August PS Vita PS Plus Lineup Revealed

Every month PS Plus owners have the joy of getting a brand new lineup of free games to enjoy on their ps vita. August's PS Plus lineup for the PS Vita is by far one of the best in recent memory.
 

This month you will be able to experience these four great games absolutley free on your PS Vita!

These Following Games Will Be Discounted For PS Plus Subscribers

Table Top Racing= 20% Discount

Let us know what you think in the comments below. 

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Is Bioshock being Teased For The PS Vita Again?

It looks like Bioshock might still be making its way to the PS Vita. In the past few days the official Twitter page of 2K has been teasing something for Bioshock.

2K's Twitter page tweeted out this picture.

The picture also had the comment "Oooo WHAT could this mean".

You might recognize this photo as an advertisement from Bioshock 1, and Bioshock 2. Even though you should take this with a grain of salt, this could very well mean that the PS Vita could be getting a Bioshock collection containing the first two games.

We all know that the turn-based Bioshock Ken Levine was attempting to get going never panned out. Perhaps this is Sony and 2K's cheaper way of scratching PS Vita owners Bioshock itch. Plus come on, who would rather have a turn based game over the original 2 Bioshock games. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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1001 Spikes PS Vita Review

Have you ever played a game so unbearably hard that it wasn't even possible to enjoy playing it? A game where as hard as you tried you just couldn't get past the extreme difficulty to truly appreciate the quality of the game itself. After initially hearing of 1001 Spikes, a game where you only have 1001 lives to complete the game, I concluded that this would be one of those unenjoyably hard games. However after I got my hands on the game I realized I was completely and utterly wrong. Now don't get me wrong, the game is extremely difficult and probably not suited for rage-quiters. However 1001 Spikes has a hidden quality about it, that even after dying 50 times in 1 level you still just cannot put the game down. Nicalis managed to get just about every part of this game perfect, and well suited for the PS Vita.

Gameplay- 9/10 The gameplay in 1001 Spikes is where the game truly shines. We have already explained that as the player you will only have 1001 lives to complete the utterly difficult game. Initially sure 1001 lives sounds like a lot, but once you delve into the game you realize that perhaps even 10,000 lives wouldn't be enough. Well, at least that was the case for me.
      1001 Spikes puts you into a 2D world and expects you to platform your way to the end of each level. Of course there are multitudes of traps awaiting your arrival in an attempt to move you one life closer to defeat. Death of course, is inevitable in the game. You will find yourself falling off ledges, dropping into pools of lava, and being impaled by spikes that only show themselves after you are lying on the ground lifeless. For the impatient gamer, this game isn't for you. However for those seeking a challenge I am here to tell you, 1001 Spikes is your game.
     

The only big problem I have with 1001 Spikes is the multiplayer, or lack thereof. On the PS4 version of the game up to 4 players can sit on the couch together and take on the perils within the game together. This takes the game from being extremely frustrating to being hilariously fun to play with your close friends and family. On the PS Vita version however, multiplayer was completely removed from the game. After having played multiplayer, playing solo just didn't have that same appeal. However if this doesn't bother you as much as it does me, then the gameplay is absolutely perfect.
         The last thing I'd like to mention about 1001 Spikes gameplay is the butt-load of extras they threw in for our pleasure. The game contains several unlockables to truly enhance the game and its replay value. As the player you will be able to unlock several costumes in game. Many of the costumes have a familiar theme, such as a blue jumpsuit for the original Ninja Gaiden. Each of the costumes have a unique ability to enhance the gameplay experience. For example one costume I used gave me the ability to do a wall grab, or another let me do double-jumps. Having the option to change costumes truly adds great value to an already great experience.

Story- 8/10 As to be expected with a game of its genre 1001 Spikes doesn't have much of a story to offer. This isn't necessarily a negative thing. In fact the game "not having a story" helps the player to focus on the games true star, the gameplay.
       The player takes on the role of Aban Hawkins, an Indian Jones wannabe whose absolute hatred of his father leads him on a quest through extreme perils. Yeah, that's pretty much the entire plot. Like I said though, the game doesn't need a Last of Us type of story. The story is comedic, and perfect for the game. You will get a few good laughs out of it, but the only memorable part of 1001 Spikes will remain its hardcore gameplay.

