10 Best Import Vita Games Worth Playing

Thanks to publishers like XSEED Games and Atlus, most great games end up coming out in North America these days. It’s not like the 90s where amazing games would regularly not make the jump. That said, either due to lack of an audience or licensing rights, there are still plenty of worthwhile games that end up staying in Japan.

Since there aren’t a ton of PlayStation Vita games coming out right now, we thought it’d make sense to take a look back into the portable’s library, and highlight some games that are worth importing. We’ve tried to narrow down the list to games that are largely playable by anyone, even if they don’t have a handle on the Japanese language. Check out our list of 10 import friendly Vita games below:

We hope you enjoyed our look at 10 import friendly Vita games that are worth playing. While we only named 10, there are plenty of other great games that didn’t quite make the cut due to requiring more knowledge of Japanese. If you do have that requisite skill then there are way more games that might capture your interest!

Let us know in the comments if you have imported any PlayStation Vita games, and which ones you’d recommend to other owners.

Essential Reading:

PlayStation Vita Imports

Gundam Breaker 2

The second game in the Gundam Breaker series is a huge step up from the first. Boasting better combat and movement, it's never been this fun to fly around in a Gunpla. If you're a fan of the anime, then there's no reason not to import this action game. Gundam Breaker 2 is also available on PlayStation 3, so there's several ways to play.
Hello Kitty to Issho! Block Crash V

Stop snickering. There have been good Hello Kitty games in the past, such as the excellent Sanrio World Smash Ball, and Hello Kitty to Issho! Block Crash V is another solid entry. Playing similar to Arkanoid, this Hello Kitty game is perfect for playing during your commute. A nice variety of levels, and unique obstacles such as black holes, makes this better than your average Breakout clone.
Hideboh Tap Dance Hero

It might not be Elite Beat Agents, but Hideboh Tap Dance Hero is a fun rhythm game that will get your feet moving. A focus on tap dancing makes it stand out from the crowd, and gives the soundtrack a unique vibe to it. Since the focus is on music, you won't need any Japanese knowledge to play.
IA/VT -Colorful-

If you're looking for a vocaloid in your life that isn't named Hatsune Miku then IA/VT -Colorful- is for you. This rhythm game will have you jamming on both the d-pad and face buttons to IA's music. It's also worth mentioning that IA/VT -Colorful- is PlayStation TV compatible, so you can enjoy it on the big screen if you wish.
Madoka Magica: The Battle Pentagram

One of the best part of licensed games is getting to interact with characters you know and love. If you're not a fan of Madoka Magica then The Battle Pentagram isn't for you. If you do enjoy the series, then there's enough appeal to make Artdink's 3D action game worth importing. It's not anything special gameplay wise, but there's enough to enjoy from just seeing these magical girls interact on your Vita screen.
Phantasy Star Nova

Developed by tri-Ace, Phantasy Star Nova is an action RPG that allows players to battle giant monsters in the Phantasy Star universe. While you'll miss out on the finer points of the story if you don't know Japanese, the gameplay is satisfying enough to make sure you'll have a good time.

If that isn't enough Phantasy Star for you, then you can also import Phantasy Star Online 2. The MMO is getting a PS4 release, though, so you might want to wait if you want to play it on a console.
Puyo Puyo Tetris

Puyo Puyo Tetris is the best puzzle game on the PlayStation Vita. Combining the addictive nature of both Puyo Puyo and Tetris, this plays perfect on a handheld. Since it won't come stateside due to licensing issues, you'll have to import this great game.
Super Robot Wars Z3

If you like mecha and strategy RPGs then I have the perfect game for you! Super Robot Wars Z3 brings together famous mechs from Gundam, Macross, Evangelion, and more. You'll miss the crossover storyline, but the gameplay is pretty straight forward if you've played SRPGs before.
Taiko no Tatsujin V

While it isn't the best game in the Taiko Drum Master series, Taiko no Tatsujin V is still a good time. The gameplay is as fun as ever, even if the soundtrack isn't as varied. If you're looking for a light-hearted rhythm game for Vita then this might be your best bet.
Tales of Innocence R

While Tales of Hearts R managed to make it stateside, the same can't be said for Tales of Innocence R. It's a solid remake of the DS original, and if you're experienced with the Tales series, then you shouldn't have much issue playing through Innocence R. This is due to the game being more linear than most games in the series.
10 Import Friendly Vita Games Worth Playing