The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony’s first foray into the handheld gaming market, and it left a lasting legacy with a library of titles that combined console-quality experiences with the portability of a handheld system. While the PSP may no longer be in production, the games it hosted remain some of the best portable experiences ever made. One standout title for the PSP was Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. Released in 2007, Crisis Core serves as a prequel to the highly acclaimed Final Fantasy VII, telling the story of Zack Fair, a SOLDIER in the Shinra corporation. With its engaging real-time combat system, compelling narrative, and stunning visuals for a handheld game, Crisis Core quickly became a fan favorite. The game expanded the lore of Final Fantasy VII, giving fans more insight into the world and characters they loved while offering a fresh experience for newcomers to the series.
Another unforgettable PSP title was Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. This action-packed open-world game brought the signature GTA experience to the handheld console. Set in the familiar city of Liberty City, Liberty City Stories featured a vast open world filled with missions, side activities, and plenty of chaos. The bmw4d game managed to capture the essence of the console GTA games while maintaining the portability of the PSP. The story, centered around Toni Cipriani, offered a gripping narrative full of twists and turns, and the gameplay allowed players to cause as much mayhem as they wanted. The game’s success on the PSP demonstrated that it was possible to bring a rich, immersive open-world experience to a portable device, making Liberty City Stories a defining title for the system.
Patapon, a unique rhythm-based strategy game, also became a cult classic on the PSP. Released in 2008, Patapon tasked players with guiding a tribe of small creatures through various challenges using rhythmic commands. The game’s simple yet addictive mechanics, combined with its charming art style and memorable soundtrack, made it one of the most unique games on the platform. Patapon was a breath of fresh air compared to the more traditional titles on the PSP, offering players a completely new way to experience gameplay. Its success led to sequels and cemented its place as one of the best and most innovative games for the PSP.
Finally, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is another standout title for the PSP. Released in 2010, Peace Walker continued the story of Big Boss as he builds a private military company and faces global threats. The game blends stealth mechanics with strategic gameplay, allowing players to build their own base, recruit soldiers, and manage resources. Peace Walker also introduced co-op multiplayer, which was revolutionary for a handheld game at the time. The game’s compelling story, deep gameplay mechanics, and multiplayer options made it one of the best PSP titles, proving that the handheld console was capable of delivering rich, complex experiences.
These games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Patapon, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker—remain some of the best the PSP had to offer. While the system itself may be a relic of the past, its library of games continues to hold a special place in the hearts of gamers who appreciate the unique experiences it provided.