In this special edition of The Axe Factor, weekly Factor host Lorin Baumgarten is joined by handheld gaming guru and EpicBattleCry host Tony Grice to discuss everything you need to know about the PlayStation Vita (hint: um….it totally rocks). We talk hardware, software, and games for the best 90 minutes of your life!
Since the Viking God himself, Brent Adams, doesn’t yet own a Vita, he decided to sit this one out, opting to get drunk on mead instead. But have no fear, there will still be hacking and slashing galore as we pillage our way through the gaming landscape and bring you this Special Edition of The Axe Factor! So come on in and join our Vita-stravaganza!
Pre skirmish notes: I snezed so hard that internet explorer stoped working! Now thats fucking epic!
As far as I understand the battery life is not that great. So playing on the go is limited. Next thing I heard is that the loading times are quite long. Not quite fit for an 15min gaming session on the train. What I do not like is that Sony is not willing to use standard hardware like SD cards.
Personally I am not on the move so often where I possibly could play a mobile/handheld game. I stick to my normal consoles and the PC.
btw I did not listen to the show so far. Only some things that popped in my head after reading the intro text.
lol….listen to the show
The battery life is quite good at 4-5 hours of solid gaming and the load times are not really an issue, except for Wipeout 2048. The memory thing is, of course, annoying. But, seriously – listen to the show. The Vita has exceeded my expectations (which were very high to begin with) in every way. It truly is incredible!!
I listened to the show now
Still leaves the issue of where to use except at home. It is great if you enjoy it.
Let TG partake in those Axe Factors as well. Brent has managed to get one, so it would be useful, me deem. I know I give u a hard time on the Vita, but its more aimed at the object than you. Im glad it was not a waste of money (at the moment) like the PSP was… Well, question to you, was the PSP a waste even?
Im glad that you at least appricate the Vita more than the PSP. I hope that TG will enter the talks when you discuss the games of the Vita. I can’t blame Brent actually for not getting it now and im not aiming at his purchase of a PC. We all know what happened with the PSP… a slow dusty death… TG talked about that people were talking already that the PSV was dead even before it started. Has there been more commericals on it? Cause I still haven’t seen anyone…
With all the versions of the PSP I would think they would take a bigger step in the portable hardware before they released the PSP 2 and now we may see more of the same routine of upgrading little bits of a handheld over the next few years.
The battery life is actually pretty dang good. I was really surprised. I play it just about all day on and off/ guessing about 4 or 5 hours before it needs to recharge. I haven’t had a problem with any games loading. I heard about wipeout being long, but only played one game and didn’t really notice it. I was mad about the SD card too, especially since I just bought a 32gb card for my psp a year ago. I think it has to do something with hackers and the psn account, but I could be 100%wrong on that. I honestly been playing this non stop. I got a couple of farm like games on my Ipod/ipad, but haven’t touched them since. I did regret the Vita at first, because I couldn’t connect it to the ps3 or put movies or music on it, but I just realized accept it as a new system, and I loved it ever since. Hope you get one on day!
I own a Samsung Galaxy Note. It has a OLED display, too. If it is as good as the vita screen then I know what you mean regarding the picture quality.
Hey y’all – hope you enjoy the Vita-centric special edition of TAF! If it doesn’t come across enough in the show, you should know that it is an incredible machine with some incredible games. Not just good – incredible! Seriously.
I did want to mention that the games section of the show got a little curtailed because we ran out of time. But I will continue to elaborate on the games on the regular Axe Factor episodes.
Also, if you have any specific questions about the Vita, write them here in the comments and I will try to address them on the show next week. Until then….I gotta get back to Rayman! Enjoy!!
If I may, Lorin, most of the games as of now are merely ports, so I don’t understand how they can really be deemed “incredible.” I am looking forward to Resistance and Unit 13, but still, I don’t see it. Even you just said you’re getting back to Rayman; it’s not like that’s even a Vita exclusive game…I will be getting a Vita next month though, I am just perplexed at that statement.
Well – I have 4 games right now. Rayman, Uncharted, Hot Shots, and Escape Plan. Of those, 3 are not ports. And the fourth is a port of an INCREDIBLE game!! (seriously, Rayman is awesome)
So, my skinny friend, it is I who do not understand your comment!
