Top 20 PSP Games Ever
Despite Sony's retirement from the handheld gaming company, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) remains a notable system from its era. Despite the Nintendo DS's tremendous popularity, the PSP carved out its own niche, becoming an unsung hero in the history of handheld gaming with a diverse library of titles.
Review aggregators such as Metacritic have published various lists highlighting beloved franchises, although many factors influence a game's rating. From famous PlayStation blockbusters like God of War to JRPG titans like Final Fantasy and Persona, the PSP provided a plethora of excellent games.
Antonio Samson provided an update on June 5th: While Sony no longer makes a dedicated handheld platform, the PSP was groundbreaking for its day. It featured numerous fan-favorite games that are still popular today. This article has been amended to incorporate more entries and adhere to CBR's editorial and style standards.
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep is a remarkable prequel that enhances the Kingdom Hearts lore.
• Average playtime: 30 hours
• Metacritic score: 84
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep is an action RPG prequel to the original Kingdom Hearts game. Set a decade before Sora's voyage, it recounts the exploits of three teenage Keyblade wielders: Terra, Ventus, and Aqua. As they work to become Keyblade Masters, they fight the impending menace of darkness in diverse Disney worlds. Each character's storyline is distinct, allowing gamers to experience the narrative from numerous perspectives.
The gameplay preserves the typical action RPG features of combat and exploration while introducing unique mechanics for each character. Birth by Sleep is a significant entry in the Kingdom Hearts series, revealing key characters and plotlines that are central to the overall story.
LocoRoco:
LocoRoco: The Ultimate Relaxation Game features innovative controls for a unique experience. It has an average playtime of 5 hours and a Metacritic score of 84.
LocoRoco stands out not only for its beautiful graphics and relaxing gameplay, but also for its inventive use of the PSP's tilt controls. This unique control scheme provides a straightforward method to navigate the game environment, making it a must-have for those looking for new gaming experiences. Tilting the PSP allows players to maneuver the LocoRoco over winding courses, avoid perilous drops, and solve puzzles by modifying the surroundings.
The game's innovative level design encourages players to experiment and explore, discovering new ways to use LocoRoco's powers and reveal hidden mysteries within its bright universe. LocoRoco is a pleasant and polished title that hits the ideal balance between challenge and relaxation, providing an engaging experience for players of all ages.
Patapon - A Rhythmic Adventure
Patapon - A Rhythmic Adventure Master the Beat to Triumph in Battles.
• Average playtime: 10 hours
• Metacritic score: 85
Patapon combines rhythm and strategy in a new and fascinating manner, resulting in a very enjoyable gameplay experience. To operate the Patapon army, players employ rhythmic drum commands, gradually increasing the intricacy and precision. This strategic element requires players to adjust their drumming to different scenarios, such as keeping formation with a steady rhythm or delivering quick directives for strong combo assaults.
The soundtrack is crucial to the game's success, motivating players to learn the rhythm and guide their Patapons to victory. The music not only enriches the gaming, but it also inspires players to improve their timing and strategy.
Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier
Daxter's solo adventure in Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier A New Take on the Series
• Average Playtime: 7.5 hours
• Metacritic Score: 86
In Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier, Daxter takes the stage, providing a new perspective to the iconic series. As Jak's ottsel companion, Daxter evolves into a mutant ottsel with unique skills that provide a new depth to the platforming tasks. Players will use Daxter's mobility and combat abilities to overcome barriers, solve environmental riddles, and defeat adversaries in novel ways.
Daxter's witty language and wisecracks add to the game's humor, adding a lighter tone to the tasks players face. This fun spin-off provides an engaging experience for both long-time Jak and Daxter fans and newcomers.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite stays true to the classic Monster Hunter formula, with an average playtime of 40 hours and a Metacritic score of 85.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite provides a rich and hard gameplay experience, ideal for individuals who enjoy overcoming difficult barriers. The thrill of the game comes from the careful process of tracking monsters, recognizing their attack patterns, and exploiting their weaknesses.
Players are rewarded for their strategic planning and battle abilities as they create and improve weapons and armor meant to vanquish various enemies. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is more than simply a solitary adventure; players may link up with friends for cooperative hunts, which adds a social dimension to the whole experience.
God of War: Chains of Olympus
God of War: Chains of Olympus - Maintaining the Series' Essence A Graphical Marvel
• Average playtime: 5.5 hours
• Metacritic score: 91
While the recent Norse-themed entries in the God of War series have received widespread praise, the franchise's early years were equally impressive. Before the 2018 soft reboot on the PS4, God of War was recognized for its intense hack-and-slash gameplay.
