When Sony released the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2004, it was a revolutionary step for handheld gaming. Prior to the PSP, portable consoles were often limited by their hardware, offering simplified versions of games that could not match the experience found on home consoles. The PSP changed that by offering console-quality games on a handheld device, giving gamers the ability to play complex, full-fledged titles while on the go. Many of the best PSP games remain beloved by fans today for their quality and the unique experiences they provided.
One standout game for the PSP was Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007). As a prequel to the iconic Final Fantasy VII, this action RPG focused on Zack Fair, gogo78 a character central to the story of Final Fantasy VII. The game featured a real-time battle system, which was a departure from the traditional turn-based combat found in the series. This shift in mechanics, combined with its compelling storyline and stunning visuals for the PSP, made Crisis Core one of the most highly regarded games on the platform. The game delved deeper into the Final Fantasy VII universe, offering fans of the original game a new perspective on its events. Crisis Core was a perfect example of how the PSP could handle complex, story-driven games that rivaled their console counterparts.
Another legendary PSP title is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005). The Grand Theft Auto series had already become a phenomenon on consoles, and Liberty City Stories brought that same open-world experience to the PSP. Set in Liberty City, players assume the role of Toni Cipriani, a character involved in the city’s criminal underworld. The game features all of the chaotic, action-packed gameplay that made GTA so popular, but with the added benefit of portability. Players could roam the streets, complete missions, and engage in the usual criminal activities that the GTA series is known for—all from the convenience of a handheld device. Liberty City Stories proved that the PSP could deliver an open-world experience that was just as compelling as its console counterparts.
For fans of strategy games, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (2007) remains one of the best PSP games. A remake of the classic Final Fantasy Tactics, this game introduced updated graphics, new characters, and enhanced mechanics. Set in the war-torn world of Ivalice, players control a group of mercenaries in a series of tactical battles. The game’s intricate combat system, along with its deep political intrigue and narrative, made it a standout title on the PSP. The War of the Lions added a new layer of depth to the original, making it not only a fan favorite but also one of the most critically acclaimed tactical RPGs on the platform.
These best PSP games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Liberty City Stories, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions—showcase the potential of handheld gaming. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the PSP delivered a library of games that rivaled many console titles. These games remain beloved classics and a testament to Sony’s ability to create high-quality gaming experiences that could be enjoyed on the go. The PSP may be gone, but its legacy lives on through these legendary titles.