The PlayStation Portable (PSP) may not have enjoyed the same success as its successors, but its library of games is full of hidden gems that are still worth discovering today. The portable console offered players the ability to enjoy console-quality experiences on the go, and while it may have been overshadowed by newer devices, many of its titles remain iconic. One such hidden gem is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. Released in 2007, this prequel to the legendary Final Fantasy VII follows Zack Fair, a young soldier in the Shinra company. With its real-time battle system, engaging story, and rich character development, Crisis Core expanded the Final Fantasy VII universe in a meaningful way. Fans of the original game were treated to a deeper exploration of the characters, and the game’s emotional ending has left a lasting impact on players. It’s a must-play for Final Fantasy fans and remains one of the best RPGs available on the PSP.
Another underrated title is Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together. This tactical RPG, which originally released in 1995, was reimagined for the PSP in 2011, bringing updated visuals, voice acting, and tokyo99 additional content to a new generation. The game offers a deep and engaging tactical combat system that challenges players to think strategically while navigating a politically complex world. With multiple story routes, characters, and endings, Tactics Ogre offers a wealth of replayability. Its branching narrative, combined with intricate character development and tactical depth, makes it one of the most rewarding RPGs on the PSP. It’s a hidden gem for fans of tactical role-playing games and one of the best examples of the genre on the portable console.
Lastly, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is another PSP title that deserves attention. Set in the same open world as the popular Grand Theft Auto series, Liberty City Stories brought the chaotic freedom of the mainline games to the handheld. Players take on the role of Toni Cipriani, a mobster working his way through the criminal underworld of Liberty City. The game captures the essence of the GTA series with its mix of open-world exploration, criminal missions, and the freedom to cause mayhem. Despite being on a handheld, Liberty City Stories manages to deliver a gameplay experience that feels like a full-fledged GTA game, making it a standout title on the PSP.
These hidden gems—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, and Liberty City Stories—demonstrate that the PSP was home to many fantastic games, even if they didn’t receive the mainstream attention they deserved. Whether you’re a fan of RPGs, tactical games, or open-world action, the PSP’s library has something for everyone. These titles offer some of the best experiences the handheld has to offer and are definitely worth revisiting.