Sony’s introduction of the PlayStation Portable (PSP) marked a significant milestone in handheld gaming, contrasting sharply with the less celebrated PS Vita. The PSP became widely appreciated and earned a reputation as a beloved piece of hardware.
Boasting an extensive collection of remarkable games, many classic PSP titles are now accessible through PS Plus, allowing fans to dive into these experiences without needing the original console.
If you’re eager to explore PSP classics, here are some standout titles to kickstart your journey.
10. Tekken 6
If You’re Bored With Heat and Rage Arts
As a long-time fan of the Tekken franchise, I was impressed the first time I played Tekken 6 on the PSP. Although the graphics were less robust compared to its home console counterpart, the gameplay still felt engaging and smooth.
With the complete character roster and command list intact, Tekken 6 remains true to its roots, utilizing only four face buttons, fine-tuning the gameplay for the portable console.
Although it’s technically impressive, having the option to play the home console version usually proves more enticing. For those pursuing trophies, Tekken 8, the latest in the series, offers an achievable Platinum trophy!
9. Ridge Racer 2
A Classic Namco Racer
Ridge Racer 2 delivers an exhilarating arcade racing experience that emphasizes drifting over realistic simulation. Familiarity with earlier titles will make you feel right at home.
This game offers numerous courses and vehicles to unlock, ensuring players remain engaged. Drifting, achievable through controlled braking while steering, allows for fluid racing without substantial slowdowns.
The graphics and audio quality are stellar, presenting a thrilling portable racing experience that holds its own even when played on a larger screen.
8. Gravity Crash Portable
Asteroids On Steroids
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Key Information |
Details |
|---|---|
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Developer |
Just Add Water |
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Genre |
Space Shooter |
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Release Date |
July 2010 |
Despite its simplistic approach, Gravity Crash Portable offers an enriching gaming experience reminiscent of the classic Asteroids, but with modern enhancements.
Players navigate the galaxy gathering gems and battling enemy ships amid challenging terrain. Veterans of Asteroids will quickly adapt to multiple control schemes, each featuring distinct tactical advantages.
A unique mechanic allows players to manage ship shields either manually or automatically, adding to the game’s depth and strategy, making it perfect for brief gaming sessions.
7. Ape Escape: On the Loose
Put A Stop To All This Monkey Business
A beloved franchise that has seemingly faded from Sony’s spotlight, Ape Escape makes a captivating return in the PSP lineup on PS Plus.
This delightful 3D platformer involves capturing mischievous apes with an array of gadgets such as a Stun Club and Monkey Radar, each providing unique gameplay outcomes. However, be prepared for a challenge—the agile apes can be quite elusive!
With an enchanting blend of originality and charm, On the Loose serves as an excellent entry point into the series.
6. LocoRoco
Fun For All Ages
LocoRoco is a whimsical puzzle platformer with an engaging soundtrack and vibrant visuals that beautifully capture the essence of a colorful dream.
Players embody a friendly blob on a mission to rescue their companions, gradually merging as they collect additional blobs through challenging stages.
Unique movement mechanics, primarily controlled by tilting the environment, enhance gameplay on the PSP and translate smoothly to the PS5, distinguishing it from other traditional 2D platformers. A plethora of imaginative landscapes and hazards await players seeking adventure.
5. Daxter
It’s The Sidekick’s Turn To Play Hero
Among the numerous exceptional platformers available on the PSP, Daxter stands out as an unforgettable experience.
Serving as a spin-off of the celebrated Jak and Daxter series, this game finally places Jak’s sidekick in the main spotlight, offering a compact yet humor-filled 3D platforming adventure.
The dynamic controls allow Daxter to navigate effortlessly through the environment, equipped with amusing weapons such as an electric fly swatter or a flamethrower for a more aggressive approach.
This adventure feels tailor-made for the console rather than a condensed version of its predecessor. While the original may hold its ground, Daxter’s fresh perspective makes it a must-play.
4. Secret Agent Clank
The Brains Of The Outfit
If Daxter’s journey was noteworthy, Secret Agent Clank continues the legacy with another spin-off featuring one of gaming’s most charming robots.
In this title, Clank takes center stage, tasked with clearing Ratchet’s name after a theft accusation. Players navigate a mix of stealth and action while utilizing an impressive array of gadgets and inventive weapons.
By preserving the feel of traditional Ratchet and Clank gameplay while succinctly delivering a unique experience, Secret Agent Clank stands proudly alongside its console counterparts.
3. Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow
One Of Gabe’s Finest Outings
The Syphon Filter series establishes its reputation through suspenseful third-person narratives, with Logan’s Shadow being a standout title worthy of your attention.
Players assume the role of Gabe Logan, tasked with thwarting a terrorist leader in an immersive story steeped in realism, filled with a share of tactical action.
While it incorporates stealth elements, the game rewards patience and strategic planning, featuring a sophisticated cover system for dynamic gameplay. The graphics, though modest on a big screen, are astonishingly impressive for a handheld console.
The previous entry, Dark Mirror, is also commendable, but Logan’s Shadow manages to take the crown.
2. Pursuit Force
Star In Your Own Action Movie
Among my favorite PSP games, Pursuit Force combines adrenaline-pumping action with a steep learning curve.
Players become police officers facing off against various gangs, each presenting unique challenges and personalities. With gameplay primarily revolving around vehicular action, players can shoot from moving cars or even jump onto enemy vehicles to commandeer them.
Each level amps up the intensity, where passing time becomes crucial, demanding flawless execution as you tackle increasingly difficult missions. Despite its challenge, the exhilarating experience of fending off entire gangs alone is hard to match.
1. Joan of Arc
For The Strategists
Jeanne D’Arc is an exceptional tactical JRPG, featuring stunning cutscenes and an immersive combat system that keeps players captivated.
The game’s narrative loosely draws inspiration from the life of Joan of Arc, allowing players to enjoy the story regardless of their historical knowledge.
Strategic gameplay unfolds in beautifully crafted terrain where players can display their tactical acumen. With an array of magical powers and mythical creatures populating the world, exploration becomes a rewarding endeavor.
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