While the PlayStation Portable (PSP) may not have enjoyed the same commercial success as other consoles, it became home to a number of incredible games that still stand the test of time. One of the best PSP games that often flies under the radar is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. This action RPG, a prequel to the legendary Final Fantasy VII, follows Zack Fair, a young soldier in the Shinra corporation. The game offered a deep dive into the Final Fantasy VII universe, providing fans with insight into the backstory of several key characters. The fast-paced real-time combat, engaging story, and memorable characters made Crisis Core a standout title on the PSP. The game’s ending is emotionally charged, and it remains a beloved part of the Final Fantasy lore.

Another hidden gem on the PSP is Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, a tactical role-playing game that was a remake of the 1995 classic. The game featured intricate tactical combat, a branching narrative, and complex character development, making it a standout title for strategy fans. The game’s deep story, set in a world of political intrigue and war, tokyo99 was complemented by its engaging gameplay, where player choices affected the narrative’s outcome. With multiple story routes and endings, Tactics Ogre offers immense replay value, and its strategic combat has made it a favorite among RPG enthusiasts. It’s one of the best examples of the tactical RPG genre on the PSP.

One other noteworthy PSP title is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Released in 2005, this game brought the open-world chaos of the Grand Theft Auto series to a handheld console, delivering a full-fledged GTA experience on the go. Set in Liberty City, the game follows Toni Cipriani as he rises through the ranks of the city’s criminal underworld. Despite being on a handheld device, Liberty City Stories maintained the series’ trademark open-world gameplay, complete with exploration, side missions, and the freedom to cause mayhem. The game also had a compelling story and engaging characters, proving that handheld consoles could offer robust, immersive experiences. It’s a must-play for fans of the GTA series and one of the best titles available for the PSP.

These three games, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, and Liberty City Stories, demonstrate that the PSP had a wealth of hidden treasures that deserve recognition. Each of these titles offers unique gameplay experiences, from emotionally charged RPGs to tactical strategy and open-world chaos, making them stand out in the library of this often-overlooked handheld console. The PSP may not have reached the heights of its successors, but it remains a treasure trove of memorable games that continue to be beloved by fans.