Games
Sony’s handheld is an indie game dream machine. Check in with our top picks you need to play.
The PS Vita hasn’t quite turned out the way Sony intended. Originally intended as a means to bring AAA blockbuster, PS3-worthy experiences to your pocket, the Vita no longer receives much love from the big studios, and the days of Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation are long gone.
But the PS Vita hasn’t failed, simply evolved. Thanks to Sony’s benevolent approach to small studios in recent years, it’s now host to an incredible library of indie games to kill the time on the way home and in between Remote Play sessions. Don’t believe us? Check out these low key downloads and wave goodbye to your social life.
1. OlliOlli 2: Welcome to Olliwood
If your PlayStation Vita’s analogue stick survived the original OlliOlli, it might not make it through the arcade skateboarding game’s sequel – we mean that as a compliment. OlliOlli 2: Welcome to Olliwood, the 2D, BAFTA award winning sequel, touched down on PS Vita earlier this year and refines almost all of what made the original so addictive – its clever gestures to land tricks – in one easy to pocket, pick-up and play side-scroller. Forget Tony Hawk’s, if you’re after a skateboarding game that’ll keep you crawling back for more, it’s got to be OlliOlli 2.
2. Limbo
Black and white puzzle platformer Limbo has been an indie darling for years since it debuted on Xbox Live Arcade, yet it’s still a treat to revisit thanks to its intriguing look, dark style and brain tickling puzzles. It’s easily one of the most influential and stunning indie titles to date, and you can take it on the go thanks to 2013’s Vita port. A must have.
3. Resogun
Side scrolling shoot ‘em ups are usually some of the most nail-bitingly difficult games to complete, but none have caused you to go into a fit of rage while looking utterly gorgeous as Resogun. Launched on Vita late last year, the shmup takes a voxel-approach to aesthetics and has the gameplay chops to match its good looks, even if you’re thrown right into the deep end from the get go.
4. Table Top Racing
Playing as a tiny little car driving around tables, picnic blankets and cooker hobs is a genre in its own right at this point, and Playrise Digital’s Table Top Racing nails it perfectly on the head. Owing some inspiration to Micro Machines, the tiny racer might look small on paper, but it has plenty of scope with oodles of tracks, upgradable cars and championships to sink your teeth into, with a sequel on the way next year.
5. Shovel Knight
Yacht Club Games’ 2D side-scroller Shovel Knight has lit up Nintendo platforms and the PC since its debut last year, and now you’ll be able to take it on the road with your PS Vita later this month. As the name implies, you play as a knight armed with a shovel, and it’s your quest to collect treasure and take on the Order of No Quarter. With retro 8-bit graphics and a top-notch chiptune soundtrack, Shovel Knight is well worth a place on your handheld.
6. Spelunky
Derek Yu’s Spelunky has been available on PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 for years, but nothing suits the randomly generated action-adventure classic better than the PS Vita, letting you pick up and play no matter where you are. As the spelunker, you’re tasked with exploring tunnel after tunnel, gathering treasure and avoiding all sorts of traps, pitfalls and monsters – including yetis, ghosts and even aliens. It's utterly charming, packs in brilliant gameplay and there's so much to do that you’ll keep on playing until your battery runs out and you’re forced to crawl along the skirting board of the café looking for a wall charger.
7. Axiom Verge
Metroidvania fans are surely in for a treat with Axiom Verge, the work of one-man indie game band Tom Happ. Inspired by the likes of Metroid, Bionic Commando and Contra, you’re placed into the shoes of the lead character, Trace, and you’ll be adventuring and exploring your way through a huge gameworld where you’ll be able to tinker with over 60 different items and power-ups to help you on your way. Throw in huge, R-Type-style bosses, catchy chiptunes and a sprawling map to explore, Axiom Verge is a top pick for your Vita. It’s just hit PS4, but you’ll be able to take it on the road soon.
8. Guacamelee!
If Axiom Verge has scratched your Metroidvania itch but you’re after something a little bit more light-hearted, 2013’s Guacamelee! should be the perfect Mexican-flavoured filling for your Vita tortilla. Drinkbox Studios’ luchador-starring side-scroller puts you in the shoes of a farmer who has to don his mask to rescue El Presidente’s Daughter (obviously) and packs in all sorts of grappling, adventuring and ridiculous power-ups. Jampacked with more fillings than a burrito, Guacamelee! is a must have.
9. Jetpack Joyride
Originally launched as a mobile game on iOS, Jetpack Joyride has enjoyed a second wind on dedicated consoles, and you can enjoy it on your Vita too with an upgraded version that packs in plenty of delights. Strap on your jetpack and whirl through endless levels packed with mazes of lasers and missiles, all while you upgrade your turbo backpack along the way.
10. Nidhogg
Quirky, side-scrolling pixellated fencing title Nidhogg is one of the stranger games we’ve ever seen, but it’s also one of the most addictive. It’s a fast paced dueller with wicked graphics, vivid colours and music by electronic artist Daedelus, all making for one must-have title. With online crossplay multiplayer (duel your PS4 buddies) as well as ad-hoc play with local Vita players, Nidhogg’s vivid representation of fencing is a sharp reminder that you don’t need vast development teams and millions to make a great handheld game.
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