Though the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was discontinued years ago, its library of games still holds up as some of the best portable gaming experiences ever made. One standout title that took full advantage of the system’s capabilities was Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Released in 2005, this entry in the Grand Theft Auto series brought the open-world chaos of Liberty City to the PSP. The game successfully captured the essence of its console counterparts, allowing players to explore a vast city, engage in a variety of criminal activities, and experience a gripping story. The ability to carry a GTA experience in your pocket was groundbreaking at the time, and the game’s success helped establish the PSP as a viable handheld platform for mature, immersive gaming.
Another gem in the PSP’s library is Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Released in 2010, this game continued the story of Big Boss and introduced several new gameplay elements to the Metal Gear franchise. Peace Walker was unique in that it integrated base-building mechanics and cooperative multiplayer into its stealth action formula. Players could create and manage their own private military company, recruiting soldiers and maindikilo developing new weapons. The game’s blend of tactical combat and storytelling made it one of the most ambitious PSP games ever released, pushing the boundaries of what a handheld system could achieve. The deep narrative, memorable characters, and innovative mechanics ensured Peace Walker was a standout title in the Metal Gear series.
For fans of tactical RPGs, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions remains a must-play title on the PSP. This enhanced version of the classic Final Fantasy Tactics offered a deep, strategic combat system set in the world of Ivalice. Players controlled a group of mercenaries caught in the midst of political intrigue and war, making choices that would affect the fate of the kingdom. The game featured beautiful 2D sprites, an engaging storyline, and a rewarding battle system that emphasized strategy over brute force. Its challenging difficulty and intricate class system kept players coming back for more, making it one of the best RPGs available on the PSP.
Finally, God of War: Chains of Olympus brought the brutal action of Kratos to the PSP in 2008. Set in the world of Greek mythology, this game followed Kratos as he attempted to rescue the gods from the clutches of the underworld. Despite the limitations of the handheld console, Chains of Olympus delivered fast-paced, visually impressive combat and satisfying puzzles. The game’s fluid animation and high-quality presentation made it one of the standout action games on the PSP, earning it critical acclaim and ensuring its place as one of the best portable adaptations of a console series.
These games—Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions, and God of War: Chains of Olympus—remain some of the best titles ever released on the PSP. They exemplify what made the handheld console so special, offering experiences that still hold up today as some of the best portable gaming has to offer. Despite the PSP’s discontinuation, these games are still worth revisiting for any fan of handheld gaming.