The PlayStation Portable (PSP) may no longer be in production, but its legacy lives on through a catalog of unforgettable games. Sony’s first handheld console brought console-quality experiences to the palm of your hand, and the games available on the PSP were diverse, engaging, and often groundbreaking for the time. Titles such as Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Patapon are just a few examples of how the PSP helped redefine portable gaming, offering experiences that rivaled those of home consoles.
One of the standout titles on the PSP was Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, a prequel to the beloved Final Fantasy VII. The game follows Zack Fair, a member of the elite SOLDIER unit, and explores his journey through the events that lead up to situs62 the main story of Final Fantasy VII. The action-RPG mechanics, combined with a gripping narrative and memorable characters, made Crisis Core one of the best games on the PSP. It offered fans of Final Fantasy VII a deeper understanding of the game’s world while also introducing new players to the franchise, making it a must-play title for any RPG fan.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories brought the open-world chaos of the Grand Theft Auto series to the PSP, and it did so with great success. Set in the same city as Grand Theft Auto III, this title allowed players to take on the role of Toni Cipriani, a mobster navigating the criminal underworld. The game captured the essence of Grand Theft Auto with its sprawling city, engaging story, and variety of missions. The ability to explore Liberty City on the go, combined with the game’s compelling narrative, made Liberty City Stories a standout title in the PSP’s library.
For something entirely unique, Patapon offered a rhythm-based strategy game that was unlike anything seen before on the PSP. Players controlled a tribe of creatures called Patapons, guiding them through various challenges by tapping out rhythms on the PSP’s buttons. The game’s addictive gameplay, charming art style, and catchy soundtrack made it one of the most original and fun titles on the system. Its blend of music and strategy made it a refreshing departure from traditional action games and remains one of the most memorable games on the PSP.
These games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Patapon—highlight the diversity and innovation that defined the PSP era. Despite being a handheld console, the PSP offered rich experiences that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with home consoles. Its library of titles remains a testament to the potential of portable gaming, and while the PSP may no longer be in production, its legacy continues to influence the handheld gaming market today.