleashed using two fingers once the match momentum bar fills up.

  Touch controls will also serve to make menu navigation a breeze, while a special multiplayer mode called Touch Versus lets two people compete on the same PS Vita system.

  However, Ms Kumagai noted that those wishing to use traditional analogue and button controls can still do so, or even utilise a combination of the two.

  Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition will be among the first wave of games for PS Vita, which makes its much-anticipated debut in the UK later this month.

  Published: 06/02/2012

• PS Vita Metal Gear Solid HD Collection to feature touch controls

  The PlayStation Vita version of the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection will incorporate all-new touch-based control options.

  Famed designer and series creator Hideo Kojima has revealed via his Twitter page that the handheld version of the acclaimed compilation title will offer support for the PS Vita's rear touch panel.

  Kojima highlighted an example from Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, in which players can flick their finger along the touch pad to slit an enemy's throat once they have been subdued.

  Further gesture-controlled functions are also likely to be included in the compilation, which includes two classic MGS titles alongside MGS3 - Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.

  The game made its debut on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 last week and shot straight to second place in the UK all-formats chart.

  It will arrive on PS Vita not long after the console's UK launch, which is set to take place later this month.

  Published: 07/02/2012

• Resistance: Burning Skies gets Vita release date

  Fans of Resistance, Sony's alternate history FPS, let out great big sighs of dismay when developer Insomniac Games announced it wouldn't be returning to the series after last year's Resistance 3. But now those same fans can let out an enormous whoop of excitement, as handheld spin-off Resistance: Burning Skies will be gracing the PlayStation Vita in May.

  The game puts you in the shoes of Tom Riley, a New York firefighter who goes toe-to-toe with the alien Chimera during their 1951 invasion. Built "from the ground up" for the PS Vita, and using both the front and rear touchscreens, the big selling point is that it's the first handheld FPS on a console with dual sticks. Or, as game director Harley Baldwin White-Wiedow said in a post on the official PlayStation blog: "TWO STICKS, baby!"

  The game will be well suited to the PS Vita, which packs a powerful punch despite its snug size. Boasting PlayStation 3 quality visuals in the palm of your hand, it's an exciting time for hardcore gamers. Not pre-ordered your PS Vita yet? Better get a move on - it launches on February 22nd.

• Resistance: Burning Skies coming to PS Vita this May

  Sony has revealed that Resistance: Burning Skies, the latest instalment in the acclaimed Resistance franchise, will hit PlayStation Vita at the end of May 2012.

  The game takes place between the events of the second and third Resistance games on PlayStation 3, returning fans to the series' alternative version of the 1950s, in which the world has been ravaged by alien invaders called the Chimera.

  Playing as New York firefighter Tom Riley, players will explore famous US locations and face off against Chimeran enemies both new and familiar, while signature features such as the Weapon Wheel will make a return.

  Resistance: Burning Skies will be the first ever portable first-person shooter to utilise dual analogue controls, while touch control options are also available.

  The game will include an epic single-player story and competitive multiplayer options to rival any home console release.

  UK gamers will finally be able to get their hands on the eagerly awaited PS Vita system itself on February 22nd 2012.

  Published: 15/02/2012

• Call of Duty coming to PlayStation Vita this Autumn

  Sony's powerhouse of a handheld, the PlayStation Vita, will be playing host to this year's Call of Duty game, whatever it may be.

  The beefy console, which launches this week in case you hadn't noticed, already has a stonking line-up of launch titles, including Uncharted: Golden Abyss and WipEout 2048, but the news that its twin control sticks will be getting a CoD workout can only be good news.

  The revelation came during an interview with Guy Longsworth, senior vice president of PlayStation brand marketing, on Gametrailers.com. "Of course, in the autumn, [my sons are] really looking forward to Call of Duty on PlayStation Vita,�he said, rather casually for such enormous news. "We think that's going to be an absolute game-changer for the platform," he added, in case you hadn't worked it out.

  But what will the new Call of Duty game be? Another Modern Warfare spin-off? A return to World War 2? A sequel to the best-selling Black Ops? Or some entirely new theatre of war? Activision has yet to spill the beans, but you can bet they'll be shouting about it by the time the industry descends on Los Angeles for E3 this May.

  In the meantime, why not order your PS Vita now? Don't want to be left out, do you?

• UFC Undisputed 3 reigns supreme over UK charts

  THQ's new mixed martial arts game UFC Undisputed 3 has performed an aggressive takedown on its competitors in the UK all-formats chart this week.
  
  The acclaimed Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 title debuted in first place in the official GfK-ChartTrack rankings, edging ahead of perennial favourite FIFA 12, which was back up to second.
  
  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 once again showed off its impressive staying power to climb back up to third place, while Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games achieved its highest ever chart position with a fourth-place finish.
  
  Aside from UFC Undisputed 3, no other new games entered the top 40 this week, though there was a newcomer to the top ten: Activision's sleeper hit Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure, which continued its steady ascent up the chart to seventh.
  
  Next week, the charts will be well and truly shaken up by the debut of PlayStation Vita, Sony's newest handheld console, as well as a number of blockbuster games.
  
  PS Vita launch titles such as Uncharted: Golden Abyss and WipEout 2048 are sure to make a splash, as are multiplatform games like the sci-fi shooter Syndicate.

  Published: 20/02/2012

• PlayStation Vita's 3G model an "investment in the future" - Sony

  Shuhei Yoshida, head of Sony Worldwide Studios, has explained that the company made the decision to offer a more expensive 3G model of the PlayStation Vita as well as the standard Wi-Fi model, because it needed to invest in the future of gaming, despite the additional research and expense.

