When the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was released in 2004, it revolutionized handheld gaming by bringing console-quality experiences to the palm of your hand. For the first time, players could enjoy expansive, immersive games anywhere they went, and the PSP quickly became a beloved device for gamers. While the PSP was discontinued in 2014, its library of games remains a goldmine of retro gaming gems. The following titles exemplify the innovative spirit of the PSP and continue to stand out as some of the best handheld games ever made.
One of the most memorable PSP games is “Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII.” As a prequel to the iconic “Final Fantasy VII,” this action RPG delves into the story of Zack Fair, a pivotal character in the original game’s narrative. Players experience Zack’s rise as a SOLDIER operative, navigating the complex world of Shinra and uncovering the truth behind some of the series’ most iconic events. With real-time combat mechanics and stunning visuals for a handheld device, “Crisis Core” became an instant hit. The game’s emotional narrative, which touches on themes of friendship, sacrifice, and destiny, made it a standout in the “Final Fantasy” series and one of the best PSP games of all time. For fans of “Final Fantasy VII,” “Crisis Core” offered an enriching experience that expanded the lore and deepened the emotional impact of the original game.
Another must-play title on the PSP is “Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories.” The “Grand Theft Auto” franchise is known for its expansive bakarat online open-world environments, and “Liberty City Stories” successfully brought that same sense of freedom to the handheld console. Set in Liberty City, the same location as “Grand Theft Auto III,” the game follows Toni Cipriani, a member of the Leone crime family, as he rises to power. The game features a wide variety of missions, ranging from high-speed chases to strategic heists, and players can explore the bustling city, participate in side activities, and uncover hidden secrets. “Liberty City Stories” brought the “Grand Theft Auto” experience to the PSP with remarkable success, offering a rich, immersive world that rivaled its console counterparts. Its open-world design, engaging narrative, and polished gameplay made it one of the standout PSP games.
“Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker” is another PSP title that pushed the boundaries of handheld gaming. Developed by Hideo Kojima, this entry in the “Metal Gear” series brought the trademark stealth gameplay to the PSP with remarkable depth. Set in the 1970s, “Peace Walker” follows Big Boss as he builds his own mercenary army and confronts a nuclear threat in Central America. The game combines traditional “Metal Gear” mechanics—stealth, espionage, and intricate storytelling—with new features such as base-building and cooperative multiplayer. The game’s ability to deliver a cinematic experience while maintaining the core elements of the series’ gameplay made it one of the most ambitious PSP titles. “Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker” stands as a testament to how powerful the PSP could be when developers pushed its hardware to its limits.
These three games are just a small sample of the incredible experiences that the PSP offered. From expansive open-world games like “Liberty City Stories” to emotionally charged RPGs like “Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII” and deep tactical adventures like “Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker,” the PSP delivered a diverse and compelling library that made it one of the best handheld consoles of its time. Although it is no longer in production, the legacy of the PSP lives on through these unforgettable titles, which continue to be celebrated by retro gaming fans around the world.