Sony’s PlayStation Portable (PSP) might not have had the staying power of some other consoles, but it certainly made a mark with its impressive library of handheld games. The PSP was home to many beloved titles, each offering unique experiences that made the most of its portable design. One of the standout games in the PSP’s lineup is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. Released in 2007, this action RPG serves as a prequel to the iconic Final Fantasy VII, following the story of Zack Fair, a SOLDIER member, as he uncovers a conspiracy within the Shinra corporation. The game combined real-time combat with a compelling narrative, allowing fans of the original Final Fantasy VII to dive deeper into its rich lore. Crisis Core was an essential title for any Final Fantasy fan and remains one of the best PSP games to this day, with its emotional storyline and engaging gameplay mechanics.
Another beloved title is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, a game that brought the beloved GTA experience to the PSP. Released in 2005, Liberty City Stories offered players the freedom scatter hitam to explore the criminal underworld of Liberty City while completing a variety of missions. The game maintained the core mechanics of the Grand Theft Auto series, such as driving, shooting, and free-roaming exploration, but was adapted to work within the limitations of the PSP. With a gripping narrative and the chaotic, open-world gameplay the GTA series is known for, Liberty City Stories became a standout hit and remains one of the best games on the platform.
Patapon, released in 2008, was a unique rhythm-based strategy game that took full advantage of the PSP’s portable design. Players control a tribe of small, drum-playing creatures, and must use rhythmic commands to guide them through various challenges. The game’s quirky art style, addictive gameplay, and catchy music made it a standout title in the PSP library. Patapon was unlike any other game at the time, offering a refreshing take on both rhythm games and strategy games. Its distinctiveness helped it carve out a niche in the PSP’s diverse library, and it remains a fan favorite.
Finally, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is a must-play for fans of the Metal Gear series. Released in 2010, this action-adventure game follows Big Boss as he builds a private military organization while dealing with political intrigue and the development of nuclear weapons. The game features stealth-based gameplay, a compelling story, and a co-op multiplayer mode that was innovative for its time. Peace Walker was one of the most ambitious PSP games, delivering a rich narrative experience with plenty of action, stealth, and strategy. It’s widely considered one of the best games on the platform and an essential entry in the Metal Gear saga.
These games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Patapon, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker—demonstrate the impressive range of experiences available on the PSP. From emotional RPGs to action-packed open-world adventures, the PSP’s library was home to many games that remain beloved by fans to this day. The console may no longer be in production, but its legacy lives on through these unforgettable titles.