  "3G is our investment in the future," Yoshida told IndustryGamers. "I hope some consumers will believe in that investment of their money for the future. These systems last many years, and we will upgrade firmware, add new features, but it's not easy to update hardware."

  The PS Vita, which launches tonight in the UK, will use 3G for more than just multiplayer gaming. "The main purpose we believe in for having 3G in PS Vita is the social connectivity features we have put at the centre of PS Vita," said Yoshida. "When you open a game, you don't automatically start a game, but you're taken to one page which is constantly updated from publishers as well as your friends doing activities or giving you in-game items. So all that social connectivity is enabled by the 3G."

  The 3G PS Vita model costs £279, while the Wi-Fi-only model costs £229. As always, Gamestation is offering oodles of bundles for the savvy shopper, including games such as Uncharted: Golden Abyss and FIFA Football, as well as official Sony memory cards.

• Sony details cross-platform play for PS Vita and PS3

  Sony has reminded prospective PlayStation Vita owners of the wide array of cross-compatibility options it provides with the PlayStation 3.

  The advanced handheld, which debuts in the UK this week, will be able to access much of the same content via the PlayStation Store as the PS3 can, including games such as Motorstorm RC, Hustle Kings and Top Darts.

  Owners of both consoles who purchase certain games on one system will be able to re-download it for the other device at no extra cost, while some titles will even let PS Vita and PlayStation 3 owners compete against each other in multiplayer.

  This also applies to downloadable content, so purchasing new characters and costumes in games such as Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 will unlock the features on both PS3 and PS Vita.

  Sony's newest console will arrive to much fanfare on February 22nd, boasting a gorgeous OLED touchscreen, dual analogue controls and unmatched graphics for a portable console.

  Launch titles include Uncharted: Golden Abyss, WipEout 2048, FIFA Football and many more.

  Published: 21/02/2012

• Call of Duty to storm PS Vita this autumn

  Sony has let slip that the PlayStation Vita version of Call of Duty will be marching into stores this year.

  Chatting to GameTrailers, senior vice president for PlayStation brand marketing Guy Longsworth said Activision's blockbuster shooter series will hit PS Vita in autumn, promising it will be an "absolute game-changer".

  Little is known about the PS Vita version of Call of Duty, with no indication yet of whether it will be a conversion of a home console title or an entirely new experience.

  However, a fully-fledged Call of Duty game will likely be a massive boon for the new system, with last year's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 shattering all entertainment industry records with its billion-dollar launch in November 2011.

  PS Vita's library is already looking well-stocked in terms of big-name franchises, with Uncharted: Golden Abyss, FIFA Football, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 and WipEout 2048 all among the launch titles.

  Meanwhile, new PS Vita entries in the Silent Hill, Bioshock, Assassin's Creed and Street Fighter franchises are all on the way soon.

  Published: 21/02/2012

• Editor's Choice - Army Corps of Hell

  
  

  

  
  
  

  

  Attention PlayStation Vita owners! Consider putting the lush, sun-kissed jungles of Uncharted: Golden Abyss down for a week; instead plunge headfirst into Hades in Army Corps Of Hell!

  What is your idea of hell though? Being forced to watch an entire series of some reality show back-to-back? Or, worse still, being stuck on public transport without having your shiny, new PS Vita clasped in between your sweaty palms? Perish the thought. In the case of Army Corps, it's actually becoming the former King of Hades; you play the fallen (even further) ex-lord of hell, erm, hellbent on reclaiming his right to rule over the underworld.

  

  This means classic Pikmin-style gameplay spliced with the goblins riffed from the hilarious Overlord series. Set on a series of islands, you fight treacherous hordes of evil by unleashing your armies of goblins on them - use solider goblins to pile in en-masse, spearmen to launch distance attacks and magi, who can spew all manner of foe-melting projectiles from their deformed fingertips.

  Once carved up, loot the corpses and upgrade your goblins' powers with an RPG-lite spot of alchemy. Once in a while, expect to face off some devilishly imaginative boss types where the strategic element of the game comes to the fore, as you fight to figure out how to remove, say, the intestines of giant worms using the most violent means possible.

  

  Accompanying this murderous spree is a death metal soundtrack that shows what stern stuff the PS Vita's speakers are made of. Played at raise-the-dead volumes, the screeching and screaming of guitars provides a perfect backing track to the onscreen slaughter; the latter which can be enjoyed with up to three other players via ad-hoc multiplayer.

  If you're looking for a polite introduction to the delights of PlayStation Vita gaming, then you should look elsewhere. But if you're after a fast-paced, death-dealing, face-caving demon-fest with an ear-drum popping soundtrack, then Army Corps Of Hell carves up the competition.

  Published: 21/02/2012

• A History of Handheld Gaming

  
  

  

  This week saw the long-awaited UK release of the PlayStation Vita, the most powerful handheld gaming console ever. Despite a size that fits snugly into your palms, it's a muscular beast of a machine capable of giving its PS3 big brother a run for its money where graphics and processing oomph are concerned. But how did we get here? How did gaming on the go become such a big deal?

  The simple answer is that it's always been a big deal. Even way back in the early 1980s, when the best games were on giant arcade cabinets and the best home gaming had to offer was the bleeping blocks of the Atari 5200, Nintendo was cleaning up with its Game & Watch series of handheld LCD games. Simple in the extreme, they were a cultural phenomena - and Nintendo's first runaway gaming success.

