7.0

Little Deviants

Sony's Little Deviants is a fun collection of 30 or so mini-games that showcases the features of the PS Vita but is definitely lacking in replay value. Fortunately it's probably the cheapest PS Vita game available which would have been nice if it was included with the PS Vita as a bonus game.

Interestingly enough, there is actually a "story" that holds these mini-games together which requires the players to save the Little Deviants who have crash landed on Earthy while being pursued by the evil Botz. You need to help the Deviants find various bits and pieces from their crashed ship in order to escape. Using the traditional controls of the PS Vita (e.g. buttons and analog sticks), the game comes into its own with the innovative PS Vita features such as both touch screens and even the microphone.

With so many diverse mini-games included in this title, it's actually a mixed bag of good, mediocre and bad that of course is reminiscent of just about every single collection of mini-games on all consoles.  However one thing that some of these mini-games hold over other titles is originality. For example one such game is requires you to use the Sixaxis motion control of the PS Vita to move your Little Deviant around a maze while you collect stars and power-ups. Imagine it a cross between Marble Madness meets Pac-man but considerably more frustrating as you are forced to rely on your own reflexes.

Another example uses the rear touch screen to move the ground around your Little Deviant in order to assist them to roll. It's quite a clever use of the PS Vita controls as you move around the environment, collecting items and trying to reach the exit. I think the biggest issue with Little Deviants is that the developers tried to be too clever in using so many of the features of the PS Vita. The problem is that the controls do start to get annoying and if these were limited, it would be easier to master the title as opposed to creating controller rage.

Another issue is that the camera angles do become a tad troublesome which does effect the overall gameplay. For me however, the favourite part of this game or games were the AR shoot 'em ups which did play and look quite cool, although I'm so over Wac-a-mole games. It's definitely an interesting collection that I'm sure younger gamers will enjoy.

Graphically, Little Deviants is a very colourful looking game on the PS Vita with its cartoon graphics and wondrous effects. The characters, even enemies look fun that does enhance the overall gaming experience. Music is brilliant and quite addictive as you bop along to the tracks and the sound effects are what can be expected from a collection of strange Deviants from another world, especially the high pinched chatter of them.

Final Thoughts

The developers did successfully use the innovative controls of the PS Vita but unfortunately sometimes less is more and this is the case with Little Deviants. The games itself are fun initially but unfortunately as you progress, things become to get harder and it becomes quite a frustrating experience. Now if only the game was more Pikman than Little Deviants, we would have probably have a winner on our hands but for the price, it's still a great way to showcase this console but just be warned... it comes at a cost to your gaming sanity!