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Hey, so remember when Sony had its E3 2012 press conference and forgot to mention the 25 Vita games on the show floor? Well we remember, and we dug up the details on all those fine titles.
Gravity Rush
We really can't praise Gravity Rush enough. This physics defying action-adventure title might be the best game on the Vita. In our Gravity Rush review, we gave it a 9/10. It's out now, so if you've already got a PS Vita, or need a title to pick up when you grab your new handheld, this game is a sure thing.
Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
What is it about the Lego-ification process that makes great properties all the more appealing? We still have a while to wait until DC heroes face off in Injustice: Gods Among Us, but if you're down for a more friendly, not so gritty, but nonetheless exciting take on famous caped crusaders, Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is the way to go. Just listen to that Batman: The Animated Series theme music in the trailer. These developers obviously have taste! Check out our Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes preview for more info on the heroes joining the Dark Knight's quest.
Sound Shapes
The artsy-fartsy but nonetheless intriguing platformer Sound Shapes is another musical Vita title that deserves some good headphones. Check out our hands-on preview of Sound Shapes, which is coming to the Vita and PS3.
Orgarhythm
Orgarhythm is an especially unique title, a rhythm-RTS hybrid that will have you tapping your Vita to the beat in order to command your troops. From the minds behind unique musical games like Rez and Space Channel 5, this is a game to play with a nice set of headphones. Orgarhythm will launch in August will 12 stages, with more to come via DLC.
Hatsune Miku
Not familiar with Hatsune Miku? That's kind of what Sony figured. It brought the rhythm game diva's latest title to E3 2012 to gauge Western response. However, she's big in Japan, big enough to get her own limited edition PS Vita bundle. While there are no plans for an American or European release, perhaps a flash mob of cosplayers at respective Sony headquarters could convince them otherwise?
Silent Hill: Book of Memories
The Vita's Silent Hill: Book of Memories is a more action-oriented take on the creepy horror series. It's not some brain-dead slugfest, though. We spoke with the game's senior associate producer about translating the feel of the series to Vita. Four player co-op and customizable avatars aren't your usual Silent Hill features, but it could make for a solid multiplayer outing on the PS Vita.
Persona 4: The Golden
At first, Atlus was just going to remake the PS2 version of Persona 4 for the Vita, but actually ended up adding more than just updated graphics. There's extra dialogue, a whole new character, and online support will let you get help from other players if you're about to die in a dungeon battle. New story elements and Vita features should be more than enough of a reason for Persona fans new and old to pick up this handheld remake. Plus, it drops in October, the perfect time to play a paranormal RPG.
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz
We're all familiar with the concept behind Super Monkey Ball, yes? Adorable chimps, trapped in hampster balls, forced to navigate treacherous yet cute terrain, all for our amusement? It's rather insidious, really, but you know you love it. Look for Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz to make its Vita landing this fall.
Zen Pinball 2
Digital pinball can be a low competition genre, but that hasn't prevented Zen Studios from being truly lovely to its customers. They give away Zen Pinball 2, and just sell the tables. Better yet, any table you buy will be accessible on both your PS3 or your Vita. Zen Studios also knows that part of the appeal of pinball is seeing tables themed after your favorite franchises, which is surely why it released Marvel Pinball: Avengers Chronicles.
Jet Set Radio
C'mon, you know Jet Set Radio, don't you? Whether you're a fan of this game from the Dreamcast days, or this will be your first time spraying graffiti and roller-blading away from the cops, when Jet Set Radio arrives on the Vita, it'll be a must play. Just like the re-releases that hit Xbox Live and the PSN, it'll feature updated graphics and "most" of the original soundtrack (you know how those music licensing fees can be). For more details, check out our preview of Jet Set Radio on Xbox 360. As far as specifics for Sony's handheld go, this version will use the Vita's camera and touch screen. Not too shabby for a decade-old classic!
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time
Sly and his family of thieving animals are back, simultaneously bringing their latest adventure to PS3 and the Vita. This stealth-platformer will have the usual gang of anthropomorphic animal thieves, traveling in time to obtain a book full of secrets on the Cooper family. Note that this new entry is being developed by Sanzaru Games, who has been handling the HD ports of the series. We guess Sucker Punch is too busy with the Infamous games!
