Top Darts PS Vita Review

Publisher – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe – Developer – Devil’s Details – Genre – Sports – Players – 1-10 – Age Rating – 3+ – Other console/handheld formats – PS3

The PS3 version of Top Darts wasn’t initially released with PlayStation Move support, although when it was patched in it certainly became a fantastic showcase of the potential of Sony’s motion controller. Now, with the release of the game on PlayStation Vita, it once again shows off the control capabilities, although this time with a touch screen.

Developer Devil’s Details have done an admirable job in replicating dart throwing through Vita’s touch screen. You simply drag the dart across the screen to select your intended target and then pull your finger back and push it forward to launch the dart. The game also takes into the speed and straightness of each of your throws, meaning it’s a simple mechanic but one that does requires a certain level of skill. I can’t stress how intuitive it is to play the game in this way, in fact it’s so simple that the tutorial is over and done with in what seems like no time at all.

Other interesting uses of Vita is pinching the rear touchpad to zoom towards the dartboard, and tilting the handheld to look around it. The entire control scheme is very designed with ease of use in mind and, like the game previously accomplished on the PS3 with Move, it successfully shows off a new way to play Top Darts. Is it the best way to play the game? No, if you are looking for a more realistic feel, it’s still best enjoyed on the PS3 with the Move controller.

The amount of gameplay options in Top Darts is staggering. There are multiplayer options, traditional modes such as 501 and Around The Clock, tournaments, and some fun arcade-style games. There’s a wealth of options in the game, with close to 30 different modes, which means that this is one feature packed darts game.

The multiplayer options to delve into include local, ad-hoc and online play. Sadly, I have yet to find anyone while searching for someone online, which is a real shame, although perhaps word of mouth will eventually result in the game forming some sort of community.

True, Top Darts’ visuals are hardly pushing Vita to its limits, but it still looks as good as you would hope a darts game would look, with a detailed dartboard and surrounding environments. As for sound, fans of the sport will be delighted to hear Sid Waddell in the commentary booth, although his limited phrases do become a little repetitive over time.

Overall, this may not be the best way to play the game, but Top Darts does make sensible use of some of Vita’s functions, particularly the touch screen, which works very well, with dragging and flicking soon becoming second nature. Priced at the cheap and cheerful price of £6.49, and with plenty of multiplayer options and modes, Top Darts is certainly well worth a look.

7/10