Support NeoGAF

[corrosivefrost]

Oh well, guess I'll just bite the bullet, lol. Thanks.



well, the sales always begin and end on tuesdays, but some last for more than one week

Sometimes. But not usually.

Especially not when the Holiday Sale Week 1 ended when the store updated last Tuesday and the Holiday Sale Week 2 discounts went live.

So it stands to reason that this Tuesday will end Holiday Sale Week 2 and start Holiday Sale Week 3 (if it exists).

 

[VanWinkle]

So close to ordering the LBP/Tearaway bundle for Christmas. So close. I'll also be picking up the Jak HD Collection. I'm aware it's a shitty port, but I've dreamed of portable Jak ever since my friend lied that the PSP could play your PS2 games off your memory card... I wasn't a particularly smart kid.

I don't want your dreams to be crushed when you try the Jak Collection like mine were.

 

[opticalmace]

Is there a way to add PSN friends from the website?

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

I don't want your dreams to be crushed when you try the Jak Collection like mine were.

Oh lord, that bad? I'm no stranger to janky ports. I think I need to have it for novelty value really. It's insane how cheap Vita games are, one of the few advantages of it being less than "hot topic" I suppose.

So;

Tearaway
LBP
Jak HD (potentially)

What else should I be looking at? Played Gravity Rush and not a huge fan. Not hugely into JRPGs either.

 

[Totobeni]

Will try to keep this super short.

Best Vita games in 2013 (That I've Played)
1- Tearaway: Handheld game of the year. full of new gameplay ideas, they just don't make games like this anymore.
2- Ys: Memories of Celceta: Best Japanese action RPG of the year. Falcom Really is one of the Japan right now.
3- Soul Sacrifice: Amazing story and gameplay, with that combat system MonHun genre finally moved forward.
4- Shinovi Versus: Best of the DW genre since CL. Awesome combat system and mindless fun.
5- Sorcery Saga: while it's too easy for a roguelike this game is doing everything good and it's full of charm. very short but super fun.
6- Guacamelee: Best Metroidvania since Order of Ecclesia.
7- Sly Cooper: Thieves in TimePlayed this on PS3. I got the Vita version so this count) 2nd best of Sly series. with more modern and improved gameplay.
8- Atelier Totori Plus: Story, Quest, Combat system. this is one of few good JRPGs available now
9-Atelier Meruru Plus: (again dp) While not as good as Totori (Story and characters lacking) it's still very good and the quests are bigger.
10- MotoGP 13: Best sim on Vita, the port is fully featured I'm not fan of motorbike sports but I enjoyed this and played it for so many hours.

Worst Vita games in 2013 (that I've played)

- Dragon's Crown: mentioned this tons of times already Dragon's Crowns is not good. it's repetitive with boring combat for all classes and a joke AI (for companion and enemies) shitty level design and no story. this was going to be the worst Vita of the year but Armature bested Vanillaware here.
- Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate: Handheld turd of the year. a very freaking short game (4 and half hour). boring exploration and 2.5D broke the free flow system and made it super shallow. it feel like an andoid game by Gameloft or something. just horrible. *still better than Tomb Raider which is the ultimate poop of the year on all system*

2013 Games I wanted to buy but couldn't (and why)
- Valhalla Knights 3 (didn't get it because It looked so ugly and worse looking than some early PSP games. srsly wtf?)
- Invizimals: The Alliance (because the devs refuse to evolve it)
- Killzone: Mercenary (because of the FOV)

so overall 2013 was a decent year for Vita. the best game arrived together later in the year (Tearaway, YS..ect) and left empty months of nothing after SS release. also there is lack of original and exclusive PSN Vita titles unlike 2012 which was great in that. but with Tearaway , Celceta, Shinovi Versus and Soul Sacrifice I was happy this year with PSvita.

 

[VanWinkle]

^About Arkham Origins Blackgate: I couldn't play more than 30 minutes of it before I was bored out of my mind, and I'm FURIOUS that I spent FORTY DOLLARS on that thing.

Oh lord, that bad? I'm no stranger to janky ports. I think I need to have it for novelty value really. It's insane how cheap Vita games are, one of the few advantages of it being less than "hot topic" I suppose.

So;

Tearaway
LBP
Jak HD (potentially)

What else should I be looking at? Played Gravity Rush and not a huge fan. Not hugely into JRPGs either.

I don't know, I mean, I guess it's not the worst ports on earth - just close to it. If you can find it cheap, maybe you'll get more enjoyment out of me?

Tearaway and LBP are great starts. I would say, even if you've played Rayman Origins/Legends, which I'm sure you have, it would be worth having the Vita versions if you can find them cheap. Guacamelee is a FANTASTIC PSN game with some genuinely challenging platforming, too.

