When Sony released the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2004, it marked a new era in portable gaming. The PSP offered console-quality gaming on the go, bringing beloved sgo777 PlayStation franchises and entirely new experiences to a handheld device. Though it was eventually succeeded by the PlayStation Vita and more recently the PlayStation 5, the PSP remains one of the most iconic handheld consoles of its time. Many of its games have continued to leave a lasting impact on the gaming industry, and some of them still hold up remarkably well today. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best PSP games that continue to captivate players with their timeless gameplay and immersive experiences.
One of the most standout titles for the PSP is God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008). Serving as a prequel to the critically acclaimed God of War series on the PlayStation 2, Chains of Olympus brought Kratos’ violent, mythological journey to the handheld. Despite the limitations of the PSP hardware, the developers at Ready at Dawn managed to create an experience that felt just as epic and brutal as its console counterparts. The game’s fluid combat system, cinematic presentation, and rich story helped to set it apart from other handheld games of the era. Players control Kratos as he battles gods and monsters from Greek mythology while unraveling a narrative that ties directly into the main God of War storyline. The game is still widely praised for its tight controls and impressive visuals, showing that the PSP could deliver console-quality experiences in a portable form.
Another iconic PSP game that still resonates with players today is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005). This title brought the expansive open-world experience of Grand Theft Auto to a handheld device, and it did so with remarkable success. Set in Liberty City, the same fictional metropolis as Grand Theft Auto III (2001), Liberty City Stories offered players the chance to explore a sprawling urban environment, engage in high-speed chases, and complete an array of missions—all from the palm of their hands. The game’s narrative, which follows Tony Cipriani as he climbs through the ranks of the Mafia, is full of the humor, chaos, and dark satire that fans had come to love from the series. The game managed to pack in the same level of freedom and intensity that defined the GTA franchise, making it a standout in the PSP library. Even years later, Liberty City Stories remains one of the best open-world experiences on a handheld.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010) is another PSP title that has had a lasting impact. Serving as a direct sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Peace Walker delivers an engaging and action-packed story set in the 1970s, during the height of the Cold War. The game follows legendary soldier Big Boss as he leads his private military company, Militaires Sans Frontières, through a series of missions that involve military coups and nuclear threats. The game is known for its deep gameplay mechanics, including a robust base-building system, which was later expanded upon in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015). Peace Walker also features cooperative multiplayer, which was groundbreaking at the time for a handheld title. With its gripping narrative, strategic gameplay, and innovative features, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is a prime example of how the PSP could provide a complex, cinematic experience on the go.