The PlayStation Portable (PSP), Sony’s first venture into the handheld gaming market, may not have had the same success as its home console counterparts, but it boasted an impressive library of games that pushed the boundaries of portable gaming. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the PSP offered gamers a chance to experience console-quality games on the go, and many of these titles became instant classics. From RPGs to action-packed adventures, the best PSP games demonstrated that handheld gaming could be just as compelling as gaming on traditional consoles.
One of the standout titles on the PSP is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. As a prequel to the iconic Final Fantasy VII, Crisis Core immerses players in the story of Zack Fair, a key character from the original game. The game follows Zack as he navigates the complex world of Shinra, uncovering dark secrets and battling formidable enemies. The real-time combat system, along with the game’s emotional story and beautiful visuals, made Crisis Core one of the most beloved RPGs on the PSP. It successfully captured the spirit of Final Fantasy VII while offering a fresh perspective on the events leading up to the original game, making it a must-play for any fan of the franchise.
Another game that demonstrated the PSP’s potential was God of War: Chains of Olympus, a portable version of the critically acclaimed God of War series. Despite being on a handheld platform, Chains of Olympus retained the same high-octane combat and stunning visuals that made the original PlayStation 2 games so popular. The game follows fals4d Kratos on a quest to prevent the destruction of the world by Greek gods and monsters. The action is fast-paced and brutal, staying true to the series’ roots, while also offering a rich and engaging storyline. God of War: Chains of Olympus is a testament to how a beloved franchise can be successfully adapted for handheld gaming, without sacrificing quality or gameplay depth.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is another notable title that pushed the boundaries of handheld gaming. As a spin-off of the Grand Theft Auto series, Liberty City Stories allows players to explore the open-world environment of Liberty City, engage in criminal activities, and experience an engaging story filled with twists and turns. The PSP’s hardware limitations did not hinder the gameplay; in fact, Liberty City Stories maintained much of the same chaos and freedom that made the console versions so popular. Its expansive world, compelling missions, and memorable characters made it one of the best PSP games, showing that even on a handheld device, the Grand Theft Auto experience could be fully realized.
These games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, God of War: Chains of Olympus, and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories—are perfect examples of the PSP’s capability to deliver console-quality gaming experiences on the go. They remain some of the best titles in the handheld gaming genre, proving that portable gaming could offer depth, quality, and excitement similar to traditional consoles. Even years after the PSP’s discontinuation, these games continue to be cherished by fans and stand as a reminder of what portable gaming can achieve.