The PlayStation Portable (PSP) may no longer be in production, but its legacy remains strong in the hearts of many gamers who fondly remember the platform’s impressive lineup of handheld games. Sony’s PSP brought high-quality gaming experiences to a portable device, allowing players to enjoy console-like gameplay on the go. In this article, we’ll take a journey through some of the best PSP games that continue to stand out as some of the finest handheld experiences in the history of gaming.
One of the defining titles for the PSP was Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005). Taking place in the same city as Grand Theft Auto III, this game brought the open-world, crime-filled action of the GTA series to the handheld format. Players took on the role of Toni Cipriani as they navigated the criminal underworld of Liberty City. The game maintained the BEST 188 series’ trademark free-form gameplay, with players able to drive, explore, and engage in various criminal activities while completing story missions. The fact that it was able to replicate the expansive, chaotic world of GTA in a portable format was a major achievement for the PSP.
Another standout PSP title is God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008), which brought Kratos’ violent, mythological adventures to Sony’s handheld console. The game expertly recreated the over-the-top action of the God of War series, featuring brutal combat, epic boss battles, and jaw-dropping visuals for a handheld game. The story, set before the events of the main series, offered fans a new chapter in Kratos’ journey, and its rich storytelling and visceral gameplay made it one of the best action games on the PSP.
For fans of strategy games, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together (2011) was a standout RPG that offered deep tactical gameplay on the PSP. This title, a remake of the 1995 classic, featured turn-based battles, a branching narrative, and complex character progression systems. The game’s vast array of choices and multiple endings made it a compelling title for RPG fans, and its intricate combat mechanics provided a satisfying challenge for players who enjoy strategy-based gameplay.
Persona 3 Portable (2010) is one of the most beloved RPGs on the PSP. This portable version of the PlayStation 2 classic allowed players to experience the story of Persona 3 on the go, while also introducing a new female protagonist and several gameplay improvements. The game combined dungeon crawling, social simulation, and turn-based combat in a way that was both engaging and immersive. The Persona series is known for its unique blend of real-world activities, deep storytelling, and strategic combat, and Persona 3 Portable is no exception, offering one of the most memorable RPG experiences available on the PSP.
Wipeout Pure (2005) is another notable title that showcased the PSP’s graphical capabilities. As a futuristic racing game, Wipeout Pure delivered high-speed anti-gravity racing with tight controls, stunning visuals, and a pulsating electronic soundtrack. The game was a perfect fit for handheld play, offering quick, intense races that could be enjoyed in short bursts or long sessions. Its fast-paced action and visually striking tracks made it one of the best racing games available on the platform.
Lastly, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (2009) was a standout title in the action RPG genre. Players embarked on epic hunts to track down massive monsters, using a variety of weapons and tactics to take them down. The game featured an incredibly deep combat system, rewarding players for learning the nuances of each weapon type and perfecting their techniques. The cooperative multiplayer mode also allowed players to team up with friends to take on the most challenging beasts, making Monster Hunter Freedom Unite a game that kept players hooked for hours.
The PSP may no longer be in production, but its library of exceptional games continues to be remembered fondly by those who grew up with it. From intense action games like God of War to deep RPGs like Persona 3 Portable, the PSP delivered experiences that were ahead of its time for a handheld console. These timeless games still hold up today and remain a testament to the quality and innovation that Sony brought to handheld gaming.