Unearthing Hidden Treasures: Underrated PS Vita Games That Deserve Your Attention
In an era where gaming libraries are constantly expanding, it’s easy for even fantastic titles to slip through the cracks. This is particularly true for beloved handheld consoles like the PlayStation Vita, which, despite its impressive library, saw many excellent titles overshadowed or simply not widely recognized. The video above dives into a few such gems, and it’s a brilliant reminder that some of the most engaging experiences often come from unexpected places. If you’ve been wondering how to “moisturize” your PS Vita game collection, as our narrator so eloquently puts it, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to expand on those insights and highlight why these overlooked PS Vita games are still worth seeking out today.
The PlayStation Vita holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Launched in late 2011, it offered console-quality gaming on the go, boasting a vibrant OLED screen (on original models), dual analog sticks, and innovative touch controls. While its commercial success might not have matched its predecessor, the PSP, or its main competitor, the Nintendo 3DS, the Vita amassed a surprisingly diverse and high-quality catalog of games. From Japanese RPGs to indie darlings and unique action titles, its library is a treasure trove waiting to be explored, particularly for those seeking hidden gems beyond the well-trodden paths of Persona 4 Golden or Gravity Rush.
Croixleur Sigma: A Stylish Hack-and-Slash Extravaganza
First up on our list of underappreciated **PS Vita games** is the fast-paced action title, Croixleur Sigma. As the video mentions, this game throws you into a thrilling hack-and-slash experience where four girls wield magical blades against encroaching waves of monsters. But what makes this title truly stand out is its relentless, arcade-like combat loop and charming presentation.
The core gameplay revolves around fluid combat, allowing players to mix and match four different weapons to find a fighting style that perfectly suits their preferences. Each weapon type offers unique attacks and abilities, encouraging experimentation and mastery. Furthermore, the game’s emphasis on speed and combos means that skilled players can slice through enemies with incredible efficiency, pushing their reflexes and strategic thinking to the limit. The exhilaration of chaining attacks and managing hordes of enemies is a core appeal for fans of character action games.
Beyond the engaging combat, Croixleur Sigma features a story mode that, while not overly complex, provides a delightful narrative focused on the charming friendship between the protagonists. For many players, including the narrator, the fact that this story is fully voiced in Japanese is a significant bonus, adding to the game’s authentic anime aesthetic. In addition, a wealth of accessories—from cat ears to spectacles and headphones—allows players to personalize their chosen character, not just for style but also to enhance their skills in battle. And for a unique twist, the entire game unfolds within a towering structure, where your speed in ascending it influences the ending, adding replay value and a subtle narrative hook. This focus on character and customization, paired with dynamic combat, solidifies its place as a hidden gem among **PS Vita games**.
Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable: Grand-Scale Alien Annihilation
If you’re tired of close-quarters combat and prefer to unleash a storm of bullets, then Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable is a must-play among **PlayStation Vita games**. While the larger Earth Defense Force franchise might be well-known, its Vita iteration often gets overlooked, despite bringing the series’ signature chaos to a handheld format for the first time in North America.
This classic shooter plunges players into epic battles against hundreds of alien enemies simultaneously on screen, creating a sense of overwhelming scale rarely seen on a portable console. The sheer number of foes, from giant ants to towering robots, makes every mission feel like a desperate fight for survival. Furthermore, the completely destructible environments add another layer of satisfaction, allowing players to level buildings and landscape as they fight back the alien menace.
Variety is a cornerstone of the EDF experience. With more than 150 weapons to collect, ranging from assault rifles to rocket launchers and even energy weapons, players have ample tools to tackle any threat. The game also boasts over 50 missions designed for replayability across various difficulty settings: Easy, Normal, Hard, Very Hard, and the notoriously challenging Inferno. This ensures a prolonged and satisfying experience for players of all skill levels. Exclusive to the Vita version are enhancements like the unlockable fan-favorite Pale Wing, a flying female soldier with unique energy weapons, available after fulfilling certain conditions. While the Vita’s enhanced controls, utilizing front and rear touchpads, might not have been universally loved (as the narrator points out, traditional controls are often preferred), the option to aim and charge your field of view was an ambitious inclusion at the time. The original inclusion of international online multiplayer for North and South America and Europe was a testament to its ambition, even if server availability is now a question. Ultimately, for anyone craving a truly explosive and over-the-top shooter, this is one of the essential **PS Vita games** to experience.
