Released in 2004, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony’s ambitious foray into the handheld gaming market. The console offered a wealth of amazing games that pushed the boundaries of portable gaming, giving players console-quality experiences on the go. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the PSP boasts a library of exceptional titles, some of which have sadly been forgotten over time. Here’s a look at some of the best PSP games that still hold up today and are worth revisiting.
One standout title is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, a prequel to the iconic Final Fantasy VII. This action RPG follows Zack Fair, a character integral to the Final Fantasy universe, and explores his backstory. With its bola88 fast-paced, real-time combat system and emotional narrative, Crisis Core became one of the most critically acclaimed games on the PSP. The game’s stunning visuals, engrossing storyline, and memorable characters make it one of the most essential PSP titles for any RPG fan.
Another gem on the PSP is God of War: Chains of Olympus, which brought the brutal action and epic scale of the God of War series to the handheld format. The game follows Kratos as he embarks on a quest to save the gods of Olympus, and it delivers everything fans loved about the console games—fast-paced combat, puzzle-solving, and a gripping narrative. The fact that such an intense and visually impressive game could run on a portable device made it a standout title and remains one of the PSP’s most beloved offerings.
For fans of dungeon-crawling RPGs, Persona 3 Portable is another must-play title. A portable version of the critically acclaimed Persona 3, this game introduced a new protagonist and added additional features to enhance the original experience. The game’s unique blend of social simulation and turn-based combat, along with its thought-provoking themes and intricate plot, made it a standout in the RPG genre. Persona 3 Portable was a shining example of how handheld games could rival console experiences in both depth and complexity.
Patapon is a quirky rhythm-based strategy game that takes a very different approach from the typical PSP lineup. In Patapon, players control a tribe of creatures by tapping out rhythms to march them through levels and battle enemies. Its unique art style, catchy soundtrack, and fun gameplay mechanics made it one of the most innovative and charming games on the PSP. The game’s simple yet addictive rhythm-based mechanics kept players hooked, and its distinct vibe made it a standout title in the handheld market.
While the PSP may not have enjoyed the same level of mainstream success as other consoles, its library of games remains one of the most diverse and impressive in the handheld gaming world. From RPGs like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII to unique titles like Patapon, the PSP offered experiences that were ahead of their time and still hold up as some of the best handheld games ever made.