Holiday console guide 2014: Playstation Vita

There’s nothing quite like finding a hidden treasure. It’s a good feeling to discover something that’s unique or strikes you as neat. That’s what the Playstation Vita is: a pretty cool hidden treasure for gamers who prefer titles for older players.

Holiday shoppers can find the handheld device for about $199 this season, but the Vita could be difficult to find. There are lots of good games for the Vita, but the system lags behind the Nintendo 3DS in the handheld market because more of its games are rated T for Teen or M for Mature.

It’s still a heck of a good buy and some PS Vita games are quirky, excellent adventures for gaming on the go. Here’s a breakdown of great titles to pick up this holiday season.

 “Borderlands 2”: Rated M, available now

This sequel to “Borderlands” may have come out in 2012, but its 2014 port is still an excellent, albeit slightly insane, shooter. It’s a great, funny game with plenty of positive quirks and an amazing art design.

 “Tales of Hearts R”: Rated T for Teen, available now

The “Tales” series is always a good go-to for RPG fans, even if most of the games have similar and, let’s face it, cliche storytelling ideas. They’re still a good pick up, and “Tales of Hearts R” is no exception.

 “Tearaway”: Rated E, available now

This unique, imaginative adventure has a beautiful art style modeled after an arts and craft paper project. It’s a thrilling buddy adventure that includes the gamer himself or herself, and it’s well worth your time to play such a charming, unique game. Good for every family member.

“Persona 4: Golden”: Rated M, available now

Shin Megami Tensei games are bizarre, adult titles with interesting quirks and tons of content to explore. This is the definitive version of “Persona 4” and a classic RPG title.

 “LittleBigPlanet Vita”: Rated E, available now

Every “LittleBigPlanet” title is an amazing platformer and a worthy addition to any game library. It’s fun, it’s creative and it’s addictive. What more could you ask for in a family friendly game?

If those titles don’t sound like they’re for the gamer in your life, try games like “Conception II,” “Freedom Wars,” “Thomas Was Alone,” “Soul Sacrifice,” “The Walking Dead,” “The Wolf Among Us,” “Disgaea 4: A Promise Revisited,” “God of War Collection,” “Gravity Rush,” and much more.

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