When it comes to handheld gaming, few systems have had as lasting an impact as the PlayStation Portable (PSP). Released in 2004, it was ahead of its time, offering console-quality gaming on the go. While the system has long since been discontinued, its library of games remains some of the most beloved in portable gaming history. Although titles like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII and Gran Turismo are often mentioned when discussing the best PSP games, there are a few hidden gems from the platform that are worth revisiting. Here are some of the best PSP games you might have forgotten but should absolutely revisit.
One such title is Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, a tactical RPG that offers one of the most strategic and engaging combat systems on the PSP. Originally released in 1995 for the Super Famicom, Tactics Ogre was remade for the PSP with updated graphics, voice acting, and a ladang78 reworked story. The game follows a young man named Denam, who is caught in the midst of a brutal war and must navigate through complex political intrigue, tactical battles, and moral dilemmas. With deep character customization, branching storylines, and a highly engaging battle system, Tactics Ogre is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Another underrated PSP title is Killzone: Liberation. While Killzone on the PlayStation 2 was known for its first-person shooter mechanics, Liberation took the series in a different direction by adopting a top-down, tactical shooter approach. The result was an engaging, fast-paced experience that maintained the gritty tone of the franchise while offering something fresh. The game featured a robust single-player campaign, online multiplayer modes, and a unique co-op mode that allowed players to team up and strategize together. Though it didn’t get as much attention as other games in the franchise, Killzone: Liberation was a standout title that showed the potential of the PSP for more strategic, action-packed gameplay.
If you enjoy a good puzzle game, LocoRoco is a hidden gem you may have overlooked. The game’s premise is deceptively simple—players control a group of adorable, colorful creatures called LocoRocos as they roll through whimsical, hand-drawn levels. However, the puzzle mechanics and the game’s delightful art style quickly turn it into an addicting experience. Players need to tilt the environment and solve various puzzles to guide the LocoRocos to their destination. The soundtrack, with its upbeat and infectious tunes, adds to the charm, making LocoRoco one of the most joyful games you’ll ever play on a handheld device.
One more forgotten classic worth revisiting is The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky. This RPG, developed by Nihon Falcom, is part of the highly regarded Trails series. Set in the continent of Zemuria, players follow Estelle Bright and her companion Joshua as they embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious events. The game is packed with traditional turn-based combat, deep character development, and a richly woven plot that requires attention to detail. Its pacing is slow and methodical, offering hours of content that pays off with an emotionally resonant narrative. Although the game never reached the mainstream popularity of other RPGs, it has since become a cult favorite among fans of the genre.