While the PlayStation Portable (PSP) may have been overshadowed by its competitors in the handheld market, it still boasts a library full of fantastic games that continue to be adored by dedicated fans. Many of these titles went under tiger298 the radar when they were first released, but they remain hidden gems worth revisiting today. If you own a PSP or want to emulate its library, here are some of the best underrated games for the handheld console.
One of the PSP’s best-kept secrets is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007). Set before the events of Final Fantasy VII, this action RPG follows Zack Fair, a young SOLDIER operative, as he unravels the mysteries behind a dangerous plot. Crisis Core boasts stunning visuals for a handheld game, an engaging real-time combat system, and an emotionally charged story. Fans of the Final Fantasy VII universe will appreciate the deeper lore and the exploration of characters like Aerith and Cloud, while newcomers will find the game’s fast-paced combat and compelling narrative an excellent introduction to the Final Fantasy world. It’s one of the most beloved RPGs on the PSP and a must-play for fans of the franchise.
Another hidden gem is Persona 3 Portable (2010), a portable version of the critically acclaimed Persona 3 from the PlayStation 2. This turn-based RPG mixes traditional dungeon crawling with social simulation elements, where players must balance their time between exploring mysterious towers and building relationships with other characters. The game features an unforgettable soundtrack and a gripping story that delves into themes of life, death, and friendship. While the PS2 version is more widely known, Persona 3 Portable brings the experience to the PSP with refined mechanics and additional content, making it one of the best RPGs available on the handheld.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010) is another standout title that often gets overlooked. This tactical action game continues the story of Snake as he battles mercenaries in Central America, unraveling a conspiracy that threatens global peace. The game’s impressive visuals and refined gameplay bring the Metal Gear series to the PSP with excellent results. Peace Walker also introduced multiplayer modes, allowing players to team up for missions and take on enemies together. It offers the same stealth-action gameplay that fans love, but in a compact, portable form. It’s one of the PSP’s finest action games and a great addition to any Metal Gear fan’s library.
Lastly, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together (2011) is an often overlooked tactical RPG that is a must-play for fans of strategy games. The game features a deep, branching narrative where your choices directly affect the outcome of the story, as well as complex, grid-based combat. The remastered version for the PSP brought updated graphics and audio while retaining the charm of the original Tactics Ogre released in the 1990s. Its rich story, unforgettable characters, and deep combat mechanics make it one of the best tactical RPGs available, and it stands as one of the most rewarding experiences on the PSP.
In conclusion, the PSP may have been home to several hidden gems that didn’t always receive the attention they deserved. Titles like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Persona 3 Portable, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together show that the handheld console had an abundance of great games waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a fan of RPGs, action games, or strategy titles, the PSP’s library is worth exploring, and these hidden gems offer experiences that still hold up to this day.