When Sony released the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2004, it ushered in a new era for handheld gaming. The PSP offered a portable gaming experience that was on par with home consoles, featuring impressive graphics, a diverse library of games, and an innovative design. Some of the best PSP games pushed the limits of what was possible in handheld gaming, offering deep gameplay experiences and high-quality visuals. Here, we take a look at some of the best PSP games that have become classics and helped define the platform.
God of War: Chains of Olympus is arguably one of the best games on the PSP. Released in 2008, this action-adventure title brings the iconic Kratos to the portable platform. The game follows Kratos as he battles gods and mythical creatures from Greek mythology in a quest to save the world. Despite being on a handheld console, Chains of Olympus features stunning visuals, fluid combat, and a deep, engaging narrative that rivals its console counterparts. The game’s tight controls and epic scale made it a standout title on the PSP and a must-play for fans of the God of War series.
Another essential PSP game is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, released in 2007. This action-RPG serves as a prequel to the legendary Final Fantasy VII, focusing on Zack Fair, a key character in the pisces88 original game. Crisis Core features real-time combat, a unique Materia system, and a deeply emotional story that adds layers to the Final Fantasy VII universe. The game’s mix of fast-paced action and RPG elements made it one of the best handheld RPGs of its time, and it continues to be fondly remembered by fans of the franchise.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is another standout title on the PSP. Released in 2010, this entry in the Metal Gear series follows Big Boss as he builds a private army during the Cold War. Peace Walker features a unique blend of stealth-action gameplay and base-building mechanics, where players can recruit soldiers and manage their resources while sneaking through enemy territory. The game’s co-op mode, which allows players to team up for missions, adds an extra layer of depth to the experience. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker remains one of the best examples of how complex and immersive a handheld game can be.
Wipeout Pure is a must-play for fans of futuristic racing games. Released as a launch title for the PSP in 2005, Wipeout Pure offers high-speed racing action in anti-gravity ships across a variety of challenging tracks. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, beautiful graphics, and electronic soundtrack made it an instant hit. Wipeout Pure showcased the PSP’s graphical capabilities, offering a racing experience that felt just as immersive as its console counterparts. The game’s addictive gameplay and stunning visuals made it one of the most memorable racing games on the PSP.
Finally, Lumines is one of the most addictive puzzle games available on the PSP. Released as a launch title, Lumines combines block-dropping mechanics with rhythm-based gameplay, creating an experience that’s both challenging and enjoyable. The game’s vibrant visuals and catchy music kept players hooked for hours, making it a perfect fit for the PSP’s portable nature. Lumines remains one of the best puzzle games on the system, offering a fresh take on the genre that keeps players coming back for more.
These PSP games—God of War: Chains of Olympus, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Wipeout Pure, and Lumines—demonstrate the incredible potential of the PSP as a handheld console. Each of these games offered deep gameplay, stunning visuals, and memorable experiences that helped define the PSP as one of the best handheld gaming systems of all time. Even though the PSP has been discontinued, these titles continue to live on as classics in the handheld gaming world.