10 Upcoming PS Vita Games That We Can’t Wait For

Want me to let you in on a little secret? Here it goes… the PS Vita is not dead. Okay, now repeat that again, but this time with feeling. I know that the Debbie Downers out there will be shaking their collective heads right now, but they’re mistaken — Sony’s plucky handheld console is still valiantly trucking along against all odds, especially in regards to software releases. Sure, it’s nearing the end of the console’s life-cycle, having launched in the West way back in 2012, but it still hasn’t gone the way of the dodo… not just yet anyway. I’m a staunch defender of the PS Vita and have worn my unhealthy obsession for the device with heart-on-sleeve candour. I have also always taken great pleasure in being a bit of a soothsayer for intriguing, upcoming games on the platforms I’m really passionate about and Sony’s miniature console is one such platform. It may come as a surprise to many gamers out there to hear that there are still a ton of titles on the PS Vita’s release docket that are penciled in for this coming year — there’s plenty of life in the old dog yet! Before we get into the list though, I want to outline a few ground rules; these are all games that are locked in for a likely western 2017 release (sorry Demon Gaze 2 and Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night). Additionally, I’ve made the decision to include ports of games that may’ve released on other platforms first; at the end of the day, if it’s releasing in 2017 on the PS Vita, it’s fair game for this list. So, let’s get straight to it then, shall we? 10) Oceanhorn: Monster Of The Uncharted Seas (Late 2017) A genre that's slightly under-represented on the Japanese giant’s portable are Zelda-like action-adventures, but Oceanhorn: Monster of the Uncharted Seas is set to help plug that very specific gap. Much like its inspiration, the game’s a 3D isometric action-RPG with light puzzle-solving, real-time combat and Metroidvania-style upgrades that unlock new areas of the map. Our very own Chad Goodmurphy reviewed the title on Xbox One and surmised that despite “lacking in originality, this game still manages to be quite good. Sure, it doesn't live up to Link's name, but it's polished, interesting and enjoyable enough to be worth a gander.” Even though Oceanhorn loses marks for creativity, the general discourse surrounding the game is that it's a fun and very well-made Zelda-like that will keep Vita enthusiasts happy and scratch an itch that fans of the genre have been hankering for since the console’s inception. 9) Forgotten Memories: Alternative Realities (Late 2017) No hot upcoming video game list would be complete without a spot of good old-fashioned survival-horror. You play as Rose, a woman who awakes wounded in a strange, unfamiliar place, tasked with searching for a young girl named Eden. Her adventures will take her through unexplored hallways of a decrepit, abandoned Asylum to save the lost soul of Eden. She'll have to confront her deepest fears to unlock the mysteries behind her terrifying investigation. With notable voice acting performances from the original Silent Hill 2 actors Guy Cihi and David Schaufele (James Sunderland and Eddie Dombrowski), this is an old-school, third-person psychological survival-horror experience to keep your beady eyes locked upon. 8) Plague Road (Summer 2017) A successful Kickstarter funded indie project, Plague Road is a turn-based tactical strategy RPG set around a gothic city overwhelmed with the titular disease. You're a Plague Doctor returning to your home in your bid to find and save the survivors of the abhorrent sickness that has gripped the kingdom. The game consists of multiple procedurally-generated locations ranging from bandit-filled plains, monster-infested forests, overrun city outskirts and an abomination-stalking city centre. A typical Saturday night out then. Different regions feature their own variety of monster types and risk/reward scenarios that enable you to make permanent upgrades to your character. The further you explore, the more challenging and monstrously deformed the creatures become. With velvety smooth voice-work from infamous video game critic Jim Sterling and designed by former Destructiod editor Conrad Zimmerman, this is a game crafted by people who truly love video games. 7) God Wars: Future Past (Early 2017) From veteran eastern developers Kadokawa Games comes another tactical strategy RPG. Set in the fictional land of Mizuho, a place where the lives of the people and the Gods are interwoven, this is a tale focused on sacrifice, betrayal and the wrath of the Gods. It’s clear that this story is steeped in rich Japanese mythology, culture and tradition. There are a multitude of customization options at your disposal; 14 playable characters from more than 30 classes with 400+ skills and more than 250 unique pieces of equipment to mold your party as you see fit. Visually striking, with a traditional Japanese painterly art-style, God Wars: Future Past looks set to be a stylish, deep and narratively unique take on the tactical strategy formula. 