My PS Vita Review

[IRISH BULL]

I've been waiting to post something because I wanted to wait until after I activated the AT&T data plan. Which I did last night. It works O-K, but obviously it is no where near as fast as a Wi-Fi connection, but it's sufficient when a hotspot is not available. And I found out it isn't exactly a "free" 30 days. Technically it is, but only after you purchase the first 30 days. So the free 30 days starts right after the purchased one expires.

Moving on to the the touch screen. To me, it is exactly like the iPhone when it comes to how responsive it is. There is zero lag I guess is what I'm saying. And the way it is laid out is pretty idiot proof. You have little bubbles or icons similar to the iPhone that you hit that open up that particular application. Then once it is open, you can side swipe back to the icon screen(s) or to another opened application. And I don't believe that is available on the iPhone. I could be wrong. My wife has the iPhone, I don't. And the rear touch screen is just as responsive. But I only used it for a short mini "introduction" game.

The camera is decent, not the greatest, but again, sufficient. But I wasn't buying the PS Vita to take pictures or video.

So onto the games. The games look fantastic! The Unit 13 demo is pretty negligible to SOCOM 4 when it comes to the graphics. And it plays and sounds identical to SOCOM 4. So far the demo is only available, so I haven't been able to get online with it. But I cannot wait to try it out.

Uncharted looks and sounds fantastic also. Both games take some getting used to on the 5in screen. But it's actually not that bad.

There are currently three free games on the PS store that utilize augmented reality, but they are pretty boring. And you have to hold the PS Vita just so to play them. And each one utilizes these cards with symbols on them that add to the environment of the game your playing. Mortal Combat probably will make better use out of AR.

But Unit 13 will probably be the first game I purchase. I liked SP and Co-Op on SOCOM 4, and Unit 13 has a co-op version. I'm really looking forward to Black Ops for the Vita in the fall. If that has MP, which I assume it will, I will be golden.

The Twitter application is also super cool. It is super easy to navigate and is pretty fast using the touch screen. Mainly because you can just flick the screen and scroll down. I only tried the Twitter app on the iPhone for a short period of time, but I don't remember the Twitter app on the iPhone being this easy and cool. The FB application got yanked due to technical issues, so I haven't had a chance to try that out.

The internet browser works very similar to the PS3 browser. It ain't great, but you can surf the web none the less. Kinda like the iPhone browser.

I do have a couple of complaints. I wish they added the ability to use the D-pad or analog sticks to navigate through the icons. Now this is just me, but I'm a little anal when it comes to all the smudges. It drives me nuts, and I am constantly wiping the screen with a soft cloth after each use. Oh and BTW, the analog sticks are great. Like I said before, once you get used the smaller screen, playing a shooter on the Vita is awesome. That second stick obviously makes ALL the difference. Unlike a traditional smart phone, there is the D-pad and analog sticks. So it would have been nice to use them if I prefer. Maybe later in an update.

My other complaint, and it's a big one, is the lack of including a flash player when using the browser. Why they didn't include this from day one is beyond me. They want to pull the smart phone and iPad people to the PS Vita, but don't include the ability to watch videos on the web?!! Now they claim this is being "discussed" but I'm not holding my breathe.

Now this is just a complete theory, but I think they did it on purpose. I think they want to push the PS store video service, and Netflix, and probably soon Hulu Plus first. I think they are thinking that people won't need these "paid" services if they can get all of their video entertainment via Youtube or some other website. Because it does NOT make any sense not to include it. Especially if your going after the smart phone users that are also hardcore gamers. And you know damn well after playing with the Vita, it has the power to have it. I personally think that the PS Vita could be like having an iPad and hardcore gaming system in the palm of your hand. But they need that flash player added on a later update.

But all in all, the PS Vita is awesome. Just SO full of awesomeness. I am really looking forward to some of the shooters coming out this year for this platform. And if you are a hardcore gamer, not so much a casual gamer, it is a must have! Because once more games come out, mainly shooters, you will be able to get your fix without having to drag your PS3 or XBOX with you when your out of town.

[Shane]

Great review Irish, we just got the conformation email of what all they are sending Steven. We cant share the list because of embargo's but I see a few different reviews in the future

[Dobbie]

That's an awsome review Irish, I can't wait to play it.