My PS Vita Ups and Downs

"I remember being inordinately excited about the PlayStation Vita. It wasn’t the prospect of a “PSP2” that I liked – Sony’s first handheld console was generally a big disappointment for me. The PlayStation Vita brought with it a new promise, the hope that Sony would understand the failure of the PSP to live up to its potential for users like me and that they’d correct that in the new machine."

[guitarded77]

"Uncharted: Golden Abyss was reasonably good but it looked fairly average."

We must have been playing a completely different game because Uncharted Golden Abyss is the prettiest thing I've seen running on a handheld device.

Not bashing the article... it's actually a coherent critique of the Vita, but Uncharted on Vita is beautiful.

Here's a compressed screenshot I took from my Vita (note: It looks even better in person)... check link.

[StanSmith]

Why does the screenshot that you took on your Vita have all the Sony and Naughty Dog copyright info in the bottom right corner? Serious question as I've never seen that on mine.

Also, Uncharted does not look as good as that screenshot suggests. It has alot of aliasing in person.

I found the game quite tedious to play until a familiar face showed up in the second act which had some of the funniest dialogue I've heard from the whole franchise.

Still, it was a decent game for the price I paid for it.

[guitarded77]

Copyright info is because it was uploaded to Flikr from Vita, and Facebook from Vita, which is why I said it was a compressed image. Because it is compressed, I say it looks better on Vita than the image I have attached. Try it and compare the images... you say it doesn't look as good as the screenshot suggests. The comment from the article I am questioning isn't about gameplay, it's about how the game looks, and Uncharted is beautiful on the handheld. Compared to anything else on handheld, nothing is at that level, aliasing or not. My only real complaint is that not all environment objects are dynamic... kinda sucks running into a shrub and it's like it's made out of concrete, but I know they have processor limitations.

[StanSmith]

I'll have to try the screenshot thing later, but the compression does seem to hide all the jagged edges.

Even so, Uncharted GA is still a great looking game. From a graphical standpoint, it's only faults are the aliasing (which most launch games have) and the pixelated explosions. For this article to claim it's average looking is laughable.

[oldfriend86]

The article said a lot, with not much substance. System description was fine, though not as indepth. For games, I respect his opinion. Though vague, I'm sure he just wanted to touch on the games a little bit, then shift focus back onto the system again. However I get the feeling that he was forcing the experinence. Instead of, "Gee wiz, I can't wait to have fun!"; his mindset was, "This 'better' be fun. Hmm...nope not impressed. Next"

[Edward75]

if you are an owner, or a person wanting to own, this article says why it has potential, and why it is struggling. The only thing I disagree was his ho-hum talk about Uncharted. That game was awesome. Overall all true, and can still have a happy ending :)

[chrisarsenalsavart]

nothing on a handheld looks as amazing as uncharted GA. period

[Lucretia]

it did look amazing. but many flaws in the game. felt ALOT more like uncharted 1.5 to me. such steps back from UC2 and 3, though for obvious reasons ofcourse.

still, little odd things made it not too fun. alot of predictable parts of gameplay. protect person from getting shot, protect them with a turret from getting shot, sniper room etc. it felt like these were on cycles and happened too often.

still not a bad game, but not as good as the others ofcourse, though again it is a handheld

oh yeah and the random times you had to do chalk rubbings in the middle of climbing or in a gun fight, im like wtf??? haha

[Lucretia]

honestly i luv the vita but it needs more games. and it is a matter of time, but doesnt change that there isnt too much. i beat all the good games and had to go back to my psp.

still vita has alot of good stuff on the way. people have to give the vita time. it took the 3ds more than a year to start getting games, and well, the vita needs the same chance

[CommonSenseGamer]

My problem with the Vita is that because it does games only I would find I'd leave it at home more often than not in favor of my 7" tablet. Sure its the best mobile gaming only device but my needs have matured beyond that.

[tachy0n]

DAFUQ? games only? the PSVita can go to the internet, skype, youtube, facebook, and a lot more, its not the console fault you aint got enough brain cells to use it properly.

[CommonSenseGamer]

Don't even begin trying to compare the Vitas non gaming features to smartphone or tablet. And why did you make it personal?

[Hicken]

First off, it doesn't do "games only," so whatever other crap you're talking that's based on that is flat-out wrong.

Second, if you need your 7" tablet, then you need it. The Vita isn't there to be a complete replacement, any more than that tablet can replace the Vita.

Finally, if your "needs have matured beyond that," then why in the Hell did you buy it in the first place?

It's overall stupid comments like this that make people question whether you actually own the device. It also turns responses personal, as it seems you, in general, have a personal interest in slandering the Vita, its games, and the company that makes it.

Yes, I just commented on something from six days ago. Kick rocks.

[BuffMordecai]

I think if they bundled the system with black ops for $200 this holiday season, there would be a massive jump in sales. Also set the wifi version for $200 and ax the useless 3g model. I know that $250 is a fair price for the vita, hell I bought one at that price, but with the slow sales, Sony needs to do something. In turn, if the lowered price point led to the system's sales momentum, third parties wouldn't be so hesitant to brings their games to the platform. Also, an aggressive ad campaign would be nice.