6) Rainbow Skies (Late 2017) Rainbow Skies is a sequel to 2013’s under-the-radar indie sleeper hit Rainbow Moon. This tactical turn-based RPG is set in a vivid and vibrant fantasy world filled to the brim with eerie dungeons, nasty monsters, bustling towns and handy shops. Unlike its predecessor, this time round you’ll see the addition of tameable monsters, a little like The big N’s uber popular franchise — I'm sure you know the one. Complementing this new feature are a myriad of upgradeable characters, deep customization and character development possibilities, tons of optional and endgame content, side quests, treasure hunts, a main quest and lots more -- this’ll definitely keep you hooked for many, many hours. Rainbow Skies is shaping up to be one of those rare games that just keeps on giving. 5) YIIK: A Postmodern RPG (Early 2017) This is a compact 25-hour turn-based indie RPG set in the late 90s a ’la Saturday Morning RPG. On April 4th 1999, your friend Sammy Pak goes missing. A video of her last known moments surfaces online and you and your buddies watch it together only to see your missing chum Sammy being pulled from an elevator by some strange, otherworldly creature. It sounds like the premise of a really good Twilight Zone episode, right? With unique combat that blends real-time action-based moves with turn-based combat, six puzzle and trap-filled dungeons, an eclectic soundtrack including works from Toby Fox (Undertale) and Hiroki Kikuta (Secret of Mana), fully voiced dialogue, and epic battles featuring up to eight party members, this may well be the quirkiest, most charming and most surreal RPG experience of the year. 4) Ys: Origin (February 21, 2017) Originally released on PC in 2006, this Japanese action-RPG prequel from Nihon Falcom is the origin story of the critically acclaimed Ys (pronounced “ease”) series. The game is set in the titular land of Ys, a prosperous land ruled by twin Goddesses Reah and Feena. However, all-out war emerges when gigantic demons march upon the land bringing death and devastation in their wake. Featuring three different characters with their own unique storylines and play-styles, real-time combat, huge lumbering bosses and a plethora of distinct locales to explore, this looks set to be the perfect opportunity to get into Nihon Falcom’s renowned RPG series. Plus, there's even a Time Attack, Boss Rush and Arena Mode to get your teeth into after the main campaign's been beaten. Nice! 3) Cosmic Star Heroine (Early 2017) Hey, ever wanted to own your very own spaceship? Of course you have silly! Well, in Cosmic Star Heroine, that dream will become a reality. From the creators of indie hit RPG Cthulhu Saves The World comes a 16-bit cyberpunk retro-RPG that boasts a chockfull of style, charm and old-school nostalgia. You play as Alyssa L’Salle, a top secret agent who uncovers an awful conspiracy plot that threatens the whole of the galaxy. Luckily, she does exactly what any courageous top secret agent worth her salt would do — go rogue and save the day of course! Toting gorgeous 2D visuals whilst blending together classic and modern RPG mechanics, Cosmic Star Heroine looks set to become a fun and rewarding RPG time-sink that’ll fit snugly in the palm of your hands. Did I mention that you get to own your very own spaceship? 2) Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony (Late 2017) These critically acclaimed visual novel/adventure game hybrids have made quite a splash on the PS Vita and are arguably some of the nifty portable’s most interesting and unique experiences. This iteration will be the third main title in the series and is a sequel to 2014’s well-received Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair. The setup is quite simple and very Battle Royale-esque; 16 strangers are thrown together and are tasked with secretly murdering one of their fellow classmates. However, the catch is that the murderer must get away with their crime undetected in order to walk free. Events are overseen by the ruthless and bonkers Monokuma, a crazy black and white bear with a penchant for pain and suffering. Following the inevitable assassinations are tense class trials that pits you and your classmates against the unknown murderer in a battle of facts a 'la Phoenix Wright. Using your 'truth bullets' it’s up to you to exonerate yourself and piece together the evidence to identify the cold-blooded culprit. This is looking to be one of the final swan songs for Sony’s awesome handheld and is an essential for anyone who likes their games with a side-order of dark, black humour and chin-stroking intrigue. 1) Salt And Sanctuary (Late 2017) Dark Souls is one of my favourite games ever, and Salt and Sanctuary is hands-down one of the best Souls clones out there. This 2D action-RPG wears its heart-on-sleeve inspiration with unbridled pride, and developer Ska Studios’ passion really shines through. Everything you know and love about the Souls series is here in full effect; the risk/reward challenge, the RPG depth, the satisfying combat, the meticulous world design, the wonderful but nasty bosses and the cryptic, mysterious narrative are all on-show in full force here. With hand-drawn stylistic visuals that are dark and beautiful, a deep, rewarding real-time combat system that is packed with nuance and customization, and enemy designs pulled straight out of the Soulsborne’s creepy, grotesque textbook, this is a game to truly savour like a delicious swig of Estus. Praise the salt! That does it for our list, but feel free to comment down below and let us know what you're looking forward to most from the PS Vita this year.