  They were so popular, in fact, that their creator, Gunpei Yokoi, couldn't leave the idea of portable gaming alone. As well as designing classic games such as Donkey Kong and Metroid, he is best known as the father of the GameBoy.

  

  Launched in 1989, this chunky beige brick with a tiny monochrome screen was nothing short of a revolution. Gamers snapped the system up, along with portable versions of hit console games, movie tie-ins, the first entries in the evergreen Pokemon franchise and a certain little game called Tetris. Bundled with the GameBoy, the Russian puzzle classic helped to define handheld gaming as the natural home of simple yet addictive one-more-go game design. It also pioneered the world of multiplayer, using a link cable to allow two GameBoy owners to battle against each other.

  The GameBoy was such an enormous hit - shifting well over 100m units in its lifetime - that other electronics companies tried to ride the bandwagon. Atari released the Lynx, the first handheld with colour graphics, but it struggled to match Nintendo's efficient tech, draining its batteries at inconvenient speed.

  

  More challengers emerged from Japan, such as the TurboExpress, but it would be Nintendo's long-standing rival, Sega, that put up the best fight. The Game Gear launched in 1991, and shrewdly used the same technology as the popular Master System home console, allowing hit games to be quickly ported to the handheld. Although it never outsold the GameBoy, the Game Gear put up a solid challenge.

  GameBoy and Game Gear battled for handheld supremacy throughout the 1990s, with other - often technically superior - portables such as the Neo Geo Pocket and WonderSwan barely making a dent in their dominance. Nintendo's lead was so assured that they waited until 1998 before upgrading the GameBoy's grey and black screen to a colour model.

  

  As the 21st century rolled around, however, the home console experience was becoming so sophisticated that the handhelds were starting to look outdated. Nokia tried to capitalise on the rise of mobile phones with the ill-fated N-Gage, a clumsy hybrid of phone and console that failed to capture the public's imagination.

  It was Nintendo, once again, in 2004 that changed the landscape. The Nintendo DS at first appeared to be an act of supreme folly. Boasting two screens - much like some of the Game & Watch titles of yesteryear - as well as a stylus for touchscreen interaction, it was like nothing else around. And, as with the original GameBoy, Nintendo kept the DS fresh by constantly revising and relaunching the machine in different configurations - smaller, larger, and with more features.

  

  With Sega having long since abandoned the hardware market, the challenge to the DS came from a new rival: SONY. Having exploded into gaming with the PlayStation, SONY's take on handheld gaming was sleek, powerful and designed for the hardcore gamer on the go. The PSP, or PlayStation Portable, certainly made the cheerful DS look like a toy but, much like the Game Gear, it was never quite able to topple Nintendo from its throne, even with cult hits such as Monster Hunter making the system a must-have in Japan.

  

  Which brings us to 2012, where once again Nintendo and SONY are battling for the palm of your hand. Nintendo's 3DS continues the design approach of the original DS, with left field technical innovation and a breezy pick-up-and-play approach. The PS Vita, as we've seen, is the PSP on steroids, a desirable bit of beautiful entertainment technology that pushes the boundaries of what can be done in a small space.

  Looking from dazzling titles like Uncharted: Golden Abyss, all the way back to the rudimentary two-button Game & Watch experience, it's hard to believe only thirty years separate them and yet it feels as though handheld gaming is only just getting up to speed. Imagine where we'll be in 2042!

• PlayStation Vita Midnight Launch at GAME Oxford Street

  
  

  

  Seven years ago, SONY launched into the portable market with the PlayStation Portable - the PSP.

  This week, SONY's new handheld, the PlayStation Vita, arrived in Europe after months of anticipation, and gamers flocked to GAME Oxford Street for our Midnight Launch, clearly unable to wait any longer to get their hands on the PS Vita!

  Pre-Launch Buzz

  The excited crowd eagerly waited for the doors to open, talking animatedly about the system and what it can do, which games they were going to pick up with their console, and what the future holds for the PS Vita.

  The crowd were able to get to grips with the PS Vita, which was being shown off by some of SONY's PS Vita Room crew, in attendance to help make the most of the evening. Those waiting to have a go on the Vita munched happily on pizza provided by SONY and GAME. Aren't we nice.

  Soon the doors began to raise and the queue eagerly moved forward, entering the warmth of the shop. Everyone received a PS Vita goodie bag, but, more importantly, they were now one step closer to the next generation of handheld gaming.

  

  Special Guests for a Special Night

  Sitting at a table near at the front of the store was Karl Jones, lead designer for WipEout 2048, ready to sign copies of the game. He was accompanied by renowned cosplayer Ami Ledger, who was dressed as a WipEout 2048 pilot.

  Once the crowd had filled the store, Karl and Ami stood on the counter to begin the countdown, and to thank everyone who had come out on the cold February night. With their final thank you, midnight struck and the PlayStation Vita was now available, which raised a huge applause from the crowd.

  

  Well Worth the Wait

  The first customer in the queue was lucky enough to walk away with not only his PS Vita, but also a bundle of PS Vita games and a Home Cinema System!

  Soon the queue was moving and customers were walking out triumphantly, PS Vita in hand, ready to get home and start playing. Those that purchased WipEout 2048 stopped to have their games signed by Karl and Ami. Those that didn't asked to have their console boxes signed instead, and Karl and Ami were only too happy to oblige.

  The excitement surrounding the PS Vita had been steadily building since its announcement, growing with every new snippet about what the console can do, and with each new game that was announced. Now the PlayStation Vita is where it belongs, in the hand of the gamers, and from the excitement seen last night, the PS Vita's future looks very bright indeed.

