When discussions around the best games arise, blockbuster titles like God of War or The Last of Us usually dominate the spotlight. However, hidden gems scattered across PlayStation’s vast library — including harpatoto those on the PSP — often provide equally rewarding experiences. These lesser-known titles may not have enjoyed mainstream attention, but they’ve gained cult followings due to their innovation, storytelling, or pure fun factor. In 2025, with digital re-releases and emulation more accessible than ever, it’s the perfect time to revisit or discover these underappreciated PlayStation games.
Take Folklore for example, a PlayStation 3 action-RPG with a distinctive Celtic-inspired aesthetic and a mysterious dual-character narrative. Though it was overshadowed by more prominent releases during its time, Folklore offers a deeply immersive world, real-time combat infused with creature summoning mechanics, and a haunting story that makes it one of the most unique PlayStation games ever developed. While it hasn’t received a remaster yet, it continues to be discussed among enthusiasts who crave creative world-building and atmosphere over flashiness.
On the PSP side, Jeanne d’Arc is a remarkable turn-based strategy RPG that flew under the radar for many gamers. Developed by Level-5, the creators behind Ni no Kuni and Dragon Quest VIII, this title takes inspiration from the historical figure Joan of Arc, blending historical events with fantasy. The battle system is accessible yet deep, and the visuals are striking for a portable system of its era. In 2025, as strategy RPGs see a renaissance thanks to games like Triangle Strategy and Fire Emblem Engage, Jeanne d’Arc is a perfect title to rediscover on emulators or legacy PlayStation systems.
Another sleeper hit from the PlayStation ecosystem is Gravity Rush, originally a PS Vita game later remastered for PS4. It features Kat, a gravity-shifting heroine, navigating a floating world with exhilarating freedom of movement. While the controls take time to master, the reward is a sense of flight and exploration that few games offer. The comic-style presentation and orchestral soundtrack make it a standout artistic achievement. Despite its critical praise, Gravity Rush was never a sales giant, but it remains one of the most inventive PlayStation games to date.
Lastly, LocoRoco on the PSP deserves recognition for its charming simplicity and imaginative design. Players control a colorful blob that can split and merge to solve platforming puzzles across vibrantly designed levels. The physics-based movement and joyful music create an infectious, lighthearted experience. In a time when many games are growing in scale and complexity, revisiting a game like LocoRoco reminds us of the beauty of simplicity and the joy games can bring without needing to be massive or graphically intense.