The Zipper Interactive shooter Unit 13 was only just revealed for the PlayStation Vita, but the launch title for the system is shaping up to be a solid looking cooperative shooter for Sony's new handheld in February. There's a video available that shows the details of the game's mission interface and social features as well as the customization of one of 6 operatives with a persistent progression system.
The game's missions are focused on quick action and offer a variety of objectives. Zipper seems intent on telling us the focus on having two analog sticks, which is great and all, but not really a "feature" when we think of a shooter. Perhap the best feature though, all 36 missions are playable in two player online co-op.
PSB: How will the co-op play work?
Demirjian: Every single mission will be available for two-player cooperative play. You’ll be able to go your own way and proceed the way you want, or work more closely together if you choose. You won’t have to worry about your buddy running deep into another part of the level because we break the mission into a series of objectives.
When you’re playing co-op over Wi-Fi, we also automatically turn on the PS Vita’s internal microphone to keep communication channels open. You can turn it off, of course.
That's right - full voice chat support, by default, on a portable. This gives the Vita a leg up on it's bigger brother the PlayStation 3 where finding co-op players with voice chat is often frustrating. Online co-op is only available via Wi-Fi, and not via the Vita's 3G capability if you are utilizing that. Instead the 3G network can be used to download social things like leaderboards and other "ticker" info.
The PlayStation Vita launch line-up is shaping up to have some solid co-op support between this, Army Corps of Hell, LittleBigPlanet, and possibly Dungeon Hunter: Alliance. We'll definitely be bringing you full coverage this February.