Death Of A Handheld?

What kind of impression does the general public have of the Playstation Vita these days. Do we really need it? Has it been abandoned? The Nintendo 3DS arguably gives the handheld market all it needs for now, so is the Playstation Vita obsolete so quickly in it's life cycle?

Since launch just over a year ago, it has been a rocky road for the little powerful handheld. With games like Persona 4 Golden, Dead or Alive 5 Plus, Little Big Planet Vita, Gravity Rush and a few others highlights, many would say there are not enough games for PS Vita. In fact, there are many games for it, there's just a lack of triple A titles.

Most of the great games on Vita are ports, from other releases. The console started off with such a momentum, perhaps that is what made us all expect more and faster. So the question I would like to pose; is there a reason to hang on to your Vita?


Yes, I do believe so, there are still a few exciting games on the horizon, the remote play functionality on the upcoming Playstation 4. Games like Soul Sacrifice, Killzone Mercenaries, or how about Warrior's Lair, a isometric view diablo-esque loot driven dungeon crawler?

Some would say it's a used genre that does'nt need more games, I would disagree. Personally I would say it's an unexplored genre that seems like a great fit for a handheld. It is time consuming, but you can play it in short bursts over a long period of time, every time you boot it up you will have a little more loot and better gear because of earlier sittings. Imagine how often you'd play Tiny Wings, but every time you start it has better armor, bigger wings and a badass battle axe. You know, because that is what a little bird really wants...

Honestly I think there is a lot to look forward to on the Vita. One could say it's quiet before the storm as E3 is right around the corner and there is no reason to announce new games now when you can get the attention of a much greater audience in a few weeks. Although I'm sure Sony's major focus will be on the Playstation 4, I sincerely hope there will be announcements of new games and reasons to be excited for this holiday season for all handheld enthusiasts out there.

A public letter from David Hayter

METAL GEAR V

By

David Hayter

So, 

Here’s a recap of events: 

I have been up in Toronto, for the past eight months, directing my first film, (WOLVES -- 2013, TF1/COPPERHEART). On the December break, I came home to Los Angeles for the holidays. I heard then, that recording sessions for MG:V were being put together.

But I didn’t hear anything about whether I’d be needed or not. 

So, I got in touch with someone involved in the production. We got together for lunch, and he told me that they "wouldn’t be needing me" on this game. No reason, or explanation was given beyond that.

And that was it. 

I drove home through Laurel Canyon, bummed, and thinking about Snake. 

To be clear, I love being a part of the world of Metal Gear. I admire its technological innovations, the gameplay, the political message of it all. But primarily, I love the fans of these games. Two grown men burst into tears upon meeting me at the Vancouver Fan Expo last year. 

Now that... Is a rare and excellent role. You know you’re making an impact.

And I love doing it. 

In 1998, I tried to do come up with a voice which epitomized the kind of worn, put-upon, genetically-engineered clone-soldier that I saw Snake to be. Over time, as the games became more stunning and visually sophisticated, I tried to transition that initial voice into the increasingly real environments in which Snake found himself. My level of success is up to you, but any perceived deficiencies were not for lack of hard work. I have dedicated a huge amount of time and effort into creating a compelling character, capable of expressing the myriad emotional, physical and psychological hurdles that Snake has to face.

Anyway, now it’s been fifteen years, nine games, and an enormous blast to undertake. 

If it were my choice, I would do this role forever. To hear anyone else’s voice coming from Snake’s battered throat, makes me a little ill, to be honest.

But the truth is -- it’s not my choice. Any and all casting decisions are the sole purview of Hideo Kojima, and Konami itself. And that’s fair. 

And I’ll get by. I am not lacking for employment on any level.

But I didn’t want anybody to think that I was intentionally abandoning them. 

And know that I will miss this job, and this character, very much.

My best wishes to you all,

David Hayter

April 1, 2013

original link: http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1rjhhf9