The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was a groundbreaking handheld gaming console that allowed players to enjoy console-quality games on the go. Released in 2004, the PSP offered an expansive library of games that pushed the boundaries of portable gaming, from action-packed adventures to compelling RPGs. Though it was eventually superseded by the PlayStation Vita, the PSP remains a beloved system with a collection of unforgettable titles. Some of the best PSP games showcased the console’s impressive graphics and processing power, offering players experiences that rivaled those of home consoles.
One of the standout titles for the PSP is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, an action RPG that served as a prequel to the iconic Final Fantasy VII. Released in 2007, Crisis Core focuses on the story of Zack Fair, a member of the Shinra corporation’s elite soldier unit. Players follow Zack’s journey as he uncovers the truth behind the mysterious events leading up to Final Fantasy VII. The game’s real-time combat system, engaging storyline, and deep character development made it a hit with fans of the series. Despite being a portable game, Crisis Core felt as polished and expansive as any console title, demonstrating the potential of the PSP for delivering rich, complex RPG experiences.
God of War: Chains of Olympus is another iconic PSP game that brought the brutal action of the God of War franchise to the handheld platform. Released in Slot 2008, this game took place before the events of the original God of War and focused on Kratos’ adventures as he battles gods, titans, and mythological creatures in a quest to save the world. The game delivered fast-paced combat, impressive visuals for a portable device, and the signature over-the-top action the franchise is known for. Chains of Olympus proved that the PSP could handle console-quality action games, making it one of the best titles in the handheld’s library.
Another standout game for the PSP was Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. This open-world action game was set in the same universe as Grand Theft Auto III, offering players the freedom to explore the bustling city of Liberty City while engaging in criminal activities. Players take control of Toni Cipriani, a member of the Leone crime family, as he navigates the dangerous world of organized crime. The game provided the same chaotic open-world gameplay that Grand Theft Auto fans had come to love, and it successfully brought the series’ trademark mayhem to the handheld platform. The PSP’s power allowed Liberty City Stories to offer a vast and immersive world, making it one of the best PSP games and a standout title in the portable gaming market.
These three games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, God of War: Chains of Olympus, and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories—are just a few examples of the top-tier games that made the PSP a standout handheld console. While the device may have been short-lived compared to other gaming systems, it delivered some of the most memorable portable gaming experiences, showcasing Sony’s ability to translate console-quality games into a compact, portable format. Even years after its release, the PSP’s library remains a highlight in the world of handheld gaming.
