Hi all! Since so many new Vita owners are wondering what kind of PSP RPG goodness are available on the SEN/PSN Store, I've compiled all the info here so that this can be your one-stop guide! This thread is divided into the following sections:
1. Recommended, Sony-approved Full Vita Compatibility Titles
2. Compatible, But Not Listed by Sony
3. Untested or Games Which Are Not Quite Working
4. Games Only Available on EU/UK Stores
5. Upcoming PSP RPG titles
6. 2nd Tier RPGs That Are Available
7. Not on SEN/PSN At All
If there are mistakes/corrections, do let me know! And if someone can go through the Untested Titles and tell me which ones work/not work, it would be great. Lastly, if you have the prices of the games in pound/euro, I can also include them.
1. RECOMMENDED, SONY-APPROVED FULL VITA COMPATIBILITY TITLES
The 3rd Birthday
Company: Square Enix/HexaDrive
Category: Action Shooter with RPG elements
Price: $19.99 / 19,99 / £15.99
Surprisingly well-priced for a Square Enix game. With the Vita's second analog joystick, this makes the game a much better experience. Plus the graphics are fantastic (not to talk about the fan service).
Cladun: This is an RPG / Cladun X2
Company: NIS America/System Prisma
Category: Action RPG
Prices: $19.99 each (Cladun: This is an RPG is $9.99 on Gamestop.com, Cladun X2 is still $19.99) / 19,99 each / £15.99 each
Two fantastic little rogue-like games that have rockin' soundtracks and quirky humor. Both the first or the second game are worth playing - you can't go wrong.
Corpse Party
Company: XSEED/Team GrisGris/5pb.
Category: Adventure
Price: $19.99 / 14,99 / £11.99
This isn't even an RPG, but the format of it is reminiscent of classic 16-bit RPGs. And plus, it's a game that comes very highly recommended, so I'm gonna break the rules here.
Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness
Company: NIS America
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $14.99 ($9.99 on Gamestop.com) / 14,99 / £9.99
The first in the classic Disgaea series- and well-priced at only $14.99. Good to play through before Disgaea 3 for the Vita arrives.
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days
Company: NIS America
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $19.99 ($14.99 on Gamestop.com) / 19,99 / £15.99
The second in the classic Disgaea series- and well-priced at only $19.99. Good to play through before Disgaea 3 for the Vita arrives.
Dissidia 012[duodecim] Final Fantasy
Company: Square Enix
Category: Fighting Action with RPG elements
Price: $29.99 / 34,99 / £19.99
Not an RPG, but it does have RPG elements, so it's included for completion's sake. If it were $5 less it would be perfectly priced.
Fate/Extra
Company: Aksys Games/Type Moon/Image Epoch
Category: RPG
Date: $24.99 / Coming soon to UK/EU via Ghostlight
Mixed reviews for this pretty new RPG, but it has its fans.
Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection
Company: Square Enix
Category: RPG
Price: $29.99 / 34,99 / £19.99
Everyone knows about this compilation of the Square classic. Steep - can be $10 less.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
Company: Square Enix
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $9.99 / 9,99 / £7.99
Despite the game's well-documented problem with slowdown during some spells, this remake of the PSOne classic features brand new localization by Alexander O. Smith's company. And it's only $9.99! Still highly recommended: it has 2 new jobs, 2 new characters, new equipment, new events, new story & side missions, anime cutscenes with voice acting, co-op missions mode, and Balthier is in!
Half-Minute Hero
Company: XSEED/Marvelous Entertainment
Category: RPG
Price: $9.99 / 14,99 / £11.99 (Currently 7,99 / £6.49 until 14-03-2012)
Worth every penny for this quick, delightful and very funny RPG. Get it!!
Knights in the Nightmare
Company: Atlus USA/Sting Entertainment/Dept. Heaven
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $29.99 / Unavailable in EU
An enhanced port of the part bullet-hell, part Strategy RPG DS game. $29.99 is rather steep.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky
Company: XSEED Games/Falcom
Category: RPG
Price: $19.99 / 34,99 / £27.99 (Bundled with P2:IS for 59,99 / £47.99)
If you do not buy this, I'll come over with an axe and say, "Here's Johnny!". Seriously though, one of the best games on the PSP, period.