Was suprised to see this show pop up but it was interesting to lisen to. But wow this was so mutch nerd porn! Like wow lol! But i do enjoy watching a vlog or lisening to a podcast befor bed. Also goin to do another playthrough of Mass Effect 1 and 2 to do some tweeks and changes to my story.
Oh yeah and realy cool that you Lorin and TG went and did this show. Grate fun to lisen to.
So far there really isn’t anything on the Vita that appeals to me. Rayman Origins looks good but it is coming to the 3DS soon anyway. So pretty much just Lumines and Touch My Katamari that I would get for it atm and I do not want them enough to justify spending that kind of money. Still I got my hands on a Vita the other day and the tech is fucking impressive. Uncharted looks great on it. I will definitely be getting one eventually but for now I am satisfied with my 3DS for my portable gaming needs.
OMG, my mind couldn’t possibly comprehend how amazing Rayman Origins looks on the vita.
wow, sweet an intro by the bomb-garten. sweet. and TONY?!?!?! daaayuummm. bring on the vita
i’m sorry to hear that Tony had such bad luck with the vita’s he’s got at this point. it reminds me of when i tried getting a 360 for the first time the first 360 i got the disc tray would not open at all then the second one refused to read any games or dvds so i know that feeling all too well. luckily i got a wifi vita on launch day and no problems with it so far.
Lorin, as I understood you are playing the vita at home. So why aren’t you playing Rayman on the PS3 instead of the Vita? I rather have a big screen instead of the tiny Vita screen for playing the same game.
The only thing interesting me is what interesting games come up that use the full possibilities of the Vita’s input methods.
Well – that’s a fair question. I would argue that it looks even better on the Vita because of the OLED screen. But, that’s not really why. Playing it on the Vita, right now, allows me to play while my wife watches our one TV or in bed just before going to sleep for 15 or 20 minutes (our TV is in the living room). And when I do take my Vita out and about – I will have Rayman with me!
I’m sure that the game rocks on the PS3, but it also does on the Vita!
*looks up from playing the VITA*
“FUCK YEAH! AXE FACTOR!”
*Very gently places Vita to one side for first time in days and listens to The Axe Factor….with occasional loving looks at Vita*
You guys have to try the BEST VITA GAME! UNIT 13! I’ve played the demo for a couple hours nearly and it’s only one level! I’m a shooter fan at heart, and a stealth action fan, and a MAG fan, so this game is just perfect for me!
Lorin, how did you get Silent hill? I can’t find the psp version on either the US PSN or the AUS PSN….did you have the digital version for the PSP and just re-download it or is it on the Vita Store? And does anyone know why resistance retribution is on the AUS PSN but not the US? And while I’m at it, anyone noticed some games (well at least one that I’ve noticed, Sega Megadrive Collection) are on the PS3 PSN but not the Vita store? Confusing over sight…
That was a great Vita discussion, very astute and well though through for a system that has been out for such a short time. I’m like Lorin, been googling PS VITA every day since mid December so this was just the discussion i was hoping for. I know the show can’t go on forever but if this had gone on for twice as long, I would’ve listened to it with rapt attention!
The games are over priced in AUS, between 30 and 60 bucks, but for you Aussies out there, go to OZGAMESHOP.com, it’s an English site that only sells to Aus, most games are 10 to 15 bucks cheaper. And 40 bucks cheaper for PS3, PC games. I got Resident EORC and Silent Hill DP and Tomb Raider for 55 bucks each, its usually 40 bucks for a new PC title.
Only thing is postage takes a week or so, but postage is FREE!!!!!
I just checked out the movies, which in the Aus store are HORRIFICALLY priced. Most would be far cheaper to buy on Blu ray and they say theyre all SD. So wtf. And the rent prices are 4-6 bucks, it’s cheaper to rent the Blu rays from my local.
I love the Vita and recomend it without hesitation, it really does have something for everyone. Can’t wait for a few FPS’s though.
ONE THING I DONT UNDERSTAND AT ALL- Uncharted, Rayman and Modnation Racers- NO MULTIPLAYER. YOU CAN’T EXPLAIN THAT! What’s the point of 3g? For Wipeout and tennis? Fuck that. I wanna know that when an FPS comes out I’m gonna be able to Death Match them! FPS multiplayer games are kinda popular I hear. I would JIZZ if I heard Counter Strike was announced for the Vita.
