The Resistance series has garnered quite a following since the first title was released for the PlayStation 3 as a launch title back in 2006. It has gotten three total titles on the PS3, one PlayStation Portable title, and the newly released PlayStation Vita game Resistance: Burning Skies. Some people may think that they have already played a portable game in Resistance: Retribution, but they haven’t taken one thing into account. The PSP never had a second analog stick, and the Vita does. This makes this the first true first person shooter on a handheld. But how does this game actually hold up? Read on to find out.

In Resistance: Burning Skies you take on the role of a firefighter named Tom Riley. You are looking for your family, and as you make your way through the game you find yourself in the fight against the Chimera just as in other titles. Before you know it you find your character becoming a hero of sorts as you progress through the game.

The gameplay is simple. This is the first game that offers a true FPS experience on the go, and it does it quite well. It incorporates both analog sticks just as on consoles, but also adds in the touch screen controls for secondary weapon attacks. Rather than getting a gimmick tacked onto the game, the title gives an effective solution to the lack of an L2 and R2 button on the handheld.

You will find all of the weapons you have come to love in the Resistance series, the personal favorite of mine being the Bullseye or the Auger. So no worries, your favorite weapon is probably in the game, along with some new ones that have been added in. Also while it may sound like a small addition, one of the coolest aspects is the game makes you feel as if your character really is a firefighter. You will not simply use the gun to perform a melee attack as in previous Resistance games, instead you will be using a fireman’s axe. This is used for both melee attacks and clearing obstacles to get to new areas to progress in the chapter or save people. Yes you read that right, you will have to save people throughout the game, and it’s something game changing, but it is just another thing that shows your character and what he represents.

Don’t believe that with all these awesome weapons that you will simply run through the game without a problem. You must utilize cover and think smart before you go running out there thinking you are going defeat your enemies easily. They will attempt to outsmart you, so think ahead while you are playing the game, and take into account which enemies you are encountering when choosing your weapon from the weapon wheel, yes it made a return for those that were wondering.

One thing people will complain about in the game is the length of the title itself. It is relatively short, even for a handheld title. You can get the platinum trophy in the game in under 7-8 hours. This will bother several people, but if it doesn’t definitely give the game a look.

One great implementation, though not perfect, is the multiplayer mode of the game. First let’s get what is missing out of the way. A party system would have been welcome considering most enjoy playing multiplayer games online with friends. To get into a match with friends. Also it’s gotten to the point where most shooting games need to have some sort of a clan system, and Resistance: Burning Skies does not have this. While it’s not necessary, it would have added a lot to the community aspect of the game. Now for what the game does right in the multiplayer. This is a full fledged multiplayer game on a handheld. The maps are big and are definitely a good size given that it is a handheld title.

Graphically the game is definitely impressive given that it is a handheld title. You will find yourself amazed that you are able to play this game on the go. It fits into the Resistance series perfectly. The same can be said for the audio of the game as well. You will hear the Chimera at times before you see them in the game, and you will have to figure out where they are before you get caught off guard.

Overall Resistance: Burning Skies needs to be thought of as a handheld game first. But the problem is that most of it’s predecessors appeared on a console, and many people are gonna compare it to those titles. This happens with many handheld titles that have other games from their series that appear on consoles. Resistance: Burning Skies is a good game, period. Yes it has it’s flaws and could have been better and even longer, but the game itself is worthy of playing through, especially if you are a fan of the Resistance series.

Score: 7/10