There are many who say that Sony should re-enter the handheld gaming market. Thanks to the success of the PSP (and, to a lesser extent, the cult popularity of the PlayStation Vita), many gamers clamour for a return to the halcyon days of Sony\u2019s first handheld and its hardcore alternative to the more family-friendly DS. We\u2019re not sure if Sony would make any inroads in the modern handheld market, dominated as it is by Nintendo and smartphones, but the PSP remains a titan of gaming history. Here, in no particular order, are the top 25 PSP games of all time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Let it never be said that a full-scale Metal Gear <\/em>experience can\u2019t be squeezed into a handheld. Hideo Kojima apparently referred to Peace Walker <\/em>as \u201cMetal Gear Solid 5<\/em>\u201d internally, and looking at the finished product\u2019s scope, it\u2019s hard to disagree. Peace Walker<\/em>\u2019s mission-based structure, base-building elements, and focus on Big Boss were all precursors to what would actually become Metal Gear Solid V<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Final Fantasy Tactics <\/em>is an undisputed strategy classic, but the PlayStation version of the game is a little rough. That\u2019s where War of the Lions <\/em>comes in. This updated PSP re-release cleans up the translation, adds widescreen support, and tweaks some of the more unforgiving elements of Tactics<\/em>, making this the definitive version of the Final Fantasy <\/em>series\u2019 most successful experiment to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Mega Man Powered Up<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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This adorable little game is a remake of the original NES platformer, so it has all of the same enemies and weapons. What is new, though, is a rather cute (if divisive) new art style, as well as tuned-up controls and other improvements. Powered Up <\/em>unfortunately didn\u2019t sell as well as Capcom was hoping for, which means we never got a Powered Up 2<\/em>. Hey, it\u2019s never too late to appreciate this masterpiece!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Don\u2019t listen to the title; size absolutely doesn\u2019t matter. Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters <\/em>manages to pack a full-sized Ratchet and Clank <\/em>adventure into the relatively modest dimensions of the PSP, cramming in more levels, weapons, and enemies than should be fair for a console with specs like the PSP\u2019s. If you love Ratchet and Clank<\/em>, you should definitely give this one a try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles <\/em>is actually two games in one: you\u2019re getting a remake of Rondo of Blood<\/em> and a full port of the legendary Castlevania: Symphony of the Night<\/em>. Either one of these games on its own would be worth the price of admission. The main game is a tightly-designed platforming gem, while Symphony of the Night <\/em>helped to codify the current trend for open-ended exploration in gaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. God of War: Ghost of Sparta<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Both Ghost of Sparta <\/em>and Chains of Olympus <\/em>represent excellent core God of War <\/em>experiences. This isn\u2019t the brooding, penitent Kratos of the 2018 \u201crequel\u201d; it\u2019s the seething, rage-filled monster that revelled in the early games\u2019 astonishingly violent battles. As Kratos, Ghost of Sparta<\/em> allows you to experience a virtually uncompromised version of the PS2 games\u2019 action-adventure blend on your handheld.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Daxter<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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If the more action-heavy stylings of Jak 2 <\/em>and 3 <\/em>didn\u2019t appeal to you, then you may wish to take a look at Daxter<\/em>. It\u2019s a return to the classic platforming of the original Jak and Daxter <\/em>game (for the most part, anyway) and features everyone\u2019s favourite little ottsel cheekily acting out iconic scenes from movies and other pop culture moments. The platforming is as smooth and tight as ever, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Patapon<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Patapon <\/em>spawned two sequels on the PSP, both of which are also worth a look if you like this game. It\u2019s a cutesy mixture of strategy and rhythm game in which you must guide the titular Patapon through lands filled with danger. To do so, you\u2019ll need to tell them which dances to use to pass obstacles and defeat enemies, with the PSP\u2019s face buttons corresponding to different dance inputs. It\u2019s as fun as it is quirky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. LocoRoco<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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The LocoRoco <\/em>series leveraged the vivid display of the PSP to great effect. At their core, these games are platformers, but they\u2019re more about exploiting momentum than leaping from surface to surface. You are the titular LocoRoco, who can join together to create a single huge entity. You must tilt the level so that the LocoRoco can reach their destination, squeezing through tight gaps and leaping across chasms along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Taking place before the events of the iconic Final Fantasy VII<\/em>, Crisis Core <\/em>revolves around Zack, an extremely capable SOLDIER agent. Unlike VII<\/em>, Crisis Core <\/em>is an action RPG, so battles have a more kinetic and exciting feel to them. It\u2019s also got a mission-based structure, so you can easily pick it up, play for a few minutes, and put it down again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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If you love stealth games like Metal Gear Solid<\/em> or Splinter Cell<\/em>, then Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror <\/em>is an essential addition to your PSP library. It\u2019s a third-person stealth shooter that follows long-time series protagonist Gabe Logan as he uncovers another sinister tech conspiracy. With a wide variety of weapons to use and environments to explore, Dark Mirror <\/em>is a must if you\u2019re a stealth aficionado.