Cheers!
What’s up, Lord? Glad you enjoyed the show! Tony and I said, after we were done recording, that we could have easily gone on talking about it for at least another 45 minutes. But, alas, we ran out of time.
To answer your question – I had purchased Silent Hill digitally for the PSP. It is not on the ‘approved’ PS Vita compatible titles list, but I just re-downloaded the game to my PS3 and then put it on the Vita via the USB cable and – voilas!
Guys,
Thanks. This was the best Vita presentation I’ve heard anywhere. I’ve listen many IGN poscasts, Weekend Confirmed, Invisible Walls, etc… And this episode was the best presentation of the Vita, hands down !
Now, I agree with you that the Vita launch line up is amazing. But we have too keep in mind that most of those games are “recycled” PS3/360 titles. The only “must have” launch IMO is Gravity Daze… But the game has yet to have a release date in the west. Too bad
.
So my point is that I’m afraid that the Vita will have the PSP syndrome of having the same games as the home console on the Go, but “not as good”…
I hope that Sony will be able to bring more original and exclusive title designed for the Vita ad NOT just home console ports. That’s why I can’t wait for Gravity Daze !!!
Hey THLINK,
Thx for listening and thx for the compliment! I agree with your sentiment regarding the games. I too am very excited for Gravity Daze. It looks incredible and the reviews are great! I do think Sony missed the boat a bit by not having more originals and maybe 1 or 2 more “console-like” games (a-la Uncharted) at launch to show off the system’s ability to do those kind of games (it is, after all, one of the cornerstones of the system’s marketing). It would have been perfect if Gravity Daze and Resistance were both available at launch to even further show off what the system can do and to include another original IP.
That being said, I believe that the Vita will not suffer from the same issue that the PSP did relative to games for two reasons:
1) The hardware is so impressive and so capable that I believe it will draw developers in.
and more importantly
2) Sony really created the Vita with the developer in mind (unlike the PSP). They built it from the ground up with developer input and made the device easy to code for (at least, that is my understanding. Obviously, I am not a programmer).
I believe that those two things will go miles to further the state of games on the Vita. And, finally, you need and install base to attract developers. I believe that once the price drops on the device (which I believe will be in the first year) and the masses see the type of Call of Duty or Bioshock experience they can get on the Vita, the Vita will gain traction in the marketplace. And that is the final piece of the puzzle needed to get developer support for the device.
I think we’re gonna see some interesting things from the Vita in the next 24 months. I really do.
this was an awesome episode. i gotta say i am interested in the vita…… very much…… dammit, i need money
Lorin I never played the vita yet, but do the analog sticks click(R3 & L3) like how they do for the ps3 controller?
Also will there be another axe factor later this week?
They do not click and there will be the regularly scheduled Axe Factor on Tues/Weds.
I got my Vita on friday and played it quite a bit this weekend. I wasn’t as hyped for the Vita, but after playing a couple of games I really love it. The hardware is great, and btw I’m coming from a background of not having any handheld systems before. They have never appealed to me, but the Vita does and its great.
I have Uncharted and Motorstorm RC, and I also bought Vice city stories just to try out because I loved GTA Vice City on the PS2. Uncharted throws a lot of things at you, and in at the start it bothered me, but now I’m probably 20 chapters in it doesn’t and I kinda like it. The game isn’t perfect, but its really good. Motorstorm RC is really fun too. and for the price of the game its a steal.
also I’m very happy with the pricing on PSN. (norwegian prices)
if anyone wants to add me on PSN that would be nice, and see how good or bad, probably the latter I am at Motorstorm RC. please write that you are from EBA.
PSN: TNA420
Was that really Tony’s voice? Could be an impostor you know. I like my Axe Factor with a grizzly-voiced Tony Grice guest star, thank you very much!
To Lorin and Tony
It’s pretty clear that the machine itself is incredible quality, and sells itself even without great games, which the Vita fortunately also has! But I am a little concerned that Sony isn’t putting it’s A teams on it’s big games. Obviously Uncharted Golden Abyss isn’t developed by Naughty Dog, but instead by Sony Bend. Killzone and Resistance too are out of Guerillas and Insomniacs hands and instead being developed by Cambridge and Nihilistic software, and Little Big Planet is being made by Tarsier Stusios and not Media Molecule.
