Despite being neglected horribly by Sony after less than stellar sales in the west and subsequently being labeled as a “legacy” system, the PlayStation Vita has had more than its fair share of great games. But like any other video game system, there are a ton of titles out there, both good and bad. Are you interested in getting your hands on a Vita, but don’t know what games are worth paying attention to? Do you already have one, but are looking for something new to play? Well, this feature will be taking a look at what Sony’s latest handheld has to offer, by compiling a “best of” list, of a sorts. a highlight reel, if you will. Although a simple “top 10” could suffice, I’d like to go a bit more in depth, so that a wider variety of games get their time in the spotlight. While of course not everyone will love all the games listed, due to personal preference, I personally believe that each of these games are at least worth a try, and are the pinnacle of what this specific console has to offer! So let’s get to it!

Note that this isn’t an end-all-be all list! This is just a jumping off point for those to get started with! Also, each game will be kept to one specific list, so certain titles (we're looking at you, Persona 4!) don’t just dominate the entire thing. As a bonus, if there is a GBAtemp review available, I will link to it, so that if you're interested, you can get a bit more information on a specific game.

Best Indie Games

Due to the extra horsepower that the Vita boasts over the 3DS, Sony’s portable has flourished with numerous indie titles, many of which feel perfectly at home on a handheld system.

10. Axiom Verge (GBAtemp Official Review)

9. Salt and Sanctuary (GBAtemp Official Review)

8. Rogue Legacy (GBAtemp Offical Review)

7. Steamworld Dig/Heist

6. Guacamelee!

5. Spelunky

4. Velocity 2X/Ultra (Official GBAtemp Review)

3. Bastion

2. Binding of Issac: Rebirth

1. Shovel Knight

Best First Party Titles

While Sony Interactive Entertainment did not get too involved Vita projects after the initial launch, there still were some solid releases for those first couple of years.

5. Tearaway

4. Wipeout 2048

3. Uncharted: Golden Abyss (Official GBAtemp Review)

2. Killzone: Mercenary (Official GBAtemp Review)

1. Gravity Rush

One of the most unique takes on platforming, SCE Japan's Gravity Rush is a beautiful game, with a lot of style. The game manages to make good use of the Vita's features, while refraining from feeling gimmicky.

Best Visual Novels

Japanese games work absolutely perfectly on the Vita, and thanks to Japan, you’ll not only see a lot of JRPGs, but visual novels as well. Luckily, a number of localization studios have translated these interactive novels for the English-speaking public.

10. Psycho Pass: Mandatory Happiness (Official GBAtemp Review)

9. Amnesia: ~Memories~ (Official GBAtemp Review)

8. Norn9: Var Commons

7. Corpse Party: Blood Drive

6. Xblaze Code: Embryo

5. Root Letter (Official GBAtemp Review)

4. Code Realize: Guardian of Rebirth

3. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc (2: Goodbye Despair) (Official GBAtemp Review)

2. The Nonary Games (Zero Time Dilemma) (Official GBAtemp Review)

1. Steins;Gate (Steins;Gate 0) (Official GBAtemp Review)

A top-form visual novel in every way. A compelling narrative, lovable characters, and beautiful art make Steins;Gate one of the best in its genre.

Best Ports

Just like any other handheld, ports of older classics come in droves, and the Vita is no different. It’s a marvel to have the ability to take PS2-era games on-the-go!

10. God of War Collection

9. XCOM: Enemy Unknown Plus

8. Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3

7. Jet Set Radio

6. Ratchet and Clank: HD Collection (Official GBAtemp Review)

5. Need for Speed: Most Wanted (Official GBAtemp Review)

4. Sly Cooper Trilogy

3. Final Fantasy X/X-2

2. Muramasa: Rebirth

1. Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection

Kojima's stealthy action game makes a perfect fit on handheld, with the Vita version boasting solid visuals and performance.

Best Online Play

Sometimes playing singleplayer just isn't enough. When you need a multiplayer fix, you can turn to these games!

5. Attack on Titan: Wings of Freedom (Official GBAtemp Review)

4. Hot Shots Golf

3. LittleBigPlanet

2. Minecraft

1. Freedom Wars

Best Salad Mix

This is for the games that don’t really fit into their own category, yet still deserve mention in some form or another.

10. Dariusburst Chronicles

9. OlliOlli (2)

8. Warriors Orochi 3: Ultimate

7. Resogun

6. Sonic All Stars Racing: Transformed

5. Pixeljunk Shooter

4. Yomawari Night Alone (Official GBAtemp Review)

3. Severed (Official GBAtemp Review)

2. Rayman Legends

1. Dragon Quest Builders

Best Rhythm Games

And of course, we cannot forget the fantastic rhythm games available to play. Here are the best of the best:

5. Persona 4: Dancing All Night

4. Taiko no Tatsujin V (GBAtemp Fan Translation Project)

3. Superbeat XONiC (Official GBAtemp Review)

2. IA/VT Colorful (GBAtemp Fan Translation Project)

1. Hatsune Miku: Project Diva F2nd (The Diva series in general)

Best JRPGs

The bread-and-butter of this system. While AAA western development was lacking, that didn’t stop Japanese game studios. This is definitely the strongest part of the Vita’s library.


