When Sony introduced the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2004, it was a revolutionary device. It brought console-quality gaming to a handheld format, allowing players to experience some of the best games on the go. While the PSP’s commercial success may not have matched that of other Sony consoles, its game library remains one of the most impressive for a portable system. The best PSP games offered a wide range of experiences, from epic RPGs to action-packed adventures, and many still hold a special place in the hearts of gamers today.
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 beloved RPGs of all time. Players take on the role of Zack Fair, a member of Shinra’s elite SOLDIER group, as he navigates a world of intrigue, betrayal, and personal sacrifice. Crisis Core offers real-time combat that was a departure from the turn-based system seen in other Final Fantasy games, making it a more dynamic and engaging experience. The game’s compelling story and emotional depth, along with its stunning visuals for the time, make it one of the best games on the PSP. It’s a must-play for any fan of the Final Fantasy series and a standout RPG on the handheld console.
Another memorable title for the PSP is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Released in 2005, this game brought the open-world chaos of the Grand Theft Auto series to a portable format. Set in Liberty City, the same location as Grand Theft Auto III, players detiktoto control Toni Cipriani, a low-level member of the Leone crime family, as he navigates the criminal underworld. Despite the technical limitations of the PSP, Liberty City Stories manages to capture the essence of the GTA experience, offering a large, open world to explore, full of missions, side activities, and hidden secrets. The ability to play a full-fledged GTA game on the go made it one of the most exciting titles on the PSP and a fan favorite among Grand Theft Auto enthusiasts.
For fans of tactical RPGs, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is another standout game on the PSP. Released in 2007, this enhanced version of the classic Final Fantasy Tactics combines deep strategy with a compelling narrative set in the world of Ivalice. Players lead a group of mercenaries through a series of battles, making use of various job classes and abilities to defeat enemies in grid-based tactical combat. The game’s story is filled with political intrigue, betrayal, and complex characters, making it a deeply engaging experience. The addition of updated graphics, new characters, and voice acting makes The War of the Lions the definitive version of the original game. For fans of strategy RPGs, it’s one of the best games the PSP has to offer.
These three games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions—are just a few examples of the incredible gaming experiences available on the PSP. While the handheld system is no longer in production, its legacy lives on through these timeless titles, which continue to be loved by players around the world. The PSP may have been a portable console, but its impact on the gaming industry was anything but small. These games are a testament to what the PSP was capable of and remain some of the best titles in handheld gaming history.