PS Vita first edition bundle, early game reviews
(CBS) - The Sony PlayStation Vita is available today for early bird fans that had the foresight to pre-order the first edition bundle.
The official launch date in the U.S. and Canada is Feb. 22. Upon launch, gamers will also be able to purchase 25 launch titles, including Uncharted: Golden abyss, FIFA Soccer and Rayman Origins.
We recently tested out the PS Vita and were impressed. While it won't change your life, it's definitely a fun toy for gadget and video game lovers. It's like an amalgamation of a tablet and video game console, with the size advantage of a smartphone.
"Overall, the PlayStation Vita is the most advanced portable gaming system ever made," CNET's Jeff Bakalar said in an in-depth review of the device. "While the price is deceiving because of a hidden cost, gamers are getting an impressively complete package right out of the gate. A healthy launch lineup is sure to provide something for every kind of gamer, and a large selection of digital downloads is available right now."
CNET Review: Sony PlayStation Vita
PS Vita will launch with a heap of new video games
PS Vita off to strong start
The Wi-Fi version of the PS Vita will cost $249, while the AT&T 3G version will sell for $299 (plus data plan). The hand-held gaming device will also integrate Facebook, Skype, Twitter and Foursquare.
Early reviews of launch day titles are beginning to surface. We rounded up a few from around the web.
Uncharted: Golden Abyss
"When all is said and done, Golden Abyss feels like a cut-rate version of the Uncharted games that most people have already played," said Kotaku's Kirk Hamilton. "It's mostly affable, it's functional, but it mimics its console big brothers so deliberately that its shortcomings stand out. Everything feels like the console version but smaller - smaller levels, smaller set-pieces, smaller combat encounters, smaller stakes. A bolder, more distinctive game, more-creatively designed for the platform and built around the characters we love could have been a great showcase for the Vita's unique elements and its console-like power."
"Despite its problems, though, Golden Abyss still succeeds in delivering some intense, entertaining action and combat. It's not quite the full-blown Uncharted experience on the move that you might have hoped for, but it's damn close. And for that, it should be commended," said GameSpot's Mark Walton.
WipeOut 2048
"It's not a huge leap forward for the series, but Wipeout 2048 is still a thrilling racing game with an enviable sense of style," said GameSpot's Mark Walton.
" WipEout 2048 is an easy game to recommend. It's a faster-than-hell racer that makes full use of the Vita's graphical prowess. It has a fleshed-out single-player campaign, a whole host of race-modes and unlockable vehicles, and a fantastic, pulse-quickening soundtrack," said Kotaku's Kirk Hamilton.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
"Even with the trouble I had pulling off combos, and the frustration of feeling lost and alone in the lobby, I still think this is an amazing port in many respects. Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is a game I would consider far too flashy to fit on a handheld, and Capcom accomplished it," said Joystiq's J.C. Fletcher.
"Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is a portable port that makes no concessions on playability or visual quality, and that's a truly rare thing. Aside from the optional touch controls, it adds absolutely nothing new in the way of features or character roster, and makes no apologies for it," said Destructoid's Dale North.
ModNation Racer: Road Trip
"Think of it instead as Mario Kart for Speed Demons (or Mario Kart for Creators, or Mario Kart for People Without Mario Kart) and things become much clearer: this big, inventive racing game might not be the best racing game on the market - but it's the second best on PS Vita," said Computer and Video Games' Ben Griffin.
"When ModNation Racers: Road Trip runs smoothly it's a joy to play and its career mode is incredibly rewarding with tons of unlockables up for grabs. The customisation options too are unrivalled and PS Vita's touchscreen really works well to help players have the smoothest possible creation experience. Still, it loses points for lag and no online multiplayer,"[sic] said PlayStation Universe's Steven Williamson.
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational
"World Invitational marks the franchise's debut on the PlayStation Vita. And though it continues the incredible traditions that have made it so popular (and showcases a few sleek additions), it also frustrates on a number of levels and provides little reward for a lot of effort," said IGN's Ryan Clements.
"World Invitational does a pretty good job of utilizing the new Vita's capabilities. Most obvious are the graphics, which combine smooth, cartoonish characters with the many picturesque vistas," said the GamesRadar staff.
FIFA Soccer
"Despite some omissions in FIFA [Soccer], it's as close to the full-blown console versions as a portable FIFA game has ever got, playing a precise, challenging, and--most importantly--exciting game of football," said GameSpot's Mark Walton.
Asphalt Injection
"Little Deviants is an easy game to like. It plays well, for the most part, looks nice and demonstrates what the Vita can do," said The Sixth Axis' Dan Lee.
"In trying to create something that endears the Vita to its audience, Little Deviants almost does the opposite, providing a gimmicky, throwaway experience," said Joystiq's Richard Mitchell.
