To see the ranking of all releases, visit our list of the best PlayStation Vita games of all time.

50. Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time

There's a reason why this series lasted as long as it did. Just one out of many famous raccoons, this fourth installment of the Sly Cooper franchise follows the anthropomorphic mammal on a globe-trotting, time jumping stealth mission. Try not to get your hands dirty as you journey from Japan and Cuba to Ancient Arabia with the game's vibrant visuals and excellent voice casting.

Not a lot of innovations, it never falls too far from the tree and it gets a playscore of 8.47

49. Salt and Sanctuary

Amidst a wave of "souls-like" comparisons, Ska Studios challenging 2D roguelike action RPG is beauty in its own right. A sidescrolling game set in a bleak and desolate world, control a lone shipwreck survivor as he fights his way through the dangers of an uncharted island. Mixing brutal stages and permanent death, it's one deadly combination you can't forget.

A rewarding gameplay experience despite the grim atmosphere and punishing combat, it sets the mood with a playscore of 8.47

48. Dead or Alive 5 Plus

Remaining a staple in the fighting genre since 1996, Team Ninja's Dead or Alive continued to serve kicks on the consoles, especially for their fans on the PS Vita. Considered the "hottest" fighting game for its feisty and busty femme Fatales, this particular installment has also been praised for its balance. On top of that, it even translates the complexities of their one on ones to the portable format with little to no hiccups.

Smooth, sexy, and strategic, it gets a score of 8.5

47. PixelJunk Shooter Ultimate

A little less elegant than some of the games on the list, this mouthful of a shooter makes up for it intense bullet fights and fascinating exploration. An action game with the heart of an adventure game, Double Eleven's PixelJunk has plenty under the hood. Focused on movement, exploration, and a bit of elemental manipulation, it's a game that will challenge your mind and fingers at the same time.

More than your regular action shooter, it has a playscore of 8.52

46. The Swapper

A puzzle platformer that will boggle the mind, even long after you've played it. Flirting with themes of science fiction, Facepalm's The Swapper is also deeply philosophical. Share your consciousness with up to four duplicates and use them to lift you up into platforming advantages. Not the first to explore duplicates in puzzle format, their atmosphere really adds to the immersion. Explore the mysteries of an abandoned research station in Metroidvania style, and experience consciousness like never before.

A playscore of 8.52

45. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

We came from the Philosophical, and now with Edmund McMillen's roguelike, we dive into the realm of nightmarish biblical allegories. Not quite the visual treat, Nicalis' The Binding of Isaac has been impressing either way with the addictively punishing fun of their randomly generated rooms. A remake of the PC original, its built from the ground up with a new engine, showing off their hand-drawn pixel styles and soundtracks.

Shoot out liquid bravery, with a playscore of 8.52

44. Killzone: Mercenary

The second handheld title in the Guerrilla's Killzone series, this fifth main installment holds a special place in the hearts of PS Vita. Made specifically for the console, Mercenary might not be the awesome game in the series, but it raised the bar for FPS games in the portable format. With a short but sweet campaign and an engaging multiplayer, it's the game to own for fans of the genre.

It gets a playscore of 8.53

43. UNCHARTED: The Golden Abyss

And speaking of portable, here's another portable entry to a well-known series from SIE Bend. A title for the PS Vita, it doesn't quite compare to the freedom that Naughty Dog brought to the series, but Golden Abyss comes packed with the same puzzle-solving, storytelling, and presentation the series is known for. One of the launch titles of the PS Vita, it remains a spectacular title for the console till the end.

It has a playscore of 8.53

42. BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma

Following closely in the footsteps of Continuum Shift, this third installment of the Blazblue series continues the legacy the series. One of their most prominent titles, Chrono Phantasma keeps the series' wheel of fate turning as it introduces a wave of fresh new faces along with its already popular cast. A true tribute to their fans, it's heavy with the series' slick combat, loveable cast, and complex story.

It has a playscore of 8.53

41. SUPERBEAT: XONiC

The Vita is pumping up the volume in this futuristic, bass-filled rhythm game. A title from Nurijoy, Superbeat might not be your go-to for your musical tapping games. But they've definitely made a name for themselves on the Vita, offering up to 50 catchy songs to captivate both first-timers and rhythm game veterans.

