The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was a groundbreaking device when it launched in 2004, offering console-quality games in the palm of your hand. While it may not have enjoyed the same level of commercial success as other handheld consoles, the PSP still boasts a library of some of the best portable games ever made. From role-playing epics to intense action games, the PSP’s diverse catalog offered something for every type of gamer. The best PSP games not only took advantage of the console’s powerful hardware but also created experiences that were deep, engaging, and tailored to handheld gaming.
One of the standout titles on the PSP is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007), a prequel to the iconic Final Fantasy VII that explores the backstory of Zack Fair, a key character in the Final Fantasy universe. Crisis Core was a departure from the traditional turn-based combat cendanabet system of previous Final Fantasy games, instead opting for a real-time action combat system. This shift made the game more dynamic and accessible to new players while still retaining the core elements that made the series so beloved. With its engaging combat, emotional story, and impressive visuals for a handheld system, Crisis Core became one of the PSP’s most beloved titles, winning the hearts of both Final Fantasy fans and newcomers to the franchise.
Another key title in the PSP’s library is Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010), which brought Hideo Kojima’s beloved stealth-action series to the handheld. Peace Walker continued the story of Big Boss, a character central to the Metal Gear franchise, and introduced players to a unique multiplayer cooperative mode. The game’s stealth-based gameplay was well-suited to the PSP’s controls, and its narrative depth made it feel like a true Metal Gear experience, despite being on a portable platform. The addition of co-op play allowed players to team up with friends to tackle missions together, adding a new layer of replayability. Peace Walker is widely regarded as one of the best games in the series and a standout in the PSP’s impressive lineup.
The Grand Theft Auto series also made a significant impact on the PSP, with Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005) being one of the best open-world games available for the handheld. The game brought the chaos and freedom of GTA to a portable format, allowing players to engage in crime, exploration, and mission-based gameplay while on the go. Set in the familiar Liberty City, Liberty City Stories gave players a chance to immerse themselves in the world of GTA without needing to be tethered to a console. The PSP’s hardware limitations were overcome with impressive world-building and a compelling story, making Liberty City Stories one of the standout titles of the platform.
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together (2011) was another standout RPG that showcased the PSP’s ability to deliver deep and strategic gameplay. This tactical RPG is a remake of the 1995 classic and features complex turn-based battles, a branching narrative, and a deep political backdrop. The game’s detailed character customization and numerous story choices made each playthrough unique, offering a level of depth that few handheld games at the time could match. Tactics Ogre earned widespread praise for its intricate design and has since been considered one of the best RPGs on the PSP, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay.
The PSP may not have reached the same heights as its competitors, but its library remains one of the most impressive and diverse in handheld gaming. From the emotionally driven Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII to the tactical depth of Tactics Ogre, the PSP delivered experiences that rivaled those found on home consoles. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories further demonstrated that the PSP was capable of providing deep, immersive worlds on the go. These games, along with many others, are a testament to the PSP’s place in the pantheon of great gaming systems.
