The PlayStation Portable (PSP), Sony’s handheld gaming console released in 2004, brought console-quality gaming to a portable device. Although the PSP was eventually overshadowed by the PlayStation Vita and other portable gaming systems, its library of games was rich, diverse, and full of unique experiences that remain cherished by fans. With impressive graphics and engaging gameplay, the PSP’s best games showcased the potential for handheld gaming and cemented the device as a beloved classic.
One of the PSP’s standout titles is God of War: Chains of Olympus. This action-adventure game brought the brutal combat and mythological world of the God of War series to the handheld experience. Players control Kratos as he embarks on a quest to stop the gods from being tangandewa overthrown. The game retained much of the franchise’s trademark action, including visceral combat, puzzle-solving, and epic set-pieces, but it did so on a much smaller screen. Chains of Olympus was widely praised for delivering a console-quality experience on a handheld device, and it became one of the PSP’s defining titles.
Another standout game is Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core, which serves as a prequel to the legendary Final Fantasy VII. Players assume the role of Zack Fair, a key character in the Final Fantasy VII universe, and embark on a journey filled with epic battles and emotional moments. Crisis Core brought the iconic turn-based combat of the original Final Fantasy VII into a more action-oriented system. The game’s engaging story, coupled with fast-paced combat, made it one of the best RPGs on the PSP and a must-play for fans of the Final Fantasy series.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is another notable title for the PSP. Set in the same universe as Grand Theft Auto III, Liberty City Stories allows players to explore the vast city of Liberty City and engage in a variety of criminal activities. The game’s open-world gameplay, free-form exploration, and signature GTA humor made it a standout title for the PSP. Despite being on a portable device, Liberty City Stories offered an experience that felt similar to the console versions of the series, and its massive success helped showcase the potential of portable open-world gaming.
The PSP’s catalog of games, such as God of War: Chains of Olympus, Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core, and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, demonstrated that handheld gaming could offer experiences on par with console games. While the device may no longer be in production, the best PSP games continue to be remembered and appreciated by players for their innovation and ability to bring console-quality games to a portable format. These titles exemplify the PSP’s legacy as one of the most iconic handheld gaming consoles in history.