A Brief History of Role-Playing Video Games
Role-playing games, or RPGs, emerged in the 1970s and 80s as a distinct video game genre centered around taking on the role of characters in virtual fantasy settings. RPG mechanics involve leveling up your playable character, acquiring better weapons and gear, learning new abilities, and completing story-based quests.
The origins of RPGs can be traced back to tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons, first published in 1974, which established concepts of turn-based combat resolved through dice rolls. As video game technology advanced, developers adapted the highly imaginative and number-crunching aspects of tabletop RPGs into the digital realm.
Early RPG video game hits included the post-apocalyptic Wasteland in 1988 and science fantasy Turrican in 1990. In the mid-90s, landmark releases cemented RPGs as a hugely popular genre – from the dystopian might of the Final Fantasy VII franchise to the vast medieval high fantasy worldbuilding of The Elder Scrolls.
As gaming hardware became more powerful over time, RPGs could render vaster 3D spaces to explore, incorporate full cinematic cutscenes between gameplay, and offer previously impossible freedom in character choices that diverge the narrative. Handheld consoles also continued to advance, making immersive RPG adventures possible on the go.
By the early 2010s, when Sony released the PlayStation Vita, RPG fans enjoyed an immense diversity of gameplay experiences across subgenres like action RPGs, tactical RPGs, massively multiplayer RPGs, and more. The Vita‘s capabilities – including a vibrant touchscreen and dual analog sticks for refined controls – made it a perfect vessel for continuing the RPG gaming legacy.
Why PlayStation Vita Excels for RPGs
As a high-powered handheld system, the PlayStation Vita integrated excellent processing power, screen technology, and ergonomics tailor-made for roleplaying adventures. Its 5-inch OLED screen was state-of-the-art for mobile gaming in 2011. OLED technology enables sharper detail, heightened contrast for vivid colors, and rich black levels compared to standard LCD screens of the time.
The PlayStation Vita‘s dual analog sticks offer tight, responsive 360-degree control of in-game movement. Along with classic PlayStation face buttons and directional pad, this control scheme lends itself perfectly to navigating complex RPG battle systems and exploration. The handheld form factor enables gamers to get immersed in sprawling storylines no matter where they are.
While smartphone gaming grows more advanced every year, passionate RPG fans still cite the Vita‘s tactile controls, focused gaming environment, and large screen real estate as ideal qualities for losing oneself in an RPG‘s universe. Combined with the Vita‘s excellent graphical capabilities, it‘s no surprise so many acclaimed RPGs grace the platform.
#7: Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate
Shiren The Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate – PlayStation Vita
Metascore: 79
Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate is a roguelike RPG centered around procedurally generated dungeons and permanent death mechanics. Developed by Spike Chunsoft, it builds upon 2005‘s Shiren the Wanderer for DS with Vita-exclusive features.
The game follows Shiren, a wandering swordsman, striving to reach the pinnacle of the Tower of Fortune in order to earn the power to shape his destiny. With his ferret companion Koppa in tow, he must survive dozens of floors teeming with traps and monsters that hit hard. Make one false step, and it‘s back to the starting village.
Shiren the Wanderer stands out for its tactical combat emphasizing patience and efficient item usage over brute force. With each failed run, you learn enemy behaviors and level layouts until finally conquering the tower through shrewd strategy. Vibrant sprites bring its Japanese mythology-inspired world of samurai and demons to life.
Reviewers praised Shiren‘s wealth of secrets and customization options rewarding methodical play. While its difficulty may frustrate less devoted players, dedicated fans of thoughtful roguelike challenges will find tremendous replay value.
#6: The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II – PlayStation Vita
Metascore: 80
This epic turn-based JRPG from Nihon Falcom advances the intricate political narrative of 2014‘s Trails of Cold Steel. Building on the detailed world developed across previous Legend of Heroes titles, it also stands alone as an entry point into the series.
The story follows Rean Schwarzer, a military academy student harnessing mystical powers, on a quest to reunite his scattered allies in a nation torn by civil war. Rich world building fills in the multifaceted conflict brewing for generations.
Combat allows players to strategize turn orders based on speed stats, attack enemies‘ elemental weaknesses, trigger special attacks between linked party members, and make careful use of mana points for magical Arts attacks.
With one of the deepest battle systems in JRPGs, hours of epic story cinematics, charismatic characters, and a stirring soundtrack, Trails of Cold Steel II delivers a true role-playing epic easily rivaling the scope of console releases. It sets a high bar for the possibilities of handheld RPG immersion.
#5: Soul Sacrifice Delta
PS Vita Soul Sacrifice Delta (English) for PlayStation Vita
Metascore: 82
This unique action RPG blends dark fantasy and macabre monsters with strategic, fast-paced battles. Soul Sacrifice Delta builds upon the original Soul Sacrifice for Vita with substantial expansions.
The narrative colours every decision with moral ambiguity in a world where a ruthless sorceror reigns by sacrificing human offerings to fuel his immortality. Will you save innocent lives or sacrifice them to increase your power? The choice is yours.
With mages, demons, undead, and colossal bosses drawn directly from twisted fairytales, the game oozes sinister atmosphere. Terrain and enemy tactics play key strategic roles in frenetic duels. Players can harness over 70 wicked magic spells and 300 mission quests provide hours of replay across randomly generated arenas.
Soul Sacrifice Delta executes the PlayStation Vita‘s high fantasy potential with aplomb, offering hours of entertainment for RPG enthusiasts looking for unconventional premises and strategic depth underlying all the bewitching bedlam.
