Best PlayStation Vita Game From Every Year Of The Console’s Life

The PlayStation Vita was released in Japan in late 2011, and in the rest of the world in 2012, and was Sony’s attempt to take the power of a gaming console and make it portable. Over the years, the Vita changed, bringing out new versions that tried to keep up with what gamers wanted from a handheld device, as mobile phones became more advanced. The Vita’s changes weren’t just about looks; they gave gamers more options, like better screens or a lighter design. Alongside the hardware, the Vita also had a large catalogue of games by the end of its life, offering players lots of choices.

This list will focus on the most popular games on the Vita for each year it was in production, and how some of these fit into the bigger picture of gaming history. Being a fan of the Vita for a long time or just hearing about it today, this is a look back at a handheld console that tried to bring big gaming experiences into a small, portable market.

7 Persona 4 Golden (2012)

Metacritic Score: 93

Persona 4 Golden shone on the PS Vita in the first year of its launch with the highest Metacritic score of PlayStation Vita’s entire run, capturing fans’ attention with its rich narrative and character arcs that unfold in a mystical yet relatable world. The game’s visuals stood out on the Vita’s display, while the soundtrack became a personal backdrop to the adventure for many fans.

Touchscreen features added a tactile dimension to exploration and battles, and the Vita’s connectivity brought players together, sharing tips and triumphs. Above all, Persona 4 Golden was a perfect fit for the Vita, with its lengthy journey able to be broken down into short adventures thanks to the console’s ability to pause and play on a whim. It wasn’t just a game for many players; it was a companion for the road, a slice of another life in their pockets.

6 Spelunky (2013)

Metacritic Score: 88

The ingenious design of Spelunky pits relentless challenge against rewarding exploration. Each procedurally generated level offered a fresh labyrinth of hazards and treasures within a cave, ensuring no two adventures were alike. The game’s charm was amplified by its cartoonish visuals, which softened the blow of its often punishing difficulty.

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On the Vita, Spelunky felt at home, with quick sessions fitting seamlessly into players’ lives. Its features, like the ghost that punishes dallying adventurers, encouraged swift, strategic play. The Vita’s crisp display and responsive controls made navigating these treacherous depths a tactile joy for many.

5 Velocity 2X (2014)

Metacritic Score: 90

A very different kind of game to be released onto the Vita, a console that had previously seen success in puzzle and tactical games,Velocity 2X was a fresh shoot-‘em-up action title that contained fast-paced platforming. The game’s brilliance lay in its dual-genre approach, allowing players to pilot the nimble Quarp Jet through treacherous space environments before docking to continue the battle on foot.

Its teleportation mechanics were not just a novel feature; they demanded strategic thinking and quick reflexes, making every level a thrilling challenge. The Vita’s precise controls brought the game’s intricate designs to life, while the smooth frame rate ensured a consistently fluid experience in what was a technically demanding game.

4 Code:Realize – Guardian of Rebirth (2015)

Metacritic Score: 86

Thanks to a mesmerizing tale that weaves together characters from classic literature and history into a unique steampunk adventure, Code:Realize – Guardian of Rebirth proved to be another successful JRPG for PlayStation. The Vita’s screen does justice to the game’s gorgeous art, making every scene a visual treat. It’s the kind of game where the player’s choices matter, leading to different romantic storylines and outcomes, making each playthrough unique.

The touch screen of the Vita, much like other games on this list, adds an extra layer of interaction, pulling players deeper into Cardia’s mysterious world. It’s a journey full of intrigue and heartfelt connections, perfectly suited to the Vita’s immersive experience.

3 Steins;Gate 0 (2016)

Metacritic Score: 84

This game’s strength lay in its ability to weave complex scientific theories into a deeply emotional human story, much like the anime it’s based on. Its interactive elements, such as the phone trigger system, allowed players to shape the narrative, leading to multiple possible endings and a highly personalized experience. The PS Vita’s features, like the touchscreen and rear touchpad, were utilized to create immersive interaction with the game’s world, enhancing the connection between the player and the story.

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The Vita’s portability meant that players could engage with this rich, branching narrative at their leisure, making Steins;Gate 0 not just a game, but a portable saga that resonated with its audience on a profound level. It enabled players to keep the game going, even when stepping out of their house.

2 Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds (2017)

Metacritic Score: 83

Another successful JPRG on the Vita published by Sony, immersing players in the tumultuous era of the samurai, Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds stands as one of the best examples of storytelling on the system. It’s a journey through a beautifully rendered historical Japan, where every choice weaves a new thread in the rich tapestry of its narrative. The game’s allure is magnified by its cast, inspired by real historical figures, who bring depth and authenticity to the story’s romantic escapades.

With twelve potential story paths, the replay value is immense, inviting players to uncover all the facets of this game’s world. The Vita’s touchscreen breathes life into interactions, making every decision feel impactful. This game invites players to live in it, with each playthrough crafting a personal saga that lingers long after the campaign has run its course.

1 Hakuoki: Edo Blossoms (2018)

Metacritic Score: 75

As a continuation of the Hakuoki saga, this game was one of the final titles released on the PS Vita. Set against the backdrop of a changing Japan, Hakuoki: Edo Blossoms’ narrative choices lead again to branching storylines and over 30 different endings, each rich with drama, romance, and betrayal. The game’s fluid animation and vibrant art were still a visual delight on the Vita’s screen, while the detailed CG added depth to the storytelling.

Unique to this sequel was the ability to alleviate characters’ pain in their Fury form, adding a layer of strategy and empathy to gameplay. The Vita’s simple controls allow for easy navigation through the story, with quick-save options for exploring different narrative paths. While this game has the lowest Metacritic score on this list, it still deserves space among the best PS Vita games available during the console’s run, acting as a strong conclusion to the saga’s story, and a perfect swan song for the PS Vita’s lifespan.

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