The PlayStation Portable (PSP), released in 2004, was a groundbreaking handheld console that gave players the opportunity to experience console-quality games on the go. Though it was short-lived compared to other consoles, the PSP still managed to deliver a catalog of exceptional games that proved handheld gaming could be just as immersive and complex as its console counterparts. From epic adventures like God of War: Chains of Olympus to action-packed experiences like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, the PSP offered a diverse range of titles that remain beloved by gaming enthusiasts to this day.
God of War: Chains of Olympus was one of the standout titles for the PSP, offering players a condensed yet equally intense experience as its console counterparts. Released in 2008, this prequel to the original God of War game was a technical marvel for a handheld device, delivering the same brutal combat, intricate puzzles, and epic storytelling that the series was known for. The game featured impressive visuals for the PSP, and the fast-paced, action-heavy gameplay allowed players to feel immersed in Kratos’ world. Despite the PSP’s limited hardware, Chains of Olympus was a testament to what could be achieved on handheld devices, and it remains one of the best action-adventure games ever made for a portable console.
Another beloved PSP title is Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core, a prequel to the legendary Final Fantasy VII that explored the backstory of Zack Fair, a key character in the original game. Released in 2007, Crisis Core was a bold departure from the traditional turn-based combat system that Final Fantasy was known for. Instead, the game utilized a real-time battle system, which provided a more dynamic and action-oriented experience. The game’s graphics were some of the best seen on a handheld device, and the story, which tied into the larger narrative of Final Fantasy VII, captivated both newcomers and longtime fans of the series. Crisis Core is often regarded as one of the PSP’s finest RPGs and one of the most memorable entries in the Final Fantasy series.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories bmw4d was another landmark title on the PSP that proved portable gaming could deliver vast, open-world experiences. Released in 2005, the game transported players to the gritty streets of Liberty City, where they could engage in missions, drive vehicles, and engage in the kind of chaotic, open-world gameplay that Grand Theft Auto is known for. While the game’s map was smaller than those in the console versions of GTA, it still offered a sprawling urban environment to explore, and the gameplay was just as engaging. The ability to experience the GTA series on a portable system was revolutionary, and Liberty City Stories remains one of the best open-world games on the PSP.
Though the PSP is no longer in production, its library of games remains iconic. God of War: Chains of Olympus, Crisis Core, and Liberty City Stories continue to stand the test of time as some of the best games the handheld console ever produced. These titles prove that handheld gaming can be just as immersive, complex, and enjoyable as their console counterparts, and they continue to be fondly remembered by players who experienced them on the PSP.