#4. Ys: Memories of Celceta
Ys: Memories of Celceta – PlayStation Vita
Metascore: 82
Memories of Celceta brings fluid hack-and-slash combat and vibrant anime-inspired aesthetics that the action RPG Ys series is renowned for into the Vita‘s capabilities.
The game opens on series hero Adol Christin, suffering amnesia and struggling to piece together his past adventures mapping the uncharted forest realm of Celceta. Players battle nefarious wildlife and mythical beasts while regaining Adol’s memories.
Gameplay centers on mastering dodges and slashes to tackle groups of enemies, with special attacks and magics hammering tougher foes. Boss fights put combo strings and pattern recognition to the ultimate test.
With supremely polished combat mechanics, vast terrain opening up as players unlock traversal abilities, and stomach-rumbling foodcrafting systems, Memories of Celceta checks every box for an addictive action RPG experience.
#3. Child of Light
Child of Light – PlayStation Vita Standard Edition
Metascore: 83
Blending platforming challenges with turn-based battles, this artistic masterpiece overflows with heart and whimsy. Players assume the role of young Aurora questing through the mystical realm of Lemuria, depicted via stunning watercolor visuals.
The delicate yet emotional narrative tackles themes of courage, sacrifice, and perseverance as Aurora battles the dark Queen of Night plaguing the land, making friends with gnomes, fairies, and other wondrous characters along the way.
The combat system allows players to strategize their next moves while enemy turns play out in real-time, keeping encounters quick yet cerebral. Harness elemental attacks against specific weaknesses and synchronize abilities between characters to gain an edge.
Child of Light enchants players young and old with its warm, lovingly handcrafted world where hope persistent against encroaching darkness. There‘s nothing else quite like it – on Vita or any platform.
#2. Odin Sphere Leifthrasir
Odin Sphere Leifthrasir (Playstation Vita) (輸入版)
Metascore: 93
This enhanced remake of 2007‘s cult classic PS2 title Odin Sphere brings Vanillaware‘s flamboyantly fluid 2D action combat and prismatic fairytale worlds to life on the PlayStation Vita.
Each of Leifthrasir‘s five acts follows a different protagonist warring over the kingdom of Erion‘s dwindling resources as apocalypse looms: Oswald the shadow knight, Gwendolyn the valkyrie, Mercedes the fairy queen, Cornelius the beast-transformed prince, and Velvet the forest witch.
Players slash through monstrous mobs, juggle air combos, and unleash screen-filling ultimate spells in epic boss battles. Leveling up weapons and magic attacks keeps the action intense yet strategic.
From ominous yet oddly whimsical worlds straight out of a storybook to soundtrack melodies sweeping from quaint innocence to blood-pumping desperation, Leifthrasir entrances the senses while its non-linear narrative subverts expectations.
#1. Persona 4 Golden
Persona 4 Golden – PlayStation Vita
Metascore: 93
Considered one of the pinnacles of contemporary JRPGs, Persona 4 Golden builds upon the PlayStation 2 release with expanded characterization and strategic combat refinements perfectly suited for the Vita.
The narrative follows high school student Yu Narukami, who moves to the sleepy rural town of Inaba only to get wrapped up in solving a series of bizarre murders involving a shadow dimension called the Midnight Channel. Gameplay integrates dynamic interpersonal relationships and demonic dungeon crawling.
Players fuse Persona summons with tactical strengths and weaknesses while managing relationships with friends. Balancing high school life simulation and dark mysteries makes for resonant coming-of-age drama.
Blending heavy themes of identity and truth with vibrant humor and style, Persona 4 Golden tempers its supernatural drama with laughs and lovable characters whose stories stick with you years later. For many JRPG fans, its alchemy of deep characterization and systems makes it unparalleled.
Comparing Vita RPG Experiences
While numerous genres flourish on PlayStation Vita, RPGs represent a significant portion of its landmark library. Fans can pick from anime-inspired epics, dark gothic adventures, platformers with leveling mechanics, and more.
Games like the traditional turn-based epic Trails of Cold Steel II or the monster-slaying action of Soul Sacrifice provide two extremes of roleplaying flavor. Classic hack ‘n slash franchises like Ys or innovative indie gems like Child of Light flesh out the spectrum.
And experimental masterpieces like Persona 4 Golden demonstrate how Vita RPGs can intertwine narrative elements genres don’t typically explore. Players seeking different emotional and gameplay vibes need only peruse their options.
The Legacy of PlayStation Vita RPGs
While mainstream attention gradually shifted away from dedicated handhelds to smartphones, the passionate community around PlayStation Vita kept supporting new releases years into its lifespan. This enabled the platform to build one of the strongest RPG libraries around.
Fan translations make commercially unavailable Japanese RPGs accessible for international gamers. The ease of digital downloads via PlayStation Network renders the Vita an evergreen vessel keeping myriad roleplaying adventures alive and portable.
Through the late 2010s onwards, titles like 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim and Code Vein continued evolving genres the Vita housed: visual novels and action RPGs respectively. Its legacy endures both in direct sequels and spiritual successors. There‘s no better way to celebrate this legacy than firing up the best entries in your personal backlog!
The PlayStation Vita remains an exceptional handheld for discovering engrossing RPG worlds no matter what subgenres speak to you. We hope cataloging these seven crown jewels helps all gamers find their perfect adventures.