  

  Published: 22/02/2012

• Uncharted: Golden Abyss tops charts in PS Vita launch week

  The PlayStation Vita has blitzed the UK sales chart in its much-anticipated first week of release, with Uncharted: Golden Abyss leading the assault.

  Nathan Drake's debut handheld adventure topped the UK all-formats chart following its introduction alongside the snazzy new portable, accounting on its own for 31 per cent of all PS Vita game sales.

  Coming in second in the GfK-ChartTrack rankings was the PS Vita version of FIFA Football, with other Ps Vita titles reaching the top 40 including WipEout 2048, F1 2011 and Ridge Racer.

  Away from PS Vita's success, EA and Starbreeze Studios' revival of the Syndicate franchise on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC claimed a seventh-place start.

  Other top sellers included former number one UFC Undisputed 3, football favourite FIFA 12 and acclaimed platformer Rayman Origins, which saw a massive sales boost thanks to its new PS Vita version.

  Next week, a new batch of games will arrive on the scene to challenge PS Vita's dominance, including EA's SSX reboot and Nintendo's Mario Party 9.

  Published: 27/02/2012

• PlayStation Vita sales pass 1.2 million worldwide

  Sony's newest handheld console, the PlayStation Vita, has racked up 1.2 million sales worldwide since launch, the gaming giant has revealed.

  The high-tech portable system has exceeded expectations since making its debut in Japan last December, reaching the 1.2 million mark within a few days of its successful debut in the US and Europe.

  Software sales for PS Vita have been equally brisk, passing two million thanks to a robust launch line-up that includes more than 25 titles.

  In the UK, the cinematic action-adventure Uncharted: Golden Abyss and FIFA Football led the charge, topping the UK all-formats chart during PS Vita's launch week.

  Andrew House, president and chief executive officer of Sony Computer Entertainment, said: "PS Vita was designed to deliver the ultimate portable entertainment experience and we couldn't be more thrilled with the reaction we're seeing from consumers and the pace at which PS Vita is selling."

  More than 70 games are currently in development for the console, including new entries in the Resistance, Call of Duty, Bioshock and Assassin's Creed franchises.

  Published: 29/02/2012

• PlayStation Vita & Uncharted Golden Abyss - Review

  
  

  

  Give Them a Big Hand(held)

  Portable gaming has never been richer and more diverse than it is today. Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 only left our Nintendo 3DS cartridge slot this Christmas to make way for each other, and games like Angry Birds may very well be more widely consumed than air and water in some countries. But, however good those games are, it's never been possible to achieve quite the same thrills on the go as those you experience in front of the TV with a PlayStation or Xbox.

  Never been possible, that is, until the launch of PlayStation Vita. Sony's new handheld games console isn't quite as powerful as its under-the-TV cousins, but it's as close as anyone has ever come. The graphics are sumptuously detailed and silky smooth, pumping incredible detail through the huge 5-inch OLED screen, and thanks to console-style controls - two analogue sticks, d-pad, symbol and shoulder buttons - you can play games the way you would at home. Meanwhile, the addition of a super-responsive touch-screen opens the door to smartphone-style experiences while a unique "rear touch" panel lets developers come up with new concepts altogether.

  

  Golden Child

  There's no better example of this than Sony's own Uncharted: Golden Abyss, which offers the best of all possible worlds. The PlayStation 3 series is among the console's most visually spectacular exclusives, but the shrunk-down PS Vita release, which is an entirely new adventure, admirably holds its own in comparison, revealing amazing views of Central American mountain ranges, jungles and lost temples and set-pieces that - while they don't quite rival Uncharted 3 - definitely belong under this banner.

  A prequel to the series, it sees hero Nathan Drake teaming up with new love interest Marisa Chase as the duo seek to solve the mystery of a massacred Spanish expedition 400 years in the past. As usual, you make progress by climbing around ancient ruins in acrobatic fashion - the eye-catching platform gaming is perfectly recreated - and getting in elaborate gun and fist fights with legions of hired goons. The action only lets up for well-acted and amusingly written cut-scenes - and of course to solve various puzzles.

  Remote Controls

  These frequently take advantage of the PS Vita's many control options - including one ingenious puzzle that requires you to find an actual real-world light source to illuminate a particular conundrum using the PS Vita's camera. There are myriad different collectables that utilise touch-screen, camera and rear panel as well, including various charcoal rubbings and unique photo opportunities.

  You use Nathan Drake's ever-present diary to keep a look-out for secrets and treasure and flick through it with the touch-screen, a bit like an eBook. If you're so inclined, you can even use the touch-screen to control platform sequences, drawing lines across glowing stone outcroppings to manoeuvre Drake. It's not as tactile as using the buttons, but it's not bad if you're a more casual player.

  

  There's no multiplayer, but the single-player campaign lasts for many hours and frequently mixes things up with new locations and even some cameos from famous old friends. As usual, you dig very deep by the end of the adventure, uncovering a lost civilisation in the process - at great expense to some of the game's stars - and learn an important lesson about greed and sacrifice.

  Livin' la Vita Loca

  As an advert for PlayStation Vita, Uncharted: Golden Abyss does a fine job, and it's a great game in its own right. It's a console-style experience in many respects, but the PS Vita proves more than a match for it - the system standby button, similar to phones and tablets, freezes the game wherever you are and resumes very gracefully when you return to it, so despite its potentially unwieldy nature it ends up suiting any commute or social situation.