Lunar: Silver Star Harmony
Company: XSEED Games/Game Arts/GungHo Works
Category: RPG
Price: $14.99 / 14,99 / £11.99
Despite the slightly long load times and a vocal minority complaining about the changes to the localization, this is a game well worth your money.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
Company: Capcom
Category: Hunting Action
Price: $19.99 / 9,99 / £7.99
Not an RPG, but has enough loot-hunting to satisfy any RPG gamer. Plus everyone knows this game. And since Monster Hunter Portable 3rd never came over to the West, this is the best version to get.
Persona 2: Innocent Sin
Company: Atlus
Category: RPG
Price: $39.99 / 34,99 / £27.99 (Bundled with P3P for 49,99 / £39.99, or with LOH:TiTS for 59,99 / £47.99)
I really love this game - my personal favorite Persona. But not at $39.99
Persona 3 Portable
Company: Atlus USA
Category: RPG
Price: $39.99 / 34,99 / £27.99 (Bundled with P2:IS for 49,99 / £39.99)
No matter how classic this game is, it's not worth $39.99. I'd only recommend it if it's at least $10 less.
Phantom Brave: Heroes of the Hermuda Triangle
Company: NIS America
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $19.99 ($9.99 at Gamestop.com) / 19,99 / £15.99
The game has its fans, but admittedly I've never played it so no comments.
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords
Company: D3 Publishing/Infinite Interactive/Vicious Cycle Software
Category: Puzzle with RPG elements
Price: $9.99 / £4.79
An small, unfortunate bug plagues this version (the assist bonus somehow doesn't get activated), but it hardly ruins this excellent version of the popular puzzle game.
Riviera: The Promised Land
Company: Atlus USA/Sting Entertainment/Dept. Heaven
Category: RPG
Price: $14.99 / 17,99 / £13.99
A wholly enhanced version of the well-received GBA game by Sting. I enjoyed the GBA incarnation, so this should be good too.
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
Company: Square Enix
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $19.99 / 19,99 / £15.99
A million times worth it for just $19.99. The best iteration of a complete classic.
Wild Arms XF
Company: XSEED Games/Media Vision/SCEJ
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $9.99 / 17,99 / £13.99
Infamous for being quite unforgiving difficulty-wise, the game nonetheless has a lot of fans who proclaim it one of the best Strategy RPGs on the system. It's only $9.99 - try it and find out!
Yggdra Union
Company: Atlus USA/Sting Entertainment/Dept. Heaven
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $14.99 / Unavailable in EU
Another DS to PSP Sting conversion. I have no idea about this game, to be honest.
Ys Seven
Company: XSEED Games/Falcom
Category: Action RPG
Price: $14.99 / 14,99 / £11.99
Classic action RPG. A must-buy!
Ys: The Oath in Felghana
Company: XSEED Games/Falcom
Category: Action RPG
Price: $14.99 / 14,99 / £11.99
The best Ys game you can buy, with the best music. Cannot recommend more highly.
Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger Vs. Darkdeath Evilman
Company: NIS America
Category: Dungeon Crawler RPG
Price: $29.99 ($19.99 at Gamestop.com) / 29,99 / £23.99
A bizarre premise and tons of customization makes this a cult fan favorite. But $29.99 is still a bit steep... $10 off and it would be a sure-recommend.
__________________________________________________________________________
2. COMPATIBLE, BUT NOT LISTED BY SONY
*Note: Must transfer via the PS3 for this to work. IF you don't have a PS3 the you're SOL*
Gods Eater Burst
Company: D3 Publisher
Category: Hunting Action
Price: $19.99 / 29,99 / £23.99
For those who find Monster Hunter too daunting, this is a good place to start.
Hexyz Force
Company: Atlus/Sting
Category: RPG
Price: $29.99 / Unavailable in EU
A criminally underrated RPG with a fantastic mechanic - the fast-forward button in battles! Highly recommended, but play the male scenario first (the female side is quite annoying).
