Who doesn’t remember PlayStation Portable (aka PSP)? It is one of the most successful handheld devices ever made in the entire history of human existence. Not only are its features completely unique and fascinating, the games are thrilling to say the least.
If you are one of those people who want to jog down the memory lane, and download some PSP games, then you’ve landed at the right place.
What are the 25 best must play PSP games of all time?
Following are the top 25 PSP games that will surely make your life a lot more fun, and a lot more enjoyable. Check them out:
1. Lumines
If there ever came a list of timeless PSP games which have left their mark into the world, Lumines would surely top that list with flying colors. One of the best PSP games of not only its time but all the time, it captures audiences with its incredible blend of strategy and rhythm.
Many relate Lumines with Tetris because of its ‘falling block’ gaming patterns, but it is so much more than that. You have to clear your board by using solid colors to create square shapes. But the main point of difference arises here. The game also incorporates sound and hypnotic visuals, setting it apart from all its counterparts.
With the introduction of the sequel, we also get to experience three new modes, namely, Mission mode, Skin Edit Mode, and Sequencer mode.
And hence, this game is perfect for short periods of playtime. But I do have to warn you though; this game is quite addictive. So play at your own risk.
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus
Hands down, one of the best PSP action games.
God of War: Chains of Olympus, a third-person PSP game, is set in ancient Greece. The main emotion throughout the game is vengeance. You, as a player, would have to control Kratos, a Spartan warrior.
Just keep solving complex puzzles and labyrinths, and just slash everything that moves. And try to build your combo as high as possible.
The focus is on combat-based fights, usually finished by the player’s essential weapon and all the other weaponry collected throughout the game.
And did I tell you about the graphics and controls? Well, they are just flawless.
With a fanbase of millions around the world, it’s clearly noticeable why God of War: Chains of Olympus is one of the best PSP games ever made.
3. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
GTA is the OG. Almost everyone knows what it is and what it stands for. It is one of the best PSP games series for everyone who ever existed on this globe. And that’s a fact!
Chinatown Wars is another amazing game from the GTA series. The protagonist for this game is a rich spoiled brat called Huang Lee. You and he need to uncover mysteries revolving around the sudden death (aka murder) of his father. This way, you’ll discover Chinese organized crimes, drive luxurious cars, purchase expensive property, and yes, you’ll be able to run your own criminal organization. Sound really cool? Well, yes, because it is.
Coming to the interface and gameplay, the graphics are quite decent but not up to the mark as the console ones, but the gameplay is excellent. There are over 70 story-based missions that you can partake in. The top-down view just makes the gaming experience arcade-like.
Also, my friends, this is an adults-only game because of the extreme violence and explicit content associated. So, beware!
4. Daxter
Daxter is one of those top PSP games you never knew you needed, but you so did. It is a spin-off to the Jak & Daxter PS2 series, with the sidekick, the weasel/otter mix breed as the main character.
Daxter has a new job in this game. He is a bug exterminator. But now he has to save his friend Jack from the evil hands of Baron Praxis. His new job gives him access to pretty cool weapons such as flamethrowers, electric fly swatters, and many more.
It is fun-filled laughter, and action-performing all rolled into one amazing game.
Although there is only one issue amongst all these good features, the visuals in the PSP are a bit dated, which might affect the gameplaying of some users. But there is a silver lining present here too: the vibrant colors and subtle details associated with Daxter more than make up for those outdated visuals and add some much-needed flair to the game.
Even though this adventurous experience would be more rewarding and understandable to the fans of the franchise, it doesn’t mean that the newbies can’t take this game for a spin.
5. Final Fantasy VII
This list would be incomplete without some of the best and must play role-playing PSP games. And who none other than Final Fantasy VII to top this list, right?
It is a classic role-playing game that follows the adventures of Cloud and his resistance group that is going up against the evil Shinra corporation.
Now you need to up the ante, and use your tricks and skills to conquer and beat the evilness, and make the world peaceful again.
The game exercises fun action gameplay and real-time combat, allowing you to use special moves and awesome attacks. You also gain a seamless experience and a greater sense of immersion with its highly intuitive features.
In the midst of your rescue mission, you also have the choice to opt for other side quests for some additional fun.
6. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable
Give life to the classic PlayStation 2 role-playing game with new characters and new battle system.
The story is dark and dangerous and pulls you in a world of hate, betrayal, and deception. Even the character development is flawless.
The game can also be regarded as a revamped version of FF mechanics.
Also, with Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable, you can play as a female protagonist! (we need more PSP games like that.) It provides a fresh new perspective to a classically old game.
7. Killzone: Liberation
Third-person shooter games are all the rage in the present world. That’s the reason why many PSP games incorporate guns and shooting in them.
And Killzone: Liberation is one of those top PSP games that gives you an eclectic and isometric third-person shooting experience.
Although the single-player mode is not the best there is, it makes up for it by its incredible multiplayer mode. In that, the game pits you against 8 players, all of whom have an equal chance to shoot and win. There is a lack of checkpoints which makes it harder to complete the levels as well as it leads to sudden punishments.
Also, the perspective takes some time getting used to, but the in-your-face action remains constant and intact.
So you just need to use your skills and intelligence to gain the upper hand over all the other teams.
8. Monster Hunter Freedom
Did you ever have a dream that you want to hunt some monsters down? Yes? Then your dream is being fulfilled with the help of Monster Hunter Freedom.
There are good PSP games on the one hand, while on the other hand there are the best and must play games of all time. Monster Hunter Freedom lies in the latter category.
You’ll be controlling a character who tracks and hunts giant mythical creatures. You also get a sidekick in the form of a feline character who aims to help you in your adventure and make it super fun.
Just search and hunt down monsters to your heart’s content. Look out for the most exotic beasts, like dragons and Krakens. You can even take the aid from your friends via the local Ad-hoc and pair up with a party of 4 members to take down some powerful monsters.
9. Tekken: Dark Resurrection
Want to play one of the best fighting PSP games in the history of the world? Then Tekken: Dark Resurrection is ‘it’ for you!
As you might know, in this game, top fighters around the world engage in a grand fighting tournament. They go head-to-head and neck-to-neck to become the world champion. Everlong rivalries, familial issues, and bosses add a lot of character to the fights and the storylines.
Not only that, but you also get different modes to play, like single and multiplayer options.
Don’t miss out on great PSP games like this one, and grab ahold of it right away!
10. LocoRoco 2
This game is an amazing way to relax and chill after a hard-working day. LocoRoco 2 is a sequel to the extremely famous game LocoRoco.
The story is set on a peaceful planet, where the tribe LocoRoco lives. But suddenly, they are threatened by an evil tribe, and now you need to help them to fight these bad guys.
The sound effects are adorable, and controlling the blob-like mass is very much exciting. Just help guide them, allow them to eat magical fruits, and lots more.
Such a fun game to easily learn and play. And so addictive!
11. Patapon
This amazing PSP game merges real-time strategy elements with music rhythm gameplay. The end result is an exhilarating experience with catchy mechanics.
Basically, all you need to do is control a group of tiny creatures called Patapons, and bang a drum to direct them. Just use the face buttons to move, attack, defend, and direct the tribesmen to their homeland.
The visuals are varying, combat gameplay is forged, and the controls are quite intuitive. You also require an increasing amount of thought processes and memory use rather than random button-clicking.
Believe me; you’ll be lost in this game for hours on end, not even coming up for fresh air.
12. Half-Minute Hero
Don’t have a lot of time on your hands but still want to play some of the best PSP games? Then, just give Half-Minute Hero a shot. It is more or less a collection of games with bite-sized missions.
In all, there are six modes to take your pick from, and each of them promises a new and different experience. Two of the most played modes are the “Hero 30 Mode”, and the “Evil Lord 30 Mode”. In the former, you are assigned tasks in an RPG with 30 seconds time limit. While in the latter, the game turns into real-time-strategy.
It is a match made in heaven for all those ‘Efficiency experts’ who like to race against the clock while at the same time battling evil on the console.
There’s never much of a level grind in PSP games such as these, and Half-Minute Hero is not an exception.
13. Valkyria Chronicles II
Now it’s the turn for some of the best and fantastic PSP role-playing strategy games. And who other than Valkyria Chronicles II to be in the high charts of that list.
It is the sequel that continues to be inspired by the original Valkyria Chronicles but majorly focuses on the military academy and the soldiers staying there. The deep war story is still intact in the game.