Spread around in a variety of play modes in increasing difficulty, SUPERBEAT is the rhythm game to beat, with a playscore of 8.53

40. Steins;Gate

5pb and Nitropolus’ visual novel adventure takes you to a captivating journey of friendship, mystery, science, and emotional gravity. Awarded for being the most immersive visual novel story during its time, Steins;Gate continues to wow fans with its non-linear story and memorable characters. A game that's literally built around choices, Steins gate has multiple endings for you to explore with 40-50 hours of content.

A stellar visual novel, it has a playscore of 8.55

39. Plants vs. Zombies

One of PopCap's most iconic series is a hit on the PS Vita too. Released on the PC in 2009, Plants vs Zombies put a twist on the Tower Defense genre, putting to work an arsenal of fighting flowers to protect your home from a zombie apocalypse. On the PS Vita, Plants vs Zombies added more spark to their visuals with the console's OLED screen.

Winning the world over with the charm and simplicity of its gameplay, it has a playscore of 8.58

38. Child of Light

Ubisoft makes a standout RPG that breathes a tale as old as time. In it you follow Princess Aurora in her quest to stop an Evil Witch from destroying her kingdom. Heavily inspired by Fairy Tales and Medieval mythos, Child of Light's sidescrolling journeys feel very much like the storybook adventures of our childhood. It excels in both style and gameplay.

While it's not the grand experience of the PS4, this handheld port is a worthy substitute with a playscore of 8.61

37. TxK

A reimagining of the Atari's arcade game, Tempest, this indie game by Llamasoft lets you wallow in a minimalist and vibrant world as you shoot out enemies with your ship. Its striking similarities might border on criminal, you could also say the same about its insanely fun gameplay--improving on the classic with powerups, levels, and more. It's a sensory explosion that will keep you entertained for hours on end.

It has a playscore of 8.62

36. Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty

Just Add Water's New N’ Tasty delivers a smooth graphical overhaul to the popular 1997 game. Remaking the life and times of the iconic Mudokons, save the species from the impending genocide once more. This time with the added feature of a difficulty setting. Already a sophisticated platformer when it first released, it didn't need much help to perform well to a whole new generation.

An impressive puzzle platformer, it gets a playscore of 8.62

35. BIT.TRIP Presents... Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien

Leaving the pixels in the past, this direct sequel to the long-running Bit Trip series made a spectacular 3D return. Coming fresh with a new makeover, it's new visuals bring in an array of changes to the mix while keeping the series' signature charm. Welcoming a whole lineup of new characters, guide Commander Video on a quest that's full of pickled uncles, fish-faced companions, and lots of crazy dancing.

A classic runner made HD, it has a playscore of 8.64

34. Muramasa Rebirth

This Wii U action RPG by Vanillaware found its home on the PS Vita, where it delivered a fluid and gorgeous HD experience that's still one of the most beautiful on the system. Travel to Japan's Edo period and take control of 2 different main characters. Explore the world with Monohime and Kisuke as they develop their skills, acquire new information, and navigate the twists and turns of their multiple endings.

It has a playscore of 8.65

33. Mortal Kombat

If there’s one thing Mortal Kombat achieved other than its fluid fighting mechanics, it’s the gore. From the veterans at NetherRealm Studios, Mortal Kombat takes all the unbridled gruesomeness to the handheld console. Returning to the arcade-like 2.5D, the character models might've taken the hit, but it served to up the ante in other aspects--from brand new content, fatalities, and the extra Challenge Tower.

Getting more for a bargain price, it earns a rating of 8.66

32. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair

Spike Chunsoft serves up another dose of deadly high school drama in this sequel to their stylish visual novel. Back at the prestigious Hope's Peak Academy, Danganronpa's talking bear returns to his murderous antics on the wonderful island of Jabberwock. Still, a mix of two modes: Daily Life and Class Trials, the sequel improves on all accounts.

Bringing in innovations on storytelling, mechanics, and mystery, Danganronpa is better the second time around and it gets a score of 8.68

31. LIMBO

PlayDead's been in the business of artistic puzzle platformers and they all started with the monochrome melancholia of this 2010 title. Inspired by film noir and German expressionism, Limbo is one of the many poster boys for the videogame as an art movement. Evoking a sense of loneliness and isolation in its visuals, LIMBO is equally splendid in its gameplay, showing their ingenuity with the puzzles and mechanics throughout the game.