 

[ZeroAKA]

Is there a way to add PSN friends from the website?

No, but you can use the iPhone/Android app instead.

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

I don't know, I mean, I guess it's not the worst ports on earth - just close to it. If you can find it cheap, maybe you'll get more enjoyment out of me?

Tearaway and LBP are great starts. I would say, even if you've played Rayman Origins/Legends, which I'm sure you have, it would be worth having the Vita versions if you can find them cheap. Guacamelee is a FANTASTIC PSN game with some genuinely challenging platforming, too.

I've played Origins but not Legends; and wouldn't you know it, the Vita is about 60% cheaper than the other platforms! Guacamelee also interests me and is CHEAP. Spelunky and Hotline Miami would be good on the go too.

The idea of the console edition of Minecraft on the go really excites me too. Is that sad? The Pocket Edition is so disgustingly neutered. No caves?! Why don't I just watch paint dry!

 

[KalBalboa]

Oh lord, that bad? I'm no stranger to janky ports. I think I need to have it for novelty value really. It's insane how cheap Vita games are, one of the few advantages of it being less than "hot topic" I suppose.

So;

Tearaway
LBP
Jak HD (potentially)

What else should I be looking at? Played Gravity Rush and not a huge fan. Not hugely into JRPGs either.

I think the Jak trilogy is better than its reputation would lead you to believe on Vita.

 

[Weltall Zero]

Will try to keep this super short.

Damn, I was excited for Tearaway and Soul Sacrifice (especially since it's coming to PS+ Europe), but seeing them in your top 1 and 3 spots makes me worry...

On the other hand, stopped clocks and all that...

 

[VanWinkle]

I've played Origins but not Legends; and wouldn't you know it, the Vita is about 60% cheaper than the other platforms! Guacamelee also interests me and is CHEAP. Spelunky and Hotline Miami would be good on the go too.

The idea of the console edition of Minecraft on the go really excites me too. Is that sad? The Pocket Edition is so disgustingly neutered. No caves?! Why don't I just watch paint dry!

No. I'm excited for it, too. I hated Pocket Edition.

 

[zroid]

uhhh why is Dragon's Crown the only thing listed under the Holiday Sale tab

edit: well whatever, found Spelunky on sale when I searched for it. Weird.

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

I think the Jak trilogy is better than its reputation would lead you to believe on Vita.

Well... I'm used to diverse opinions. I think Jak II is the best game Naughty Dog have ever put together and regularly get chewed out for that opinion, so you know

No. I'm excited for it, too. I hated Pocket Edition.

I can't believe I payed a fiver for it. The touch controls are a crime against humanity. I ended up getting ripped apart by mobs in a tiny world I could hardly see because it was so dark.

 

[VanWinkle]

uhhh why is Dragon's Crown the only thing listed under the Holiday Sale tab

edit: well whatever, found Spelunky on sale when I searched for it. Weird.

Huh. Yeah, that is weird. I'm surprised you don't have Spelunky, being a fellow platformer fan, lol.

Well... I'm used to diverse opinions. I think Jak II is the best game Naughty Dog have ever put together and regularly get chewed out for that opinion, so you know

Oh, well in that case, if Jak II is the main one you wanted to play, you may be happy to know that it's actually the best port of the three. It's kinda decent actually. J&D The Precursor Legacy is one of my favorite games ever, but it's the worst port of the three, so maybe that's why I hate the thing so much.

 

[ZeroAKA]

Damn, I was excited for Tearaway and Soul Sacrifice (especially since it's coming to PS+ Europe), but seeing them in your top 1 and 3 spots makes me worry...

On the other hand, stopped clocks and all that...

What's wrong with Tearaway and Soul Sacrifice on his list? Even Toto knows good games when he sees them

Spoiler

for the most part.

 

[Totobeni]

^About Arkham Origins Blackgate: I couldn't play more than 30 minutes of it before I was bored out of my mind, and I'm FURIOUS that I spent FORTY DOLLARS on that thing.
.

Yup. Blackgate is not well made at all, design mistakes and flaws everywhere and very boring and repetitive for a short game. a complete mess and it's sad to know it's from ex-retro guys.

What's wrong with Tearaway and Soul Sacrifice on his list? Even Toto knows good games when he sees them

Spoiler

for the most part.

:|

 

[ZeroAKA]

:|

To be fair though, I tend to agree with you much more often than disagree, especially when compared to most people here.

