The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was a revolutionary handheld console when it launched in 2004. Although it was eventually succeeded by the PlayStation Vita and other mobile gaming devices, the PSP’s library of games remains one of the most memorable in gaming history. The portable console offered players the chance to take console-quality gaming on the go, and many of its best games still hold up today. In this article, we’ll dive into why PSP games are still worth playing in 2024, highlighting a few standout titles that continue to provide excellent experiences for both new and returning players.
One of the most beloved PSP games is Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (2006). Set in the 1980s, this prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City offers players a vast, open-world experience filled with criminal activity, colorful characters, and a jambitoto soundtrack that transports you to the era. Despite being a handheld title, Vice City Stories doesn’t skimp on the core elements that made the GTA series iconic, such as engaging missions, free-roaming exploration, and an unforgettable story. The PSP’s capabilities were stretched to their limits with this title, and the game continues to be regarded as one of the finest open-world experiences on a portable console.
Another standout PSP title is Persona 3 Portable (2010), an enhanced version of the critically acclaimed Persona 3. This Japanese role-playing game blends dungeon-crawling with life simulation, offering a unique experience where players must balance their daily life as a high school student with the supernatural battles that take place at night. The PSP version introduced new features, including the option to play as a female protagonist, giving players a fresh perspective on the story. The game’s deep character development, strategic turn-based combat, and memorable soundtrack make Persona 3 Portable one of the best RPGs ever released on a handheld console.
For action-adventure fans, God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) brought the brutal combat and mythological storytelling of the God of War franchise to the PSP. As a prequel to the mainline games, Chains of Olympus follows Kratos as he battles gods and monsters in the ancient world. The game’s graphics and gameplay were impressive for a handheld, delivering the intense combat and epic scale that the series is known for. The transition to a portable platform did not diminish the experience, and Chains of Olympus remains one of the PSP’s standout action games.
Lastly, The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (2004) is a must-play for fans of traditional RPGs. Set in the world of Zemuria, Trails in the Sky follows Estelle Bright, a young girl who embarks on a journey to become a Bracer, a protector of the land. The game offers turn-based combat, a rich narrative, and a cast of engaging characters. The deep world-building and attention to detail make Trails in the Sky a standout RPG, and it’s a game that fans of the genre should not miss. Its lengthy campaign and intricate story make it one of the most ambitious RPGs ever released on the PSP.
Despite being over a decade old, the PSP’s library of games continues to stand the test of time. Titles like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, Persona 3 Portable, God of War: Chains of Olympus, and The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky offer rich, immersive experiences that hold up well even in the age of modern gaming consoles. Whether you’re revisiting these games or experiencing them for the first time, the PSP remains a remarkable platform with a library that continues to offer entertainment for all kinds of gamers.
