We’ve been strong supporters of the PlayStation Mobile format for some time here at Vita Player. While the games released on this format may not be as complex as their native PS Vita games, the budget priced titles can offer fantastic gameplay and real value for money. They are often overlooked by many gamers who dismiss them as being little more than casual games or ports from smartphones, but we disagree. There are some games that deserve to be a part of every PlayStation Vita owners collection and for less than the price of a PSN top up card, you can give your games collection a great boost.
Here’s a run-down of what we think are the current ten best games available for the PlayStation Mobile format (as of 12th March 2014):
Life Of Pixel (Super Icon Ltd)
A simple platform game, but a great and somewhat overlooked gem on PlayStation Mobile. A massive tribute to the 8-bit era featuring levels inspired by all the classic computers and consoles of the golden age of computing complete with music recreating that classic era as well. Featuring levels inspired by the Commodore 64, Spectrum, Sega Master System, ZX81, Atari 2600 and more using the same graphics and colours used on the original systems, if you even remotely remember owning any of the computers or games consoles back in the 80s, then this is a must have game!
Rymdkapsel (Grapefrukt Games)
Imagine you were in charge of a space station… managing all of its resources, staff, defending it from attack and exploring all of the region around it. Rymdkapsel gives you the power to do this in an incredible simple way taking away all the statistics you’d expect to find in a resource management game allowing you to concentrate on enjoying the game itself. A flawless user interface makes it a joy to play and it’s one that you’ll struggle to put down.
Switch Galaxy (Atomicom)
Despite the simple concept behind Switch Galaxy, this is one of the best looking games yet to grace PlayStation Mobile and really showcases the potential of the format. It’s a face-paced, sci-fi rail-racer with incredibly addictive gameplay that you won’t want to put down until you’ve completed it… and then you’ll want to go back and do it all over again.
Alien Breed (Team 17)
It says a lot when a game that is over 20 years old is still being played and gamers are still asking for new versions of it to be made, no matter what platform it is for. Alien Breed is one of those rare games from the 16-bit era that can truly be regarded as a classic. Despite the Amiga original being released back in 1991, the top-down shooter has retained all of its playability, tension and atmosphere in this PS Mobile update. Offering new levels and a choice of 16-bit graphics and sound or updated graphics to take advantage of the higher resolution offered by the PS Vita, this is a must have title.
Chaos Rings (Square Enix)
As soon as you see the name Square Enix and know that you’re looking at a J-RPG then you just know that you’re in for something special… While not quite in the same league as the Final Fantasy series, this has a good, solid story, stunning graphics and great playability making this one of – if not the best games on PlayStation Mobile at the moment. It’s a hefty download at over 600Mb and is the most expensive game on the platform but it’s worth every penny.
Shuttle Quest 2000 (TACS Games)
This futuristic shoot-em-up with RPG overtones has 30 primary levels, missions that you can play repeatedly so there’s no limit on the actual length of your game, fully customisable weapons for your ship with a shop and upgrade system, randomised levels so no two games will ever play the same way… plus it has a free trial so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t download this!
Hungry Giraffe (Laughing Jackal)
Like most games of this ilk, it couldn’t sound more ridiculous if it tried. A giraffe… with an ever extending neck… eating everything, and I mean everything in it’s path as he snakes his way up through trees, clouds and beyond just to satisfy his insatiable hunger. And that’s pretty much all there is to it. All you have to do is steer the giraffe’s head so he can eat food on his way up so he doesn’t go hungry. It may sound dull and something you would grow tired of quickly, but for some unknown reason, this game works brilliantly. It oozes charm, and fun and you can’t help smile while you play and it has that all-important “one more go” factor. Simply put, one of the PS Mobile games that you must own.
Chimpact (Yippee Entertainment)
I love games that are a bit on the quirky and fun side and aren’t afraid of showing characters with a bit of personality and Chimpact certainly fits the bill. Who would have thought that a game that revolves around hurling a chimp through trees could be so much fun. It’s incredibly simplistic, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that it’s easy. Plenty of levels to keep you going and absolutely stunning graphics, this is one that will have you smiling and coming back over and over again.
Sixy Second Shooter Deluxe (Happion Laboratories)
Everyone loves a good shoot-em-up but what if you only had 60 seconds left in a game? How much damage could you really do? That’s the real beauty of this game – because of the short game length it means that every game has an incredibly frantic pace with no let up for a moment, and you’re always left hungry for more so you’ll be desperate for just “one more game”.
Console Saga (TACS Games)
A stunner from TACS Games, this arcade action platformer puts you in control of a handheld games console who sets off on a quest to rescue the world of retro gaming. One of the best games released for PlayStation Mobile, offering fast arcade action with a perfect blend of shoot-em-up and platform gaming with great visuals adding up to a game that you don’t want to miss out on.
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Being honest, that’s not an exhaustive list and it was actually tough to narrow it down to just ten in the end which is why we created our Top 25 PlayStation Mobile Games guide… However, if you get all of the top ten listed here, you won’t be disappointed… and you’ll still have change from £25!
Simon Plumbe
All of the games featured here (and more) are available for download from the PlayStation Network Store directly from the PlayStation Vita.
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