Ready at Dawn's PSP spinoff, God of War: Chains of Olympus, built on the series' popularity on home platforms, gaining accolades for its fighting. The game was expertly converted to the PSP's control scheme while retaining the cathartic violence that fans enjoyed. It also demonstrated the PSP's graphics capabilities, making it one of the most visually appealing games on the system. Chains of Olympus demonstrates how spinoffs may be just as impactful as core titles.
The God of War franchise has grown into more cinematic storyline and intimate fighting, but this handheld entry brilliantly captures the spirit of the time. It was critically appreciated for significantly expanding the series' mythos, effortlessly translating the console games' ambiance and gameplay to the PSP without sacrificing quality.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars: A New Perspective Return to the Series' Roots
• Average playtime: 9.5 hours
• Metacritic score: 90
The Grand Theft Auto franchise's popularity on the PSP continued with Chinatown Wars, which became the series' highest-rated game on Sony's handheld console. The PSP version, which was also released for the Nintendo DS, featured the same top-down perspective as the first two core games did.
Despite its unconventional presentation, the game was widely praised. The comic book-style visual direction was favorably praised, and it helped to balance out the handheld's lesser specifications when compared to home consoles. Most importantly, Chinatown Wars provided a lively and compelling open-world sandbox for players to explore.
While Liberty City Stories enlarged the setting of its PlayStation 2 version, Chinatown Wars boldly reverted to the franchise's origins. By embracing the series' arcade-like origins, this installment stood apart from its console predecessors and created an experience that was ideal for portable gaming, gaining unanimous acclaim.
Lumines
Lumines: Puzzle Fusion offers a unique take on puzzle games, with music to enhance the experience.
• Average playtime: 8.5 hours
• Metacritic rating: 89
Tetris is one of the oldest and most recognizable puzzle games in video game history, with enduring appeal. Puzzle games have always held a distinct place in gaming, providing short and intriguing gameplay sessions.
Lumines: Puzzle Fusion, developed by Q Entertainment, adds a new music-themed twist to the traditional Tetris game. The game concentrates on falling blocks, but the addition of different music tracks for each stage, aided by the PSP's headphone connector, improves the whole experience. Lumines' modest yet ageless appeal sets it apart.
The Tetris formula's continued popularity in modern gaming demonstrates its adaptability, which Lumines highlights with its blend of tradition and innovation. Lumines' combination of problem-solving and musical aspects has won it a spot among the top puzzle games for the PSP.
Persona 3 Portable
Persona 3 Portable: Enhancing the Experience. The Definitive Way to Play has an average playtime of 65 hours and a Metacritic score of 89.
While not as successful as Square Enix's Final Fantasy series, Atlus' Persona subseries has grown into a prominent JRPG force. Recent releases such as Persona 5 Royal and enhanced versions of Persona 4 Golden have cemented its position as one of the world's top turn-based RPG series. Persona 3 Portable (P3P) stands out for being the highest-rated Persona game on the PSP.
P3P, an upgraded port of the original PS2 game, received praise for its added content, which included alternate stories and a new playable protagonist. Along with its strategic turn-based combat, the game introduced the series' now-famous social-sim features.
Although an impending remake promises to be the definitive edition of this classic, Persona 3 Portable stands out for its achievements on the PSP. The transfer from PS2 to PSP was flawless, providing a rich and immersive experience. P3P is an ambitious JRPG with dozens of hours of fascinating material that is ideal for the handheld platform.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, the pinnacle of PSP gaming. Maintaining the Series' Flexible Gameplay Style.
• Average playtime: 18 hours
• Metacritic score: 89
Konami and Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid series achieved new heights with Peace Walker, exceeding even Portable Ops. Peace Walker is still one of the most acclaimed spin-offs in the series. It significantly expands the franchise's lore, with Snake leading the Soldiers Without Borders mercenary squad in Costa Rica.
The game was hailed for its stealth-action combat and the flexibility it provided in approaching clandestine missions across multiple level-based sandboxes. Although it did not have the commercial success of its console predecessors, its critical acclaim ranks it among the most cherished Metal Gear Solid releases.
Before The Phantom Pain on PS4 and Xbox One broadened the possibilities of stealth-action gameplay in larger sandboxes, Peace Walker exemplified the series' adaptable gameplay cycle. In addition to its remarkable narrative contributions to the larger mythos, the game's mechanics were a refined version of the popular Snake Eater. This is no minor accomplishment, earning Peace Walker considerable acclaim both inside the Metal Gear franchise and within the PSP's vast game library.
Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is a perfect remake. A timeless story.
• Average playtime: 42 hours
• Metacritic score: 88.
