When Sony launched the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2004, it marked a bold leap in portable gaming. With its sharp graphics, expansive library of titles, and multimedia capabilities, the PSP provided a console-like experience on the go. While the handheld was short-lived in comparison to other gaming systems, it remains a fondly remembered device among gaming enthusiasts for its diverse library. The best PSP games captured the essence of PlayStation’s legacy, offering deep gameplay experiences in a portable format that was ahead of its time.
One of the standout titles for the PSP was Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. Released in 2007, this action RPG served as a prequel to Final Fantasy VII, one of the most iconic RPGs in history. The game follows Zack Fair, a member of the elite SOLDIER unit, as he uncovers the dark secrets behind Shinra Corporation. Crisis Core is an action-packed RPG that combines real-time combat with traditional role-playing elements, and its story provides crucial context to the world detiktoto of Final Fantasy VII. The game’s visuals were impressive for the PSP, and its dynamic combat system set it apart from many other handheld RPGs. Crisis Core became one of the defining games for the PSP, giving players a chance to dive deeper into the Final Fantasy VII universe.
Another defining game for the PSP was Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Released in 2005, this game brought the open-world chaos of the Grand Theft Auto series to the handheld. Set in Liberty City, the same fictional city featured in Grand Theft Auto III, the game follows Toni Cipriani, a member of the Leone crime family. Despite the technical limitations of the PSP, Liberty City Stories managed to replicate the core experience of a full-scale GTA game, offering players a sprawling city to explore, missions to complete, and plenty of mayhem to cause. The game’s success on the PSP was a testament to the system’s ability to handle massive open-world games, and it remains a beloved entry in the Grand Theft Auto franchise.
For fans of tactical strategy, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is another standout title on the PSP. Released in 2007, this enhanced version of the classic Final Fantasy Tactics introduced new characters, updated visuals, and voice acting to the original’s complex tactical combat system. Players command a group of mercenaries through intricate, turn-based battles set in the world of Ivalice. The game’s story weaves a tapestry of political intrigue, betrayal, and personal ambition, with a cast of memorable characters. The War of the Lions is regarded as one of the best tactical RPGs on the PSP, and its strategic gameplay and engaging narrative make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
These titles—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions—represent some of the best games ever released on the PSP. Each of these games showcases the handheld’s ability to deliver expansive, console-quality experiences in a portable format. Though the PSP is no longer in production, its legacy lives on through these exceptional games, which continue to be celebrated by players worldwide as some of the best handheld games ever made.