Released in 2004, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) quickly became one of the most innovative handheld consoles of its time. It offered gamers the ability to play console-quality games on the go, and its library quickly filled with an impressive selection of titles that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in portable gaming. While the PSP may no longer be in production, its legacy lives on through a selection of games that remain some of the best handheld experiences ever created. From epic role-playing games to action-packed adventures, the PSP delivered memorable gaming moments that continue to resonate with fans.
One of the standout games on the PSP is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. Released in 2007, this action RPG served as a prequel to Final Fantasy VII, one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. In Crisis Core, players take control of Zack Fair, a soldier working for the Shinra corporation, as he uncovers dark secrets and confronts the realities of the world around him. The game blends real-time combat with traditional RPG mechanics, offering a fast-paced and exciting experience that is both accessible to newcomers and rewarding for Final Fantasy veterans. The emotional story, which delves into the backstory of key Final Fantasy VII characters, added depth to the world of Final Fantasy VII and made it a must-play for fans of the original game. The visuals were stunning for a handheld device, and the engaging combat system set a high bar for RPGs on the PSP.
Another PSP title that stands as one of the best is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Released in 2005, this game brought the open-world chaos of the Grand Theft Auto series to the PSP. Set in Liberty City, the same fictional city from Grand Theft Auto III, Liberty City Stories puts players in the shoes of Toni Cipriani, a member of the Leone crime family. The detiktoto game retains the essence of the GTA series, offering players an expansive city to explore, missions to complete, and plenty of mayhem to cause. Despite being on a handheld system, Liberty City Stories managed to capture the open-world fun that GTA is known for, making it one of the most successful and beloved PSP titles. The game’s success showed that the PSP could handle complex, large-scale games and offered an experience comparable to what was available on home consoles.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is another essential PSP game for fans of tactical RPGs. Released in 2007, this enhanced version of the original Final Fantasy Tactics introduced new content, including voice acting and updated visuals. The game’s turn-based strategy combat is set in the world of Ivalice, and players control a group of mercenaries as they navigate a political struggle involving betrayal and war. The intricate battle mechanics, combined with the game’s engaging story and deep character development, made The War of the Lions a standout in the tactical RPG genre. Even years after its release, it remains one of the best tactical RPGs available on a portable console, showcasing the PSP’s potential for delivering deep, complex games.
These games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions—are the best examples of what the PSP had to offer. They demonstrated that handheld gaming could deliver experiences that were just as immersive, expansive, and engaging as their home console counterparts. Even though the PSP has been succeeded by the PlayStation Vita and other devices, these games remain beloved by fans and continue to be celebrated as some of the best handheld games of all time.