Gamescom '11: Hands-on with Resistance: Burning Skies for PS Vita

The Resistance series has proven a huge hit for PlayStation, with thrilling instalments on the PS3 and a spin-off release for PSP, which we loved.

While many are looking forward to the upcoming Resistance 3 on PS3, we've got our eye on PS Vita title Resistance: Burning Skies, another handheld spin-off revealed at this year's Gamescom.

The game is set to throw players back to the very beginning, when the Chimera are first invading, adding a fresh new perspective on the franchise.

We managed to get a hands-on with the game, and from what we played this is shaping up to be a console-seller.

You take control of Tom Riley, an everyday New York firefighter who wakes up in a morgue bemused by what's going on around him.

Picking up a fireaxe, you smash your way through corridors filled with rubble and the smell of death.

The first thing that hit us was just how great it looks in motion. The visuals aren't entirely on a par with home consoles, but there's no denying that it looks pretty swish.

You can swing the fireaxe using the R shoulder button, or if you prefer you can place a touchscreen button on the screen, allowing you to wield both the axe and a gun at the same time.

Early on, a horde of Chimera come bursting onto a rooftop and start firing everything they have in your direction.

At this point, the next great Vita feature comes into play. By tapping anywhere on the screen, you can aim and throw a grenade with perfect precision.

It's also possible to hold down your finger and 'cook' the grenade, before letting go and causing the maximum damage possible.

The cover system also works well. Riley will automatically crouch behind cover when it's available, letting you aim your sights to peer over the top and pop some caps off.

You can also tilt the console forward to get the same leaning over the top effect, but this is a gimmicky inclusion as it entails moving your head to follow the screen. You'll almost certainly stick with the traditional controls.

We also caught a glimpse of the kinds of missions we'll be taking on as we made our way through metallic research stations filled with violent robots.

At one point, for instance, we had to destroy some Chimera technology attached to a water tower, which then fell towards the screen, narrowly missing Riley.

Speaking of whom, we're interested to learn how Riley's story will fit in with the rest of the titles in the series. And why a fireman is so proficient with grenades and automatic rifles.

As with all the other Vita games, there's no release date set, but don't be surprised if this ends up being a launch game for Vita early next year.