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

Oh, well in that case, if Jak II is the main one you wanted to play, you may be happy to know that it's actually the best port of the three. It's kinda decent actually. J&D The Precursor Legacy is one of my favorite games ever, but it's the worst port of the three, so maybe that's why I hate the thing so much.

*fist pump*

For me it goes;
Jak II
Jak III
Precursor Legacy

But they're all good!

 

[Weltall Zero]

What's wrong with Tearaway and Soul Sacrifice on his list? Even Toto knows good games when he sees them

Spoiler

for the most part.

Were that to be true, Dragon's Crown would be the top spot in the opposite list it currently occupies.

The funny thing is that our opinions are opposite even when consensus sides with one or another, because I for one think that Guacamelee is overrated (way more style than substance or variety) and definitely lightyears behind the better Metroidvanias. That this may be the case with Tearaway as well is what I'm concerned about.

 

[Acid08]

Ordered Tearaway through that Gamestop deal. I'm actually not all that interested in playing it right now but I know I'll want to eventually so it was hard to pass on that price!

 

[jonno394]

Will try to keep this super short.

Best Vita games in 2013 (That I've Played)

......

Worst Vita games in 2013 (that I've played)

......

Nice list, Sly is definitely something I want and i'll more than likely end up avoiding Batman now.

Heres mine not that I played a huge amount of games that came out this year, a lot I played was 2012

Best of 2013

1) Muramasa Rebirth - Gorgeous visuals, great combat and extremely compelling stories for both characters.

2) Tearaway - Wow, what can I say, this game was worth the wait. An all round charming game with one of the best soundtracks in recent memory. A superb platformer that drew me in and left me smiling from ear to ear. One where upon completion I really felt sorrow at having finished my journey with Iota

3) Jak and Daxter: Precursor Legacy (havent played 2 and 3 yet) - One of the best 3D platformers I have played, only bettered by the Mario titles and now Tearaway. Great worl, likeable characters, funny etc this is a superb game and imo Naughty Dogs best.

4) Thomas was Alone - A great puzzle platforming gameplay with more character than most games even though they're only blocks! Excellent story and narration

5) Limbo - Stylish and compelling. Some great sequences and devious puzzles towards the end.

6) Guacamelee - Enjoyable Metroidvania stule game with great combat. A bit sort but what was there was great.

Worst of 2013

1) Dragons Crown - After loving Muramasa I thought this might challenge for my best of 2013 but it just didnt do anything for me. The combat was not enjoyable and the game left a lot to be desired in comparison to Muramasa.

edit - Thought Lego LOTR came out in 2013, but that was the iOS version, so removed from my list.

 

[ZeroAKA]

Were that to be true, Dragon's Crown would be the top spot in the opposite list it currently occupies.

The funny thing is that our opinions are opposite even when consensus sides with one or another, because I for one think that Guacamelee is overrated (way more style than substance or variety) and definitely lightyears behind the better Metroidvanias. That this may be the case with Tearaway as well is what I'm concerned about.

It's just one person's opinion. A good number of VitaGAF seems to enjoy both Tearaway and Soul Sacrifice.

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

I can't abide by the Vita LEGO games. Lazy ports of the DS versions when by all accounts they should be lazy ports of the console versions, at least. Fond memories of Lego Star Wars II on the PSP have faded into the either...

Is the Tearaway/LBP bundle the best deal? You get a 16gb memory card too, is that enough for the time being, for a few games? I imagine I'll buy mainly physical anyway.

 

[Novocaine]

Yup. Blackgate is not well made at all, design mistakes and flaws everywhere and very boring and repetitive for a short game. a complete mess and it's sad to know it's from ex-retro guys.

This is by far the biggest gaming disappointment of the year for me. It's leading me to believe Retro struck lightning with Metroid Prime. Blackgate could have been so good.

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

This is by far the biggest gaming disappointment of the year for me. It's leading me to believe Retro struck lightning with Metroid Prime. Blackgate could have been so good.

Coming from the 3DS sign of things, it was filling a huge gap in the lineup what with Castlevania going all "GoW" on us. It sounded like lightning in a bottle, Metroidvania Batman developed by ex-Retro devs. A case of too good to be true indeed.

 

[Acid08]

So I played the first little bit of Strangers Wrath and it seems kinda boring. I know it's an old game at this point but it feels clunky, the third person controls are terrible.

 

[branny]

My GotY list is crying. I still haven't really started Guacamelee or Soul Sacrifice, and I didn't wanna get Celceta until I beat Ys 7.

Tearaway doesn't appeal to me, so at least I don't have to worry about rushing through that one.

 

[zroid]

Spelunky get! I have to thank GrimHeaper for indirectly reminding me this was on sale on Twitter.