  As for the rest of PlayStation Vita, its only real drawbacks are a too-basic internet browser (similar to PlayStation 3) and high pricing on the PlayStation Store, but on the whole it's a marvellous handheld. It's incredibly light, smaller than you realise but with a big screen, boasts impressive battery life for something this powerful (around four hours of Uncharted on full brightness without a charge), and has all the right controls and games. All in all, it's thoroughly recommended.

  Our rating: 9.0

  What's Good?

  • Amazing console-style graphics.
    
  • Great variety thanks to multiple control methods.
    
  • Continue the amazing Uncharted adventure on the go.

  What's Bad?

  • Some levels are a little too long for a portable experience.
    
  • Not much use of the rear panel so far.
    
  • No multiplayer.
• Metal Gear Solid HD Collection hits PS Vita this summer

  Konami has announced that its hit Metal Gear Solid HD Collection will be sneaking its way on to PlayStation Vita over the summer.

  The compilation pack, which includes some of the most acclaimed entries in legendary designer Hideo Kojima's pioneering stealth action series, already proved a major success when it debuted on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 last month.

  Included in the PS Vita collection will be remastered versions of the PlayStation 2 classics Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.

  Each game will feature high-definition visuals, PlayStation Trophy support, enhanced interfaces and touch control options, as well as data-sharing functions with PlayStation 3.

  Martin Schneider of Konami said: "We're confident that users will be pleased with the new innovations Kojima Productions have implemented with the new PlayStation Vita iterations, offering a truly unique experience for this exciting new format."

  This comes a week after Nintendo 3DS owners received their own slice of handheld Metal Gear action with the launch of Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D.
  

  Published: 12/03/2012

• Gravity Rush for PS Vita 'is unique and brand new'

  The creators of the forthcoming PlayStation Vita title Gravity Rush have promised gamers an experience unlike any other that has come before.

  In an interview with IGN and the official PlayStation Blog, game director Keiichiro Toyama and art director Yoshiaki Yamaguchi said Gravity Rush was originally planned as a PlayStation 3 title, but was switched to PS Vita when they realised how perfectly suited the machine was to the game.

  Coming in June 2012, Gravity Rush centres on a heroine called Kat who is able to manipulate the flow of gravity in the world around her, allowing her to explore huge environments in creative ways and unleash physics-breaking attacks.

  Featuring stunning cartoon-style visuals blending Western and Japanese aesthetics, the game makes extensive use of PS Vita's gyro controls, allowing players to tilt the console in order to manipulate gravity within Kat's world.

  Mr Toyama, who is best known as the creator of the Silent Hill series, said the art style of Gravity Rush was chosen to make the game as appealing as possible, while the huge open environments were designed so Kat can fall for miles in any direction.

  He described the resulting experience as "unique and brand new".
  

  Published: 15/03/2012

• PS Vita - Six Weeks In

  
  

  

  The PlayStation Vita has been with us for six weeks now. Those of us here at GAME HQ who picked one up at launch having been playing them non-stop, but we've been convinced to put our PS Vitas down for just long enough to give you our thoughts on the console that has taken over our lives.

  

  Hardware

  You'd be forgiven if you thought the PS Vita was bulky and heavy based on some of the pictures, but it's actually one of the most comfortable handhelds that we have ever used. The curved sides make the PS Vita comfortable to hold, and the rounded edges on the base ensure no discomfort after an hour's gaming with the PS Vita.

  If you've used a PSP then you'll already have a feel for the button layout, although the buttons have been moved up a little to allow for the dual analogue sticks. These sticks are surprisingly comfortable to use, and although were a bit more sensitive than expected at first, after a couple of games they became second nature.

  Overall, we've been very pleased with the look and feel of the PS Vita, but for us, the most important factor is the games, to the point that we've not even checked out all the Applications that came pre-installed! We've already shared our reviews of Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Unit 13, but here are some of the other games that we've enjoyed so far.

  

  FIFA Football

  Football on handhelds has always been a mixed bag; we've always wanted the full FIFA experience on the go, but enjoyed the 'arcade' feel of previous handheld outings. Well, FIFA Football on the PS Vita delivers the experience that we've craved, and with the new analogue sticks instead of the PSP nub, FIFA plays superbly.

  The controls are standard for PS3 FIFA, but EA has added Touchscreen and Rear Touch Pad controls too. Using the Touchscreen you'll be able to pass by tapping where you want the ball to go which allows you to set up perfect through balls. The Rear touch pad is used for scoring - tap or hold on the touch pad for where you want to shoot. Both of these methods are surprisingly accurate and fun to use, but if you are more old skool, then you can turn this method off.

  FIFA Football for PS Vita gives you the FIFA experience and looks great on the OLED screen. If you're a football aficionado and want to score on the go, FIFA Football is a must have!

  

  ModNation Racers: Road Trip

  This cute and cuddly looking racer hides the heart of a lion as you create, customise and share your creations with the ModNation Community. Using the Touchscreen allows you to move character parts into the exact position that you want, plus you can doodle the track on the screen and let the auto populate run. You'll even be able to download community created content from PS3 users!

  Driving in ModNation is fun and chaotic as you'd expect from a karting game with crazy characters and weapons littering the track, using the left stick to steer and the right stick to swipe at other racers if they're too close for comfort!

  The only thing missing from ModNation Racers: RT is online racing, but with the possibility for infinite number of karts, tracks and racers, ModNation Racers has the possibility for infinite fun.

  

  Ridge Racer

  Ridge Racer drifts beautifully onto the PS Vita with gorgeous graphics and the standard tight controls that are needed when drifting a car round a corner at 140 mph! If you've ever played Ridge Racer then you'll know what to expect - fast cars, fast corners and great music that gets you in the driving mood.

