When Sony released the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2004, it introduced a new era of handheld gaming. The PSP was a revolutionary device, offering gamers the ability to experience console-quality games on the go. Although the PSP is no longer in production, its library of games remains some of the best portable titles ever made. With a wide range of genres, from action-adventure to RPGs, the PSP offered a gaming experience that rivaled that of home consoles. Some of the best PSP games are not only standout titles for the platform but also remain iconic in the history of handheld gaming.
One of the best PSP games is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007). As a prequel to the highly acclaimed Final Fantasy VII, Crisis Core tells the story of Zack Fair, a character integral to the Final Fantasy VII narrative. The game’s real-time battle system, combined with its engaging storyline and stunning visuals, made it one of the most memorable RPGs on the PSP. Crisis Core explored Zack’s journey, uncovering the complex events leading up to the main game. The emotional depth of the narrative, along with its connection to the larger Final Fantasy universe, made it a fan favorite. It remains one of the best PSP games due to its compelling story and solid gameplay mechanics.
Another standout PSP game is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005). Set in the familiar Liberty City from Grand Theft Auto III, this game brought the open-world mayhem of the GTA series to the portable market. The story follows Toni Cipriani, gogo78 a character involved in the city’s criminal underworld, as he navigates the dangerous world of gang wars and family politics. The game’s free-roaming, crime-filled world and engaging storyline captured the essence of Grand Theft Auto while adapting it for the PSP’s hardware. Its success proved that the PSP could deliver high-quality open-world games with the same depth and excitement as console versions, making it one of the best PSP games of all time.
For fans of tactical RPGs, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (2007) stands as one of the finest titles on the PSP. This tactical RPG is a remake of the original Final Fantasy Tactics, with enhanced graphics, new characters, and voice acting. Set in the medieval world of Ivalice, players take control of a group of mercenaries embroiled in a political struggle. The game’s deep strategic combat and intricate plot made it a standout title in the tactical RPG genre. The War of the Lions also featured a new multiplayer mode, adding replay value and making it a must-play for fans of strategy games.
These best PSP games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Liberty City Stories, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions—showcase the potential of handheld gaming. Despite the PSP’s portable nature, these games offered rich, immersive experiences that rivaled traditional home console games. The success of the PSP and its games proved that handheld consoles could deliver high-quality, engaging experiences that could stand alongside the best in the industry. These titles remain beloved classics and are a testament to the potential of portable gaming.