The Best 3DS & Vita Indies Of 2012

So we’ve run through some of the best iOS and Android games of the past year, of which there were plenty of games to choose from.

So we’ve run through some of the best iOS and Android games of the past year, of which there were plenty of games to choose from. But what of the other handhelds? Without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the best Indie’s of 2012 on both Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita .

Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack – The Vita may have had a rocky year, launching decently but declining in sales compared to Nintendo’s dual screen portable, but there’s at least a few things we can all agree on. First, the console is better than some people give it credit, and secondly, Tales of Space: Mutant Blobs Attack was one of the best launch games available on the Vita’s PSN service. Providing a rock solid platformer with plenty of ambitious uses of the handhelds abilities, you can still consider this one worthy of your time to this day.

Frobisher Says! – Sony have been extremely supportive of the indie scene since the Vita’s launch. Frobisher Says! stands as one such game by indie studio Honeyslug that was well deserving of Sony’s support. This very fun collection of mini games harks back to the old days of Nintendo’s WarioWare series, throwing a number of quick and challenging games at you whilst using every trick the Vita has to offer, including the camera and rear touch screen.

Sound Shapes – Another side scroller that made plenty of noise this year, Sound Shapes featured an innovative musical rhythm design with a retro inspired art style that was addictive and unique. The ability to create and share your own levels with the easy to use track creation system added plenty of extra content on top of the wonderful collection of levels and songs provided in the game. You really need to play it to understand it.

Fractured Soul – Some regions have yet to taste this engaging side scrolling action game, but that wait won’t be for much longer. As for those that have, I’m sure you can attest to how good this really is, especially in trying to provide a unique experience. Using both screens to tackle the many enemies on screen at once or avoiding obstacles may sound tricky at first, but once you get used to the hop technique you’ll find a deep and rewarding game.

escapeVektor – Available on both systems, escapeVektor may have arrived late on the scene in 2012 but that’s no reason to leave it off this list. Whether it was the puzzle solving or the solid use of 3D on the 3DS and the touch screen on the Vita, the game deserves to be played. Originally designed for the original Wii, the puzzler turns the concept of colouring in into an inventive and at times brain taxing game. Also be sure to check out the DS exclusive Spirit Hunters Inc. , another title worthy of mention by Nnooo .

Mutant Mudds – Platform games are the go to design for many indie studios but Mutant Mudds stands out from the pack, especially considering its long and unusual development cycle. Originally conceived as a 3rd person shooter and at one stage bound for Xbox Live, the game finally found a home on the 3DS and certainly made a name for itself. Creators Renegade Kid were rather busy last year, also releasing Bomb Monkey and Planet Crashers on the eShop and have just announced the Mutant Mudds sequel.

Cave Story Plus – Cave Story has appeared on a few best of lists in the past. In fact, it’s also appeared on the 3DS already as Cave Story 3D not too long ago. But unlike that fresh coat of paint, Cave Story Plus is a port of the PC upgrade to the original pixelated story and it’s in fine form here as well. It hasn’t lost any of its quality and entertainment value either despite these many appearances.

VVVVVV – Before Super Hexagon, Terry Cavanagh introduced us to the very tough but very engaging VVVVVV , which made a welcome addition to the Nintendo 3DS eShop this past year after tearing up the PC in 2010. Technically this was released at the very end of 2011 in the US, but since the UK and Australian release wasn’t until the middle of last year (for reasons uncertain), we’ll count it on a technicality. Besides, why wouldn’t you want to play a game that creates nightmares for even the best gamers?

And that’s a wrap for 2012. If last year is anything to go by, the next 12 months will be very interesting indeed. Keep it locked to IGM Mobile for all the latest on the 3DS and Vita Indie scene.