PlayStation Vita line-up Analysis

So you hooped fire, took a swing at the elderly and jumped-gamed masses of little children just so you can have your hands on a PlayStation Vita on launch day? Either way congrats with your purchase. You’re probably wondering what games to buy in order to get that Sim racing experience on the go. The answer to that exact question will be answered in this post, let the analysis commence!

F1 2011
It’s almost deja vu for me nowadays, having tested three versions of the game already. Don’t get me wrong, I adore testing F1 games so naturally I’m interested, and I reckon you should be too. F1 2011 is the only game of the Vita line-up that bases its existence on a real sport. Sumo digital is the developer and from the previews we’ve seen thus far it appears to be a full fletched game with some shortcuts. Is it one shortcut too many? We’ll find out soon enough, whatever happens though, this is a title to consider pairing with your PlayStation Vita system.

Wipeout 20478
Codemasters now develops F1, but not too many years ago that life’s challenge rested solely on the team over at Studio Liverpool. The studio was thinned out after losing the license but nevertheless they remain fully committed on delivering console-breaking experiences under the title Wipeout. In Wipeout you control hovercrafts from the future, 2048 presumably. Aids do exist in the shape of weaponry and track secrets however pure reflexes will still determine whether you win or lose. Based on previews I’d say the graphics are good and fans will adore this game, but a big arcade and Sci-Fi sticker is in place here.

ModNation Racers: Road Trip
“Create beautiful tracks and beat your friends on them.” That would be my tagline of ModNation racers. You control customized “cartoon” characters through a series of developer-built tracks with plenty of shortcuts and challenging terrain. After the experience turns toxic, you can pick up the tools and craft Spas or Silverstones from the ground up. The PS3 counterpart is lot of fun so I’d say any member of the casual train should consider ModNation Racers.

MotorStorm RC
Driving buggies, winning rallies and looping around the edge of a ticked off volcano, that’s the original. It’s still a bridge too far for the Vita, Sony reckons, so instead they are releasing MotorStorm Radio Controlled (RC). In MotorStorm RC you play a geek with a remote controlled car navigating tough terrain. Flips are possible and for the first time the reset to track sequence actually makes sense. I’m very cautious of this title so if it turns out to be crap, don’t turn to me. A proper review could prove me wrong. MotorStorm is coming a tad later by the way, just really needed to fill this list up a little. On the bright side: more time to think about whether the game is worth parting money for.

There isn’t much meat to the Vita’s launch line-up in terms of racing. F1 2011 and ModNation Racers should keep us happy until the platform reaches its prime. That’s not too say that the vita doesn’t have any good titles to try out. Uncharted looks amazing, FIFA 2012 is properly mature for a portable and I’m extremely interested to see the PSN offerings grow. For a full review of the Vita, keep coming to the Department family. Game on!