Game Review Roundup: PlayStation Vita

TAMPA - Sony's brand new PlayStation Vita gaming system will hit stores this week, and with it comes a launch lineup full of interesting experiences. Some take full advantage of the system's unique control scheme, while others are just ports of existing PS3 and Xbox 360 titles.

Let's have a look at some of the best options for gamers buying a Vita, and which ones you should steer clear of.

Lumines was one of the early hits for the PSP in 2005, and the new Lumines: Electronic Symphony, is receiving rave reviews on the Vita. The game mixes block-stacking puzzle gameplay with catchy techno music and slick visuals.

The combination has players timing an elimination bar with their colored block lines to help clear the board. Players can use the standard controls or touchscreen input to place their blocks in just the right spot. Constant online connectivity gives you feedback of where your score stacks up with the rest of the world after each level. IGN says ( http://vita.ign.com/articles/121/1218560p1.html ) "If you're buying a Vita, you should buy Lumines: Electronic Symphony."

Another handheld franchise has made its way to the Vita. Super Stardust Delta is one of the finer twin-stick shooters available, and the best on the Vita. The left thumbstick pilots your spaceship around the screen, and the right fires a number of weapons. Game Informer ( http://www.gameinformer.com/games/super_stardust_delta/b/playstation_vita/archive/2012/02/13/super-stardust-delta-review-the-frantic-formula-is-still-a-blast.aspx ) praised the way the game showed off the Vita's huge screen, but had some problems with the controls.

If you like games like Geometry Wars or Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet ( http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/entertainment/video_games/five-of-the-best-downloadable-games-of-2011-for-xbox-360-and-playstation-3 ), Super Stardust Delta is worth a look.

One of Sony's iconic franchises, Uncharted, hits the Vita in a game that could easily be mistaken for a $60 PS3 title. Uncharted: Golden Abyss is an all new Nathan Drake adventure. I thought Uncharted 3 ( http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/entertainment/video_games/review%3A-uncharted-3%3A-drake%27s-deception-is-a-thrilling-epic-adventure ) which released in November 2011, was a system-seller type of game, and Destructoid ( http://www.destructoid.com/review-uncharted-golden-abyss-218759.phtml ) thinks the same of Golden Abyss, calling it "A new high mark for portable gaming."

The cutscenes, voice acting, and Hollywood-style thrills are all here. Add in some new control options using front and rear touchpads along with the Vita's tilt sensor, and Golden Abyss holds it own amongst the other Uncharted classics.

Unfortunately, not every launch title for the Vita is as good as those three. Among the surprising duds is the bundle title (for those who pre-ordered a Vita) Little Deviants. Similar to how Wii Sports was meant to introduce players to the Wii's controls, Little Deviants is little more than a tech demo.

Players will learn all about the Vita as they tilt the device, sing into the microphone, and build hills by pressing on the rear touchpad. Unfortunately, Little Deviants is essentially a minigame collection, and Joystiq ( http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/little-deviants-review-little-interest/ ) says the minigames "Simply aren't much fun." That's certainly not what the developers of any game, let alone a launch title, want to hear.

Another lackluster day one release is ModNation Racers: Road Trip. While the original ModNation Racers on PS3 is one of the best kart racers this side of Mario, Road Trip is a disappointment, largely due to its lack of online play.

While it does a lot of things nice, such as clever methods for creating characters and tracks, the bad outweigh the good. Long load times, a stuttering framerate and frustratingly difficult campaign races have Road Trip stuck in the pits. Gamespot ( http://www.gamespot.com/modnation-racers-road-trip/reviews/modnation-racers-road-trip-review-6350469/ ) laments that "The frustrations pile on the more time you invest." For players looking to find a must-have racing game on day one, WipEout 2048 looks to be the better choice.

The Vita is the most powerful handheld gaming system players have ever seen. It's capable of dazzling HD graphics and wonderful sound. The plethora of control options offer developers a number of options for crafting amazing games.

Like any system, some of the launch titles stand out above the pack. While there isn't a consensus classic, like Xbox's Halo or the N64's Super Mario 64, there are a number of very good titles that early adopters won't be disappointed in. The Vita's future looks bright, as long as creative minds build on the solid foundation of today.