The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was a revolutionary handheld gaming console that brought console-quality gaming to the palm of your hand. Released in 2004, it offered a range of impressive games that provided both depth and excitement, making it a must-have for any gamer. While it may have been overshadowed by its successor, the PlayStation Vita, the PSP’s legacy lives on thanks to its incredible library of games that showcased what was possible on a portable device. In this article, we’ll revisit some of the best PSP games that helped define the platform and solidified its place in gaming history.
One of the standout titles on the PSP is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, a game that became an instant classic among RPG fans. Released in robopragma 2007, Crisis Core is a prequel to the iconic Final Fantasy VII and follows Zack Fair, a member of the Shinra Corporation’s elite SOLDIER unit. The game delves into Zack’s backstory and his interactions with characters like Cloud and Aerith, offering new perspectives on the events leading up to the original game. With its real-time combat system, emotional story, and beautiful visuals for the PSP’s hardware, Crisis Core proved that a handheld device could deliver an experience that was on par with home consoles. The game’s emotional depth and its connection to the beloved Final Fantasy VII make it a must-play for fans of the series.
Another notable game for the PSP is God of War: Chains of Olympus, which brought the brutal action of the God of War series to the handheld. Released in 2008, Chains of Olympus follows Kratos, the anti-hero protagonist of the series, as he battles gods and mythological creatures in a quest to save the world. The PSP version of God of War did an impressive job of capturing the core elements of the console games, including fast-paced combat, puzzle-solving, and epic boss fights. Despite the limitations of the PSP hardware, the game was visually stunning, with detailed environments and fluid animations that made it feel like a true God of War experience on the go. The game’s gripping story and intense action sequences made it one of the best titles on the PSP.
Lastly, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is another PSP gem that proved the handheld could deliver a rich, open-world experience. Released in 2005, Liberty City Stories takes place in the familiar Liberty City from Grand Theft Auto III and follows Toni Cipriani as he rises through the ranks of the Leone crime family. The game retains the chaotic, sandbox-style gameplay that the GTA series is known for, offering players the freedom to explore the city, take on missions, and engage in a variety of activities. Despite being on a handheld device, Liberty City Stories felt expansive, with a rich, detailed world that provided hours of gameplay. Its engaging story, memorable characters, and signature GTA gameplay make it a standout title on the PSP.
These games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, God of War: Chains of Olympus, and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories—showcase the incredible potential of the PSP as a handheld device. Each title offered an experience that rivaled console gaming, with deep stories, thrilling gameplay, and impressive graphics for the platform. While the PSP may no longer be in production, its legacy lives on through these unforgettable games, which continue to stand the test of time.