Hatsune Miku Project Diva f Review: Unleash your inner diva on the go

Hatsune Miku, the virtual J-Pop sensation finally came to the States back in August. I had a chance to review the game, and while it's certainly not for everyone, it was still wildly entertaining.

Hatsune Miku: Project Diva f is the console game's portable sibling, bringing pretty much the exact same experience to the PS Vita. Normally I'd pick the console version over the portable any day, but surprisingly, Project Diva f works far better as a portable title.

For all the gameplay details and specifics you can check out my initial review of the game. Here, I'll be sticking to what differs in the Vita version, and what makes it more fun to play.

From a gameplay perspective, the Vita already trumps the console title's mechanics thanks to the touch screen. Star icons on the PS3 required the player to use the analog sticks to activate, which wasn't always as accurate as I would have liked. For a game that requires extremely precise input, that was a problem. Star icons are now activated through swiping the touchscreen, which actually simulates a turntable. As a result, these motions are far more accurate. For those that actually prefer the rear touchpad, you can switch to that as well.

Project Diva

Still, it ultimately comes down to the convenience of playing this wherever you go. Just like the amazing DJ Max games, I'd rather whip out Diva f in a car, bus, plane or anywhere else than actually boot up my PS3 and sit on my couch to play it. This isn't a game that I'd play multiple hours on end. Instead, I'd prefer to take my Vita out, beat a song, try to beat my high score, and then put my Vita back in my pocket and carry on with my day. For that reason alone I recommend the Vita port over the console one any day.

Outside of that, the game is fairly identical. You'll match rhythmic button presses to colorful music videos starring Hatsune Miku and her vocaloid friends to the most Japanese soundtrack you can imagine. One of the songs is the Nyan cat song, and it's actually one of my favorites in the game.

While beating songs, you'll score Diva points which can be used to purchase new costumes, furniture and other accessories for each vocaloid to personalize them to your liking. You can also hang out with Miku and play various mini-games and pet her head. I promise, it's not as creepy as it sounds.

The game comes with all the same content as the PS3 version, but without 6 songs that are present in the console title. Those 6 songs can be purchased as additional DLC, which will also match the price point and song count of the console version. I you're one of those players that requires the full experience, you'll have to spend the same amount you would on the PS3 version. However, if you haven't purchased either version and you're thinking about just one, know that the Vita experience is far superior.