Are you guys concerned that Sony is keeping it’s very best studios on it’s home console games, and getting the B(+) tier developers to work on it’s handheld games? Not to knock these studios, I’m sure they’re all very talented people, and I’ve enjoyed some of their past games. I’m just a little concerned that Sony’s go to teams for producing those blockbuster games aren’t working on the Vita iterations of their own I.P’s. Are these studios secretly working on Vita games? Or is Sony really assigning (slightly) lesser importance to Vita than PS3?
I used to own the Wonderswan (black and white).
I still own the Wonderswan Color tho… don’t know where but it’s somewhere.
I got the FF1 and FF2 remake.
If Tony wants it I can look for it (no guarantee tho).
Awesome show guys! Your guys’ comments on the overall performance and on FIFA are really makin’ my skin itch to buy one of these bad boys! One question I’ve had for a while though are how big are the downloaded games? If the 32GB card costs $100, I sure want the space to last a while. That’s what has always scared me from downloading games as opposed to buying physical copies. Space is usually at a premium on my hard drives.
Rock on gentlemen!
Choppa –
Here is a link to The Vita game sizes. The run from a couple of hundred MB up to 3 Gb. FIFA is 3 Gb. Currently I have 3 games and 3 feature films encoded at full res and I have about 20 Gb of space left.
And, oh yeah…..you should totally get one!
@Lorin
Thanks for the link. 1-3GB/game isn’t bad. Totally would be on board for getting one if I didn’t have to choose between buying a new PC (mine is 8 years old… yeah) and getting a Vita.
You guy’s make me wanna go buy one today. I’m looking into getting Vita sometime before the summer, gonna be taking some road trips. Looking forward to hear what you two(maybe Brent or Dk) gotta say about PSV during it’s life cycle.
Love the discussion, Lorin and Tony. I sure hope that Sony and third parties make the most of the leverage they have with cross play. I have not bought Rayman Origins yet, but if I could get it for both platforms (with synchronized saves) for one reasonable price, I would find it almost impossible to pass up the portable platform or the game!
Hey, guys. As far as the Vita volume is concerned, the PSP had a setting where it would limit the volume in case you accidentally leaned on the volume buttons. The setting was called AVLS (Automatic Volume Limiter System). You could turn it off and the volume would get much louder. I wonder if you poked around the Vita settings a little bit, there may be a similar setting. Let us know!
Hey Joey –
You are in fact correct! There is an AVLS setting on the Vita – and I never knew it was there. Alas – it was already turned off when I found it. So the volume I got is the max volume. Thx for the tip though!
To be truthful…thx to Tony’s suggestion I have been playing a lot more (almost exclusively) without headphones – just using the speakers. And they sound so good I haven’t really noticed the volume thing lately. We’ll see with more games in the future. Thx again!
@Lorin
Do you have a link the add-ons you bought for Vita? I am not quite sure what it/they do after listening to the podcast, but if they make the shoulder buttons less “clicky” that’d be awesome.
Agreed with everything in this podcast. I did the black screen test, I couldn’t resist. I think mine is flawless. Black is so black on this thing. I have an LED monitor and an LCD TV (as well as a retina iPhone) and Vita’s OLED screen far surpasses them all.
Hey Lotus –
This is the one I got and I am very pleased with it. You can see more pics of it here, but I ordered mine from the manufacturer because they weren’t available on amazon yet.
There are, of course, others in development, like the Nyko one that also recharges the batteries. But the form factor of the one I got was more appealing to me.
Damn… My idea was to wait for a bit and buy the Vita in a few months. You guys are tempting me.
@Pinpek ako te zanima, samo o Viti epizoda. Pecto traje al ama baš sve su spomenili i usput su zabavni. http://t.co/zvT7ZhGK
I’m gonna buy a Vita next time I visit the USA ( later this month ) as its £50 cheaper than here in the UK. Thats the equivelent of buying a UK Vita with a free 16gb memory stick. Great to here such praise for the Vita, not just by yourselves but everyone seems to be raving about it.
This is the best podcast I have heard on this website. Very informative and it was great hearing your excitement about the Vita. It was also great that you mentioned what could be improved so it wasn’t strictly a rosy colored view of the vita. I really enjoy mine and hope it’s a great success.
What happened to my comment?
Epic episode, just as epic like the Vita and the launch.