Replay- 9/10 What can I say, this game is close to perfect. I personally couldn't put it down for the first playthrough. If you actually have the patience to make it through the first playthrough, you will almost inevitably find yourself wanting to go back for seconds.
         You will want to hit the game up for a second try for three reasons. First of all you will earn plenty of unlockable costumes which make the difficulty more bearable. Secondly you will want to go back and finish getting those trophies. Finally, you will just be way too addicted to quit after just one playthrough. The game truly is worth your fifteen dollars.

Graphics/Sound- 9/10 1001 Spikes is your classic 8-Bit 2D platformer that would look perfectly normal running on an NES. There is nothing extremely special here to talk about, but that's just it. 1001 Spikes achieved exactly what it wanted with regards to how it looks, and sounds. So, like I said there isn't much else to say here. The game has a few graphical hiccups throughout the game, but nothing that you will notice while you are impaled with spikes again.

Overall 1001 Spikes is a must own on the Playstation Vita system. I continuously hear PS Vita owners complaining of the multitudes of 2D platformers that fill the PS Vita store. However this game is different, this game is unique. 1001 Spikes offers gamers a fun, albeit extremely frustrating, platformer to take on the go with them. 1001 Spikes has amazing gameplay mechanics, and awesome replay value. You can't go wrong purchasing this game. The only fault is the missing multiplayer, which is perfectly overlookable. However after experiencing the multiplayer hilarity you truly miss not having that on the go. Otherwise 1001 Spikes is another great entry in the PS Vita library.

Gameplay-9/10

Story-8/10

Replay-9/10

Graphics/Sound-9/10

Overall

9/10

 



PS Vita Pets Review

There are plenty of games out right now for the PS Vita that can suit anyone’s tastes. From visual novels to first person shooters, there’s a game for everyone.  But there is one genre that’s missing: a pet simulator. The Nintendo 3DS has one in Nintendogs, so where is Sony’s answer? It’s right here with Playstation Pets. There’s a difference though, as these dogs can speak, don’t need a leash, and did I mention that these dogs can talk?? It’s a fresh take on a simulator game that offers exploration, training and a chatty dog.

 

Gameplay – 5/10 Playstation Vita Pets is a part simulator, part adventure game, and part system demo.  You start off the game with your brand new adopted puppy and you can choose from a Collie, Dalmatian, Husky, and a Labrador. During the initial tutorial, you are taught how to play fetch, feed, buy clothes, toys and bathe your dog all using the PS Vita’s touchscreen, gyroscope, microphone, front and rear camera. All of these are used hand-in-hand to level up the skills of your pup in the form of mini games. This in turn will provide your dog with the necessary skills to actually progress through the game. This all sounds great in theory until it’s actually time to start playing the game. The voice commands (You give your dog a name), sometimes work. Protip: the dog will come to you even if you don’t call his/her name which in my opinion, defeats the purpose. The touch controls are hit and miss as well. Petting your dog for buddy points can get frustrating as the game doesn’t register right body part when you think you are scratching the dog the correct way. Buddy points are one form of currency that will let you buy abilities/toys/clothes/accessories from the shop. A lot of them are essential for progressing through the game. This leads to a grind fest that I wasn’t in the mood for, especially in the beginning of the game. In order to move on, 500 BP is needed and you can only fetch and scratch your dog so many times before it becomes a boring mess. Unfortunately, this is a major part of the game and there’s no way to avoid it. Another negative for me is navigating the camera. The game is played in the first person and the right and left stick are used for camera motion. I can’t count how many times where I can’t look to where I want and I have to force to look one way by pointing at a door or ball.  It sometimes detracts from the experience and for the most part, it affected my experience.

 

Story - 3/10  The story is based in the world of Castlewood, an area that’s completely beautiful and lush with greenery, castles and a wide open world where you and your pet can run around and cause trouble.  The story is told through a pop up book in your house. Once you’ve leveled up your pet enough, more of the world will open up to you. But the further you advance the story; you end up back at the house to level up your pet. I think I’m pretty tired of the house. In the end here isn’t much of a story as I would like and being as this is aimed for younger children, I’m ok with it.

 

Replay- 7/10 Being that the game is a part simulator, part story driven game, there are plenty of reasons to come back for more. With lots of accessories and plenty of time to max out the skills of your pup, one can come back to the game and grind those buddy points for some good loot. Although, all dogs play the same, there’s really no need to try another dog unless you want to start over with Lassie or Rin Tin Tin. 

