The PlayStation Portable (PSP), released in 2004, brought console-quality gaming to the palm of players’ hands, setting a new standard for handheld gaming. Despite being overshadowed by the Nintendo DS in terms of sales, the PSP boasted an impressive library of games that showcased the power of portable gaming. From action-packed adventures to deeply immersive RPGs, the PSP had something for every type of gamer. Titles like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, LocoRoco, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions stand out as some of the best games available on the handheld console.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, released in 2005, was a perfect example of how the PSP could deliver console-like experiences in a portable format. Set in the iconic Liberty City from Grand Theft Auto III, the game featured an open world filled with missions, side activities, and plenty of chaos. The game’s narrative, which followed Toni Cipriani’s rise through the criminal underworld, was as engaging as its console counterparts. With a robust world, memorable characters, and the same freeform gameplay that made the Grand Theft Auto series famous, Liberty City Stories was a standout title for the PSP and one of the best action games on the platform.
LocoRoco was another standout game for the PSP, offering a colorful, quirky, and unique experience. Released in 2006, LocoRoco had players control a small group of blob-like creatures, slot rolling them through vibrant, whimsical landscapes. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay was perfect for the PSP’s control scheme, using the shoulder buttons to tilt the environment and guide the LocoRoco through obstacles. Its charming visuals, catchy music, and creative level design made it one of the most beloved games on the PSP and a shining example of the handheld’s potential for fun, accessible gaming experiences.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions brought the classic tactical RPG to the PSP with updated graphics and enhanced gameplay. Released in 2007, this game was a port of the 1997 Final Fantasy Tactics but with additional content and improvements. The game’s deep strategic combat, complex characters, and engaging story made it one of the best RPGs available on the PSP. It allowed players to immerse themselves in the world of Ivalice once again, making it an essential title for fans of tactical RPGs. The rich lore and challenging gameplay made it a standout game on the system and a must-play for anyone with a love for the Final Fantasy franchise.
These games — Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, LocoRoco, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions — represent the wide range of genres and experiences that the PSP offered. From open-world action to puzzle-based gameplay and deep tactical RPGs, the PSP demonstrated that portable gaming could be just as engaging as its console counterparts. While the PSP may no longer be in production, its library of classic games remains a testament to the console’s lasting impact on the gaming world.