Jeanne d'Arc
Company: SCEA/Level 5
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $22.99 / Unavailable in EU
Some of the best graphics on the PSP added to a strong plotline and great gameplay - one of Level 5's best games, period.
Valkyria Chronicles II
Company: Sega
Category: Tactical RPG
Price: Bundled: $22.49, Unbundled: 34,99 / £27.99 (without DLC; DLC costs 4,99 / £3.99)
This bundle pack, which includes all the DLCs, is only available for a limited time, so get it now!
__________________________________________________________________________
3. UNTESTED OR GAMES WHICH ARE NOT QUITE WORKING
Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure
Company: Mastiff/Falcom
Category: Action RPG
Price: $14.99 / Unavailable in EU
Falcom's charming action RPG....with a rather annoying camera. Still, quite enjoyable.
Patapon 3
Company: SCEA/Pyramid/Japan Studios
Category: Rhythm Action with RPG elements
Price: $19.99 / 26,99 / £16.99
Patapon 3 borrows RPG elements to complement its tried-and-true FEVER! rhythm action. But play the first two first to get used to the game mechanic.
R-Type Command
Company: Atlus/Irem
Category: Turn-Based Strategy/Tactical RPG
Price: $14.99 / Unavailable in EU
Underrated strategy/war game that bizarrely takes place in the R-Type world. Poor IREM.
Untold Legends: The Warrior's Code
Company: Sony Online Entertainment
Category: Action RPG
Price: $14.99 / Unavailable in EU
Surprisingly, this is not a bad dungeon hack n' slash at all - superseded just by the unavailable Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony. It's also a lot better than its prequel, Brotherhood of the Blade. If you're looking for hacking and looting, this is a fine choice.
Ys I & II Chronicles
Company: XSEED/Falcom
Category: Action RPG
Price: $14.99 / 19,99 / £15.99
Here, Ys I is a bit of a chore to go through to be honest, but Ys II is perfection - my favorite Ys game ever. The game seems to transfer over to Vitas fine for some, but not for others. Very strange.
1. Recommended, Sony-approved Full Vita Compatibility Titles
2. Compatible, But Not Listed by Sony
3. Untested or Games Which Are Not Quite Working
4. Games Only Available on EU/UK Stores
5. Upcoming PSP RPG titles
6. 2nd Tier RPGs That Are Available
7. Not on SEN/PSN At All
If there are mistakes/corrections, do let me know! And if someone can go through the Untested Titles and tell me which ones work/not work, it would be great. Lastly, if you have the prices of the games in pound/euro, I can also include them.
1. RECOMMENDED, SONY-APPROVED FULL VITA COMPATIBILITY TITLES
The 3rd Birthday
Company: Square Enix/HexaDrive
Category: Action Shooter with RPG elements
Price: $19.99 / 19,99 / £15.99
Surprisingly well-priced for a Square Enix game. With the Vita's second analog joystick, this makes the game a much better experience. Plus the graphics are fantastic (not to talk about the fan service).
Cladun: This is an RPG / Cladun X2
Company: NIS America/System Prisma
Category: Action RPG
Prices: $19.99 each (Cladun: This is an RPG is $9.99 on Gamestop.com, Cladun X2 is still $19.99) / 19,99 each / £15.99 each
Two fantastic little rogue-like games that have rockin' soundtracks and quirky humor. Both the first or the second game are worth playing - you can't go wrong.
Corpse Party
Company: XSEED/Team GrisGris/5pb.
Category: Adventure
Price: $19.99 / 14,99 / £11.99
This isn't even an RPG, but the format of it is reminiscent of classic 16-bit RPGs. And plus, it's a game that comes very highly recommended, so I'm gonna break the rules here.
Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness
Company: NIS America
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $14.99 ($9.99 on Gamestop.com) / 14,99 / £9.99
The first in the classic Disgaea series- and well-priced at only $14.99. Good to play through before Disgaea 3 for the Vita arrives.