Haven't been paying much attention to PSN lately so I've probably missed out on a lot of stuff. Been wanting to try Spelunky for a while though. Don't own a 360 so I missed out on it at first, and then kind of forgot after the initial hype faded.

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

So is Vita LBP good? The original was the only game to ever give me proper PS3 envy. I considered buying a PS3 solely for it.

 

[Bastion]

I don't want your dreams to be crushed when you try the Jak Collection like mine were.

It is not that bad. I have had lots of fun playing Jak 2.

 

[ohlawd]

This is by far the biggest gaming disappointment of the year for me. It's leading me to believe Retro struck lightning with Metroid Prime. Blackgate could have been so good.

Metroid Prime 2 and 3 and DKCR are all fine games. It's not like every good person left Retro after Prime 1.

 

[VanWinkle]

So is Vita LBP good? The original was the only game to ever give me proper PS3 envy. I considered buying a PS3 solely for it.

I'd say it's probably the best LBP, actually.

 

[RalchAC]

I can't abide by the Vita LEGO games. Lazy ports of the DS versions when by all accounts they should be lazy ports of the console versions, at least. Fond memories of Lego Star Wars II on the PSP have faded into the either...

Is the Tearaway/LBP bundle the best deal? You get a 16gb memory card too, is that enough for the time being, for a few games? I imagine I'll buy mainly physical anyway.

Be happy! They're dropping the DS, so now we'll get a lazy 3DS port! We'll finally get games like the ones released in the PSP!

Still, it won't use our lovely second analog stick at all, which is sad.

 

[Flightmare]

Copying Totobenis format:

Best Vita games in 2013 (That I've Played)
1- Persona 4:Golden: Game of the year. I loved the charachters, the story, the music and the combat. It was my first Persona game, and I've put over 170 hours into it.
2- Tearaway: A game that simply felt fantastic from start to finish.
3- Bit Trip presents: Runner 2: I played the Wii U version (I know the vita version comes next week, and I will double dip), but I really loved this game. I usually don't like rhythm games, but for some reason I loved this one.
4- EDF 2017 portable: Perfect game for killing time & giant ants.
5- Velocity Ultra: Fun, and great for pick up and play. Perfect game for a handheld
6- Killzone: Mercenary: Looks absolutely amazing, and I've enjoyed both the singleplayer and the multiplayer
7- Flower: I originally played this earlier on ps3, but the vita version was great. Would've ranked it higher if I hadn't played it before. Love the art, and it's a really relaxing game.
8- Thomas was Alone: I loved the narrative. The game was easy but charming
9-Rayman Legends: I'm still playing it, and it looks and plays great, but I prefer Origins. Don't like the murphy levels.
10- Limbo: Another example of indie games that are best on vita. I own this on PC as well, just never played it. The atmosphere is just great as well

Worst Vita games in 2013 (that I've played)

- Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time: Just boring. It was too simple, playing as other characters than Sly was awful.
- Proteus: It's like Minecraft, just without anything fun to do

I'm still waiting on a sale for the Atelier games, and I haven't picked up Muramasa yet. I also haven't started Dragon's Crown

 

[Symphonic]

How much is Runner 2 gonna be and when is it coming? Almost triple perfected all levels on PC, gonna double dipz

 

[cj_iwakura]

I literally just got mine, but I can vouch for Soul Sacrifice and Celceta.

SS has an amazing story, unique style, and solid gameplay. Not as good as God Eater's(since you don't get the weapon/gun variety), but more than passable.

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

Be happy! They're dropping the DS, so now we'll get a lazy 3DS port! We'll finally get games like the ones released in the PSP!

Still, it won't use our lovely second analog stick at all, which is sad.

The level design in the portable versions is so poorly done though. It's basically "go here, kill X amount of enemies and press different buttons that only X character can push". Ah well, maybe someday we'll get a fully-fledged version. I daresay the 3DS can handle better.

It sucks we don't really have an ETA on Minecraft or Borderlands, I can see myself sinking hundreds of hours into those two.

 

[Diebuster]

So is Vita LBP good? The original was the only game to ever give me proper PS3 envy. I considered buying a PS3 solely for it.

I think it's better than any of the LBP games on the PS3. The level design is great, the new touch controls are a natural fit, and it has the full suite of design tools. The game's a perfect fit for a handheld.

 

[Flightmare]

How much is Runner 2 gonna be and when is it coming? Almost triple perfected all levels on PC, gonna double dipz

7€/10$ (8$ for ps+ members) iirc, comes next week

 

[Therealbeatris]

My wife got me a vita and p4g, acL, KZM, and ff7! We had to exchange gifts early due to family stuff, but enough of that what should I start first?

