The PlayStation Portable (PSP) may have been ahead of its time, but its library of games remains iconic to this day. Released in 2004, the PSP allowed gamers to take console-quality games on the go, something that had never been done before on such a large scale. While it was overshadowed by more powerful consoles over time, the PSP had some of the best handheld games ever made, blending immersive experiences with the portability of handheld gaming. These games set the bar for mobile gaming and proved that handheld systems could offer experiences that rivaled home consoles.
One of the most standout games in the PSP’s library is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Released in 2005, this game allowed players to experience the chaos of Liberty City from the palm of their hand. The open-world gameplay, a hallmark of situs toto the Grand Theft Auto series, translated perfectly to the PSP, offering a seamless experience where players could explore, cause mayhem, or follow the game’s gripping story. Liberty City Stories brought the familiar GTA formula to a handheld device without sacrificing any of the depth or freedom that made the series so beloved. It showed that the PSP could handle complex, sprawling worlds and deliver the same level of excitement that players expected from the home console versions.
Another standout title is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, which served as a prequel to one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. Released in 2007, Crisis Core followed the story of Zack Fair, a young SOLDIER in the Final Fantasy VII universe, as he uncovers dark secrets about Shinra’s operations and his role in the impending disaster. The game featured real-time combat, a departure from the traditional turn-based mechanics of the main Final Fantasy games, and a deeply emotional storyline that resonated with fans of the original Final Fantasy VII. The visuals, music, and combat made Crisis Core one of the best RPGs on the PSP, and it remains a fan favorite among Final Fantasy fans to this day.
God of War: Chains of Olympus is another memorable PSP game that proved the system could handle epic action experiences. Released in 2008, the game brought Kratos’s brutal journey to the handheld platform with remarkable success. The game’s fluid combat and large-scale boss battles made it feel like a true God of War experience, even on a smaller screen. Set between the events of God of War and God of War II, Chains of Olympus offered players a chance to dive deeper into Kratos’s past and explore new areas of Greek mythology. The game’s tight controls and intense action captured the essence of the series, making it one of the PSP’s standout titles.
The PSP may no longer be in production, but its library of games remains one of the best collections of handheld gaming ever created. Games like Liberty City Stories, Crisis Core, and God of War: Chains of Olympus helped define the system and show that portable gaming didn’t have to sacrifice depth or quality. These games continue to be cherished by gamers who remember the golden age of handheld gaming, and their influence is still felt in today’s mobile gaming era. The PSP’s legacy as a powerhouse of portable entertainment endures through these unforgettable games.