Me at my local Gamestop

Okay, I meant to get this up earlier, but between my pile of school work that isn’t getting done because of the Vita and my need for sleep that I’m not getting because of the Vita, I’ve been in a position where nothing I want to do is getting dedicated time. That said, my time spent has been long enough to get some pretty extensive impressions of the hardware and software so here’s my thoughts after the jump.

Hardware

No two ways about it; the Vita may be the most beautiful hardware I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing with. The buttons and sticks all feel fantastic, and the front touch screen never seems to miss a touch (outside of games, but that’s a different problem). There have been gripes about the charger being dumb and the start / select buttons being awkwardly placed, but otherwise, great hardware. If I had one problem, and it is a minor one, it’s that your hand positions will – more than likely – cover the speakers, which seem to struggle to output good sound as it is, nevermind with your hands in the way. It isn’t a killer problem though.

Also, the cameras are crap, but who gives a buttfucking twittle-fish about a game console’s camera.

Interface

Sony tried to make the interface appear like the iPhone / Android, and it works similarly, but just crappier. Mind you, if this device came out before iOS, we’d be singing its praises, but after generations of iOS devices, the Vita’s OS just feels clunky by comparison. There’s also needless separation of apps that doesn’t feel right. The friend’s list is separate from friend chat, which is separate from friend messaging. That is lazy design if I ever seen it. Hopefully this will get cleared up in further patches.

On the other hand, the Playstation Store is a joy to navigate with the Vita compared to the PSP. The touch screen interface works wonderfully and everything is well organized. If Sony was trying to push the Vita as a touch device they have definitely succeeded.

Games

Uncharted Golden Abyss

I’ve been hearing from other sources this game doesn’t hold a candle to Uncharted 2 and 3, but since I didn’t play those, I felt right at home with this game. Prior to launch, the big news about Uncharted for the Vita was the optional touch integration for many of Drake’s actions. At first I thought I was going to ignore this, but as I continued playing, I can honestly say I was taken in by the design of the touch controls. Touch screen climbing makes those sections feel more organic, and QTE touch feels much more interesting than the standard mashing a button for no good reason. Uncharted also features back touch screen use that sucks donkey balls.

Hot Shots Golf

It’s Hot Shots Golf but prettier. It also features the worst voice acting in human history. Otherwise, it’s a perfect launch title to take up your time when you don’t feel like shooting things.

Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3

UMvC3 on the go? I couldn’t ask for more! Finding matches still sucks, but that is generally true with every Capcom fighter I’ve ever played. On the other hand…

Blaze Blue

This game has an opening option menu with 19 choices. Certainly the most bang for your buck on the Vita. Also features great net code.

Touch My Katamari

It’s Katamari. You already know if you’re going to like it. If you like wonkey Japanese humor and aren’t already sick of the series, give it a go; otherwise, avoid at all costs.

Lumines

If Uncharted isn’t your thing, then this is the must have launch title. Great music, great fun!

Dungeon Hunter Alliance

It’s a 99 cent game for $40. Is it worth it? Question 1) Are you into dungeon crawlers and want one to play on the go? Question 2) Do you have an iPhone?

If you answered yes to both then do not get this game on the Vita, but if you don’t have anything else to play Dungeon Hunter with, give this game a go!

Rayman Origins

Makes a great case for combing traditional controls with touch screen. I love it and you will too.