Out of the box impressions so nothing too serious or in-depth yet.
Otherwise, I'm loving the system, will post more later and I'll probably do a review as well.
- Dat screen. Absolutely stunning. Plus it's really fucking big. So it's a truly "HD" experience.
- Analog sticks. I still haven't gotten used to 'em yet so I kinda shoot for shit in Uncharted. Still, it's so nice to have a handheld with TWO analog STICKS for once.
- Uncharted has awesome graphics. Basically looks almost as good as most console games but with some jaggies. But for a launch title, it's incredibly promising.
- I wasn't too keen on the back touchpad when it was first announced and, with the system finally in my hands, I can safely say my opinion hasn't changed. Not a whole lot uses it and it seems like any functions it'd have I could just do with the front touchscreen anyway. Mind you the only experiences I've had with it are like Uncharted and the Facebook app but otherwise I don't see a point. But it's neither forced on you or does it get in the way so I won't complain.
- I was pretty unimpressed with augmented reality/AR stuff before and after trying some AR stuff I can safely say I'm still not. I tried the
footballSOCCER game and the fireworks game. Didn't really impress me. Range is too close to actually have an impressive display or anything. It'd be cool to see like a giant AR statue taking up your entire table but you can't do that with the cards you have (with the 3DS you can apparently print out larger cards though so I'd assume it works for the Vita). - The Fireworks game was kinda fun though. Reminded me a bit of Fruit Ninja, which I do like. It's simple and arcade-y. I would say "pick up and play" but setting up an entire series of AR cards isn't exactly "pick up and play". Still, it's free and it's a fun "tech demo" that I may revisit a few times.
- Really do love the LiveArea/GUI. Very fluid, very easy to access. I do like the multitasking abilities though, although no downloading while playing a game is a bit of a letdown.
- I can't say anything about PSP games yet. My bank still has to update my available cash so I can buy like Monster Hunter and Syphon Filter to test it out.
- Uncharted is pretty fun. I got past basically the tutorial and then quit to let my shit download. Can't really say much else until I get a hang of the game. Still, I do think it's quite amazing how you can use the touchscreen/motion options or play it like a real gamer. It's how games should be, not forcing you to use a touchscreen or motion controls when you can just use a button instead.
- Motorstorm RC was fun as well, for free it's hard to beat. I was disappointed at first that it was a top-down racer but it's starting to grow on me.
- Dynasty Warriors Next is shipping still (TAKE YOUR TIME AMAZON NO RUSH) so I can't say much about that. It'll be nice to see if it can deliver a console-level Dynasty Warriors experience, something handhelds have failed to do. The PSP got close over time, especially with Warriors Orochi, but still suffered from low enemy counts, N64-quality graphics, and the dreaded "fog of war". It'll be nice to see if the Vita can save all this and give me a shit load of play time until I get more cash for like... Lumines, UMvC3, pre-order for Gravity Rush, pre-order for Resistance, and all these PSP games that can now be played with two analog sticks.
Otherwise, I'm loving the system, will post more later and I'll probably do a review as well.