 

Graphics/Sound – 8/10  Vita Pets is a beautiful game, dare I say it’s one of the best that’s available on Sony’s portable. The colors are lush and eye popping and beautiful. A lot of work was put into making this a visual pleasing game. You’ll come to appreciate the small details that were included in the game ranging from the cute outfits to bathing your dog. While the game is a looker, I wish I could say the same about the audio. While the music is generally enjoyable, the dog’s voices made me turn down the volume. Lines are repeated and a little too upbeat for my tastes. No matter what you do, your dog is toohappy. I wish there was more variety in the dog’s lines and delivery. After playing for a bit, I’ve felt that I have heard every line in the game times two.

 

 

Gameplay-5/10

Story-3/10

Replay-7/10

Graphics/Sound-8/10

 Overall-6/10

 

Entwined Launches on The PS Vita Today

Entwined launches on the PS Vita and PS3 today. This news comes via the developers official Twitter.

For those who don't know Entwined is Sony's beautiful game created by their new studio. Their new studio, Pixelopous is comprised of students for Carnegie Mellon University. 

Entwined will be cross-buy for the PS Vita,  PS4, and PS3. You can buy one and get the other two for free.

Follow us on Twitter @PSVitaBoys for up to the minute news and monthly game giveaways!

Pokemon Lookalike Collectems Headed To The PS Vita

Collectems is officially being developed for the playstation vita by game developer The Layabouts. 

Collectems is an open world RPG "made in the spirit of Pokemon Red an Blue." The game has the look and feel of the classic Pokemon games you used to play as a kid. Players will be able to discover several different Collectems species to battle out in a turn-based RPG style. 

Collectems takes the concept of an non-linear open world Pokemon game and adds a little unique concept to it. Players will be able to enjoy a randomized world each time they play. This means the location of species, opponents, and loot will be different each time you play. 

Collectems is in early development for the PS Vita system as well as the PS4. It is likely we will see cross-save and cross-buy functionality implemented, however it's much too early to determine that.

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Soldner X-2 Final Prototype Headed to PS Vita

Soldner X -2 is officially headed to the Playstation Vita after being rated by the ESRB.  This game was created by the same developers who brought Rainbow Moon, and are bringing Rainbow Skies to the PS Vita.

For those unaware, Soldner X-2 is a side-scrolling shooter. Players take control of a spaceship and use varying weaponry to destroy enemy spacecraft and debris. The game is perfect for the Playstation Vita and will definitely show off the Vita great screen.

Soldner X-2 will also launch for the PS3, so it is very likely to assume that the game will be cross-buy with the PS Vita. Keep it tuned to VitaBoys for any further details that arise.

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The Ratchet and Clank Trilogy Comes To NA PS Vitas This Week

The Ratchet and Clank Trilogy comes to the PS Vita this week in North America. This news comes via the official Playstation Blog post of games releasing this week.

Many fans have been waiting for this to release in North America since it launched a few weeks ago in Europe. Fans have been left waiting without any details until this week. If you actually go back a few posts we predicted it would come out this week. But that isn't the point.

The game will release this Tuesday with a presumed price of $29.99, as many of Sonys remastered do.

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Metrico PS Vita Launches on August 5th

Metrico PS Vita has finally gotten a release date for North America. According to Digital Dreams the game will be launching on the PS Vita on August 5th.

For those that don't know Metrico is a unique puzzle platformer that is based around infographics. This will be Digitial Dreams first game to appear on the PS Vita, and is being partly funded by Sony's Pub Fund.



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PS Vita Playstation Store Sneak Peek For July 22nd

Each tuesday the playstation store updates and brings us many new games to enjoy. Therefore each week we will bring you a sneak peak of the games to come for the Vita. Keep in mind this is for North American Vitas only and the news is subject to change.

Phantom Breaker: Battlegrounds is a 4 player retro-styled beat em up. The 2D fighter features over 18 playable characters, and 2 different fighting modes. The game is perfect for the Vita and you can get your hands on this week.

Lego Ninjago Nindroids contains the same loveable gameplay everyone has come to expect from the franchise. The game will follow the same plot as the third season of the show, and is a sequel to Lego Battles: Ninjago. Its safe to assume the game will be the exact same version released on the 3DS.

Rogue Legacy is rogue-like game where players are tasked with capturing an ever changing castle. Rogue Legacy is an extremely unique rogue-like, that is like no other. When your player dies they are replaced with their children. Each of which has their own unique capabilities. The game will support cross-buy between the PS Vita, PS4, and PS3 version.




