When Sony launched the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2004, it was a bold attempt to bring console-quality gaming to a handheld device. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the PSP boasted an impressive library of games that captivated players and offered some of the most memorable experiences in portable gaming. From RPGs to action-adventure titles, the best PSP games continue to stand as examples of how handheld consoles can deliver engaging, console-like experiences. While the PSP may no longer be in production, its legacy lives on through these unforgettable titles.
One of the standout games on the PSP is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. Released in 2007, this action RPG serves as a prequel to Final Fantasy VII, one of the most influential RPGs of all time. Players assume the role of Zack Fair, a member of Shinra’s elite SOLDIER unit, and explore the events leading up to the original game. Crisis Core blends real-time combat with RPG elements, allowing players to experience fast-paced action while still offering a deep detiktoto narrative. The story expands on the Final Fantasy VII universe, providing more backstory on characters like Zack, Cloud, and Aerith. The game’s stunning visuals, engaging combat system, and compelling story make it one of the best titles on the PSP, and a must-play for fans of the Final Fantasy series.
Another standout title for the PSP is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Released in 2005, this game brought the open-world, crime-filled gameplay of the Grand Theft Auto series to the PSP. Set in the same fictional city as Grand Theft Auto III, Liberty City Stories follows Toni Cipriani, a mobster trying to climb the ranks of the Leone crime family. The game manages to capture the essence of Grand Theft Auto, offering a large open world to explore, full of missions, side activities, and chaos. Despite the limitations of the PSP, Liberty City Stories delivers a fully realized GTA experience, making it one of the most popular and beloved titles on the handheld console.
For fans of tactical RPGs, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is another essential title for the PSP. Released in 2007, this game is an enhanced version of the classic Final Fantasy Tactics, originally released for the PlayStation in 1997. Players take command of a group of mercenaries in the fictional world of Ivalice, where they must navigate political intrigue, battle enemies, and make crucial decisions that impact the fate of the land. The game’s turn-based, grid-based combat system requires careful strategy and planning, making it one of the best examples of tactical RPG gameplay on any platform. The addition of new characters, improved visuals, and voice acting made The War of the Lions the definitive version of the original game, and a standout title in the PSP library.
These games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions—represent the best that the PSP had to offer. They demonstrate how the handheld console was able to deliver rich, immersive gaming experiences that rivaled those of home consoles. While the PSP may be a relic of the past, these games continue to be remembered as some of the best portable titles ever created, cementing the PSP’s legacy as one of the most innovative handheld consoles in gaming history.