The PS Vita is an awesome portable console and it's a shame that games are only trickling out for it. Thankfully, developers Aksys Games have released Virtue's Last Reward (also known as Zero Escape Virtue's Last Reward outside Australia) that not only utilises the innovative controls of the PS Vita but it contains some fun and addictive gameplay.

At its core, Virtue's Last Reward is an adventurer puzzler with some great anime inspired graphics that transforms gamers into Sigma who is forced to partake in a deadly game. Although there may be some parallels with the Hunger Games, Virtue's Last Reward has a totally different premise.

Beautifully presented on the PS Vita, the goal of the game is to escape or gain freedom from the Nonary Games and once you have collected enough points, you are allowed to leave with your life.

Of course, exploring all the claustrophobic areas and dabbling in the various puzzles can be quite a difficult challenge. The game also contains a rather engaging story and you meet some strange and compelling characters along the way, especially the antagonist Zero, the creator of the Nonary Games.

Another highlight of the game is that every decision you make ultimately effects the outcome of the ending and with 24 different endings, there's plenty of choices to be made, both good and bad.

You also have to make alliances with the other characters in the game which in turn assists in your collection of points and with the difficult choices. At times in the game, you can betray an ally which in turn increases your points but gives you an enemy for life. It's these balances that must be taken into consideration.

The only downside of Virtue's Last Reward is the amount of dialogue in the game which can be quite verbose and at times. I found myself skipping a considerable amount in order to get back to the gameplay.

Fortunately, the puzzles in the game are quite enjoyable that even with the excessive dialogue, allowed me to easily become engaged with this strange futuristic world.

As mentioned, the game uses the innovative control of the Vita from its gyro sensors to tilt the screen or using the touch screen to manipulate the environment. For the majority, these controls work fine, although the gyroscope functionality is a little frustrating.

Graphics/Audio

Graphically, the title looks good on the PS Vita, especially with its stylised graphics that looks like some impressive anime title. The only distraction with the graphics is that the puzzles are a little lacklustre but nonetheless, it's a well designed game that has Japanese undertones. The musical score suits the graphics and gameplay perfectly with its moody ambience. Voice acting is a little over the top but once again suits the premise.

Final Thoughts?
 
If you are after a thinking man's game than Virtue’s Last Reward is easily one of the most thought provoking puzzlers of the year. With a strange story that is reminiscent of an adult themed anime movie, this game will make you curse and at times cry with frustration and joy when you've solved some of the challenging puzzles.

Definitely value for money!