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Lumines<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Lumines<\/em>\u2019 blend of rhythm and puzzle gameplay is so satisfying, it\u2019s almost bound to put you in a trance. Blocks appear, and you must match them to make them disappear, but you\u2019ve got to do it to the beat. From this simple setup comes hours of addictive fun as you enter a Zen-like flow state, matching blocks and feeling the music course through your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy <\/em>is a huge improvement over the first instalment, featuring an expanded roster and better single-player gameplay. It\u2019s a stylish 3D fighter in which you can pit legends from the Final Fantasy <\/em>series against one another, but now, it\u2019s also a surprisingly accomplished single-player RPG with a whole world to explore. This game is a must for any Final Fantasy <\/em>lover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. FIFA 09<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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The PSP is not well-known for its football library, and that\u2019s perhaps for the best\u2026with one exception. FIFA 09 <\/em>features fully licensed teams from the 2008-2009 season, and it\u2019s got hugely improved mechanics over the last instalment, too. Players have more realistic collision detection and the physics overall feel like they\u2019ve received a boost, but otherwise, it\u2019s FIFA <\/em>on your PSP. What\u2019s not to like?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Persona 3 Portable<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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For our money, the PS2\u2019s expanded Persona 3 FES <\/em>is the definitive way to experience this slice-of-life RPG. However, if you\u2019re determined to play on PSP, Persona 3 Portable <\/em>is an excellent version of the game. While it doesn\u2019t have the fully 3D exploration of its PS2 cousin, it does have a protagonist of customisable gender, as well as several new Social Links and other extras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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What\u2019s going on in the wider Kingdom Hearts <\/em>timeline? Only the truly hardcore fans really know the answer to that question, but either way, Birth By Sleep <\/em>is a great action RPG on the PSP. It stars Terra, Ventus, and Aqua, and is set around ten years before the onset of the first Kingdom Hearts <\/em>game. You\u2019ll explore several iconic Disney worlds, taking part in the series\u2019 characteristic acrobatic combat as you do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. Secret Agent Clank<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Clank, Ratchet\u2019s adorable robot companion, gets his own PSP game in the form of Secret Agent Clank<\/em>. It\u2019s an accomplished little platformer full of gadgets to use, enemies to use them on, and levels to explore. You\u2019ll also see the return of Ratchet, of course, as well as Clank\u2019s old friends, the Gadgebots. Slightly dull stealth QTE sequences aside, this is a worthy addition to the PSP\u2019s library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. Valkyria Chronicles II<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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The Valkyria Chronicles <\/em>series might be one of the most unlikely franchises of all time. At least, that\u2019s what you\u2019ll think until you actually play one, at which point you\u2019ll almost certainly be converted. They\u2019re tactical strategy RPGs in which you must manoeuvre characters and aim their weapons yourself, giving them a more on-the-ground feel to bird\u2019s-eye games like Fire Emblem<\/em>. Valkyria Chronicles II <\/em>transposes this addictive action to the PSP, so give it a look if you like strategy RPGs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19. Gran Turismo<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Despite what the name may suggest, this isn\u2019t a remake of the original PS1 Gran Turismo <\/em>title. Rather, it\u2019s a game developed from the ground up for the PSP, although it doesn\u2019t feel like anything has been left behind in the transition. This game has all the cars, tracks, and modes you\u2019d want from a PSP Gran Turismo <\/em>game, although it does lack a traditional career mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20. Monster Hunter Freedom<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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It\u2019s difficult to explain the appeal of the Monster Hunter <\/em>series to those who either haven\u2019t played them or don\u2019t go in for multiplayer. At their core, though, these games are all about hunting huge monsters by using tactics and strategy to deduce their weak points. Monster Hunter Freedom <\/em>brought this core gameplay loop to the PSP, featuring great graphics and a faithful translation of the series\u2019 strengths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

