When Sony released the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2004, it marked a significant leap forward in portable gaming. The PSP was the first handheld console to offer console-quality gaming on the go, providing players with an experience that was previously unimaginable for a portable device. With its wide range of games, the PSP quickly became a fan favorite, offering everything from epic role-playing games to fast-paced action adventures. Although the PSP is no longer in production, its legacy continues to live on through its best games, which remain some of the finest handheld experiences ever created.
One of the standout games on the PSP is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. Released in 2007, Crisis Core serves as a prequel to Final Fantasy VII, one of the most iconic RPGs of all time. The game follows Zack Fair, a young soldier working for the Shinra Corporation, as he unravels the dark secrets behind the events that lead to the original Final Fantasy VII. Crisis Core features real-time combat that blends action and RPG elements, making it an exciting and dynamic experience. The game also includes stunning visuals for a handheld title, as well as a compelling narrative that expands the Final Fantasy VII universe. Crisis Core is widely regarded as one of the best RPGs on the PSP, offering fans of the original game a deeper understanding of its world and characters.
Another essential PSP title is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Released in 2005, this game brought the chaotic, open-world gameplay of the Grand Theft Auto series to the handheld for the first time. Set in Liberty City, the same fictional city from Grand Theft Auto III, Liberty City Stories follows Toni Cipriani, a member of the Leone crime family, as he detiktoto navigates the dangerous world of organized crime. Despite the limitations of the PSP hardware, Liberty City Stories captured the essence of the GTA series, offering a massive open world filled with missions, mayhem, and opportunities for chaos. The game was praised for its engaging storyline, great voice acting, and freedom of exploration, proving that the PSP could handle large, immersive games typically reserved for home consoles.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is another standout game on the PSP. Released in 2007, this tactical RPG is an enhanced version of the original Final Fantasy Tactics and includes new content, voice acting, and updated visuals. The game is set in the world of Ivalice, where players lead a group of mercenaries through a complex narrative filled with political intrigue and betrayal. The turn-based tactical combat is one of the game’s strongest elements, requiring players to think strategically and plan their moves carefully. With its engaging story, deep character development, and challenging gameplay, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is often considered one of the best tactical RPGs available on any handheld platform.
These games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions—are among the best that the PSP had to offer. They showcase the versatility of the handheld console, offering experiences that rival those found on home consoles. Even today, these games remain beloved by fans and continue to be celebrated as some of the best handheld games ever made.