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Minecraft PS Vita Will Have Texture Packs Check Out This Screenshot

Minecraft PS Vita is just around the corner and every Playstation Vita owner is looking forward to that day. Every detail we can get is very welcome.

Well today Mojang released another screenshot of Minecraft PS Vita. This time the screenshot clearly shows a texture pack being used. Check it out and let us know what you think.

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Ratchet and Clank Trilogy Rated For The PS Vita in NA

The Ratchet and Clank Trilogy has officially been rated for the PS Vita by the ESRB. It looks like we can be expecting The Ratchet and Clank Trilogy in NA very soon.

The trilogy was already released in Europe a few weeks ago. However we had not heard of any details regarding the games releasing in North America. Let us know what you think of the news in the comments below.

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Timespinner Coming To The PS Vita

Timespinner will be making its way to the Playstation Vita following a successful Kickstarter campaign where the PS Vita stretch goal had been reached. Timespinner will also make an appearance on the PS4, which most likely means there will be a cross-buy function.

Timespinner is described as a "2D Metroidvania platformer." The game attempts to weave several aspects of Star Ocean, Castlevania, and Megaman X all into one game. Below I have listed several of the games features as listed on the official Kickstarter page.

• Stop Time To Evade Foes
• Explore a large connected world
• Clobber enemies with magic orbs
• Travel through time
• Upgrade abilities and purchase new ones
• Discover hidden areas and treasure
• Fight intense boss  battles
• Adventure alongside companion familiars

You can expect to see Timespinner on the PS Vita very soon. In the meantime keep it connected to the VitaBoys for any further details, and leave us a comment below on what you think of Timespinner.

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NIS America Teases NA Release of Ar noSurge PS Vita

It looks as if NA PS Vita owners will be getting to play Ar noSurge on their PS Vita very soon. NIS America sent out a blurred out tweet of the Ar noSurge saying "Hmm, something's in the work here. But what could it be...?"

 

Let us know what you think of a potential release of Ar noSurge on NA PS Vitas in the comments below!

 

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Rogue Legacy Launches July 29th On The PS Vita

Rogue Legacy will launch on the PS Vita on July 29th. This news comes via Teddy Lee from Cellar Door Games.

Rogue Legacy is rogue-like game where players are tasked with capturing an ever changing castle. Rogue Legacy is an extremely unique rogue-like, that is like no other. When your player dies they are replaced with their children. Each of which has their own unique capabilities.

Rogue Legacy will launch on the PS Vita, alongside the PS4 and PS3 version. Rogue Legacy does support cross-buy, so buy one get em all.

Follow us on Twitter @PSVitaBoys for up to the minute news and monthly game giveaways!

The PS Vita is in Extremely High Demand Right Now

Honestly, I can truly say I never thought I would get to write an article like this. The Playstation Vita is in such high demand right now that Sony is having trouble keeping them stocked at retailers.

A representative from Sony spoke on the issue of PS Vita shortages saying "The U.S. launch of the slimmer and lighter Vita has generated strong interest among gamers, and we're working to replenish supply here to ensure continued momentum leading into the holidays."

Even a Gamestop representative weighed in on the issue saying "The system has sold better than expected and we are working closely with Sony to receive more (systems)."

It is hard to say why there was such a sudden boost in PS Vita interest, heaven knows it wasn't due to E3. Perhaps the recent launch of Borderlands, or the upcoming Vita version of Minecraft has sparked some badly needed interest. The PS4 is also low on stock, perhaps there is correlation there. Whatever the reason lets continue to support the Vita, and watch it grow in numbers!

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Twitch COO Is Looking To Bring Twitch To The PS Vita

It looks like Twitch might be making its way to the PS Vita very soon. In a recent interview with Games Industry the Twitch COO spoke about bringing Twitch to the Playstation Vita. Here is what he had to say.

 

"The company (Twitch) has recently moved into mobile and is looking at the Vita and 3DS as well. On mobile we just released our first in-game integration with Asphalt 8 from Gameloft. For now we are going to be doing that game by game, handhelds......... We definitely want to do it, we want to build viewing apps that are much less CPU intensive."

 

 

So it looks like Twitch definitely is a possibility for the Vita. However it seems as if it might be by a game-by-game basis. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

 

 

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