Summary
The PS Vita may not have had the longest lifespan, but it still managed to house some fantastic open-world experiences. While it wasn’t powerful enough to run sprawling AAAsandboxes likeGrand Theft Auto5, the handheld still delivered impressive open-world titles that let players explore, experiment, and carve their own paths.
From superhero web-swinging to high-speed police chases, these games proved that the Vita could punch above its weight when it came to freedom and scale.
A fully explorable Manhattan with Spider-Man’s signature web-swinging? On a handheld? It almost sounds too ambitious, butThe Amazing Spider-Manmanaged to make it work — well, mostly. Based on the 2012 movie, this open-world superhero adventure lets players swing through a decently sized version of New York City, fighting crime and uncovering a conspiracy involving Oscorp.
The web-swinging isn’t as fluid as in Insomniac’sSpider-Man, but for a handheld title, it’s impressive. There’s a sense of momentum as Spidey swings between buildings, although it’s more automated compared to console versions. The city isn’t the most detailed, and the frame rate takes a hit, but the ability to freely roam New York City as Spider-Man on a portable device was a dream come true for fans.
The game’s story takes place after the events of the film, with Peter Parker facing off against a mix of classic villains and mutated cross-species creatures. Combat borrows from theBatman: Arkhamseries, featuring counter-based brawling, though it’s not as polished. While the Vita version made some visual compromises, the open-world freedom still made it one of the most ambitious superhero games on a handheld.
BringingBorderlands 2to the Vita was an ambitious move — after all, this was a massive semi-open-world looter shooter known for its chaoticco-op action. While the handheld version didn’t quite nail the execution, it still delivered the coreBorderlandsexperience: tons of guns, ridiculous humor, and a semi-open world packed with bandits and bizarre creatures.
Players take on the role of a Vault Hunter in the wasteland of Pandora, a lawless planet filled with loot, dangerous enemies, and over-the-top characters like Handsome Jack. The game’scel-shaded art stylehelped it retain much of its visual charm on the Vita, but performance issues held it back. Frame rate drops and clunky controls made combat feel less responsive, which was a big deal in a game that thrives on fast-paced gunplay.
Still, the fact that the entireBorderlands 2experience was playable on a handheld — even with its flaws — was a testament to how far portable gaming had come. It wasn’t perfect, but for players who wanted to take their looting and shooting on the go, it got the job done.
Few games fit the PS Vita better thanMinecraft. The ability to build, explore, and survive in a procedurally generated world, all while on the go, was a perfect match for the handheld. This version ofMinecraftwas essentially the console edition, meaning it had most of the features players loved, from Creative Mode to Survival Mode.
The Vita’s hardware handledMinecraftwell, keeping the blocky charm intact while allowing for smooth gameplay. Unlike some other Vita ports, performance wasn’t a major issue here. Multiplayer was supported, letting players team up with friends via ad-hoc or online play.
One of the best things aboutMinecraft: PlayStation Vita Editionwas its cross-save support with the PS3 version. Players could start a world on their console and then continue their adventure on the go, making it one of the most seamless open-world experiences on the system.
At first glance,Terrariamight look likeMinecraft’s2D cousin, but it’s an entirely different beast. This open-ended sandbox adventure mixes crafting, exploration, and intense combat withdeep RPG mechanics. The Vita version retained everything that madeTerrariagreat, including its massive worlds filled with dungeons, underground biomes, and boss fights.
Players could dig deep into the earth, uncovering treasure and battling monsters in randomly generated caves, or build sprawling structures on the surface. UnlikeMinecraft,Terrariafeatures a stronger emphasis on combat, with an arsenal of weapons ranging from swords and bows to magic spells and laser guns. Boss fights like the Eye of Cthulhu and the Wall of Flesh added an extra layer of challenge, keeping players on their toes.
Despite its pixel-art style,Terrariafeels like a game that never runs out of things to do. The Vita version handled the gameplay well, making it a fantastic way to experience this endlessly replayable adventure on the go.
An open-world racing game that actually worked on the PS Vita?Need for Speed: Most Wantedwas a rare gem. Developed by Criterion, this high-speed thrill ride brought the full console experience to Sony’s handheld with impressive results. Players could freely explore Fairhaven City, competing in races, evading cops, and hunting down the titular “Most Wanted” racers.
What made this version special was that it didn’t feel like a watered-down port. The entire city was available to explore, with shortcuts, jumps, and destructible billboards scattered throughout. Thegame’s sense of speedwas exhilarating, and the police chases were just as intense as in the console versions.
Visually, the Vita version took some hits, with lower-resolution textures and fewer environmental details, but the core gameplay remained intact. The fact that Criterion managed to squeeze such a large, seamless open-world racing experience onto a handheld was nothing short of impressive.
Ubisoft gave the Vita its own exclusiveAssassin’s Creedadventure withLiberation, and it delivered one of the most ambitious open-world games on the system. Set in 18th-century New Orleans, the game introduced Aveline de Grandpre, the first female protagonist in the series, as she fought against the Templars in a beautifully recreated colonial-era city.
New Orleans was dense with detail, from bustling streets to swamps filled with dangers. Aveline’s unique Persona System let her blend in differently depending on whether she was dressed as a lady, a slave, or an Assassin, adding a new layer of strategy to stealth.
While the game had some technical hiccups, its open-world freedom, parkour mechanics, and gripping story made it a must-play forAssassin’s Creedfans looking for a portable experience.
Few games on the Vita felt as unique asGravity Rush. Thisopen-world action-adventuregave players control over Kat, a girl with the power to manipulate gravity, letting her fly (well, fall) through the air in any direction and walk on walls. The floating city of Hekseville was her playground, and players could explore it in ways no other open-world game had allowed before.
Combat revolved around using gravity-based attacks to take down enemies, while the story unfolded in a stylish, comic book-inspired presentation. The game’s world felt alive, with a distinct European-inspired art style and a sense of verticality that made it stand out.
Gravity Rushwasn’t just the best open-world game on the Vita — it was one of the best games on the system, period. Its innovative gameplay, charming protagonist, and stunning world made it an unforgettable experience that truly showcased what the PS Vita was capable of.