Square Enix established themselves as a titan in the JRPG subgenre with the Final Fantasy series in the 1980s, which spawned other popular spinoffs over the years. Among these, Final Fantasy Tactics holds a particular place in the hearts of many fans, standing tall among the mainline entries.
The War of the Lions, a PSP version of the original PS1 game, adds a tactical edge to the standard JRPG structure. The game is praised for its deep high-fantasy narrative, complete with political intrigue and important decisions, as well as its difficult tactical combat, which tests players' strategic abilities.
This remake has received unanimous acclaim not only for its fidelity to the original, but also for demonstrating how effectively the JRPG and tactical RPG subgenres can work together. Even today, diehard strategy fans enjoy the very deep gameplay. Coupled with a timeless plot, The War of the Lions is one of the franchise's best entries. The PSP's portable nature is ideal for its lengthy, turn-based gameplay.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories brings the console experience to handhelds.
A bombastic GTA III side story as a mobster
• Average playtime: 18 hours
• Metacritic score: 88.
Rockstar Games is well-known for generating some of the industry's most iconic games, particularly the Grand Theft Auto series. Liberty City Stories, a PSP spinoff known for its exhilarating action and huge sandboxes, follows suit.
In Liberty City Stories, players take on the role of Tony Cipriani, a gangster from GTA III, as he navigates the dangerous world of organized crime and opposing gangs. The game was acclaimed for capturing the intense and addicting gameplay of the console versions while demonstrating the PSP's technological capabilities.
Although the genre has since grown to new heights, Liberty City Stories remains an outstanding illustration of Grand Theft Auto's fundamental components. The game's ability to push the PSP's hardware to its limits in 2005 was amazing, with a sense of scale equivalent to the PS2 version, as seen by its favorable critical acclaim.
Wipeout Pure
Wipeout Pure: An Action-Packed Racer A space racer with infinite replayability.
• Average playtime: 7.5 hours
• Metacritic rating: 88
Along with Ridge Racer, the PSP included popular entries from the Wipeout series. Wipeout Pure by Studio Liverpool is the most critically regarded racer on the portable, with fans praising its futuristic arcade racing style.
Wipeout Pure is set in a totally sci-fi environment and captivates gamers with its high-speed racing experience. The utilization of weapons and a broad array of ships, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses, increases diversity and replayability. The game's excellent graphic display improves the whole experience.
Despite the simplicity of the racing genre, Wipeout Pure proves how inventive and entertaining it can be. The sci-fi features allow for crazy fighting and weapon variety, which blend with the series' trademark unrelenting speed. Studio Liverpool's title highlights the versatility of the racing genre by providing a larger-than-life alternative to Ridge Racer.
Tekken: Dark Resurrection
Tekken: Dark Resurrection - The Ultimate Fighting Game for PSPThe Ideal Fighting Experience.
• Average playtime: 2 hours
• Metacritic rating: 88
PlayStation platforms are home to some of the best fighting games, and Bandai Namco's Tekken franchise is a staple of the genre. This success prompted other smaller-scale initiatives, with the PSP entry, Dark Resurrection, standing out as one of the greatest.
Fighting games rely on accurate inputs, rewarding combo strings, and a broad character roster. Dark Resurrection successfully incorporates aspects from the home console versions into Sony's first portable gaming system. The roster is enriched by enhanced game modes from PS2 releases, such as Arcade Battle, as well as new characters.
Tekken, along with other renowned fighting games such as Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, has established a high standard since the arcade era. Dark Resurrection meets this high standard, providing an excellent portable experience for the franchise. With its interesting action, diverse modes, and replay value, this Tekken entry provides a fantastic home-console-like experience in the PSP's small form size.
Ridge Racer (2004)
Ridge Racer (2004) is a PSP arcade racing game with top-tier mechanics.
• Average playtime: 8.5 hours
• Metacritic rating: 88
The PSP has a good selection of racing games, and Namco (now Bandai Namco) offered some of the best in the arcade racing subgenre with Ridge Racer. This 2004 title translated easily to the PSP while retaining its arcade-style appeal.
While complex racing simulators like Forza and Gran Turismo are well-known, the relaxed, fast-paced style of arcade racers like Ridge Racer provides infinite entertainment on a handheld device. The game was widely lauded for honoring the series' legacy by incorporating tracks, automobiles, and soundtracks from earlier games.
Racing games, like shooters and platformers, are gaming classics. Ridge Racer's accolades and sleek mechanics set it apart even now. Namco recreated the essence of the series in a new approach, making it known for its intense, high-octane action and racing simulation aspects. The game offers a complete racing package, ideal for the pick-up-and-play nature of handheld gaming, and it remains one of the most well remembered racers on the PSP.