Short but definitely sweet, it has a playscore of 8.68

30. Ys: Memories of Celceta

Being one of the pioneers of the JRPG, it's only right that they stake some claim on PS Vita territory. A flawed beauty, Nihon Falcom's Memories of Celceta might've been criticized for its sub-par graphics, especially on such a powerhouse portable, but it's considered one of the best RPGs on the console. Creatively drawing on amnesia as a storytelling device, it opens the world to a fresh kind of exploration, with fun, fluid battles to fight.

It has a playscore of 8.69

29. Gravity Rush

The start to Sony Computer Entertainment's critically acclaimed action-adventure series. Already remastered on the PS4, this is the original experience, that is sadly without all the new bells and whistles. Still an awesome title, Gravity Rush lets you take control of the free falls of their artistic universe.

Introducing breakthroughs in gameplay in a comic book style, it has a rating of 8.7

28. Terraria

While it might look like another Minecraft clone, Engine Software's Terraria is a whole new beast entirely. It abandons the clunky 3D voxels for a more graceful looking 2D environment. But, on the PS Vita, Terraria found its own home, offering its players all the comforts of portability. With their many building options and activities, it lets you create your very own nook in their vast universe, whenever and wherever.

It has a playscore of 8.7

27. Grim Fandango Remastered

First released on Windows in 1998, LucasArts Grim Fandango has seen remaster after remaster, as new generations find ways to rediscover this old gem of a graphic adventure. Even more relevant with the rise of the moving macabre, Join Manny Calavera in his attempts to save a virtuous soul in film noir fashion. Wearing their inspirations on their sleeves, there's a reason why it's considered one of the greatest videogames ever.

Playing just as good on the Vita, it has a score of 8.7

26. Spelunky

Not to be confused with 1983's Spelunker, Blitworks' Spelunky takes us on a more modern and adorable treasure-hunting expedition. A roguelike game inspired by Indiana Jones, take out the hat and whip and watch out for traps and obstacles or its back to the drawing board for you.

For challenge seekers with a knack for exploration, it has a playscore of 8.72

25. Rogue Legacy

Another unique platformer fitting for the PlayStation Vita. This surprisingly fun platformer from Cellar Door Games offers a unique gameplay element: Its descendant system. Every death takes you to another character with a randomly generated quirky trait. It’s a double-edged sword and sometimes it might not be what you need. You could have inherited a bit of color blindness, dwarfism, and others you don’t even want to know.

A playscore of 8.72

24. Darkest Dungeon

Inspired by Lovecraft’s otherworldly doom and gloom, it is not for the faint-hearted. Darkest Dungeon is a brutal creation of Indie Developer Red Hook Studios. You and a group of heroes will be fighting evil, but the game’s best feature is not about the journey, it’s how you maintain your team’s physical strength and mental fortitude. Its Affliction System changes the way we navigate around its Gothic-fueled world.

It receives a playscore of 8.74

23. Minecraft: PlayStation Vita Edition

A game everyone knows and love. Mojang’s sandbox adventure is out on almost all possible consoles out there. Enjoy a beautiful voxel universe filled with amazing details and limitless content. Create your own world, and build a perfect fantasy powered by your imagination. Enjoy its solo modes, or play with friends in a never-ending cycle of creative wonder… all in the palm of your hands.

It has a rating of 8.74

22. Super Stardust Delta

This improved version by Housemarque of the Super Stardust franchise boasts with brand new features made especially for the PlayStation Vita. Using Vita’s controls, simply use the dual analog sticks to control your starship. Destroy asteroids and enemies across 5 planets, with 5 phases each. Face the boss at every round and encounter more new content in store.

This shoot ‘em up rewards players with huge scores, as all score-attack games do. A playscore of 8.75

21. Disgaea 4: A Promise Revisited

Revisit the Netherworld in this PlayStation Vita port of the PS3 classic. Disgaea fans satisfied with its insane amount of quirky laughs, anime-style cutscenes and stories that are present in the original. Its new features include the battle-system that adds the ability to pick up players during its turn-based action.

This is the definitive Disgaea 4 experience with enhanced features and tons of added content. It receives a score of 8.75

20. Soul Sacrifice Delta

Often compared to the Capcom's Monster Hunter series, Marvelous' Soul Sacrifice is the happy owner of its own charm, especially when it comes to their unique and compelling story. Revolving around the ability to sacrifice parts of yourself for a chance at stronger power, it offers a complex system that rivaled the best RPGs of its time.