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days
Company: NIS America
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $19.99 ($14.99 on Gamestop.com) / 19,99 / £15.99
The second in the classic Disgaea series- and well-priced at only $19.99. Good to play through before Disgaea 3 for the Vita arrives.
Dissidia 012[duodecim] Final Fantasy
Company: Square Enix
Category: Fighting Action with RPG elements
Price: $29.99 / 34,99 / £19.99
Not an RPG, but it does have RPG elements, so it's included for completion's sake. If it were $5 less it would be perfectly priced.
Fate/Extra
Company: Aksys Games/Type Moon/Image Epoch
Category: RPG
Date: $24.99 / Coming soon to UK/EU via Ghostlight
Mixed reviews for this pretty new RPG, but it has its fans.
Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection
Company: Square Enix
Category: RPG
Price: $29.99 / 34,99 / £19.99
Everyone knows about this compilation of the Square classic. Steep - can be $10 less.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
Company: Square Enix
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $9.99 / 9,99 / £7.99
Despite the game's well-documented problem with slowdown during some spells, this remake of the PSOne classic features brand new localization by Alexander O. Smith's company. And it's only $9.99! Still highly recommended: it has 2 new jobs, 2 new characters, new equipment, new events, new story & side missions, anime cutscenes with voice acting, co-op missions mode, and Balthier is in!
Half-Minute Hero
Company: XSEED/Marvelous Entertainment
Category: RPG
Price: $9.99 / 14,99 / £11.99 (Currently 7,99 / £6.49 until 14-03-2012)
Worth every penny for this quick, delightful and very funny RPG. Get it!!
Knights in the Nightmare
Company: Atlus USA/Sting Entertainment/Dept. Heaven
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $29.99 / Unavailable in EU
An enhanced port of the part bullet-hell, part Strategy RPG DS game. $29.99 is rather steep.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky
Company: XSEED Games/Falcom
Category: RPG
Price: $19.99 / 34,99 / £27.99 (Bundled with P2:IS for 59,99 / £47.99)
If you do not buy this, I'll come over with an axe and say, "Here's Johnny!". Seriously though, one of the best games on the PSP, period.
Lunar: Silver Star Harmony
Company: XSEED Games/Game Arts/GungHo Works
Category: RPG
Price: $14.99 / 14,99 / £11.99
Despite the slightly long load times and a vocal minority complaining about the changes to the localization, this is a game well worth your money.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
Company: Capcom
Category: Hunting Action
Price: $19.99 / 9,99 / £7.99
Not an RPG, but has enough loot-hunting to satisfy any RPG gamer. Plus everyone knows this game. And since Monster Hunter Portable 3rd never came over to the West, this is the best version to get.
Persona 2: Innocent Sin
Company: Atlus
Category: RPG
Price: $39.99 / 34,99 / £27.99 (Bundled with P3P for 49,99 / £39.99, or with LOH:TiTS for 59,99 / £47.99)
I really love this game - my personal favorite Persona. But not at $39.99
Persona 3 Portable
Company: Atlus USA
Category: RPG
Price: $39.99 / 34,99 / £27.99 (Bundled with P2:IS for 49,99 / £39.99)
No matter how classic this game is, it's not worth $39.99. I'd only recommend it if it's at least $10 less.
Phantom Brave: Heroes of the Hermuda Triangle
Company: NIS America
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $19.99 ($9.99 at Gamestop.com) / 19,99 / £15.99
The game has its fans, but admittedly I've never played it so no comments.
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords
Company: D3 Publishing/Infinite Interactive/Vicious Cycle Software
Category: Puzzle with RPG elements
Price: $9.99 / £4.79
An small, unfortunate bug plagues this version (the assist bonus somehow doesn't get activated), but it hardly ruins this excellent version of the popular puzzle game.
Riviera: The Promised Land
Company: Atlus USA/Sting Entertainment/Dept. Heaven
Category: RPG
Price: $14.99 / 17,99 / £13.99
A wholly enhanced version of the well-received GBA game by Sting. I enjoyed the GBA incarnation, so this should be good too.
