If it's not clear by now to all the Dominator's reading this, I am more excited about the upcoming PS Vita than Harold Camping is for the Rapture – but unlike Camping, I have managed to experience mine.
As I was handed the PS Vita, the first thing I noticed is that it's a lot bigger than I expected – it was the antithesis of a Macca's burger. Unlike the PSP with its rounded surface, the face of the PS Vita is very flat, and this really emphasizes just how big the screen is. In direct contrast to the size of the screen are the buttons and d-pad, which are not only surprisingly small, but feel cheap. I'd need far more time with the system to know if this has any adverse affects on the system, however.
Trying out the analogue sticks was a weird experience – they were extremely responsive, and make both the Xbox 360 and PS3 sticks feel stiff in comparison. My first thought would be that the sensitivity of the sticks would mean a lack of control and constant readjustments, but playing a few minutes of Uncharted quickly allayed this theory as they provided an arguably smoother experience then UC's console counterpart.
While I may not be the biggest fan of touch-screen gaming, the response from the PS Vita was incredible. Tracing the path I wanted Drake to climb with my finger was effortless, and far, far more satisfying than pressing 'x' to jump from ledge to ledge over and over again.
I didn't get to mess around with the UI much, but the brief minutes I did held no problems for me. I was able to navigate competently throughout the system and return to the very second I left Uncharted with no load times in between. Pressing the power button put the Vita into an instant sleep mode, and when pressed again the system restored as if it had never left.
The graphics aren't worth mentioning because they are everything that has been promised. It obviously doesn't have the same power as the PS3, but power is nothing if you don't know how to use it, and the developers at SCE Bend Studios seem to know how to get the best out of the system. UC: Golden Abyss easily holds its own against the original UC.
If I was the greatest writer that ever lived (and it's under debate), I would never be able to convey just how comfortable this machine is to hold and use. I have questioned over and over again how players were supposed to avoid consistently rubbing against the back touch-pad, but as soon as it's in your hands...it's like it was made to be held. Your fingers automatically rest in the grooves on the back of the device, and the screen is within perfect reach of your thumb if there any prompts or buttons to press on-screen. Switching to one hand to interact with the screen with your forefinger doesn't feel like a chore or an effort – if anything, it makes the experience of playing far more interactive.
Despite the misgivings of some of my gaming friends, my brief experience with the PS Vita has left me more than determined to support the system. The PS Vita's original campaign advertised a new way of playing, a whole new way of life for the hardcore gamer. I have no doubt that the device will be able to do this – but it depends entirely on whether it garners enough consumer interest.
Only 21 days to go...
Mark Ankucic
PSN: bigbluebass
Xbox Live: thevikinggamer