15. World of Final Fantasy (Official GBAtemp Review)

14. Trillion (Official GBAtemp Review)

13. Grand Kingdom

12. Ar NoSurge

11. Dungeon Travelers 2 (Official GBAtemp Review)

10. Stranger of Sword City (Official GBAtemp Review)

9. Lost Dimension (Official GBAtemp Review)

8. Demon Gaze

7. Shiren the Wanderer

6. Digimon: Cyber Sleuth

5. Hyperdimension Neptunia (series) (Official GBAtemp Review)

4. Atelier Totori (Atelier series in general)

3. Trails of Cold Steel (II) (Official GBAtemp Review)

2. Disgaea 4: A Promise Revisited (Official GBAtemp Review)

1. Persona 4: Golden

Quite possibly one of the greatest JRPGs that you can experience. The Vita port of Persona 4 not only adds balancing in terms of gameplay, but adds new scenarios and characters, making Golden the absolute definitive version of the game.

Best Action-RPGs

Do you prefer other styles of games that aren’t turned-based or as text-heavy? These games set themselves apart from the JRPGs by having more action-based combat and gameplay, instead of the calmer turned-based typical JRPG style.

10. Akiba’s Trip (Official GBAtemp Review)

9. Adventures of Mana

8. Toukiden Kiwami (Official GBAtemp Review)

7. God Eater 2: Rage Burst

6. Freedom Wars (Official GBAtemp Review)

5. Soul Sacrifice: Delta

4. Dragon’s Crown

3. Tales of Hearts: R (Official GBAtemp Review)

2. Ys: Memories of Celceta

1. Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir (GBAtemp Official Review)

Leifthrasir is an improvement of the original Odin Sphere in every way imaginable. If you were a fan of the original game, love beat-em-ups, or just want a game with solid combat, Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is a must-play.

​

Best Exclusives

Many Vita games have made their way to other systems, be it PC or PS4. And while that’s fine, some people are interested in pure exclusives. What from the above is an experience you can only get on a PlayStation Vita? The answer is in the following:

​

5. Freedom Wars

4. IA/VT Colorful

3. Tales of Hearts R

2. Ys: Memories of Celceta

1. Persona 4: Golden

​

With a strong existing library, and even more huge titles on the way in 2017, the PlayStation Vita has more than proved that it's thriving, and still has a long life ahead of it!

So, what do you think? Did I miss any titles that you think deserve to be on here? What did you think of this article? Is there a specific system you'd like to see featured next? Let me know!

 

[cvskid]

Vita has a good share of fighting games, I think a top 10 can be added.

Awesome article BTW

In no particular order

Dead or Alive 5+, Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax/Ignition, Blazblue Chrono Phantasma Extend, Mortal Kombat 9, Injustice Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition,

Street Fighter x Tekken, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3, Skullgirls 2nd Encore, Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R, and Arcana Heart 3 Love Max!!!!!.

Guilty Gear is a digital only title while Skullgirls you can't do 2 player ad hoc for some odd reason. Even if you are in the same room as the other person and you both have ps vita systems you are forced to go online in order to play against each other.

 

[TheDarkGreninja]

Well, if P4 golden is the best version of P4... Guess I'll pick up a vita.

But, that also makes me excited for a possible Persona port for Switch.

 

[MrJason005]

vita = japan machine

 

[TheDarkGreninja]

DQ builders? Sign me up!

Absolutely loved that game on PS4, gonna enjoy it in a portable style.

 

[SLiV3R]

Very Nice list. I have always ranked and considered the PSViTA among the best handhelds. I have played and loved many of those games you ranked, like YS, Atelier games etc. etc.. But in the long run, it is the Roguelikes that really SHINES on the handheld, as they are as made to just pick up and play, whenever, wherever. My PSViTA was a Spelunky-machine for almost 2 years as it is a Perfect fit!

A couple of other great Roguelikes/Roguelites on the PSViTA that OP didnt mention:
Downwell
Crypt of the NecroDancer
Dont Starve
Risk of Rain

 

[MrJason005]

We have many good games on vita : project diva ( miku )

But also : hyperdimension neptunia ( the serie of 4 games )

The real problem of the vita was that sony never comunicate about it >.<

barfs

 

[Ericzander]

This is a very great breakdown @Chary! My Vita just arrived yesterday and I was actually wondering what I should install on it. So far I decided on Guacamelee, Child of Light, Danganronpa, Digimon Cyber Sleuth, Persona 4: Golden, Persona 4 Dancing all Night, World of Final Fantasy, Uncharted Golden Abyss, and Don't Starve.

That gives me like 12gb of extra space for later. I'm certainly gonna keep coming back to this thread.

 

[GuyInDogSuit]

Persona 4 Golden is the shit.