Keeping some of the hiccups and repetitiveness of the original, this Delta edition nonetheless makes it worth the second look with a playscore of 8.75

19. LittleBigPlanet PS Vita

PlayStation’s portable version of their favorite Sackboy! This puzzle-platformer from Tarsier Studios stays true to the iconic franchise while adding Vita features that increase the handheld experience. This fourth title of the franchise offers a series of cleverly crafted puzzles and offers the same amount of user-generated content for players to enjoy.

It has a playscore of 8.77

18. SteamWorld Heist

The seven galaxies await you in this Steampunk turn-based strategy game from Image and Form. In a universe populated by sentient automatons, lead a ragtag band of buccaneers as you invade a collection of randomly generated ships filled with villains and their minions.

Engage in fun side-scrolling turn-based combat and position your heroes right. Take aim, and let your bullets ricochet off walls and unsuspecting foes. Use your strategic skills to take them down or upgrade your weapons for that snazzy finishes.

It has a playscore of 8.77

17. Dragon’s Crown

Lead four players as they travel through dangerous dungeons in search of gold and adventure. Set in a medieval fantasy of swords and sorcery, Vanillaware’s 2D role-playing game boasts a strategic action experience. Choose between the game’s six heroic character types and decide whether you want to go in alone, or with a friend. Critics praised its great RPG mechanics and challenging dungeon-crawling experience.

Its definitive edition, Dragon’s Crown Pro, is also out so you might check it out if you want more content. It receives a playscore of 8.78

16. Fez

A platformer made with a streak of ingenuity. Dip your toes in this space-time side-scrolling adventure from Polytron and survive the seemingly absurd trips between the realms of the second and third dimensions. Play as the Fez-wearing protagonist and use his newly-acquired abilities to make sense of the disorienting world he finds himself in.

It's a game that challenges your perspective. Switch between dimensions with a press of a button and discover the hidden trails beneath the planar puzzles.

It has a playscore of 8.78

15. Severed

One of DrinkBox Studios’ iconic games after its major success with Guacamelee. Severed is different among its worthy titles as it actually utilizes the PS Vita’s technical features including its touchscreen. Like the name itself, use your fingers to slice and dice your enemies.

Its RPG style mechanics takes you to major dungeons and encounter dangerous creatures. This gimmick won them numerous game awards for iOS.

It has a playscore of 8.78

14. Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack

A sci-fi platformer and another game from DrinkBox Studios. As a mutated alien blob with an insatiable appetite, fill your belly and devour any organism you can find. From a little tennis ball to a powerful blob monster, use your ability to consume and EAT everything.

There’s really not much explaining to do about this game, it’s just an eat-all-you-can buffet. It has a playscore of 8.79

13. Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA f

The Vocaloid Queen takes his musical prowess to the PS Vita in this portable iteration of the Project DIVA series. It serves as the fifth entry of the titles and much like its predecessors, it still uses an adorable cast of Vocaloids. Compared to Future Tone, the game is a self-contained Project DIVA experience with songs original to it.

Perhaps the game’s biggest feature is its use of touchscreen features where you rub the screen or flick the analog stick to get more points.

It receives a playscore of 8.81

12. Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward

With the success of its 999 title, Spike Chunsoft breathes life back to his tortured subjects in this SAW-like game. As a psychopath, mess the heads of these 8 unique characters.

Divided between visual novel sequences and escape the room, it’s a thrilling puzzle game that decides the fate of its characters. With powerful storylines and 24 different endings, it's a highly replayable game that will satisfy with every playthrough.

It has a playscore of 8.81

11. Helldivers

This 4-player top-down from Arrowhead Game Studios takes players into a satirical dystopian world where a managed democracy dominates mankind. Defend the Planet Earth from an imminent Alien Invasion. As a Helldiver, use your specialized skills and equip weapons to partake in this glorious endeavor.

Work together with your friends as the game strictly says it requires TEAMWORK with friends and strangers from all around the world. Call in air-strikes, place weapons, or do synchronized actions with your teammates.

