Although the Vita was originally pitched as a portable PS3, that's not exactly how the system has ended up.

Rather, Sony's handheld has become a device for RPGs and independent games. And this situation won't change anytime soon, since a majority of the system's most interesting upcoming titles are indies.

It wouldn't do, however, to neglect the indies of past years in favor of future releases. Plenty of independent standouts on both PC and console haven't yet visited the Vita - including some of the best games of last generation - and now's the best time to remedy that mistake.

The following gems are already masterful games, but they'd be even better on the go.

Gunpoint

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Though it's by no means a clone, upcoming Vita title Ronin borrows heavily from Gunpoint's arsenal - so what better time to experience the original?

Based on hacking systems to create chain reactions, Gunpoint's best feature is its flexibility: each scenario can be approached differently, making the game a stealth sandbox. A Vita port could add touchscreen support, thereby providing a new way to utilize the all-important Crosslink.

Braid

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The uninitiated might dismiss Braid as a simple platformer, but that's a grossly inaccurate characterisation.

In actuality, Braid isn't centered around running, jumping, and head-stomping, (though you'll be doing plenty of each) - instead, its core mechanic is time manipulation, and the evolution of that mechanic is extremely creative.

It's an adventure for both the mind and the reflexes.

Kero Blaster

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Made by the creator of Cave Story - which it seems is unfortunately a Nintendo console exclusive - Kero Blaster's pixellated run-and-gun action was fabulous on iOS, mostly because of the innovative control scheme.

Functional as that system was, however, a Vita version would reign supreme, as physical inputs trump even the most responsive virtual buttons. And though it's admittedly a short game, Kero Blaster's also well-made enough to compensate.

Journey

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Although thatgamecompany's previous hit received a Vita port awhile back, Journey remains exclusive to the PS4 and its predecessor: a sorry situation that needs to change immediately.

Every moment in Journey is visually stunning, and the game as a whole packs an emotional impact that's actually amplified by the lack of complex gameplay.

Honestly, Journey would probably be magnificent on a toaster… but the Vita's a better choice.

To the Moon

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To the Moon isn't exactly a game in the traditional sense of the word - interaction is minimal, with light puzzles forming the bulk of user input - but it's certainly worth playing regardless.

The story To the Moon tells is poignant without becoming mawkish or overwrought, and what gameplay there is acts as a support for the central thread of plot. A remaster could serve as an opportunity to revamp the presentation which is a little rough around the edges.

World of Goo

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Its iOS port proved that touchscreen controls make World of Goo even better, so let's connect the dots (or rather, goo balls): World of Goo is amazing on a touchscreen. The Vita has two touchscreens. Therefore World of Goo would be twice as amazing on Vita.

Seriously, this game exudes so much charm and is so well-executed (the graphics and physics-based puzzles are both superb) that it's a travesty there's no Vita edition… yet.

The Stanley Parable

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Like To the Moon, the focus of The Stanley Parable is its plot; but where the former is a bittersweet tearjerker, the latter is highly discomforting, and focuses mainly on the theme of false choice.

Each decision you make is dictated by an omnipresent and omnipotent narrator, who is in turn sympathetic, mocking, manipulative, and utterly terrifying. The Stanley Parable is the video game equivalent to 1984 or Brave New World, and that's the best praise I can offer.

Darwinia

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And now for an oddball choice: Darwinia, a game that combines aspects of the real-time strategy, puzzle, and action genres to great effect. You're tasked with commanding squads of Darwinians in a striking vector-graphic world, and must directly engage in fast-paced battles against various virus types before fulfilling the mission objective.

A Vita release might refine the friendly AI, which is frustrating at times.

Mark of the Ninja

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Mark of the Ninja bears similarities to Gunpoint, as it's also a two-dimensional stealth game, yet successfully differentiates itself by emphasizing action-platforming as opposed to hacking.

The gameplay here is empowering, and never feels unfair; with clearly defined cones of vision and predictable guard behaviors, the only thing you need to dominate your enemies is skill. We shuri-can't wait for Mark of the Ninja on Vita. Sorry.