The PSP was one of the most advanced handheld consoles of its time, offering games with the same level of depth and quality as home console titles. While it may not have had the same cultural impact as the esse 4d Nintendo DS, it certainly had its share of best PSP games that remain cherished by fans to this day. From strategy RPGs to innovative puzzle games, the PSP had something for everyone. Here are some of the most underrated gems from the PSP’s library.
LocoRoco was a charming, whimsical puzzle-platformer that became an instant classic for the PSP. The game’s unique visual style, where players control a group of creatures by tilting the environment, was both simple and incredibly addictive. The goal was to guide the LocoRoco through various levels, collecting parts and avoiding obstacles, all while enjoying the infectious soundtrack. The game’s colorful art style and quirky mechanics made it a standout in the PSP’s library, offering a refreshing break from more traditional games.
For fans of deep RPG experiences, Persona 3 Portable brought the world of Persona to the PSP with all the compelling storytelling and turn-based combat that fans of the series had come to love. The game combined life simulation elements with dungeon crawling, creating a unique balance between managing social relationships and battling monsters. The deep character development, engaging plot, and strategic combat made Persona 3 Portable one of the most memorable handheld RPGs of all time. It proved that handheld consoles could offer complex, narrative-driven experiences on par with traditional RPGs.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, a spin-off of the iconic Metal Gear series, was one of the most ambitious games on the PSP. It took the core gameplay of Metal Gear Solid—stealth, strategic combat, and a complex narrative—and translated it perfectly to the portable platform. The game introduced a new co-op multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up and take on missions together. Peace Walker was praised for its engaging story, impressive graphics for a handheld game, and the depth of its mechanics. It’s a must-play for any fan of the series or action-adventure games in general.
For those who enjoy tactical RPGs, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is one of the best examples of the genre on the PSP. The game offered a deep and complex battle system, where player decisions during combat could significantly impact the outcome of the story. The branching narrative paths allowed players to make choices that affected the fate of the game’s characters and world. Tactics Ogre was a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy Tactics, and its blend of strategy, storytelling, and character development made it a standout RPG for the PSP.
Finally, God of War: Ghost of Sparta proved that the PSP could handle action games with the same intensity and depth as home consoles. The game’s fast-paced combat, stunning visuals, and epic story made it one of the most impressive action games on the handheld. Players take on the role of Kratos once again as he faces new gods and monsters in his quest for redemption. Ghost of Sparta managed to capture everything fans loved about the console games, making it a must-have for God of War enthusiasts.
The PSP had a rich and diverse library of games that proved handheld gaming could offer deep, immersive experiences. These best PSP games remain some of the most beloved titles in handheld gaming history and continue to be remembered fondly by those who experienced them.