The PlayStation Portable (PSP), released by Sony in 2004, was a groundbreaking handheld gaming console that brought console-quality gaming to the palm of players’ hands. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the PSP became a beloved device for gamers thanks to its impressive graphics, diverse library, and strong collection of exclusive titles. Games like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Persona 3 Portable became fan favorites and are still celebrated today for their impact on portable gaming.
One of the most iconic PSP games is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, a prequel to the legendary Final Fantasy VII. Developed by Square Enix, Crisis Core follows Zack Fair, a member of the elite Shinra organization, as he uncovers the mysteries surrounding the game’s events. The game introduced a new real-time combat system that was a departure from the traditional turn-based mechanics of the Final Fantasy series. Crisis Core captivated players not only with its exciting combat but also with its emotional story, which expanded on the Final Fantasy VII universe in a meaningful way. The game remains one of the best RPGs on the PSP and is regarded as a classic by fans of the series.
Another standout title is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. The Grand Theft Auto series has always been known for its open-world design, and Liberty City Stories brought that experience to the PSP. Set in the fictional Liberty City, the game allows players to explore situs62 a massive world filled with missions, side activities, and opportunities for chaos. The game retains the same level of depth and freedom that the console versions of Grand Theft Auto are known for, but with a portable twist. Liberty City Stories proved that the PSP could handle expansive, open-world experiences, cementing its place in the handheld gaming landscape.
Persona 3 Portable is another standout RPG that became a favorite among PSP owners. The game, developed by Atlus, is a port of the original Persona 3 with additional features and improvements tailored to the PSP. Players take on the role of a high school student who must balance their daily life with battling dark creatures known as Shadows. The game’s unique blend of dungeon crawling, social simulation, and turn-based combat made it a standout in the RPG genre. The addition of new story elements and characters in Persona 3 Portable helped elevate it as one of the best RPGs on the PSP and one of the most memorable entries in the Persona series.
Although the PSP is no longer in production, its legacy lives on through its remarkable library of games. Titles like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Persona 3 Portable demonstrated that portable gaming could offer experiences on par with home consoles. These timeless games continue to be celebrated by fans and remain some of the best games ever made for a handheld platform.