PS Vita hits shops this week

There can be no denying there's a weight of expectation for the launch of the PS Vita this week.

While as I've already explained, a lot of the push for this portable console is on the social side - but it's also going to need to offer something a little different from what's already out there.

Launch titles are pretty much the main thrust of a lot of this week's activities - and it's important to note that the games which are available are new entire games rather than just PS3 games ported across to appease the format's lovers.

That said there's some pretty impressive titles coming out this week - here's a rundown of some of them:

WipeOut 2048 -once again, the game which defined the PlayStation for me doesn't disappoint as it leaps onto the VITA console. It's not too much of a departure from the previous games to be honest; crystal clear graphics shine and soundtrack impresses but it's the use of the Vita's opportunities which doesn't let it down. The interactive touch rear pad can be used to help get ahead in the game - and the options to take part in online play or against any other VITA gamer gives this series more legs and fun than ever before.

ModNation Racers - Road Trip - The karting game moves to the VITA - and continues to showcase the fun and frivolity of the original game. The simplicity of the controls and the smaller size - coupled with new weapons -make it easier to race through the series of tracks if you fancy a solo competition. However, it's in the building and creation as well as sharing of new tracks you build this title comes alive. Pinching, rotating, pushing and pulling (a la iPhone) helps bring this to your fingertips. It's wildly addictive and no doubt as more users come online, this title will grow in scope once again.

Little Deviants - a little bit of an odd title this one. Sure, it showcases the use of the interactive touch pad on the back of the VITA, but it takes a little time to adjust to what's required of you. When a horde of creatures attack, it's upto you to try and help them into portals while avoiding robots trying to grab you and sap your life force. It's great to see a title try to make use of the new tech, but to be honest, this game is the one I've actually spent the least time on because I currently can't see its endurance factor.

Uncharted - Golden Abyss - Nathan Drake's return is always one for celebration. And this title certainly packs the punch of the series once again as Drake tries to discover the secret behind a 400 year old Spanish massacre. It looks brilliant and in the time I've had with it, I've only had a little chance to scratch the surface of the gaming capabilities but early signs are once again that this title will keep up the brilliance of the Naughty Dog development team.

Reality Fighters - This is a fun little title which uses the camera within the PS Vita to its maximum effect as you slug it out with contenders anywhere you want. First up the camera grabs your mugshot and you get to throw it on a body and bulk up wherever you want - and however much you want. Then it's using the camera to choose the venue for the fight - whether it's on your kitchen sink, dog or cat or even floor, the chance to smack someone about in familiar surroundings is undeniably fun. Whether that's short term fun or not, remains to be seen.

Cliff Diving (Also out - Fireworks, an Augmented reality game, Hustle Kings (a pool player), Table Football - again using the AR cards to build a world to play in) - All part of the Augmented Reality suite, these games make use of print outs of little cards which build worlds upon them when the PS Vita's camera hits them. Clever and again impressive, these are amusing good fun and offer up some clever uses of the AR capabilities.

Escape Plan - So far, this is easily the most addictive title on offer for the PS Vita. And definitely different as well - it's almost as if Tim Burton were given his chance to design a game. Using really only touch capabilities, you control Lil and Laarg who are trying to break out of a prison of a devious nature. Black and White in nature, with humour as black and twisted as it comes, you have to help them break out of little rooms - it sounds simple but it's not always clear what needs to be done. However, this puzzler, which is reminiscent of Lemmings in that creatures can die in all manner of ways, is fiendishly good fun and looks stunningly good despite the lack of colour. Using the front screen and back touch pad, you'll have to be a bit dextrous as you try and help the duo out - and you'll have to think laterally too. It's rewardingly good and intelligently moreish. Sadistic in its deaths at times (one area sees the duo swatted unexpectedly by a fly swatter if they're not quick enough) it's clever, original and a great use of the technology and opportunities offered by the VITA's new formats.

PS Vita's launch Date is set for 23rd February in New Zealand. Prices are $449.95 for the Wifi Model, $549.95 for the Wifi/3G Model.