Ever since its release in 2004, the PSP has held a special place in the gaming industry. Although production sadly ended in 2014, its legacy lives on through a collection of incredible games that have become beloved classics.
The PSP not only offered a unique handheld gaming experience but also brought beloved PlayStation franchises to life on the go. Fans of popular titles like God of War, Metal Gear Solid, and Final Fantasy were thrilled to see their favourite characters and stories in the palm of their hand.
One of the PSP’s greatest strengths was its strong support from third-party developers. Game creators from all over recognised the potential of this handheld console, resulting in a diverse range of high-quality games.
Even though time has passed, the PSP’s technological prowess remains impressive. Gamers worldwide continue to admire and appreciate its capabilities. So, without further ado, here are the best PSP games of all time.
10 Best PlayStation Portable Games of All Time
#1 Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Worker is a highly acclaimed stealth game developed by Kojima Productions and published by Konami. The game is set in 1974, and you get to step into the shoes of the legendary soldier Big Boss.
One of the super cool features of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is the Mission and Mother Base system. There are tons of missions to complete, like sneaky infiltrations and intense boss battles. And on top of that, you can grow and expand your military base.
The Mother Base allows you to recruit soldiers, research weapons, and develop new technologies, adding strategic depth to the gameplay.
Moreover, this game also has an awesome multiplayer mode where you can team up with friends for cooperative missions or have thrilling competitive matches. It really amps up the replayability and makes the experience even more dynamic and immersive.
#2. Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection
Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection is an awesome standalone update to the incredibly popular fighting game Tekken 5, created specifically for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). This version is jam-packed with new content and improvements, making it an absolute must-play for fans of the franchise.
When you dive into this game, get ready for exhilarating one-on-one battles with a diverse roster of characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and movesets. With a variety of exciting modes like Arcade, Story, Survival, Time Attack, and Practice, you’ll always have plenty of gameplay options to keep you entertained.
One standout feature in Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection is the ad-hoc multiplayer mode, which lets you challenge your friends locally. This adds a whole new level of competition and makes the game even more enjoyable to play together.
On top of that, the Tekken Dojo mode allows you to take on AI-controlled Ghost characters in ranked matches, providing a captivating single-player experience.
#3. Daxter
Daxter is an action-adventure platformer game that serves as a spinoff of the beloved Jak and Daxter series. Developed by Ready at Dawn for the PlayStation Portable (PSP), this game follows the exciting adventures of Daxter, the witty and charismatic ottsel, just before the events of Jak II.
What sets Daxter apart is its focus on our lovable sidekick, giving you the chance to step into Daxter’s shoes and experience his solo escapades.
As you explore a bustling city and various other environments, get ready for challenging platforming sections, engaging combat encounters, and clever puzzle-solving moments.
With vibrant visuals, an immersive world, and a pinch of humour, Daxter offers fans of the Jak and Daxter series a fresh perspective on the beloved universe.
#4. Lumines
Lumines is an amazing puzzle game that has been praised as one of the most innovative titles since Tetris. Developed by Q Entertainment, Lumines offers a captivating and mesmerising gameplay experience. Players are challenged with arranging falling blocks of various colours to form solid squares, which are then cleared from the screen.
What makes Lumines truly stand out is its incredible custom soundtrack, which seamlessly synchronises with the gameplay. Every block placement and subsequent clearing generates a musical note, resulting in a harmonious fusion of visuals and sound. This dynamic combination creates an immersive and captivating experience for players.
With its addictive gameplay, stunning visuals, and unforgettable soundtrack, Lumines has established itself as a classic puzzle game that delivers a truly unique experience.
#5. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
God of War: Ghost of Sparta is an exceptional gem for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) that keeps the epic legacy of the God of War series alive. Continuing the success of its predecessor, God of War: Chains of Olympus, this game takes you on a thrilling adventure.
With some exciting new moves added to Kratos’ arsenal, get ready for intense combat sequences and jaw-dropping visuals. From traversing through Atlantis to swimming the River of Lament and conquering the Domain of Death, immerse yourself in an authentic Greek myth like never before.
Despite the handheld platform’s limitations, God of War: Ghost of Sparta certainly packs a punch, delivering an exhilarating and unforgettable experience for fans of the series.
#6. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is an exciting action-adventure game set in the vibrant metropolis of Liberty City. Developed by Rockstar Leeds and Rockstar North, this awesome 2005 title offers players an immersive experience in the thrilling world of the criminal underworld.
You’ll step into the shoes of Toni Cipriani, who works for Don Salvatore Leone and faces off against rival gangs vying for control. With new missions and storylines, you can freely explore the vast and interactive world of Liberty City.
From heart-pounding car chases to intense shootouts, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories delivers an adrenaline-fuelled gaming experience. And don’t forget, the game also includes wireless multiplayer options and a diverse range of character models.
#7 Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions
Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions is an amazing turn-based tactical role-playing game. Set in the fictional world of Ivalice, this critically acclaimed title revolves around a war that engulfs the kingdom of seven territories. You can choose to play as Delital Heiral, the hero who stopped the war, or Ramza Beoulve, a noble warrior.
What sets this game apart is its deep and strategic gameplay mechanics, offering a captivating experience for fans of the series. You’ll encounter a wide variety of character classes, customisable abilities, and epic battles. With its rich storyline, beautiful visuals, and unforgettable soundtrack, Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions is a must-play for any RPG enthusiast.
#8. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
Developed and published by Capcom for the PSP and iOS, this action role-playing game offers an expansive world filled with thrilling hunts and formidable monsters.
With over 500 hours of gameplay, this instalment introduces previously unreleased monsters, weapons, and missions, making it a standout in the Monster Hunter series.
Step into the shoes of a hunter and embark on quests to defeat powerful creatures like the iconic Nargacuga and Ukanlos. Alongside engaging in epic battles, you can explore different zones that house various types of smaller creatures, adding depth to your immersive hunting experience.
#9. Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep is an incredible JRPG game that will captivate and immerse you in an unforgettable adventure. Serving as a prequel to the beloved Kingdom Hearts series, it unravels the origins of iconic characters like Sora and Xehanort.
The game takes players on a thrilling journey filled with intertwining stories of leading characters: Terra, Ventus, and Aqua. With its groundbreaking technology on the PSP, Birth By Sleep offers a visually stunning experience.
Dive deep into the mysteries of Xehanort’s past and uncover forgotten secrets that shape the destiny of the Kingdom Hearts universe. Featuring unique gameplay mechanics and a compelling storyline, Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep is a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.
#10. Ridge Racer
Ridge Racer, developed by Namco, is an exhilarating arcade-style racing game that offers pulse-pounding action and adrenaline-fuelled races. What sets it apart from realistic racing titles like Gran Turismo is its emphasis on fast-paced, over-the-top gameplay.
With a unique blend of speed, drift mechanics, and heart-pounding moments, Ridge Racer keeps players on the edge of their seats. It has become a beloved franchise in the racing genre, known for its iconic drifting system and high-speed races.
From screeching tires to stunning visuals, this game captures the essence of arcade racing.
Final words
The PlayStation Portable (PSP) has been home to some truly amazing games that have made a lasting impact on gamers worldwide. This list covers 10 titles that showcase the incredible range and quality of experiences available on this handheld console.
Whether you’re a fan of RPGs, platformers, or puzzle games, the PSP has something for everyone. The legacy of the PSP lives on, and these top 10 games will always be remembered as some of the greatest titles in handheld gaming history.