 

[Pomegrenade]

Next on The Highlight Reel: we will be taking an in-depth look at the best handheld gaming console ever *drum roll* the Nokia N Gage
(jk it's obviously the Nintendo DS , im definitely not bias )

Also thanks for the great review Naoto...I mean @Chary

 

[QiMu]

I bought both vita and N3DS in early 2017. My favourite is vita and i spend most of my past time playing it. Luckily my son love the 3DS so it is not wasted lol.

 

[MaskedMarvel]

Lol the Vita owner emotional support thread.

 

[gnmmarechal]

Gravity Rush <3

 

[vayanui8]

The vita really is a great system. It may cater to a specific audience, but it does it well and consistently. The library gets huge when you start to count imports too.

 

[Bonestorm]

I dont understand why people like so much the vita, nowdays it is not necessary

I just bought a PsTV last month and modified it. Apart from Persona, there really is no reason to have it, all or most of its games are either on ps3 or already ported to pc/ps4.

You say that, because you have no clue what you speak of.

 

[DarkWork0]

yeah but vita has buttons and joysticks attached to the screen and smartphones dont.

Not really an actual issue because of Bluetooth and the ability to sync just about any wireless controller to your phone.

 

[pedro702]

Not really an actual issue because of Bluetooth and the ability to sync just about any wireless controller to your phone.

you miss the point of remote play dont you? remote play is to play the game without using the screen basicaly making it handheld mode being it wiiu gamepad,handheld mode or vita stream, you basicaly stream the game to handheld mode, if i would stream for a phone and then using an actual bt controller what would be the point?

remote play is for sitting on the couch or being on bed and playing the game, if i had to use the smart phone screen as a screen and an actual remote i couldnt play confurtably on off tv gameplay because you would need to lay the phone up on some surface and then using an actual controller, for that it might as whell just use the tv lol.

 

[Pluupy]

I think I only wanted to play a two games from that list. Vita still has no games. One whole game more than the Switch, but still an equally useless console. The Wii U actually looks more appealing than both.

This is incredibly saddening.

I was so excited for the Vita at first but Sony fucked it up. I don't know why they did the same thing to the Vita as they did to the PSP. Not taking advantage of it's capabilities. Proprietary storage. Not localizing games. Expensive-assed console. Do most of those listed games even use the touch pad on the back? Games don't even run at full speed with that streaming function. I wanted to play Final Fantasy XIV in bed.

And real talk, you people acting like the Vita is worth the price because of one or two games must be rich to spend so much money on a single console just for that. I don't want my $200 gaming devices collecting dust after I beat the two games I wanted.

Whoever is in charge of Sony's portable gaming division or whatever needs to be fucking fired. I'm waiting for Vita prices to drop low or for Square-Enix to give purpose to Playstation's portable yet again.

Until then, I will be playing Shin Megami Tensei, BokuMono, Zelda, Mario, Yokai Watch, Kirby, Smash Bros, Theatrhythm, Animal Crossing, Dragon Quest, Zero Escape, Professor Layton, Ace Attorney and a fuck ton more on my 3DS. Maybe on Switch too in two years.

 

[Foxi4]

Next on The Highlight Reel: we will be taking an in-depth look at the best handheld gaming console ever *drum roll* the Nokia N Gage
(jk it's obviously the Nintendo DS , im definitely not bias )

Also thanks for the great review Naoto...I mean @Chary

The NGage is universally hated when in fact it had loads of really good games, I loved the thing. I still remember playing Warhammer 40K and Path to Glory, those were excellent games. System Rush is also noteworthy, not to mention Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. The system really packed a punch, I still need to repurchase one as mine was, regrettably, stolen.

 

[pedro702]

The NGage is universally hated when in fact it had loads of really good games, I loved the thing. I still remember playing Warhammer 40K and Path to Glory, those were excellent games. System Rush is also noteworthy, not to mention Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. The system really packed a punch, I still need to repurchase one as mine was, regrettably, stolen.

same happened to me lol i had the original n gage stolen on the school and then bought ngage qd wich was stolen when our house was robbed since it was charging :S i still have some sd cards for the games and chaos theory on a portable on n gage days was amazing, i also loved the red faction port and the original game Ashen, had a doom like felling.

ngage for its time was powerful as hell, no portable could beat it unfortunely it failed miserably becuase of the phone design imo, if nokia released a dedicated portable and didnt include the phone thing it could have had more sucess.

 

[Foxi4]

same happened to me lol i had the original n gage stolen on the school and then bought ngage qd wich was stolen when our house was robbed since it was charging :S i still have some sd cards for the games and chaos theory on a portable on n gage days was amazing, i also loved the red faction port and the original game Ashen, had a doom like felling.

ngage for its time was powerful as hell, no portable could beat it unfortunely it failed miserably becuase of the phone design imo, if nokia released a dedicated portable and didnt include the phone thing it could have had more sucess.

Marketing sucked, library was small and the form factor needed work. Portrait mode? C'mon. As for the phone functionality, that's precisely what I want from my future gaming portables - the more devices in one the better.