The PlayStation Portable (PSP) brought console-quality gaming to the palm of your hands, and although the system is no longer in production, its library remains a beloved chapter in the BEST 188 history of handheld gaming. Sony’s dedication to providing powerful, immersive experiences for players on the go resulted in an impressive lineup of games. This article looks back at the top PSP games that gave handheld gaming a new life and left a lasting legacy in the world of gaming.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005) was one of the PSP’s most significant titles, bringing the world of Grand Theft Auto to the handheld for the first time. Set in Liberty City, players controlled Toni Cipriani, a mobster trying to navigate the chaotic streets filled with crime, corruption, and betrayal. The game featured the same open-world gameplay and freedom that GTA fans had come to love, but with the added convenience of taking the action on the go. Liberty City Stories proved that the PSP could handle expansive, complex games like GTA without compromising quality.
God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) brought one of PlayStation’s most iconic franchises to the PSP. This action-adventure game followed Kratos on an adventure through Greek mythology, delivering fast-paced, brutal combat, stunning visuals, and a gripping story. The ability to play God of War on a handheld device was a major achievement for the PSP, and the game’s success helped solidify the platform as a serious contender in the handheld market. Its epic scale and high-quality gameplay made it one of the PSP’s standout titles.
For RPG fans, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together (2011) offered a deep and complex experience on the PSP. This remake of the 1995 classic brought turn-based tactical battles and a branching narrative to the handheld. With its extensive character development, strategic combat, and multiple story paths, Tactics Ogre is considered one of the best strategy RPGs available on any platform. Its high level of complexity and replayability made it a must-have for fans of the genre.
Persona 3 Portable (2010) took the beloved Persona 3 from the PS2 and made it portable. With its mix of dungeon crawling, social simulation, and turn-based combat, Persona 3 Portable brought all the elements that made the original a fan favorite to the PSP. The game featured a new female protagonist, offering a fresh perspective on the story. Its deep, character-driven narrative and the unique blend of gameplay mechanics made it one of the best RPGs available on the PSP and a standout title in the Persona series.
Wipeout Pure (2005) is widely regarded as one of the best racing games on the PSP. With its high-speed anti-gravity racing, tight controls, and stunning visuals, Wipeout Pure was the ultimate racing experience for a handheld console. The game’s fast-paced, futuristic tracks and electronic music soundtrack perfectly complemented the gameplay, making it one of the most exhilarating titles on the PSP. Its fluid mechanics and gorgeous graphics proved that the PSP was capable of delivering a top-tier racing experience.
Lastly, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (2009) was one of the PSP’s most popular action RPGs. Players took on the role of a hunter tasked with taking down massive monsters in a variety of environments. The game’s cooperative multiplayer mode allowed players to team up with friends and tackle the most challenging beasts together. The depth of the combat system, along with the vast number of weapons and armor to collect, made Monster Hunter Freedom Unite an addictive and rewarding experience that kept players hooked for hours on end.
While the PSP may no longer be in production, its impact on handheld gaming is still felt today. The platform offered some of the most compelling and memorable gaming experiences of its time, and the games listed above remain as shining examples of what made the PSP so special. For fans of portable gaming, these titles will forever be remembered as some of the best the industry had to offer.