  The big difference between this and previous Ridge Racer titles is that this version only comes with 5 cars and 3 tracks on the cartridge. Fortunately the Gold Pass that comes packaged with a new copy of the game will grant you access to most of the downloadable content, including cars and tracks, when they become available.

  Existing Ridge Racers might feel a little let down by having to wait for the new tracks and cars, but if you've never played Ridge Racer, then this is a great way to start.

  

  Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

  Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 brings big name beat 'em ups to the PS Vita (we're yet to try Reality Fighters), pitting some of Capcom and Marvel's biggest characters against each other in three-a-side tag-team battles. There's an impressive selection of characters which allows for some cool combinations (our pick - Dante, Ghost Rider and Deadpool), and when your special bar has enough juice you can unleash team attacks.

  The controls for UMVC3 are easy to pick up so novices will be able to jump straight into the fun, while anyone whose played previous Marvel vs. Capcom titles won't be disappointed either. It looks great, the range of characters is great, and with some great modes to play through this one's a keeper.

  

  LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7

  LEGO games have always been a favourite for us, so LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7 was a must-have. The last four films (or last three books, for non-muggles out there) are brought to life, with each film broken down into chapters, and sub chapters for you to play through. With LEGO putting its usual humorous spin on even the saddest moments, you'll want to go through all of these both in story mode, and then again in free mode!

  Visually, LEGO HP 5-7 is almost on par with the PS3 version which is impressive. The controls are mirrored to the PS3 as well so they'll be no difficulty in getting your teeth into this. Anyone familiar with LEGO games will definitely enjoy visiting Hogwarts on your PS Vita; LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7 is a great title for younger PS Vita players, or older gamers who are looking to satisfy their inner child.

  
  

  So those are our thoughts on the PS Vita as we've played it so far - but how are you getting on with yours? We've not quite had the chance to do everything, so if there are any games you've tried and we haven't, or if you have any of the other features to rave about, why not leave a comment below?

  Published: 28/03/2012

• A Brief History of Handheld Gaming

  
  

  

  This week saw the long-awaited UK release of the PlayStation Vita, the most powerful handheld gaming console ever. Despite a size that fits snugly into your palms, it's a muscular beast of a machine capable of giving its PS3 big brother a run for its money where graphics and processing oomph are concerned. But how did we get here? How did gaming on the go become such a big deal?

  The simple answer is that it's always been a big deal. Even way back in the early 1980s, when the best games were on giant arcade cabinets and the best home gaming had to offer was the bleeping blocks of the Atari 5200, Nintendo was cleaning up with its Game & Watch series of handheld LCD games. Simple in the extreme, they were a cultural phenomena - and Nintendo's first runaway gaming success.

  They were so popular, in fact, that their creator, Gunpei Yokoi, couldn't leave the idea of portable gaming alone. As well as designing classic games such as Donkey Kong and Metroid, he is best known as the father of the GameBoy.

  

  Launched in 1989, this chunky beige brick with a tiny monochrome screen was nothing short of a revolution. Gamers snapped the system up, along with portable versions of hit console games, movie tie-ins, the first entries in the evergreen Pokemon franchise and a certain little game called Tetris. Bundled with the GameBoy, the Russian puzzle classic helped to define handheld gaming as the natural home of simple yet addictive one-more-go game design. It also pioneered the world of multiplayer, using a link cable to allow two GameBoy owners to battle against each other.

  The GameBoy was such an enormous hit - shifting well over 100m units in its lifetime - that other electronics companies tried to ride the bandwagon. Atari released the Lynx, the first handheld with colour graphics, but it struggled to match Nintendo's efficient tech, draining its batteries at inconvenient speed.

  

  More challengers emerged from Japan, such as the TurboExpress, but it would be Nintendo's long-standing rival, Sega, that put up the best fight. The Game Gear launched in 1991, and shrewdly used the same technology as the popular Master System home console, allowing hit games to be quickly ported to the handheld. Although it never outsold the GameBoy, the Game Gear put up a solid challenge.

  GameBoy and Game Gear battled for handheld supremacy throughout the 1990s, with other - often technically superior - portables such as the Neo Geo Pocket and WonderSwan barely making a dent in their dominance. Nintendo's lead was so assured that they waited until 1998 before upgrading the GameBoy's grey and black screen to a colour model.

  

  As the 21st century rolled around, however, the home console experience was becoming so sophisticated that the handhelds were starting to look outdated. Nokia tried to capitalise on the rise of mobile phones with the ill-fated N-Gage, a clumsy hybrid of phone and console that failed to capture the public's imagination.

  It was Nintendo, once again, in 2004 that changed the landscape. The Nintendo DS at first appeared to be an act of supreme folly. Boasting two screens - much like some of the Game & Watch titles of yesteryear - as well as a stylus for touchscreen interaction, it was like nothing else around. And, as with the original GameBoy, Nintendo kept the DS fresh by constantly revising and relaunching the machine in different configurations - smaller, larger, and with more features.

  

  With Sega having long since abandoned the hardware market, the challenge to the DS came from a new rival: SONY. Having exploded into gaming with the PlayStation, SONY's take on handheld gaming was sleek, powerful and designed for the hardcore gamer on the go. The PSP, or PlayStation Portable, certainly made the cheerful DS look like a toy but, much like the Game Gear, it was never quite able to topple Nintendo from its throne, even with cult hits such as Monster Hunter making the system a must-have in Japan.

