Read Peter Galvin's review of the Sony PlayStation Vita in this week's Gamer column.
Most of the Vita's launch games exist to show off what the system can do. Mini games, short races, puzzlers; a lot of this initially sounds like phone gaming. But, even with all of Sony's efforts to ape the success of Apple's app store, don't discount the Vita's sticks and buttons, a fundamental that phone gaming has yet to overcome. Real games have buttons, people.
Little Deviants
This mini-game collection came as a pack-in with early orders of the Vita and seems specifically designed to show off the system's novelties. Think WiiSports, but instead of a remote, you have touch screen games and "augmented reality" that uses the rear camera to allow you to shoot aliens in your house. Each game is fairly one-note and, for all but children, the novelty will grow old fast.
Uncharted: Golden Abyss
For everyone who thinks their phones can play games, play Golden Abyss. While this third-person shooter may stack less favorably against its console brethren, as a handheld title it's simply stunning. An Uncharted adventure with very few concessions, Golden Abyss is closest to a home experience you're likely to get on a handheld. Read more »
