The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony’s attempt to bring console-quality gaming to a portable device, and it succeeded in doing just that. Released in 2004, the PSP offered gamers the chance to experience full-fledged games on the go, with titles ranging from situs toto RPGs to action-adventure games. Despite the PSP being discontinued, several of its games remain some of the best handheld experiences of all time. In this article, we’ll revisit some of the best PSP games that still hold up today.
One standout title is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005), which offered players the full Grand Theft Auto experience on a portable platform. The game took place in Liberty City, the setting of GTA III, and featured a gripping storyline full of criminal intrigue, vehicular mayhem, and dark humor. The game’s expansive world and open-ended gameplay made it one of the PSP’s most impressive titles. The fact that it captured the essence of a console-sized game on a handheld device was a remarkable achievement.
Another must-play PSP title is LocoRoco (2006), a quirky and fun puzzle-platformer that became an instant hit on the handheld. The game’s charming art style, coupled with its simple yet addictive mechanics, made it a standout on the PSP. Players controlled a group of adorable, gelatinous creatures known as LocoRoco, guiding them through various levels by tilting the environment. The game’s cheerful tone and unique gameplay mechanics made it an unforgettable experience for fans of casual gaming.
Persona 3 Portable (2010) is a portable version of the critically acclaimed Persona 3, one of the most beloved entries in the Shin Megami Tensei franchise. The PSP version adapted the game’s core mechanics and story while adding new content, including the ability to play as a female protagonist. The game’s blend of dungeon crawling, social simulation, and deep storytelling made it an instant hit with RPG fans. Persona 3 Portable was a fantastic adaptation of the original and remains one of the best RPGs on the PSP.
God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) was another standout PSP title. This action-packed prequel to the God of War series featured Kratos in a battle against the gods and monsters of Greek mythology. The game’s brutal combat, epic set pieces, and satisfying puzzles made it feel like a true God of War experience, even on a handheld device. The game’s impressive visuals and fluid combat mechanics were a testament to the PSP’s capabilities, offering a console-like experience in a portable form.
Finally, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007) is a must-play for any Final Fantasy VII fan. This action RPG served as a prequel to the original Final Fantasy VII and followed the story of Zack Fair, a SOLDIER operative who plays a key role in the events of the original game. With its fast-paced combat system, unforgettable characters, and emotional narrative, Crisis Core quickly became one of the PSP’s most beloved titles. Its connection to the Final Fantasy VII universe made it a must-play for fans of the series.
The PSP may be long gone, but its library of fantastic games continues to stand the test of time. These titles—Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, LocoRoco, Persona 3 Portable, God of War: Chains of Olympus, and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII—represent some of the best that the handheld had to offer, and they remain essential experiences for fans of portable gaming.