  

  Which brings us to 2012, where once again Nintendo and SONY are battling for the palm of your hand. Nintendo's 3DS continues the design approach of the original DS, with left field technical innovation and a breezy pick-up-and-play approach. The PS Vita, as we've seen, is the PSP on steroids, a desirable bit of beautiful entertainment technology that pushes the boundaries of what can be done in a small space.

  Looking from dazzling titles like Uncharted: Golden Abyss, all the way back to the rudimentary two-button Game & Watch experience, it's hard to believe only thirty years separate them and yet it feels as though handheld gaming is only just getting up to speed. Imagine where we'll be in 2042!

  Published: 22/02/2012

• New Year Revolutions: The games of 2012 that we want to play now

  
  

  New Year Revolutions: The games of 2012 that we want to play now

  Towards the end of last year, we saw veritable avalanche of amazing games roll over us, leaving us swamped but happy with top-notch titles such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Batman: Arkham City, Skyrim, Super Mario Land 3D, Assassin's Creed Revelations, Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Saints Row The Third and, oh, you get the idea.

  Surely that's more than enough new games to leave even the greediest gamer feeling stuffed and satisfied? Well, yes, but don't pretend you can't hear that little voice whispering in the back of your mind. What's next? it says.

  Here's the answer: our guide to the big games of 2012 that we can't wait to play.

  

  GTA V

  The genre-busting open-world crime caper makes its long-awaited return, with an all-new tale set in the pseudo-L.A. of Los Santos. Details are limited to one cryptic trailer, but where Rockstar is concerned it's safe to set expectations high.

  
  

  

  Mass Effect 3 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)

  Bioware brings its grand space opera to a cataclysmic finale, as the world-devouring Reapers declare open war on Earth. The game adds optional multiplayer modes, as well as Kinect voice features for Xbox 360.

  
  

  

  Halo 4 (Xbox 360)

  Who seriously thought that Halo 3 would be the last we saw of Master Chief? He's back for the start of a brand new trilogy, which will find the Spartan super soldier confronting his own destiny as well as an ancient evil poised to destroy the universe. No pressure then.

  
  

  

  Bioshock Infinite (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)

  Swapping the bottom of the ocean for the top of the world, this continuation of the smartest sci-fi shooter in recent memory casts you as a Pinkerton agent in 1912, trying to escape a dystopian city in the clouds. Expect gorgeous views and gruelling terror in equal measure.

  
  

  

  Borderlands 2 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)

  Return to Pandora for another round of co-operative role-playing mayhem. The game promises more dynamic quests which will alter the path of the story, as well as smarter enemies and more independent non-player characters. Bring it.

  
  

  

  Hitman: Absolution (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)

  It's been five years since Agent 47 last graced our joypads in Blood Money, and his latest adventure will take full advantage of the updates in technology since. Expect to be able to set up more elaborate assassinations, as well some form of multiplayer.

  
  

  

  Max Payne 3 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)

  Rockstar's other big game for 2012 finds the dual-wielding anti-hero cop disgraced and working as a bodyguard in Brazil. Of course, it all kicks off when the family he's guarding are targeted by gangsters, and slow-motion shooty-diving is the only way to settle the score.

  
  

  

  Tomb Raider (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)

  After drifting out of the spotlight, the first lady of gaming returns with this series reboot which follows a more vulnerable teenage Lara Croft, as she grows into the confident adventurer we all know and love.

  
  

  

  PlayStation Vita

  Sony's incredibly powerful handheld drops in February, bringing next-gen muscle to the portable gaming market. With 3G and Wifi-enabled models available - and boasting exclusive Uncharted, Wipeout and Call of Duty games - it's the console to watch in 2012.

  Published: 19/01/2012

• PS Vita - Best Launch Games for the PlayStation Vita

  
  

  With the release of Sony's PlayStation Vita less than a month away, we're taking a sneak peek at some of the biggest and best games that are lined up for launch. We've never seen a better choice of games for a handheld launch, so choose carefully - or just treat yourself to all of them - when you come in to collect your shiny new Vita!

  

  Uncharted: Golden Abyss

  You can't get a much bigger headline act for your new console than the next outing for everybody's favourite adventurer Nathan Drake. Golden Abyss is an epic journey for our wry hero and it even manages to give the PlayStation 3 a run for its money in the looks department. There's of course a lost city to be investigated and - with the long-overdue inclusion of two analog sticks on the Vita - gaming on the move has never felt so much like playing at home.

  

  ModNation Racers: Road Trip

  Frantic lap-time competition hits the Vita with ModNation Racers, a game that features some of the most fun and furious racing around. What really makes this game special though is the community's devilish creations, all of which are available to download and share with your friends. If you like to let your creativity shine, this is a game that offers much much more than just a quick race around the block.

  

  Everybody's Golf

  As one of the most popular gaming series on the PSP, another outing for Everybody's Golf was a no-brainer on Sony's part. It's already leading the sales charts in Japan and is a must-buy for those who like their sports games to lean more on the side of good arcadey fun than serious simulation. Don't expect a walk in the park though - the game may not aim for realism, but it still offers up acres of challenging gameplay that will keep you competing for months.

  

  WipEout 2048

  The game that sold a million PlayStations and brought gaming into the mainstream is back and looking incredible on the Vita's gorgeous 5 inch screen. As a prequel to the original game, WipEout 2048 looks at the origins of the high-speed anti-gravity racing league and includes ten blisteringly fast original tracks. As well as a beefy game in its own right, the title will also support cross-platform play, allowing Vita and PS3 racers to compete for glory together. This is definitely one to use to show off the horse-power of the Vita to your envious friends.

