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review round-up

UPDATE: PlayStation Vita Review Round-Up

by Phil Kollar on Feb 14, 2012 at 02:00 PM

The PlayStation Vita is almost out, and we've posted our reviews for many of the titles that will be available at launch for Sony's handheld. Take a look at an excerpt of our opinions and click through for full reviews right here.

Army Corps of Hell - "I enjoyed Army Corps of Hell quite a bit during the initial stages, but it didn’t take long to realize how little there was to the overall experience." -Dan Ryckert

Escape Plan - "I love the way Escape Plan looks, the way it sounds, and how puzzles are complicated in an interesting way without ever becoming overwhelming. Physically interacting with the game is where it falls short. I still consider it a worthy addition to your early Vita library – especially when there are so few original titles for the handheld." -Kyle Hilliard

FIFA Soccer - "Despite the fact that the Vita is brand-spanking new technology, FIFA Soccer on the platform is dated. A year old, to be exact. That means I’m not talking about FIFA 12, which was a great step forward for the franchise. Instead, this Vita FIFA takes after FIFA 11 – a game that I find hard to go back to." -Matthew Kato

Hot Shots World Invitational - "Being predictably solid is both a blessing and curse for the Hot Shots series, and at the end of the day I try to not overthink the fact that World Invitational is simply a fun experience." -Matthew Kato

Little Deviants - "It certainly proves that the system’s various control methods can be successfully implemented on a technical level, but that doesn’t excuse the lack of substance when it comes to the content." -Joe Juba

Lumines: Electronic Symphony - "Even wrapped in some new features and an excellent soundtrack, it’s just more Lumines. This musical puzzler is a solid choice for new Vita owners, but it isn’t a must-have title in the larger gaming landscape." -Joe Juba

ModNation Racers: Road Trip - "Road Trip's new touchscreen controls further refine content creation, but they aren't a game changer. Unfortunately, the lack of online multiplayer is." -Jeff Marchiafava

Rayman Origins - "Ultimately, Rayman Origins is still a fantastic game, with or without multiplayer. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you now have one more reason to give it a shot." -Jeff Cork

Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen - "As a stealth game, Shinobido 2 is successful and rewarding. I could even confidently recommend it to Metal Gear fans looking to scratch a sneaky itch in the beginning of the Vita’s life cycle. Outside of sneaking up behind people to perform kills however, the game feels unpolished and not entirely thought-out." -Kyle Hilliard

Super Stardust Delta - "Niggling control issues aside, Housemarque’s latest entry is a great showcase for the handheld’s beautiful screen, and a wealth of modes will keep you blasting aliens until your batteries run dry." -Jeff Cork

Touch My Katamari - "If you never clicked with the series’ ball-rolling insanity, Touch My Katamari isn’t likely to win you over. However, I do think that the morphing is a significant enough tweak to warrant giving it another shot." -Jeff Cork

Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 - "Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is best suited for two types of Vita users – those obsessed with the series who can’t tolerate having it out of arms reach, or anyone looking for a good fighter who hasn’t played it yet. If you’ve even spent a single night with Capcom’s comic crossover, you’ve already experienced everything the old workhorse has to offer." -Tim Turi

Uncharted: Golden Abyss - "For the first time, we’re able to play a handheld game with the scale and production values of a home console title. The base level of craftsmanship on display in Golden Abyss means you’ll get your money’s worth – but not a penny more." -Matt Helgeson

Wipeout 2048 - "It’s a competent racer, but Wipeout 2048 feels too familiar for its own good. Long loads and underwhelming touch controls don’t help the matter, and may dissuade anyone who isn’t a longtime fan of the series." -Dan Ryckert

We'll update this list as more PlayStation Vita game reviews are posted throughout the week. Stay tuned!