Reality Fighters, meanwhile, showcased the Vita’s augmented reality and connectivity. Players can snap a picture of their face and digitally layer it onto a fighter. Two people can battle it out by connecting their Vitas wirelessly. The combat can then be projected on a live “battlefield,” or any flat surface between them.
The augmented reality feature really shines on the new Little Deviants game, which also capitalizes on the back touchpad. The back touchpad, a touchscreen on the back of the device, was most impressive in FIFA Soccer. To shoot on the Vita version of FIFA, for example, you simply visualize the rectangular back pad as the goal, and tap where you want the ball to go. Meanwhile, the front touchscreen lets you simply touch players to pass them the ball or switch to them to defense.
While FIFA is currently EA Sports’ only scheduled release for the Vita, it’s easy to imagine how other sports can make use of the device’s touch capabilities. In short, the Vita is an extremely cool and innovative little handled console. The augmented reality and front and back touch capabilities allow a world of possibilities, as do the connectivity features.
Still, the system is not a must-buy for casual gamers. Consoles and mobile gaming offer enough diversion for boring subway rides. For the more serious gamers, the Vita could be a great purchase — offering truly remarkable visuals and gameplay capabilities in a portable format.
But don’t take our word for it — you can try out the Vita seven days a week at Sony’s Vita Hills Social Club in San Francisco through the end of February. There are also Vita pop ups in near Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Sony also just announced a Vita tour of the United Kingdom for February.