You get a lot of options and gameplay systems so you can easily keep track of them. You also get to fulfill one of the major wishes of your life, controlling and managing soldiers troops! You will be the one to command them across the battlefield.
14. PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe
Missing some top Tower defense PSP games? Then, this one is surely up your alley.
PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe is a console-worthy game, and believe me I don’t joke about this kind of stuff.
It obviously bears similarities to other tower defense titles, but it still ranks high due to its features and intuitive interface.
The objective is plain and simple: just build defensive towers to block your enemy’s path from reaching your base. There are several small creatures which represent ‘life’, habilitating on your base. And if all of these creatures die, you lose the game.
There are 36 distinctive levels with three different stages of difficulty, coupled with 3 special stages that are associated with unlocking special powers.
The major point of distinction between PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe and other games is that in this game, you are the one to control the protagonist character who builds towers and collects coins.
Just use your tactful skillset and fast reflexes to defend your home base against all the enemies.
15. Ridge Racer
Are you one of those gamers who’s always on the lookout for the best PSP racing games? If you are, then my friend, your search ends here.
Ridge Racer is adrenaline pumping fast-paced racing game that assures you one of the best racing experiences of your life, real or virtual.
You are presented with an assortment of vehicles, tracks, and songs. You just need to choose your favorite car and favorite track, and you can then drift into your own ‘Fast and Furious’ world.
Not only that, but you also get to take your pick from plenty of different modes such as Online Races, World Tour, and more. You can compete with other players in the multiplayer mode, while by opting for the World Tour, you can seek your potential and rise to become the best racer around the globe.
16. Wipeout Pure
If Ridge Racer is first on the list of the best PSP racing games of all time, then Wipeout Pure is a close second on that list.
The ‘Wipeout’ series has always been a flagbearer in reinventing and redefining the concept of racing games. And with Pure, you get all that and more.
It combines the love of racing with the setting of a futuristic world. There are anti-gravity ships with incredible (and distinct) features, and they belong to certain teams, all of which are racing towards the finish line. There are 8 teams in total, and you get to choose whichever one you want to.
Also not only do you have to race for the win, but you also have to blast your opponents with fun weapons while protecting your ship from the incoming destruction.
Believe me; it is one of those PSP games that you can’t miss out on.
17. Jeanne d’Arc
History meets Sci-fi in this strategy role-playing game. One of the best PSP games in fictionalized tales, Jeanne d’Arc, tells a fantasy story about Joan of Arc as she fights brutal demons across the English countryside (while France and England are engaged in a war) and completes quests.
So when you are not battling down enemies, you can easily explore towns and other places. This way, you can find some treasure, new gear, loot, and even some magical items.
All that you need to do is enhance and show your skills within a time period and end all the monsters.
Kick your adrenaline to a new high!
18. BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
I always find people asking about some of the top PSP games based in the fight setting, and my most answered game is BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger.
It is a fast paced game in which you are a participant of a major fighting tournament. Although there are only 12 fighters in total, each of them has a distinct personality and skill set. You get to create all new and unique moves and combos, with the satisfaction of finishing off opponents in the most amazing way ever!
Also, this version includes all the modes from the console version.
19. Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
Another addition to the list of the best and must play PSP games of all time is Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror.
It is an open-world game from the long-running and otherwise linear Syphon Filter series. The protagonist is Gabe, a special operative working for a secret government agency who is thrown into the center of a complex plot. And thence begins your foray into a stealthy and fast-paced third-person shooter game.
Like all other Syphon Filter games, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror focuses on third-person action and furtive combat. You just have to control Gabe as he moves across an array of locations and completes all the missions assigned to him.
And so if you believe that you have what it takes, just grab on to your console, choose your rifle and scope, and welcome yourself inside the world of Syphon Filter.
20. LittleBigPlanet
LittleBigPlanet is one the best and the cutest PSP games, in the entire history of PSP games. Yes, it is the cutest. In this game, you are asked to control the adorable mascot Sackboy. This mascot is able to hold and grab onto objects and jump around the stage. And that’s it.
You just have to be creative and create on your own amazing puzzles. Then just collect all valuable contents and build upon your own collection to be the ultimate champion.
