The PlayStation Portable (PSP) may have been discontinued years ago, but its legacy still lives on in the hearts of gamers who fondly remember the console’s incredible library of games. Released in 2004, the PSP was Sony’s first foray into handheld gaming, offering console-quality titles in the palm of your hand. Despite being eclipsed by newer handheld devices, the PSP boasted a selection of unforgettable games across a wide range of genres. Today, we look back at some of the best PSP games that remain integral to the handheld’s history.
One of the standout games in the PSP’s history is God of War: Chains of Olympus. As a prequel to the God of War series, Chains of Olympus delivered the same visceral combat and mythological storytelling that made the original PlayStation games so iconic. The game follows Kratos as he attempts to save the gods of Olympus from an ancient evil, and mpo888 it brings the full weight of the God of War franchise to a portable format. The combat was as brutal as ever, with precise controls and epic set-pieces that felt just as grand as the console versions. Despite being constrained by the hardware limitations of the PSP, Chains of Olympus proved that a portable version of the God of War formula could be just as compelling as its big-screen counterparts.
Another major highlight for the PSP was Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. A spinoff of the main GTA series, Liberty City Stories captured the essence of its console counterparts, providing an open-world sandbox experience filled with criminal activities, side missions, and a compelling storyline. Set in Liberty City, the same iconic city featured in Grand Theft Auto III, the game allowed players to explore a rich urban environment while engaging in chaotic pursuits. The PSP’s controls worked remarkably well for the game’s fast-paced action, and the title showcased just how capable Sony’s handheld could be when it came to delivering high-quality gaming experiences on the go.
For fans of racing games, Wipeout Pure was an undeniable hit on the PSP. Known for its futuristic, high-speed action, Wipeout Pure pushed the limits of what was possible on the handheld, delivering smooth visuals and blistering racing mechanics. The game featured an array of vibrant tracks set in visually stunning environments, while the intense, fast-paced gameplay kept players on the edge of their seats. The game’s use of power-ups, combined with the ability to race against other players via Wi-Fi multiplayer, made Wipeout Pure a standout title that truly showcased the PSP’s capabilities.
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is another game that exemplifies the depth and complexity the PSP could offer. This tactical RPG is a remake of the classic 1995 Super Famicom title, and it boasts a compelling narrative set in a fantasy world plagued by war. The gameplay is deeply strategic, requiring players to carefully consider their moves and plan ahead to defeat enemies. The game’s branching storyline and the ability to shape the outcome based on player choices provided a level of replayability that kept players coming back for more. Tactics Ogre was a rare gem for the PSP, offering a complex, cerebral gaming experience that appealed to fans of more traditional role-playing games.
The PSP may no longer be in production, but its library of exceptional games continues to be appreciated by retro gaming enthusiasts. Titles like God of War: Chains of Olympus, Liberty City Stories, Wipeout Pure, and Tactics Ogre helped define the handheld as a serious gaming device, offering rich experiences that were ahead of their time. For anyone looking to relive the magic of the PSP, these games remain essential to understanding what made the console so beloved.