With the 3DS receiving an unexpectedly mixed reception, the time seems perfect for Sony to bring their fighter to the ring. The NGP (or PS Vita, whichever they’re going to call it) is a beefy piece of pocket-sized hardware that might draw some supporters from Nintendo’s corner.

Video Blips:

• The NGP already has a strong lineup announced for its launch. For me, software is what sells me on any hardware, no matter the power. Once I learned that Uncharted: Golden Abyss was going to launch with Sony’s new handheld, you can bet your ass I put it on my wishlist.

After the break, visit the quaint town of Wellspring in Rage, experience a tale of souls and swords in Soul Calibur 5, fight off more pesky alien abductors in Prey 2, and witness the rebirth of an old favorite in X-Com.

• It’s interesting to see id Software developing a game like Rage, which seems vastly different from their usual style of grotesque horror. The world they’ve created seems to be brimming with character and personality. I’m anxious to dive into it.

• Honestly, who didn’t see Soul Calibur 5 coming eventually? Every time I see a new Soul Calibur game, I’m instantly brought back to my Dreamcast days. But why am I always depressed afterwards?

• One good thing is we won’t have to wait as long for Prey 2 as we did for its predecessor. It’s always good to see a franchise escape development hell. That’s only if people haven’t moved on at that point, though.

• For those of you who were apparently living in a cave since 1994 (namely me), X-Com is a pretty big deal. I already got made fun of by my fellow Bitmob staffers, which means I now have to take time to play the original version. It’s a sad day when geeks haze you. Sigh.