8 PS Vita Hidden Gems Worth Playing

8 PS Vita Hidden Gems Worth Playing

Key Takeaways

  • Musynx is a challenging rhythm game with a variety of music genres.
  • MotorStorm RC is a standout game in the series with a classic top-down camera angle.
  • Lumines: Electronic Symphony is an addictive puzzle game with changing speed dynamics.

As a seasoned gaming enthusiast who’s spent countless hours on various handheld consoles, I must say that the PS Vita has been a treasure trove of hidden gems, and it’s truly heartwarming to revisit some of these underrated masterpieces. Amongst them all, one game stands out like a shining samurai sword in a sea of mediocrity – Muramasa Rebirth.


The PS Vita is a fantastic handheld console that was incredibly powerful for the time.

Sadly, it didn’t strike a chord with most gamers, and it became a forgotten footnote in gaming lore instead of gaining widespread recognition.

For gamers who have the system, they recognize it as an outstanding device, and here are some top-notch games for the platform that you wouldn’t want to pass up.

8 Musynx

An Underrated Musical Gem

8 PS Vita Hidden Gems Worth Playing
Key InformationDetails
DeveloperI-Inferno
GenreRhythm
Release DateJune 2014

I’m a sucker for Rhythm games, and the PS Vita has a surprisingly rich library of them.

We’re opting for Musynx on this playlist, as it’s likely an unfamiliar title for you. Musynx is a sleek 4-Key rhythm game, implying that you press four buttons in sync with the music as the blocks reach the bottom line on the screen.

As a gamer, I can crank up the keys to six when I feel my rhythm game skills are on point and there’s a nice blend of music genres. Musynx leans more towards being a challenging, hardcore Rhythm Game, and its charts definitely reflect this toughness.

On harder settings, songs can be quite intricate, yet it’s this level of challenge that makes the game engaging and worth revisiting.

7 Touch my Katamari

It Doesn’t Get Much Stranger Than This!

8 PS Vita Hidden Gems Worth Playing
Key InformationDetails
DeveloperNamco Bandai
GenreAction/Puzzler
Release DateDecember 2011

The Katamari games are quite established, and Touch My Katamari stands out as an exceptional addition to the series exclusively on PlayStation Vita.

The game, titled “Touch My Katamari“, is incredibly captivating yet leaves me puzzled as to which category it fits into due to its unique and peculiar nature.

In every location, you take on the role of a tiny ball that has the ability to attach items simply by rolling over them. As you grow larger, you’re capable of picking up increasingly larger objects, with no bounds set even by the sky itself.

Actually, there’s a bit more depth to it. You frequently have to choose carefully which objects you gather, and some limitations can be quite tough to navigate.

Despite being a lesser-known game, it continues to have new titles released due to its dedicated fanbase, even on contemporary gaming platforms.

6 Lumines: Electronic Symphony

A Modern Spin On The Puzzle Genre

8 PS Vita Hidden Gems Worth Playing

Lumines: Electric Symphony is a vibrant puzzle game that’s intuitive and accessible.

At first glance, Lumines appears to be a straightforward puzzle game involving arranging blocks of identical colors. As you play, stacks of four blocks disappear as the “Timeline” advances over the playfield, while the pace of the game adjusts rhythmically with the background music.

It’s a simple premise, and time changes force you to employ different playstyles. Like the best puzzlers, everyone can enjoy Lumines, and high-score chasers will have a field day conjuring up new strategies.

5 MotorStorm: RC

A Homage To Retro Classics

8 PS Vita Hidden Gems Worth Playing
Key InformationDetails
DeveloperEvolution Studios
GenreRacing
Release DateFebruary 2012

In conversations about outstanding PS Vita racing games, many gaming enthusiasts often favor titles like “Ridge Racer” or the impressive “Wipeout 2048“. However, if you’re seeking a less talked-about but decent racer, let me present “MotorStorm: RC” to you.

In contrast to other MotorStorm games, MotorStorm: RC offers a significant change due to its bird’s-eye view. This camera angle gives RC a resemblance to games like Mashed or Micro Machines and seems surprisingly fitting for a handheld device.

You’ll find an extensive variety of cars, tracks, and operating methods, each meticulously designed, with the terrain significantly influencing the performance of every vehicle.

In relation to this, there’s a setup where the acceleration is tied to a joystick for movement, making it feel like controlling a genuine RC car using a remote control.