It’s actually one of the most intuitive PSP games ever released for the Vita. It intuitively plays by your Vita’s camera, microphone, accelerometer, and touch screen. It is really easy to pick up and jam onto this game.
You get to experience a charming and enjoyable narrative, fun mini-games, and the chance to create your own game levels. And did I tell you that these levels can be uploaded online and shared with friends?
21. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Seriously, one of the topmost and the best PSP games of all time. Period.
The game is set in the land of Costa Rica of the year 1974. It follows the journey of the recurring main character, Snake as he runs Soldiers Without Borders.
Basically, there are two modes in which the game is split into: Motherbase and Missions. The former aligns towards the management side wherein the player has to build a strong base by collecting resources as he moves across the lands. But the latter plays out similar to the earlier levels of Metal Gear Solid (which means sneaking out, destroying guards, and accomplishing the tasks.)
The presentation of the game is rich and dynamic with a smooth interface for gameplay.
Involve your friends in the game too via Ad-hoc play and replay all the missions (only if you want to) over and over again to become unbeatable.
Stealth-Action at its best!
22. Virtua Tennis: World Tour
Now this game is for all those sports fanatics (especially those who love Tennis). Virtua Tennis: World Tour belongs to the category of those good PSP games which have the potential to become great.
This incredible tennis simulation game is filled with a variety of quick matches, full tournaments, exhibition matches, and a lot more.
There’s a reason why it is one of the best simulation PSP games. It features five different modes as well as a multiplayer option.
Although the main mode is “World Tour”, wherein you have an opportunity to create female and male tennis player (whichever suits you) and compete to win the position of world champion.
And did I mention there are some incredibly cool tennis-themed minigames too?
So what are you waiting for? Just serve and smash your way towards the ultimate victory.
23. Burnout Legends
If high-speed crashes, burning rubber, cool and fast cars, and furious races are your idea of fun, then Burnout Legends (aka one of the best PSP games of all time) is your game for the win.
It is one fantastic package and the ultimate in crash-tastic racers. The online gameplay is lacking, but that’s just picking too much. The earning speeding tickets and the satisfying crashes more than make up for this oversight.
All in all, the game comprises a roster of 95 (unlockable) cars, 18 different maps, and 9 types of races. This means that none of your waking moments will ever get free.
You can easily enlist yourself for the World Tour mode, compete against legendary cars, race within the stringent time limits, and much more. And specialty modes like Pursuit, where you become a police car trying to take down racers, make the game more fun and interesting.
This PSP racing games series is also renowned for its amazing and momentous crash scenes, adding to the levels of destruction.
24. Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together comprises of an immersive, incredibly length, deep, and artfully-made adventure that focuses on tactfulness and adroitness in its game playing.
The game is based in the land of Valeria. Three different groups are fighting for the ownership and control of the land. There encroaches a full out war, and it is up to you, a fresh recruit, to change and reduce the effects of the battle. You are entrusted with the task of creating a team of heroes and leveling them increasingly as you move further in the combat.
You are moved and positioned across grid-based levels, whilst you battle enemies, and seek learnings.
Yes, it is more or less a remake of the classic Super Famicom strategic RPG, but that doesn’t affect its excellence or marr its individuality any less. And this remake is amazingly better on the PSP due to the improved controls and graphics.
PSP games of such kind might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but once you start playing, you are roped in completely.
25. Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness
The Disgaea series is undoubtedly one of the best role-playing PSP games franchises out there, if not the best.
Afternoon of Darkness is a refurbished and renovated version of PS2’s Disgaea: Hour of Darkness. It comprises of a lot of bonus content such as the multiplayer mode (players can connect via Ad-hoc), a female protagonist with a new storyline, and some evil new bosses. You can also battle against some new enemies.
Along with your party of companions, you set out on a journey that will take you to faraway lands.
This complex and tactical RPG ventures into a world of magic, filled with mystery, chaos, and lure. You, along with your other mates, start on a journey that takes you to exotic and distant lands to battle against evil.
Also, the players can pick from between two different dialogue languages, or if not, they can disable dialogue completely.
And this is it. These are some of the must play PSP games that you can’t miss out on. Just leave whatever you are doing right now, and download these games right away.
