The PlayStation Portable (PSP) may no longer be a staple of the handheld gaming scene, but its legacy as one of the most impressive portable consoles ever created endures. Released in 2004, the PSP offered gamers console-quality experiences in a portable format, featuring rich graphics, expansive gameplay, and an impressive library of games. While it competed with the Nintendo DS, the PSP’s appeal lay in its ability to bring powerful franchises and original titles to a handheld device.
One of the best PSP games that stood out during its time was Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. Released in 2007, this action RPG served as a prequel to the iconic Final Fantasy VII, allowing players to experience the story of Zack Fair, a member of SOLDIER, gogo78 and his journey leading up to the events of the original game. Crisis Core was lauded for its fast-paced combat system, emotional narrative, and stunning visuals for a handheld device. Fans of Final Fantasy VII appreciated the way it expanded the lore and deepened the connection to the characters, making it one of the best PSP games ever.
Another standout game on the PSP was Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Released in 2005, this title brought the open-world chaos of Grand Theft Auto to the handheld format, offering players the freedom to explore Liberty City in a portable version. The game followed the story of Toni Cipriani, a member of the Leone crime family, as he navigated the city’s underworld. Despite the PSP’s limitations, Liberty City Stories retained the essence of what made the Grand Theft Auto series so engaging—action, exploration, and a narrative full of twists and turns.
For fans of tactical RPGs, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions was another notable title on the PSP. A remake of the 1997 classic, it brought the beloved strategy game to the handheld with enhanced visuals, voice acting, and additional content. Players took on the role of Ramza Beoulve, a soldier caught in a complex conflict filled with political intrigue and betrayal. The game’s deep tactical gameplay, along with its rich storyline, made it an essential title for strategy game enthusiasts and one of the most well-received RPGs on the PSP.
The PSP also hosted a variety of sports and action games, such as Wipeout Pure, an exhilarating futuristic racing game, and Tekken: Dark Resurrection, which brought the popular fighting game series to the handheld with smooth gameplay and a vast roster of characters. These games, along with others like Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker and Patapon, proved that the PSP was capable of delivering diverse gaming experiences that catered to different types of players.
Overall, the PSP remains a beloved handheld console with a collection of unforgettable games. Titles like Crisis Core, Liberty City Stories, and Final Fantasy Tactics helped cement the PSP as one of the most impressive handheld devices of its time, offering console-quality experiences in the palm of your hand. While the PSP’s time in the spotlight has passed, its library of best games continues to be fondly remembered by fans of portable gaming.