Street Fighter X Tekken
The fighting game that brought Ryu and Yoshimitsu together is making the jump to PS Vita. There's still no solid release date for the Vita conversion, but we know the game will support cross-play with the PS3, and some touch controls too. For more info on this cross-over brawler, read up on Street Fighter X Tekken PS Vita What you need to know.
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale
Alright, if you haven't heard about Sony's new character mash-up brawler, it's time to put that rock you live under on the market. PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale will take famous video game characters and allow them to throw down in a fashion similar to a certain Nintendo series (hint: it rhymes with 'brash mothers'). But maybe you didn't hear that it'll be on the Vita as well as the PS3? If that's the case, you've still got plenty of time left to get excited. We're still waiting for a solid release date on this one, but Sony did show Nathan Drake and Bioshock's Big Daddy at E3 2012. We've also gone hands-on with PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, and done some speculating about the roster for Sony's brawler. That should tide you over!
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
Hey, even Sonic needs to get off his feet once and while. That's why the latest kart racer starring the blue blur and other Sega regulars will have them behind the wheel of flying, driving and er...boating machines. Joe Musashi from Shinobi, B.D. Joe from Crazy Taxi and more will be joining Sonic, Knuckles, Doctor Eggman and others for multiple laps around transforming tracks. For more on this Sega racer, check out our extensive Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed hands-on preview.
LittleBigPlanet
LittleBigPlanet is one of the PlayStation's best exclusives. It's a funny multiplayer platformer with nearly infinite replay value, thanks to all the user-made content the fans have lovingly assembled. Now imagine all the mini-games that will be possible using the Vita's touch interface and gyroscopic controls! For more exciting details, check out our LittleBigPlanet Vita preview.
New Little King's Story
The original Little King's Story ranked pretty high on our list of the Best Wii Games. We gave it a 9/10 in our review, and this Vita-exclusive follow-up looks like it's no slouch either. It'll make full use of the handheld's online features, with co-op and DLC support.
Oddworld Stranger's Wrath HD
Oddworld Stranger's Wrath was undeservedly overlooked in it's initial Xbox release. It came late in the system's life cycle, and its odd style and merger of third and first-person gameplay had a hard time getting the Halo crowd's attention. Now, with HD re-releases on every platform, it's finally getting the attention it deserves.
Sine Mora
Sine Mora is a bullet hell shooter, meaning lots and lots of projectiles to dodge. Developed by Digital Reality and Suda 51's Grasshopper Manufacture, XBLA players have gone ape over its intense gameplay and art style from anime legend Mahiro Maeda. Sometime this year, Vita owners will get to experience the challenge and reward of this old-school action title.
SunFlowers
If you're a puzzle fan and SunFlowers isn't on your radar, it's time to listen up. SunFlowers is looking like a fast-paced game with a deviously cute art style and a sharp sense of humor. Playing as the sun, it's your job to feed those flowers all the sunshine and rain they need. But watch out for storm clouds, they'll fry your flowery friends to a crisp. SunFlowers is also the only Vita game we've seen that requires you to hold the system in portrait orientation, aka tall-wise or longways.
Snapshot
Snapshot stands out from the puzzle-platformer crowd with a photographic twist. As a camera-packing robot, you can photograph anything and then make it physical, meaning you can take a picture of a crate, then place it where you need it. We liked it enough to call it one of 10 upcoming indie games you need to know about, and we think the Vita version will do it justice.
When Vikings Attack
We got some hands-on time with When Vikings Attack at E3, and we were blown away by the simple fun and anarchic spirit of this title. Players control clusters of units, all acting as one, which toss whatever items are handy at enemy squads, hoping to scatter them or steal some soldiers for their own force. It's instantly accessible, and supports competitive cross-play with the PS3 version.
Smart As
Smart As, with its smart ass name, looks to be the Vita's answer to the DS's Brain Age, with a social networking twist. After completing the various puzzles and brain teasers, which take full advantage of the Vita's unique interface, you can compare your scores with those of different players, nationwide.
Soul Sacrifice
Get excited Vita owners, Sony has the man, the legend, Keiji Inafune working on an exclusive title for their potent new handheld. This is the developer who played a crucial role in games like Mega Man, Resident Evil, and Onimusha. His new game Soul Sacrifice will put an emphasis on the whole "sacrifice" thing, forcing the player to put his character through gruesome bodily transformations to use special moves and grow more powerful. Our bodies are ready, Inafune-San!
