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Sony has announced that there are more than 80 titles in development for PlayStation Vita.
Several high-profile titles were showcased during the platform holder’s E3 press conference, including Uncharted: Golden Abyss, the cross-platform RPG Ruin, Street Fighter X Tekken and new versions of LittleBigPlanet and ModNation Racers.
Towards the end of the conference, a trailer showed several Vita titles including Super Stardust, Hot Shots Golf, Virtua Tennis and Dynasty Warriors. It was also confirmed that a BioShock title is currently in development.
Key publishers confirmed to be working on Vita titles include 2K Games, Activision, Codemasters, Electronic Arts, Namco Bandai, Paramount, Rockstar Games, Sega, Square Enix, Tecmo Koei, THQ and Ubisoft.
Games demonstrated during the press conference included:
Uncharted: Golden Abyss
Previously seen at the NGP’s unveiling earlier this year, this once again boasted PS3 quality graphics and familiar Uncharted gameplay.
A key selling point is the range of control systems working together simultaneously. Players can either use the buttons and twin analogue sticks in the style of the console games, or use the touch screen and tilt mechanics for certain actions, including combat and traversing the environment.
Gamers will be able to use any of these control schemes at any point. For example, they can scale a wall by guiding Drake via the touch screen, then use the buttons and analogue sticks to dispatch the guards at the top.
ModNation Racers
An entirely new iteration of the customisable racer, rather than a port of the PS3 or PSP version.
The Vita edition has been developed specifically for the handheld, with the touch screen used to draw and create new tracks. The rear touch panel can be used to lower and raise the terrain, both on the track and around it.
When the game launches, Vita users will be able to access all content created on the PS3 and PSP SKUs.
WipeOut 2048
The Vita edition of Sony’s upcoming racer will be one of several titles that features cross-platform play with its PS3 counterpart. WipeOut 2048 will support up to eight other players online from either version, and the Vita SKU has been confirmed as a launch title for the new handheld.
LittleBigPlanet
Another brand new instalment in the series, this uses all of the different control schemes available on Vita: buttons, touch screen, tilt sensor and rear touch. Users can even use the camera to scan in objects that can be used in-game.
The game will feature all of the tools available in this year’s LittleBigPlanet 2, enabling players to create their own games, and PS3 users will be able to access any costumes they have downloaded.
Multiplayer will be a big focus for the new LBP, with games able to support pass ‘n’ play sessions, multi-touch (two players using one screen) and online multiplayer.
Street Fighter X Tekken
A fresh SKU of the franchise-mashing brawler designed specifically for Vita. A hands-on demo of this title was used to show off new fighter Cole MacGrath – the protagonist from Sony’s Infamous series – who will be exclusive to all Sony versions of Street Fighter X Tekken.
