When Sony released the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2004, it opened up a whole new world of portable gaming. The PSP offered a console-quality gaming experience in the palm of your hand, with a robust lineup of games that pushed the boundaries of handheld entertainment. irit4d Even years after its discontinuation, the PSP’s game library remains a beloved part of gaming history. Here’s a look back at some of the most defining and unforgettable games that were released on the PSP, and why they continue to hold up today.
One of the standout titles on the PSP is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. As part of the popular Grand Theft Auto series, Liberty City Stories took players back to the notorious streets of Liberty City, offering a thrilling open-world experience on a handheld system. The game delivered the same chaotic freedom, dark humor, and criminal action as its console counterparts, with an engaging story and a vast city to explore. The ability to wreak havoc in Liberty City on the go was a dream for GTA fans, and Liberty City Stories stands as one of the best PSP games for those looking for a truly immersive, action-packed experience.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is another classic PSP game that continues to be remembered fondly by fans. This action RPG serves as a prequel to the iconic Final Fantasy VII, focusing on Zack Fair, a key character in the game’s lore. The game combines fast-paced real-time combat with a gripping narrative, offering an emotional story that fleshes out the backstory of beloved characters like Cloud and Sephiroth. Crisis Core is considered one of the best games in the Final Fantasy VII universe and one of the PSP’s standout titles. Its deep lore and unforgettable soundtrack continue to make it a must-play for RPG enthusiasts.
For those who love tactical combat, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is a must-have game on the PSP. This remastered version of the classic tactical RPG brings gorgeous hand-drawn visuals and a gripping story to the handheld. Players control a band of warriors navigating a political landscape filled with betrayal, war, and difficult moral choices. The game’s deep combat system, character progression, and multiple branching paths make Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together a standout entry in the tactical RPG genre and a game that holds up even in 2025.
Another iconic PSP title is LocoRoco, a unique platformer that introduced a quirky, colorful world filled with creativity and fun. In LocoRoco, players control a group of adorable creatures that roll and bounce their way through various levels, solving puzzles and collecting items. The game’s whimsical art style, catchy music, and simple yet addictive gameplay made it an instant hit on the PSP. LocoRoco offered a refreshing and lighthearted experience that was unlike anything else on the platform, making it one of the most memorable PSP games.
For fighting game enthusiasts, Mortal Kombat: Unchained is a standout title that delivers all the brutal combat the series is known for. With a solid roster of characters, devastating fatalities, and deep gameplay, Mortal Kombat: Unchained offers a portable version of the iconic fighting franchise that stands tall among other PSP games. The game’s multiplayer mode also allowed players to go head-to-head with friends, making it a go-to title for fans of competitive fighting games.
The PSP’s library is filled with unforgettable games that defined the handheld gaming era. Whether it was the open-world chaos of Liberty City Stories, the emotional depth of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, or the quirky charm of LocoRoco, the PSP offered an incredible range of experiences for all types of gamers. Despite the console’s age, these titles continue to be fondly remembered as some of the best games of the handheld era.