AdminThe PlayStation Portable (PSP) was a revolutionary device when it launched in 2004, offering console-quality games on the go. Though the PSP was discontinued in 2014, its library of games remains iconic, with many of its titles still fondly remembered by fans. The PSP offered a mix of genres, from action-packed shooters to immersive RPGs, making it one of the most diverse handheld consoles ever created. Here, we look back at some of the best PSP games that still hold up today.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is arguably one of the PSP’s most successful and memorable titles. A spin-off from the main GTA series, this game brought the chaotic, open-world action of Liberty City to the handheld console. Players take on the role of Toni Cipriani, a character trying to navigate the seedy underworld of the city. The game captured the essence of GTA with its vast open world, numerous side activities, and gripping storyline. Whether you were engaging in car chases, participating in side missions, or simply exploring the city, Liberty City Stories offered hours of entertainment. The ability to pull off heists, engage in street races, and interact with NPCs made the game feel alive, even on a handheld platform.
Another standout PSP title is Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions, a tactical RPG that has become a beloved classic among fans of the genre. A remake of the 1997 Final Fantasy Tactics, The War of the Lions offers a deep and strategic battle jitutoto system that requires players to think critically about every move. The game’s storyline, filled with political intrigue, betrayal, and personal vendettas, is rich and engaging, making it more than just a series of battles. With its beautiful hand-drawn artwork, intricate character development, and challenging gameplay, The War of the Lions remains one of the best tactical RPGs available on any platform, let alone a handheld one.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is another standout PSP title, offering an experience that still resonates with fans of the series. The game lets players take on the role of a hunter, tasked with tracking and slaying massive monsters in a beautifully designed world. The sense of accomplishment after defeating a giant beast with friends was unmatched, and the game’s cooperative multiplayer mode became one of the defining features of the PSP. The variety of weapons, armor, and combat styles offered players plenty of ways to approach each monster hunt. Whether playing solo or teaming up with friends, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite provided a thrilling and rewarding experience, one that paved the way for the franchise’s continued success.
Lastly, Wipeout Pure stands as one of the best racing games on the PSP, offering high-speed, anti-gravity racing that was both visually stunning and exhilarating to play. The game’s fast-paced races, combined with the ability to perform spectacular stunts, made it one of the most exciting games on the system. The futuristic settings and sleek design of the anti-gravity ships added to the game’s unique appeal, while the tight controls and smooth handling made each race a joy to experience. Whether playing through the game’s single-player campaign or racing against friends in multiplayer, Wipeout Pure delivered an adrenaline-pumping racing experience.
The PSP may no longer be in production, but its library of games continues to stand as a testament to the system’s versatility and the creativity of its developers. Games like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, and Wipeout Pure represent the best of what the PSP had to offer. These titles remain beloved by gamers and are still worth revisiting for anyone interested in handheld gaming history.
