Released in 2004, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony’s bold entry into the handheld gaming market. At the time, it was the most powerful portable gaming system ever created, with graphics and processing power that rivaled home consoles. While it may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of its competitors, the PSP offered a library of incredible games that are still fondly remembered by fans. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best PSP games that defined the handheld system and gave players a taste of console-quality experiences on the go.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005) was one of the PSP’s standout titles, bringing the iconic open-world experience of Grand Theft Auto to the handheld console. Set in the familiar world of Liberty City, this prequel to Grand Theft Auto III lets players explore the city, take on various missions, and engage in chaotic, criminal activities. The game faithfully recreated the open-world gameplay that made Grand Theft Auto famous, while optimizing it for the PSP’s controls and hardware. Liberty City Stories was a massive success on the PSP, showcasing the potential for mature, action-packed experiences on a portable device.
God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) is another title that showed what the PSP was capable of. The God of War series, known for its brutal combat and epic scale, found a natural home on Sony’s handheld system. In Chains of Olympus, players once again control Kratos, the anti-hero from Greek mythology, as he embarks on a journey to save the gods of Olympus. The game’s stunning visuals, intense combat mechanics, and captivating narrative made it one of the best action games on the PSP, earning critical acclaim and solidifying God of War as one of the most iconic franchises in gaming.
Persona 3 Portable (2010) brought the beloved Persona 3 RPG experience to the PSP with added content and features. In this portable version, players control a high school student who must balance their daily life with battling shadows in a mysterious tower. The game features turn-based combat, dungeon crawling, and a life simulation component, murah4d allowing players to form relationships with other students while also fighting supernatural forces. Persona 3 Portable introduced a new female protagonist and other gameplay enhancements, making it one of the best RPGs on the PSP and a must-play for fans of the Persona series.
Another standout title for the PSP is Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010). This entry in the Metal Gear franchise takes place after the events of Metal Gear Solid 3 and follows Big Boss as he builds a private military company in the Cold War era. Peace Walker combines stealth, action, and base management in a way that felt fresh and innovative. The game’s co-op multiplayer mode also set it apart, offering players the ability to team up with others for missions. Peace Walker demonstrated the strength of the PSP’s hardware and showed that even complex, story-driven games could be successfully adapted for a handheld system.
Wipeout Pure (2004) was a racing game that became a hallmark of the PSP’s launch lineup. Set in a futuristic world, Wipeout Pure features high-speed, anti-gravity racing with tight controls and challenging tracks. The game’s slick visuals, techno soundtrack, and fast-paced gameplay made it a perfect fit for the PSP, and its multiplayer modes allowed players to race against friends. The Wipeout series had always been known for its stylish presentation and challenging racing mechanics, and Wipeout Pure was no exception. It quickly became one of the most popular racing games on the PSP.
For fans of tactical RPGs, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (2007) is a standout title. This enhanced version of the original Final Fantasy Tactics was packed with additional content, including new story sequences and characters. The game’s turn-based combat and intricate storylines made it a must-play for fans of tactical RPGs. The War of the Lions kept all the elements that made the original so beloved—like the deep class system and challenging battles—while adding new features that enhanced the experience.
Daxter (2006) was a charming platformer that showcased the lighter side of the PSP’s library. A spin-off of the Jak and Daxter series, Daxter follows the comedic sidekick, Daxter, on his solo adventure. The game features tight platforming mechanics, fun combat, and a humorous storyline. Daxter became one of the most beloved platformers on the PSP, offering a fun and accessible experience that appealed to both fans of the series and newcomers.
These games are just a few examples of the incredible library of titles available on the PSP. From action-packed adventures to immersive RPGs and fast-paced racing games, the PSP offered a diverse range of experiences that set it apart from other handheld consoles. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the PSP remains a cherished part of gaming history, and these games continue to be enjoyed by fans and newcomers alike.