LittleBigPlanet
LittleBigPlanet: A delightful platformer. Sackboy tackles puzzles and platforms.
• Average playtime: 6 hours
• Metacritic rating: 87
Following the success of Sackboy: A Big Adventure on the PlayStation 5, longtime fans are anxious for more platforming experiences. Sackboy, the lovable protagonist, has a successful history on PlayStation, including the PSP spin-off LittleBigPlanet.
While PlayStation is no longer synonymous with platforming icons, SCE Cambridge Studio and Media Molecule's LittleBigPlanet serves as a great reminder of the brand's ability to produce intriguing puzzle-platform hybrids. This PSP entry, while more simplified than its PS3 version, is immensely fascinating due to its numerous levels and the popular feature that lets players to design their own levels.
LittleBigPlanet stands out as one of the PSP's most memorable releases, with a delightful take on the platforming genre. The game hits the ideal balance between nostalgic familiarity and innovative features, resulting in a timeless contribution to the platforming history.
Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness
Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness, a Comedic RPG Features:
• Average playtime of 41.5 hours
• Metacritic score of 87
Nippon Ichi Software's Disgaea series is one of the most well-known and enduring tactical RPGs in gaming. Afternoon of Darkness, the PSP port of the PS2 original, continues Laharl's quest to recover his late father's reign in the Netherworld while battling rival demons.
The game is well-known for its shamelessly comic and irreverent tale, set within a wonderfully dark fantasy environment. It is jam-packed with material, providing players with dozens of hours of engaging action, backed up by a hard and intricate tactical combat system.
While other JRPGs on the PSP, such as Persona, frequently receive the most attention, Afternoon of Darkness demonstrates how well the tactical RPG subgenre can perform. Its old turn-based method blends effortlessly into new gameplay style, with intricate and rewarding strategic features that solidify its status as one of the best JRPGs available on PSP.
Syphon
Filter: Dark Mirror
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror is a thrilling stealth-action game with an average playtime of 7 hours, carving its own niche. Metacritic score: 87.
Bend Studio, best known for the PS4 exclusive Days Gone, first gained traction with the third-person stealth game Syphon Filter. The fifth episode, Dark Mirror, follows Precision Strike Operative Gabe Logan as he attempts to prevent the paramilitary faction Red Section from using a new weapon of mass destruction.
Dark Mirror gained critical accolades for its return to form following its predecessor's mixed reaction, with a neatly woven core storyline. The game also expanded its gameplay by adding more stealth choices and new weapon types for third-person combat.
Although Syphon Filter may not have the same recognition as the Metal Gear Solid series, Dark Mirror's excellent commendation demonstrates its greatness. This is particularly noteworthy given the popularity of the stealth-action genre at the time. The game's successful course correction and balanced blend of stealth and action make it a viable alternative to games like Portable Ops.
Split Second Velocity
Velocity: A leap into the future. An Outstanding Space Shoot-em-Up
• Average playtime: 8 hours
• Metacritic rating: 87
Despite its niche status, developer FuturLab's Velocity is a notable jewel in the PSP repertoire. Set in the year 2212, players assume the role of a test pilot flying the Quarp Jet on high-stakes rescue missions. Velocity is a nostalgic yet modernized shoot-'em-up experience, reminiscent of vintage arcade games.
The game keeps players interested with its unique levels, different obstacles, enemy variety, and objective-based missions. Furthermore, the incorporation of puzzle components in the rescue missions adds depth to the game.
While Velocity may not be as well known as other PSP titles, its execution of the shoot-'em-up genre is remarkable and admirable. The game demonstrates that a sophisticated approach to an old-school genre can endure the test of time, cementing its place as a highly acclaimed title in the PSP's large catalog.
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops brings Snake to the PSP. Snake's Perfect Side Story has an average playtime of 11.5 hours and a Metacritic score of 87.
Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid series has grown legendary since its release on the PlayStation 1, typically connected with the PlayStation brand before spreading to various platforms. This success was expanded to the PSP with Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops. Set six years after the events of Snake Eater, the game follows Snake when he is arrested in Colombia by the rebel Fox force.
Portable Ops, directed by Masahiro Yamamoto, gained considerable appreciation for its flawless integration into the series' larger narrative. The gameplay was also acclaimed for successfully adapting Snake Eater's console mechanics to a portable format, hence improving its innovative stealth and fighting systems.
While it may not be the most well-known Metal Gear title on the PSP, Portable Ops set a high standard and prepared the way for Peace Walker. With a big main campaign, fascinating side content, and a high repeat value, it remains one of the PSP's most notable titles.
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