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

I think it's better than any of the LBP games on the PS3. The level design is great, the new touch controls are a natural fit, and it has the full suite of design tools. The game's a perfect fit for a handheld.

Woo! I absolutely adored the concept of LBP on PS3, but the gameplay did rather leave a lot to be desired. I'll be getting it free alongside Tearaway, so.... lots of apparently awesome platforming joy for me come Christmas day!

 

[Weltall Zero]

It's just one person's opinion. A good number of VitaGAF seems to enjoy both Tearaway and Soul Sacrifice.

Yeah, I was mostly jesting . I'm still excited about Soul Sacrifice and, well, I'm getting it for free!

I can't abide by the Vita LEGO games. Lazy ports of the DS versions when by all accounts they should be lazy ports of the console versions, at least. Fond memories of Lego Star Wars II on the PSP have faded into the either...

I haven't seen any other of them, but I got LotR for free with PS+ and I couldn't stand playing even a single stage through. It was just bad. And this was BEFORE I got ridiculously hooked on Lego Marvel for PC, so it's not even that I was coming from that.

Also, for the life of me I can't understand how people can say Muramasa's combat is better than Dragon's Crown. Either Muramasa is incredibly better on the Vita, or they only played Dragon's Crown on Normal and with AI helpers (admittedly, not being able to play Hard or Infernal from the get-go plays against it, because Infernal LoC is where it's at).

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

The console versions of the LEGO games have genuinely diversified and evolved, whereas the handheld versions, taking the idea that somehow playing it on the train warrants simplistic design, are basically the PS2 Legos A -> B design. It's a real shame. The older LEGO games filled a real niche of the old completionist, collectathon platformers.

 

[jonno394]

Also, for the life of me I can't understand how people can say Muramasa's combat is better than Dragon's Crown. Either Muramasa is incredibly better on the Vita, or they only played Dragon's Crown on Normal and with AI helpers (admittedly, not being able to play Hard or Infernal from the get-go plays against it, because Infernal LoC is where it's at).

It is, I couldnt stand it when I played it on my Wii but the Vita version, damn, that combat is fast, furious and when you do it right you can slice through enemies like a hot knife through butter while dodging, rolling etc and coming out unscathed.

 

[Acid08]

My wife got me a vita and p4g, acL, KZM, and ff7! We had to exchange gifts early due to family stuff, but enough of that what should I start first?

P4G definitely!

 

[ohlawd]

P4G definitely!

no way lol save P4G for last cuz it's the longest + bestest

 

[Cheska]

My wife got me a vita and p4g, acL, KZM, and ff7! We had to exchange gifts early due to family stuff, but enough of that what should I start first?

P4G definitely!

I most definitely agree with this!

 

[Flightmare]

P4G definitely!

Yep

 

[Therealbeatris]

I most definitely agree with this!

Got it p4g it is!

 

[daxy]

Got a refund on the Vita I had screen issues with (for clarity: probably a factory defect)! Will be picking up the White/Lime 2K model (to match my Pikachu 3DS :b) and a 64gb card when I get back from holidays in January. I'm too finicky when it comes to screen stuff, so I'm saving myself from going mad checking for imperfections in the screen by sacrificing the OLED. It really is a beauty though, no denying that. I had a system with an 8gb card and the mega pack voucher, which included nothing interesting for me except LBP and Wipeout in retrospect. The memory card I returned, but as the games are tied to my PSN, they apparently didn't mind I used the voucher. Great that it played out like this since I was a bit bummed out that the majority of the games didn't appeal to me.

So glad you can pick up PS+ content and buy games from their online store. Won't have to miss out on any Christmas deals. Already picked up MGS HD collection (my first entry to the series, not the best way from what I hear but it's better than skipping it I figure), Rayman Legends and DOA5+. Also surprised that some (Giantbomb & 8-4 podcast guys most prominently) don't seem to know that you don't have to use the system to secure PS+ content. Soul Sacrifice and Blazblue for January PS+ is fantastic. Two games off of my purchase list right there. Still trying to wrap my head around how good of a service PS+ is.

Have a copy of P4G lying here that I've put about an hour into and looking forward to continue playing that finally. Bunch of other games that I'd like to give a shot. The Vita's library looks great and is a surprisingly good companion to the 3DS. The new systems don't really have a selection of games I'd be willing to drop the price of a new console for, so until then it's all handhelds for me!

Question for anyone with a foreign Vita: will I need a power converter/ Vita charging kit from my region or can I just charge it regularly or perhaps via a USB to AC block?
edit: apparently the 2K can be charged with a standard micro USB charger!