Let’s Fish! Hooked On: Reeling in a Story on Your Vita
Shifting gears entirely, our next entry demonstrates the incredible genre diversity found within the Vita’s library. Let’s Fish! Hooked On, known in Japan as Let’s Try Bass Fishing Fish On Next (thank goodness for the shorter Western title!), is a sports fishing video game that offers far more than just casting a line. It comes with a surprising element: a plot!
While the concept of a fishing game with a storyline might sound unconventional, Let’s Fish! Hooked On delivers it through its World Tour mode. Players are invited to step into the shoes of four distinct characters, each with their own compelling backstory, unique skills, and abilities. For example, there’s Akita, striving to emulate his world-famous fishing champion father. Then there’s Jamie, who joins the tournament to follow her childhood friend, and Kano, a passionate angler who wants to be a champion and make friends along the way (a challenging feat in competitive fishing!). Finally, Ai seeks to achieve world peace through the medium of fishing, adding a touch of quirky charm to the ensemble. The game’s narrative subtly shifts depending on the chosen character, providing varied perspectives and motivations that elevate the experience beyond a simple simulation. This unexpected depth transforms it from a mere fishing simulator into one of the more unique **Vita games** out there.
Beyond the character-driven narrative, the game offers a very solid fishing experience. Players can explore multiple levels, each teeming with a diverse range of fish to catch. Customization options for lures and other equipment are also available, providing the strategic depth expected from a fishing game. While the narrator notes that the plot might be “paper thin,” the mere existence of character arcs and motivations in a fishing title is a delightful surprise, showcasing the creativity that developers poured into **PS Vita games**. For those who enjoy the meditative rhythm of fishing blended with a touch of narrative, this title offers a truly unique escape.
Grand Kingdom: A Tactical RPG with Grand Ambitions
Our final highlighted title takes us into the realm of tactical RPGs: Grand Kingdom. This game offers a robust strategic experience, even if its online component has sadly been retired. Despite the server shutdown, the single-player campaign provides a thrilling and deep journey worth undertaking on your Vita.
In Grand Kingdom, players are thrust into the War of Resonail, a sprawling conflict where tactical prowess is paramount. The game distinguishes itself with its unique blend of tactical turn-based strategy and side-scrolling action elements during combat. Players recruit units from an impressive roster of 17 unique class types, each bringing distinct abilities and roles to the battlefield. Arranging these characters into effective battle formations is crucial for success, as your strategic decisions directly influence the outcome of skirmishes.
The single-player campaign is a standout feature, tasking players with uncovering a sinister conspiracy across a thrilling narrative. This mode offers dozens of hours of engaging gameplay, challenging players to master the intricate combat system and unit synergies. The game originally allowed players to form contracts with one of four great nations and participate in a persistent online war, competing for territory and resources against other players. While this online functionality is no longer available, the intricate design of the single-player world and its tactical battles remain completely intact and just as compelling. The narrator aptly describes it as a cross between a tactics game and a fighting game, highlighting its dynamic combat flow within a strategic framework. Although the game can be a bit grindy—a common expectation in the tactical RPG genre—its depth, character variety, and engaging campaign secure its place as one of the standout, albeit overlooked, **PS Vita games** that serious RPG fans should experience. The strategic depth and the ability to command diverse units make it a rewarding experience even without its online components.
The PlayStation Vita truly cultivated a diverse ecosystem of games during its lifespan, and the titles mentioned here only scratch the surface of the hidden treasures available. Whether you crave the fast-paced action of a hack-and-slash, the explosive scale of an alien shooter, the unexpected narrative of a fishing simulator, or the deep strategy of a tactical RPG, the Vita’s library has something for everyone. Dive into these **PS Vita games** and rediscover the joy of handheld gaming at its finest. They stand as a testament to the console’s potential and the creativity of its developers. The hunt for that next great gaming experience on the Vita is always an adventure worth pursuing.