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
Company: Square Enix
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $19.99 / 19,99 / £15.99
A million times worth it for just $19.99. The best iteration of a complete classic.
Wild Arms XF
Company: XSEED Games/Media Vision/SCEJ
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $9.99 / 17,99 / £13.99
Infamous for being quite unforgiving difficulty-wise, the game nonetheless has a lot of fans who proclaim it one of the best Strategy RPGs on the system. It's only $9.99 - try it and find out!
Yggdra Union
Company: Atlus USA/Sting Entertainment/Dept. Heaven
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $14.99 / Unavailable in EU
Another DS to PSP Sting conversion. I have no idea about this game, to be honest.
Ys Seven
Company: XSEED Games/Falcom
Category: Action RPG
Price: $14.99 / 14,99 / £11.99
Classic action RPG. A must-buy!
Ys: The Oath in Felghana
Company: XSEED Games/Falcom
Category: Action RPG
Price: $14.99 / 14,99 / £11.99
The best Ys game you can buy, with the best music. Cannot recommend more highly.
Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger Vs. Darkdeath Evilman
Company: NIS America
Category: Dungeon Crawler RPG
Price: $29.99 ($19.99 at Gamestop.com) / 29,99 / £23.99
A bizarre premise and tons of customization makes this a cult fan favorite. But $29.99 is still a bit steep... $10 off and it would be a sure-recommend.
__________________________________________________________________________
2. COMPATIBLE, BUT NOT LISTED BY SONY
*Note: Must transfer via the PS3 for this to work. IF you don't have a PS3 the you're SOL*
Gods Eater Burst
Company: D3 Publisher
Category: Hunting Action
Price: $19.99 / 29,99 / £23.99
For those who find Monster Hunter too daunting, this is a good place to start.
Hexyz Force
Company: Atlus/Sting
Category: RPG
Price: $29.99 / Unavailable in EU
A criminally underrated RPG with a fantastic mechanic - the fast-forward button in battles! Highly recommended, but play the male scenario first (the female side is quite annoying).
Jeanne d'Arc
Company: SCEA/Level 5
Category: Strategy RPG
Price: $22.99 / Unavailable in EU
Some of the best graphics on the PSP added to a strong plotline and great gameplay - one of Level 5's best games, period.
Valkyria Chronicles II
Company: Sega
Category: Tactical RPG
Price: Bundled: $22.49, Unbundled: 34,99 / £27.99 (without DLC; DLC costs 4,99 / £3.99)
This bundle pack, which includes all the DLCs, is only available for a limited time, so get it now!
__________________________________________________________________________
3. UNTESTED OR GAMES WHICH ARE NOT QUITE WORKING
Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure
Company: Mastiff/Falcom
Category: Action RPG
Price: $14.99 / Unavailable in EU
Falcom's charming action RPG....with a rather annoying camera. Still, quite enjoyable.
Patapon 3
Company: SCEA/Pyramid/Japan Studios
Category: Rhythm Action with RPG elements
Price: $19.99 / 26,99 / £16.99
Patapon 3 borrows RPG elements to complement its tried-and-true FEVER! rhythm action. But play the first two first to get used to the game mechanic.
R-Type Command
Company: Atlus/Irem
Category: Turn-Based Strategy/Tactical RPG
Price: $14.99 / Unavailable in EU
Underrated strategy/war game that bizarrely takes place in the R-Type world. Poor IREM.
Untold Legends: The Warrior's Code
Company: Sony Online Entertainment
Category: Action RPG
Price: $14.99 / Unavailable in EU
Surprisingly, this is not a bad dungeon hack n' slash at all - superseded just by the unavailable Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony. It's also a lot better than its prequel, Brotherhood of the Blade. If you're looking for hacking and looting, this is a fine choice.
Ys I & II Chronicles
Company: XSEED/Falcom
Category: Action RPG
Price: $14.99 / 19,99 / £15.99
Here, Ys I is a bit of a chore to go through to be honest, but Ys II is perfection - my favorite Ys game ever. The game seems to transfer over to Vitas fine for some, but not for others. Very strange.