When the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was released in 2004, it changed the landscape of handheld gaming. For the first time, players could enjoy console-quality experiences on the go, and the PSP library was filled with unforgettable titles that remain cherished by gamers today. One of the standout games for the PSP is God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008). This action-packed title brought the iconic God of War series to the handheld device, offering players a fast-paced, mythological adventure. With engaging combat, large-scale boss battles, and stunning visuals for the time, Chains of Olympus proved that the PSP was capable of delivering a high-quality gaming experience that rivaled its console counterparts. The game’s engaging narrative, centered around Kratos’ quest to defeat powerful gods, made it one of the best games on the platform.
Another memorable PSP game is Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (2007), a tactical RPG that builds upon the classic Final Fantasy Tactics formula. Set in the world of Ivalice, players command a group of soldiers through complex battles maindikilo and a deep, politically charged narrative. The game offers a compelling mix of strategy and storytelling, with a richly detailed world and memorable characters. The remastered version of the game, which included enhanced visuals, new characters, and additional story content, made it a standout title on the PSP. Final Fantasy Tactics is often regarded as one of the best tactical RPGs ever made, and its portable adaptation on the PSP only added to its legacy.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010) is another PSP game that exemplifies the potential of handheld gaming. Developed by Kojima Productions, Peace Walker is a stealth action game that continues the story of Big Boss, the legendary soldier. The game features a mix of stealth-based gameplay, combat, and base management, with players engaging in military operations and strategic missions across a variety of environments. What makes Peace Walker unique is its multiplayer co-op mode, which allows players to team up for missions, adding depth and replayability. The game maintains the core stealth elements of the Metal Gear series while adapting them to the PSP’s capabilities, making it one of the best action games for the platform.
Finally, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005) brought the expansive open-world experience of the GTA series to the PSP. Set in Liberty City, players take on the role of Tony Cipriani, a mobster who navigates the criminal underworld. The game offers the same chaotic, action-packed gameplay that made GTA famous, but with the added benefit of portability. The open world, filled with side missions and collectibles, offers hours of content, and the story delivers the same high-quality narrative expected from a Grand Theft Auto game. Liberty City Stories became one of the best-selling PSP games, proving that console-quality experiences could be enjoyed on a handheld device.
These games—God of War: Chains of Olympus, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories—are some of the best the PSP had to offer. Each game demonstrates the handheld console’s ability to deliver rich, immersive experiences that rival home consoles, and they remain beloved by fans of portable gaming.