Based on the popular PS3 series, RESISTANCE: BURNING SKIES is created by developers Nihilistic and successfully transports this franchise to the PS Vita. The game takes place between Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance 2 and serves as an interesting filler to the series as you play Tom Rilley, a New York firefighter who has found himself in a whole world of hurt. Even though you don't play as the main protagonist Nathan Hale, Reilly's story is still interesting and when the Chimera steal his family, his life soon takes on a new meaning. Given that, the story is slightly the standard run of the mill tale with parallels between Tom Cruise's War of the World. Nonetheless, it is fun to revisit this universe again, provided you don't become overwhelmed with sci-fi/adventure clichés.

In terms of original gameplay, Burning Skies is lacking anything with a major punch and unfortunately the developers rest a little on their laurels with this PS Vita game. It's a rather formulaic game which requires you to get from point A to B and engage in a variety of hostiles along the way. Fortunately the control system of Burning Skies work well on the PS Vita, especially with the analog stick which successfully mirrors the PS3 controls. Combat works well on the PS Vita with all buttons mapped out correctly and the highlight of the game are the challenging boss battles which helps break up the repetitive combat with Chimera grunts. The cover system works well and there's plenty of different weapons to give the player some variety.

I do like how the developers have used the touchscreen of the PS Vita which doesn't seem forced as some other titles on this console. Whether it was using the touchscreen for melee attacks or navigating your inventory, this feature did not break the gameplay at all. It's especially useful for customising your weapons and making human/Chimera hybrid tools. In terms of completion, Resistance: Burning Skies will take seasoned gamers around 7 to 8 hours to complete. Fortunately there is a multiplayer mode available with up to 8 players that include Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Survival. Initially we had some difficulty finding other players but when we did, it was a fun experience on the PS Vita that also enhances the single-player campaign by awarding gamers with unlockable bonuses.

Graphically, Burning Skies features some great cutscenes that assist in moving the main story along. The in-game graphics have this dated feel to the title that once again lacks any real panache, especially the backgrounds. Character models look great and are well animated that integrate well with the gameplay. Even with the mirage of an open-world, Burning Skies fees a tad too claustrophobic. Add in the stock standard special effects and lighting and Burning Skies is an above average looking game on the Vita. The soundtrack of this game is brilliant and has this real majestic theme with a touch of melancholy. Voice acting is professional and sound effects enhance the overall gameplay.

Final Level

In the end, Resistance: Burning Skies Review is a good first person shooter title for the PS Vita that although won't win any awards for originality, it still provides the player with a fun game with decent controls. Even though it pays homage to the PS3 series, the game sits somewhere between an iOS title and the PS3 in that it's almost there. Nonetheless it's a good use of the PS Vita controls and is definitely for fans of the Resistance series or those gamers who want a good first person shooter. Thankfully, no knowledge of Resistance is required to play.