Top 12 Most Anticipated PS Vita Games, 4.0 out of 10 based on 1 rating

The outlook may be bleak, but there's hope on the horizon.

Let’s not split hairs here: the PS Vita is in trouble. It burst out of the gate with a huge stable of launch titles, but failed to really capitalize on that strong opening with a big “need to own” title. The closest the handheld has gotten is Gravity Rush, a beautiful little game with unfortunately limited appeal. So, what’s in the pipeline for the Vita? Here’s what I’m excited for:

12. ASSASSIN’S CREED III: LIBERATION–

The Assassin’s Creed franchise has had portable entries in the past, but they’ve ranged from mediocre to forgettable. What gives me hope for Liberation? Well, not much is known about it yet, but we do know that the protagonist is an African-French woman who will be navigating the post-French and Indian War bayous of Louisiana. As a fellow swamp dweller, I’m intrigued by the time period and setting just as much as, if not more than, I am for Connor’s upcoming adventures in the Revolutionary Northeast. If Ubisoft does half as well recreating 18th century New Orleans as it did Renaissance Italy I will be one happy history buff.

Also, if I may express some personal bias, I’m just tired of Anglo-Saxon male protagonists. It’s sad that Aveline de Grandpré is a selling point in and of herself, but I guess that’s the way it is.

11. Guacamelee–

Besides having a pun-tastic name, Guacamelee is shaping up to be a special little game. Developed by DrinkBox Studios through Sony’s Pub Fund, the game is the story of Juan, a “normal guy who stumbles upon a Legendary Luchador mask,” and “must find the strength and courage to become the Hero he’s always dreamed of being.” Gameplay seems to be a mind-bending combination of puzzle solving, MetroidVania exploration, and brawling, which is a winning combination in my book. Throw in plenty of unique Mexican aesthetics, and you’ve got a PSN game to watch.

Guacamelee will also be playable on PS3 (and PC long afterwards), but my time with Metroid Fusion has taught me that these experiences are best savored on a handheld. Likewise, keep an eye out for other downloadable Vita games with potential, such as Sunflowers and When Vikings Attack!.

10. Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz–

Don’t you judge me.

I loved the early Super Monkey Ball titles, and I’m interested to see how the Vita’s tilt functionality complements the gameplay of SEGA’s simian adventure. More importantly, I think it’s important that the system has a game parents would feel comfortable getting for the children, the way the 3DS has Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D Land. It may not be aimed at your age demographic, but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to be a great game. If you ask me, Once Upon a Monster is the single best title for the Kinect.

9. Silent Hill: Book of Memories–

Hold your pitchforks, friends. I have a good explanation for this one. No, Book of Memories will not be a good Silent Hill title. It won’t even be a good horror game. However, it might be a fun action-RPG.

With Square Enix trying a similar thing on the 3DS with Heroes of Ruin, I’m interested to see if portable looting takes off. There’s nothing quite like a solid session of Torchlight on the PC, but I think there is plenty of potential for these games to work on handhelds, and I think Silent Hill might have the creature roster, setting, and mythos to help Konami pull it off. If it helps you, just call it Spooky Loots or something.

8. Zone of the Enders HD Collection–

I need a more specific release date, kthxbai.

We all know the original Zone of the Enders because of its infamous Metal Gear Solid 2 demo, but it turns out that the two console releases in the series have a sizable cult following. I have vague memories of playing the games back in the day, but I’d love to get a chance to get my hands on an updated collection, especially since Zone of the Enders 3 is coming.

I tried not include ports, remakes, or non-exclusives on this list, because the whole point here is to look at what the Vita brings to the table that no other device can. However, two rare games for the price of one (with updated graphics!) feels like a fair compromise. Also, the game has a character named Jehuty. Your arguments are now invalid.

7. Oddworld Abe’s Oddysee, Munch’s Oddysee, and Stranger’s Wrath–

Munch is the panty-droppingest gabbit of all time.

So… about that. Yes, this is another entry that technically seems like just a repackaging of old games. Looks can be deceiving though. Just Add Water has confirmed that at least Abe HD will be a full remake built on the blueprint of the original game, while the other two were well received on the E3 show floor earlier this month. Technically, Abe’s Oddysee hasn’t been confirmed for Vita yet, but it makes sense, considering that Munch’s Oddysee and Stranger’s Wrath are definitely on their way.

You could play these games on older systems, but I think the PS Vita versions will be the definitive experiences for what are a bunch of under-appreciated classics.