When the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was first introduced in 2004, it was a game-changer for the handheld gaming market. Prior to its release, handheld consoles were often limited by simpler, more basic graphics and gameplay. The PSP broke those boundaries, offering a level of graphics and gameplay that rivaled home consoles. With its impressive library of games, the PSP gave players the chance to enjoy console-quality experiences on the go, and many of these titles remain some of the best games ever made for portable systems.
One of the standout titles on the PSP is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007), a prequel to the beloved Final Fantasy VII. This action RPG follows Zack Fair, a member of the elite SOLDIER unit, as he uncovers the dark secrets of the Shinra Corporation. Crisis Core features gogo78 real-time combat, which was a departure from the turn-based combat of the main Final Fantasy series. The game also delves deeply into the lore of Final Fantasy VII, exploring the events that led up to the original game’s storyline. With its engaging narrative, exciting combat system, and impressive graphics for a handheld device, Crisis Core is often regarded as one of the best PSP games of all time.
Another standout PSP game is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005). The Grand Theft Auto series had already made a significant impact on the gaming world with its open-world gameplay and mature themes, and Liberty City Stories brought that same experience to the PSP. The game allows players to explore the streets of Liberty City, engaging in various criminal activities while following the story of Toni Cipriani. The game’s open-world design, engaging missions, and freedom to cause chaos made it one of the most popular titles on the PSP, showcasing the console’s potential for delivering expansive, immersive gameplay.
For fans of tactical RPGs, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (2007) is an essential game for the PSP. This tactical RPG is a remake of the classic Final Fantasy Tactics and features updated graphics, voice acting, and additional content. Set in the war-torn world of Ivalice, the game combines deep strategic gameplay with a compelling story of political intrigue and betrayal. The tactical combat system is intricate and rewarding, and the game’s branching narrative ensures that every decision has a significant impact. The War of the Lions remains one of the best tactical RPGs on any handheld platform and is a must-play for fans of the genre.
These best PSP games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Liberty City Stories, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions—demonstrate the power of portable gaming. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the PSP offered players a library of unforgettable games that rivaled home consoles in terms of depth, quality, and innovation. These games remain iconic not only because of their quality but also because they helped define the handheld gaming experience for years to come. The PSP may no longer be in production, but its legacy lives on through these standout titles.
