The PlayStation Vita was a console with a ton of potential that never really received the support it deserved. It's a shame since Sony's PlayStation Portable had grabbed a decent niche in the market and allowed for a line of portable hardware that could rival the kings of this niche, Nintendo. However, the PlayStation Vita was pretty much dead on arrival as per Sony, with the console sporting a bare library of games that didn't really justify the price of admission.
That's not to say that the Vita wasn't blessed with a wide variety of great games. On the contrary, the console had its fair share of decent games, but a lack of first-party support is what ultimately led to its downfall. Here are the best games that graced the PlayStation Vita during its short lifespan.
8 Gravity Rush
One of the more unique games on the platform, Gravity Rush's innovative traversal and combat makes it an easy pick for this list. The story might fall flat later down the line, but players will have so much fun with Gravity Rush's gameplay that they won't even notice this.
Kat is a fun protagonist to control, with her gravity powers adding a ton of depth to the gameplay. It's a shame that the studio behind this amazing game has shut down.
7 Tearaway
One of the few exclusive games for the Vita was Tearaway, a charming game with unique mechanics. The manner in which it used the Vita's controller to great effect made it a must-have for the console. Every control felt like it had a purpose, giving the game that extra bit of interactivity.
On top of all this, Tearaway also had a brilliant story that was told in a very charming manner. It's a shame that Sony didn't build on the promise of these games and release more titles in a similar vein for the console.
6 Persona 4 Golden
It was only a matter of time before Persona 4 Golden made its way on a list about definitive Vita games. The PS2 release of this game was pretty decent in its own right, but props should be given to Persona 4 Golden for revamping and improving upon the original so thoroughly.
From extra levels to smoother gameplay, Persona 4 Golden was a monumental achievement. There's a reason why fans still consider this game to be the best in the series, even after the landmark release of Persona 5.​​​​​​​
5 Killzone: Mercenary
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It's a shame that the Killzone series doesn't get a ton of love from Sony nowadays. The franchise has its fair share of amazing games, with Killzone's foray on the Vita also being quite amazing in its own right.
Killzone: Mercenary is a great game that serves as an excellent first-person shooter despite the limitations of the Vita, pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible for the genre on a handheld device. It was a great game for the console that players enjoyed thoroughly.
4 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc is one of the greatest murder-mystery games of all time. The title cleverly disguises itself as a visual novel before upping the ante with a twisted killing game that players had a blast with.
Each crime in Danganronpa is absolutely dripping with flavor, with the main cast adding to the amazing atmosphere of this title. The Class Trials are easily the best part of this game and a joy to get through.
3 Uncharted: Golden Abyss
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During the time when Sony was serious about the PlayStation Vita becoming successful, the company decided that its flagship franchise should have a place on the Vita as well. This led to the development and release of Uncharted: Golden Abyss.
An adventure with Nathan Drake is bound to be an entertaining thrill ride, and Golden Abyss definitely doesn't disappoint. The shoehorned Vita-specific controls are perhaps the only detrimental part of an otherwise stellar experience.
2 Lumines: Electronic Symphony
The idea of stacking blocks to earn a high score sounds like a positively boring time, which is why the Lumines series should be credited for turning such a simple premise into a highly engaging game. Fans of Lumines: Electronic Symphony will wholeheartedly agree with this statement.
The flashy and fast-paced nature of this game is an audiovisual treat. Players who want to get lost in a simple puzzle game with an amazing aesthetic should definitely check the Lumines series out.
1 Soul Sacrifice Delta
One of the most complex and interesting games on the Vita has to be Soul Sacrifice Delta. The enhanced version of the original game features several gameplay improvements to augment its addictive gameplay.
The sheer depth of the game's systems was amazing, and it's a shame that the game has never been released on a different platform. Given time, players can only hope that they get to experience this hidden gem on modern consoles.