  

  Unit 13

  It's impossible to even think about releasing a console these days without a hopeful shooter franchise leading the charge. Amazingly, we only got our first look at this beautiful third-person military game when it was announced in November last year. The good news is that it's shaping up very nicely indeed. As with Modern Warfare, the game offers a number of scenarios for players to take on, from dispatching terrorists, to intercepting drug traffickers and gunrunners. You'll be spoilt for choice in the role you take too, with options to be the sniper, technician or soldier on the battlefield, to name just a few.

  
  

  

  Little Deviants

  Little Deviants is very much Sony's answer to the kind of bite-sized portable gaming that's become so popular in recent years. It's also a fantastic showcase for the Vita's extensive features. Plentiful use is made of both the front and rear touchscreens, the Vita's gyroscopic functionality and, yes, even the microphone when you're tasked to make a total fool of yourself in public and sing your way to victory! A real treat for mini-game fans, this will offer up no shortage of chuckles for you and your friends.

  

  Reality Fighters

  Now this is where things get really interesting for Sony's latest box of tricks. Using the Vita's fancy technical magic, Reality Fighters lets player really put themselves in the game while fighting opponents on the backdrop of whatever happens to be in front of the Vita's screen. Once you've captured an image of yourself, you can customise your fighter even further by choosing from 16 different fighting styles that range from break-dancing to ballet. Ridiculous, fun, and ever-so-charming, this is one game that never plays the same twice. The action can be scaled up or down too, so players can fight like ants on the pavement, or as 30-foot monsters on the horizon.

  Published: 19/01/2012

• PlayStation Vita and Uncharted Golden Abyss Review

  
  

  

  Give Them a Big Hand(held)

  Portable gaming has never been richer and more diverse than it is today. Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 only left our Nintendo 3DS cartridge slot this Christmas to make way for each other, and games like Angry Birds may very well be more widely consumed than air and water in some countries. But, however good those games are, it's never been possible to achieve quite the same thrills on the go as those you experience in front of the TV with a PlayStation or Xbox.

  Never been possible, that is, until the launch of PlayStation Vita. Sony's new handheld games console isn't quite as powerful as its under-the-TV cousins, but it's as close as anyone has ever come. The graphics are sumptuously detailed and silky smooth, pumping incredible detail through the huge 5-inch OLED screen, and thanks to console-style controls - two analogue sticks, d-pad, symbol and shoulder buttons - you can play games the way you would at home. Meanwhile, the addition of a super-responsive touch-screen opens the door to smartphone-style experiences while a unique "rear touch" panel lets developers come up with new concepts altogether.

  

  Golden Child

  There's no better example of this than Sony's own Uncharted: Golden Abyss, which offers the best of all possible worlds. The PlayStation 3 series is among the console's most visually spectacular exclusives, but the shrunk-down PS Vita release, which is an entirely new adventure, admirably holds its own in comparison, revealing amazing views of Central American mountain ranges, jungles and lost temples and set-pieces that - while they don't quite rival Uncharted 3 - definitely belong under this banner.

  A prequel to the series, it sees hero Nathan Drake teaming up with new love interest Marisa Chase as the duo seek to solve the mystery of a massacred Spanish expedition 400 years in the past. As usual, you make progress by climbing around ancient ruins in acrobatic fashion - the eye-catching platform gaming is perfectly recreated - and getting in elaborate gun and fist fights with legions of hired goons. The action only lets up for well-acted and amusingly written cut-scenes - and of course to solve various puzzles.

  Remote Controls

  These frequently take advantage of the PS Vita's many control options - including one ingenious puzzle that requires you to find an actual real-world light source to illuminate a particular conundrum using the PS Vita's camera. There are myriad different collectables that utilise touch-screen, camera and rear panel as well, including various charcoal rubbings and unique photo opportunities.

  You use Nathan Drake's ever-present diary to keep a look-out for secrets and treasure and flick through it with the touch-screen, a bit like an eBook. If you're so inclined, you can even use the touch-screen to control platform sequences, drawing lines across glowing stone outcroppings to manoeuvre Drake. It's not as tactile as using the buttons, but it's not bad if you're a more casual player.

  

  There's no multiplayer, but the single-player campaign lasts for many hours and frequently mixes things up with new locations and even some cameos from famous old friends. As usual, you dig very deep by the end of the adventure, uncovering a lost civilisation in the process - at great expense to some of the game's stars - and learn an important lesson about greed and sacrifice.

  Livin' la Vita Loca

  As an advert for PlayStation Vita, Uncharted: Golden Abyss does a fine job, and it's a great game in its own right. It's a console-style experience in many respects, but the PS Vita proves more than a match for it - the system standby button, similar to phones and tablets, freezes the game wherever you are and resumes very gracefully when you return to it, so despite its potentially unwieldy nature it ends up suiting any commute or social situation.

  As for the rest of PlayStation Vita, its only real drawbacks are a too-basic internet browser (similar to PlayStation 3) and high pricing on the PlayStation Store, but on the whole it's a marvellous handheld. It's incredibly light, smaller than you realise but with a big screen, boasts impressive battery life for something this powerful (around four hours of Uncharted on full brightness without a charge), and has all the right controls and games. All in all, it's thoroughly recommended.

  GAME's Verdict

  What's Good?

  • Amazing console-style graphics.
    
  • Great variety thanks to multiple control methods.
    
  • Continue the amazing Uncharted adventure on the go.

  What's Bad?

  • Some levels are a little too long for a portable experience.
    
  • Not much use of the rear panel so far.
    
  • No multiplayer.

  Published: 08/03/2012

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