The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was one of the most influential handheld consoles of its time, offering gamers the ability to play high-quality games on the go. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the PSP boasted an impressive library of titles that spanned a variety of genres, from action and adventure to RPGs and sports games. Some of the best PSP games to ever grace the console include Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Persona 3 Portable.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007) is one of the standout titles on the PSP. Serving as a prequel to the iconic Final Fantasy VII, Crisis Core follows Zack Fair, a member of the elite military unit SOLDIER, as he uncovers dark secrets about the organization he works for. The game Marco88 offers a dynamic real-time combat system, a departure from the turn-based mechanics typically found in Final Fantasy games. The compelling story, combined with its rich characters and emotional depth, made Crisis Core a must-play for fans of the Final Fantasy series, as well as those new to the franchise.
Another noteworthy game on the PSP is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005). This title brought the chaos and excitement of the Grand Theft Auto series to a portable format, allowing players to explore the sprawling Liberty City in all its glory. The game retained the open-world structure and criminal narrative that made Grand Theft Auto so popular, offering a seamless transition from console to handheld. Liberty City Stories was praised for its gameplay, story, and attention to detail, making it one of the PSP’s most memorable titles.
Persona 3 Portable (2009) brought the Persona series to the PSP, and it was a game-changer for fans of turn-based RPGs. The game follows a group of high school students who must fight off supernatural enemies while balancing their everyday lives. Persona 3 Portable combines dungeon-crawling with social simulation, as players form bonds with characters and build relationships. The game’s compelling story, unique gameplay mechanics, and deep character development made it one of the best RPGs on the PSP, and it introduced many players to the Persona franchise.
These three titles—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Persona 3 Portable—are just a few examples of the incredible library of games that the PSP had to offer. While the handheld console is no longer in production, its legacy continues to live on through its memorable titles, many of which are still fondly remembered by fans today.