This special touch is not necessary, but it shows that the creators truly cared about the project, as you can tell by these distinctive extras they’ve included.

I’ve been missing the adrenaline rush of MotorStorm games ever since the last one on the PS Vita, but let’s make it clear, it’s not RC who’s been holding back.

4 Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable

They Call Me The Bug Slayer

8 PS Vita Hidden Gems Worth Playing
Key InformationDetails
DeveloperSandlot
GenreShooter
Release DateSeptember 2012

The Earth Defense Force (EDF) games have been around for over two decades, and 2017 Portable was an exclusive title for the PS Vita.

2017 is a must-have for fans of earlier EDF games, since it delivers everything you anticipate, but in a compact format.

To put it simply, for those new to the game, you play as a soldier in the EDF, your mission being to eliminate as many aliens as possible. As shown in the image, these creatures are your adversaries, and they tend to appear in large numbers.

Destroying insects can be remarkably habit-forming, and it becomes even more thrilling with the addition of destructible environments such as buildings and landscapes. Instead of simply squashing bugs on the sidewalk, imagine the exhilaration of demolishing a skyscraper and eliminating ten in one fell swoop!

Playing Earth Defense Force Portable 2017 offers a straightforward, undiluted enjoyment that’s ideal for quick, mobile gaming experiences.

3 Dariusburst: Chronicle Saviors

A Top-Tier Shmup

8 PS Vita Hidden Gems Worth Playing
Key InformationDetails
DeveloperPyramid
GenreSpace Shooter
Release DateNovember 2015

The Darius series is quite famous among enthusiasts of space shooter games, and when it comes to the top-tier options available, the PlayStation Vita boasts one of the finest.

Chronicle Saviours” is an action-packed shooter game (Shmup) that challenges your quick reflexes and dodging abilities. The series stands out with its unique fascination for marine life, which once again takes center stage in the Vita version.

As a gamer, I’ll admit, these bosses can give me quite a run for my money the very first time we square off, leaving me feeling humbled and defeated. But once I start to grasp their attack patterns and get a feel for their moves, it becomes an exhilarating experience when I manage to turn the tables and emerge victorious!

I really enjoy that genre, but to offer some constructive feedback, the action in Dariusburst can sometimes be confusing due to the sheer amount of activity occurring on a small display screen.

2 Bunny Must Die! Chelsea and the Seven Devils

It Rolls Right Off The Tongue

8 PS Vita Hidden Gems Worth Playing
Key InformationDetails
DeveloperRockin Android
GenreMetroidvania
Release DateMarch 2018

Bunny Must Die! is a cutesy 2D Metroidvania with abilities to manipulate time.

In the game, you control Bunny on her mission to break free from the Devil’s Maze. Among various features, what I enjoy most is undoubtedly the parry system, reminiscent of Street Fighter 3: Third Strike’s mechanics.

As a gamer, I can tell you that timely presses of the direction key can often dodge incoming attacks, giving me a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to beat. However, even with its parry system, Bunny Must Die! is frustratingly tough, and it takes some time to get used to the somewhat awkward controls.

Managers often exhibit creativity and occasionally lead you into a frenzy of activity that’s unpredictable yet delightful. This can be compared to the game genre known as “Bullet Hell.

Although certain aspects of the game “Bunny Must Die!” might raise some eyebrows, it’s an exceptional Metroidvania title that often goes unnoticed by many, and playing it on a handheld device just seems spot-on.

1 Muramasa Rebirth

Hack And Slash At Its Finest

8 PS Vita Hidden Gems Worth Playing

Muramasa Rebirth is an excellent 2D hack-and-slash with stunning graphics and addictive combat.

It’s also revered by many as one of the best games on the entire system.

In this game, you’ll find two main characters whose narratives become entangled as you advance. The combat, which is truly immersive and thrilling, is what makes Muramasa Rebirth a real page-turner, making it hard to step away from.

Combinations (combos) can be executed effortlessly, and you’re free to incorporate bizarre aerial sequences into an array of stylish maneuvers.

Stringing actions smoothly seems simple, but take caution, for this game is tough. If waves of adversaries don’t rip you apart, then the colossal bosses certainly will.

You might debate just how undiscovered a treasure Muramasa Rebirth truly is, but unfortunately, many gamers aren’t familiar with it yet. This situation certainly requires rectification!

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2024-11-15 17:39