It’s a fine chaotic experience, and it has a playscore of 8.82

10. Velocity 2X

A followup to Futurlab's successful 2012 shoot 'em up for the PS4 and Vita, this sequel ramps up the action with a splash of color and a new layer of gameplay. A lot like Blaster Master Zero, this latest entry lets players jump out of their designated spaceships to slip into some side-scrolling shooting with the powerful Kai. Blending two kinds of gameplay into one package.

It receives a playscore of 8.84

9. Shovel Knight

Yacht Club Games’ lovechild is currently enjoying its numerous amount of Game Awards. Shovel Knight is a perfect example of Kickstarters done right. Play as literal Shovel Knight and save his beloved from the clutches of an evil Sorceress. Use your trusty shovel to navigate around its world and dig numerous secrets.

Released 5 years ago, the game is like a gift that keeps on giving. Its upcoming DLC, King Of Cards, is still gearing up for release sometime this year.

It has a playscore of 8.84

8. Sound Shapes

Queasy Game’s Sound Shapes is taking the rhythm genre to a different level. Control a cute blob trying to overcome various obstacles on each level that’s powered by musical beats. Time your movements right to get to the objective. It’s easy to learn, difficult to master.

In addition to its smooth gameplay experience, it’s also supported by talented artists such as Beck, Deadmau5, and more. Players can also customize their own levels and share them with other players from around the world. It has a playscore of 8.87

7. Hotline Miami

If Ryan Gosling’s ‘Drive’ was a videogame, this is what it would look like. Dennaton Games’ psychedelic and brutal shoot ‘em up is a wild mix of hardcore cyberpunk and ultraviolence. Fulfill your objectives as a hitman and go on a murderous killing spree in top-down indie fashion. Use multiple weapons to complete your objectives and jam to the games’ reverberating beats.

It receives a playscore of 8.88

6. Guacamelee!

Master the art of punching and grappling opponents in this magical adventure led by a brave Luchador named Juan. Unleash your Luchador skills by creating consistent combos to smack and grab enemies to a pulp. Guacamelee takes Mexican culture to its dazzling form and incorporates brawler and platforming elements. Use the game’s unique ability to travel between the living and dead worlds. Save the Presidente’s Daughter if you can.

It has a playscore of 8.95

5. Rayman Legends

One of the best platformers ever created. Ubisoft’s acclaimed platformer classic oozes with so much style it brings out the best of Vita’s visuals. Watch the gang to in a picturesque world filled with psychedelic wonder. Jam into its feisty beats and feel the rush of colors in every level.

Origins was a great game, too. But of course, Legends has it better with a playscore of 8.98

4. Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir

One of our favorite RPG’s on the Vita, Vanillaware’s remake takes players once again in an epic adventure around the realm of Norse Mythology. Players take control of five different protagonists with different stories and perspective.

This remake offers enhanced gameplay mechanics while not sacrificing its core gameplay. Its simplified UI helps new players adapt to the fast-paced playstyle.

It’s still the same side-scrolling adventure you knew and love, with a playscore of 8.98

3. Axiom Verge

Blurring the line between intense platforming and the fundamental nature of the game’s reality, Tom Happ's Axiom Verge is a unique gaming experience. Control a scientist after he witnesses his own death. He wakes up in a different world filled with otherworldly creatures and super-powered weapons. The game’s objectives are simple: survive and uncover the mystery behind this strange world. Use a multitude of futuristic weaponry to battle enemies and control the fabric of space and time. It receives a playscore of 8.98

2. Tearaway

This paper-powered platformer developed by Media Molecule for the PlayStation Vita is a testament to the PSVita’s capabilities as a portable hardware. As a messenger, deliver a unique message to player and help him overcome the many obstacles in his way. This third-person game utilizes most of the console’s features including the Gyro support, touchscreen, and its in-game camera.

It has a playscore of 9.04

1. Persona 4 Golden

ATLUS’ defining JRPG leads the forefront of PSVita’s greatest hits. A mix between dungeon-crawling RPG and a slice of life simulator, Golden ups the ante of the original Persona 4 release way back 2008 and it comes with a whole new cast of characters and a captivating story.

Lead a merry band of characters as they uncover a mystery involving a serial killer. Balance your daily life by going into school and meeting new people, or takedown Shadows using your Persona abilities in strategic turn-based combat.

It has a playscore of 9.30

50 Best PlayStation Vita Games of All Time [2019 Update]

Our up-to-date ranking of the highest-rated PS Vita releases of all time.