21. LittleBigPlanet<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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The original LittleBigPlanet<\/em>, released back in 2009, was Media Molecule\u2019s first foray into the world of user-generated content. The PSP version featured a set of strong core levels, as well as a creator you could use to upload and showcase your creations around the world. Sadly, the servers are now closed, but that won\u2019t stop you from playing the single-player game, which is still an excellent platformer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

22. Killzone: Liberation<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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The devs behind Killzone: Liberation <\/em>knew that they couldn\u2019t expect the series\u2019 trademark blockbuster first-person shooter action to translate well to a handheld. This being the case, they turned it into a tense, well-constructed third-person stealth shooter instead. Liberation <\/em>is tightly designed, lengthy, and challenging, and it ties directly into the ongoing Killzone <\/em>canon as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

23. Ape Escape: On The Loose<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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The Ape Escape <\/em>franchise is criminally underrated. These games are great 3D platformers that use the PS1\u2019s DualShock controller in an innovative way, and although the PSP version of the first game lacks that crucial tactility, it\u2019s still an excellent game. You must hunt down and capture escaped monkeys (not apes, oddly enough) across a variety of levels, with most of the fun coming from how you locate them and coax them out of hiding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

24. Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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We\u2019re recommending this game with a strong caveat: it\u2019s certainly not for everybody. The anime stylings of the plot could seem grating if you\u2019re not immersed in that aesthetic, and the strategy RPG gameplay on offer is almost maddeningly deep and complex. If, however, you\u2019re in the market for a zany story hiding oceans of depth, then Afternoon of Darkness <\/em>should be your first port of call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

25. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories <\/em>and Vice City Stories<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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We\u2019re cheating a little here by including two games, but Liberty City Stories <\/em>and Vice City Stories <\/em>are essentially two sides of the same coin. Incredibly, they contain exact replicas of both cities as they appeared in GTA III <\/em>and Vice City<\/em>, but they revolve around new protagonists, each of whom must establish and protect their own criminal empire while dealing with the madcap characters who threaten to destabilise it.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There are many who say that Sony should re-enter the handheld gaming market. Thanks to the success of the PSP (and, to a lesser extent, the cult popularity of the PlayStation Vita), many gamers clamour for a return to the halcyon days of Sony\u2019s first handheld and its hardcore alternative to the more family-friendly DS. … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":7636,"comment_status":"close","ping_status":"close","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,174],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7514","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-videogames","category-nostalgia"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nerdleaks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7514"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nerdleaks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nerdleaks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nerdleaks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nerdleaks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7514"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/nerdleaks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7514\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7641,"href":"https:\/\/nerdleaks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7514\/revisions\/7641"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nerdleaks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7636"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nerdleaks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7514"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nerdleaks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7514"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nerdleaks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7514"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}