Resistance: Burning Skies arrives on Vita with a simple pitch: take the alien invasion formula of the original Resistance games and squeeze it into a handheld. The result lands somewhere between competent and cramped, a solid shooter marred by technical rough edges and a setting that feels smaller than its ambitions.
The game drops players into a future New York City overrun by the Chimera, the alien forces that defined the series since its PS3 debut. Players fight through streets, tunnels and skyscrapers, taking out enemy soldiers while avoiding capture and death. The core loop is familiar: find cover, aim down sights, fire, move. It works. Mostly.
Trailer, via Gamesplace-se.
The Handheld Problem
Burning Skies is a Vita exclusive, and that hardware shows. The game runs at a low frame rate during busier moments, especially when enemies fill the screen. Pop-in is frequent, with objects appearing suddenly just beyond the player’s position. None of this breaks the game, but it keeps the experience from feeling confident.
Load times are also noticeable. Level transitions take several seconds, which can frustrate players used to faster systems. These issues are not fatal, but they stack on top of each other, making long play sessions feel less smooth than they should.
Weapons and Combat
Combat itself holds up better than the presentation suggests. The weapon roster is decent, mixing human firearms with alien tech. Players can switch between primary and secondary weapons on the fly, a small convenience that pays off over hours of play.
The cover system works well. Players can slide behind walls, lean around corners and peek out to fire. It gives the game a tactical layer that some shooters on Vita lack. Enemy variety helps too. The Chimera come in different types, each requiring a slightly different approach.
- A heavy infantry type that pushes forward aggressively
- A fast scout that moves quickly through open ground
- A larger brute that hits harder and takes more damage
- A flying unit that forces players to adjust their positioning
These variations keep fights from feeling repetitive, even when the city around you starts to look similar.
Story and Setting
The campaign tells a small slice of the larger Resistance timeline. Players follow a soldier named Tom Hawkins as he fights through occupied New York, trying to escape the city while fighting back against the invaders. The plot is thin, mostly serving as a vehicle for set pieces rather than character development.
New York is rendered in recognizable landmarks, but the scale is limited. Streets are narrow, buildings are tall, and the overall impression is dense rather than open. That fits the story about a city under siege, but it can feel confining when players want to explore.
Multiplayer and Modes
Burning Skies includes a multiplayer mode, letting up to four players compete online. The modes are standard fare: team deathmatch, domination, and other competitive styles. It’s a welcome addition, though it doesn’t push the game into new territory.
The mode works well enough, but it suffers from the same frame rate issues that plague the campaign. Matches can feel choppy, and latency is occasionally noticeable. Still, it’s a solid way to extend the life of the game after the campaign ends.
Sound and Presentation
The sound design is solid. Gunfire sounds weighty, explosions rumble, and the score adds tension to key moments. Voice acting is competent, though the script doesn’t give actors much to work with. The visual style is dark and moody, fitting the urban warfare setting.
The game’s presentation is serviceable, not striking. Character models are detailed, but the environments are repetitive, and the lighting often feels flat. The game looks playable, not beautiful.
Final Word
Resistance: Burning Skies succeeds as a competent shooter that knows its strengths. The combat is satisfying, the weapon variety is decent, and the multiplayer offers a reason to keep playing. But the technical issues and limited scope hold it back from greatness.
Players looking for a polished, refined shooter will find moments of quality here. Those expecting a seamless, high-definition experience will be disappointed by the frame rate and pop-in. The game is playable, enjoyable, and ultimately forgettable.
Resistance: Burning Skies scores 6.5 of 10.
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