Top 35 Best PSP Games
PlayStation Portable is a handheld video game console released by Sony Computer Entertainment on December 12, 2004. It has sold 82 million units worldwide.
In total, there are more than 2,000 game titles released for the PlayStation Portable. In this Story, I will introduce 35 recommended games from among them.
· My Best PlayStation Portable Games
∘ 1. Monster Hunter Portable 3rd
∘ 2. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
∘ 3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
∘ 4. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
∘ 5. Final Fantasy Type-0
∘ 6. The 3rd Birthday
∘ 7. Metal Slug Anthology
∘ 8. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
∘ 9. Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy
∘ 10. Mega Man Legends 1+2
∘ 11. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
∘ 12. Persona 3 Portable
∘ 13. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
∘ 14. Ridge Racer
∘ 15. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
∘ 16. Star Wars: Battlefront II
∘ 17. Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection
∘ 18. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
∘ 19. Steins;Gate
∘ 20. Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity
∘ 21. Dissidia Final Fantasy
∘ 22. Tales of Destiny 2
∘ 23. Gods Eater Burst
∘ 24. Star Ocean: First Departure
∘ 25. Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA
∘ 26. Final Fantasy III
∘ 27. Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars
∘ 28. Everybody’s Golf Portable 2
∘ 29. Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX
∘ 30. Armored Core 3
∘ 31. Final Fantasy
∘ 32. Capcom Classics Collection
∘ 33. Suikoden I & II
∘ 34. Castlevania: Rondo of Blood
∘ 35. Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy in Itadaki Street Portable
· Summary
My Best PlayStation Portable Games
I’d like to introduce 35 recommended game titles from the PlayStation Portable softwares that I own.
- The release dates are based on Japan.
- The purchase price is the successful bid price at the Japanese net auction.
- The exchange rate is 1 dollar = 148.36 yen.
Below is a list of the top 35 PSP games:
1. Monster Hunter Portable 3rd
This is the new title released on a handheld device in two and a half years since “Monster Hunter 2ndG”.
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release: December 1, 2010
- Genre: Action Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥400/$2.70
It is based on “Monster Hunter 3” released on the Nintendo Wii, with adjustments and new monsters added for the handheld.
2. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
The story takes place seven years before Final Fantasy VII, with “Zax” as the protagonist, who had appeared in the recollection scenes of “Final Fantasy VII”.
The battle system is an active time battle with action. The player can use normal attacks with a sword, as well as techniques and magic by equipping “materia”.
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release: September 13, 2007
- Genre: Action Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥350/$2.36
On December 13, 2022, a remake of the game, “Crisis Core File Fantasy VII Reunion,” was released on the Nintendo Switch and PS5.
3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
A sequel to the Metal Gear series directed, written, and game designed by Hideo Kojima himself.
Set in Costa Rica in 1974, this action-adventure game features the main character “Snake (Big Boss)” as he tries to stop the new “Peace Walker” tank.
- Publisher: Konami
- Release: April 29, 2010
- Genre: Action-adventure, Stealth
- Purchase Price: ¥400/$2.70
The scenario consists of six chapters. The game’s difficulty level has been eliminated, and a difficulty level is set for each mission.
4. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
The story takes place about 10 years before “Kingdom Hearts,” and many characters from “Kingdom Hearts I and II” also appear.
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release: January 9, 2010
- Genre: Action Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥300/$2.02
The three main characters are new characters Terra, Ventus, and Aqua, and each character has one storyline.
All the stories progress along the same timeline, and the entire story is revealed when all the characters have completed the game together.
5. Final Fantasy Type-0
This is one of the “Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy”, a group of works centered on “Final Fantasy XIII.
In 2006, it was announced as a cell phone application under the title “Final Fantasy Agito XIII”, but the platform was changed to PSP in 2008.
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release: October 27, 2011
- Genre: Action Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥350/$2.36
Players control 14 characters belonging to Class Zero, and are required to play through the game according to the scenario.
6. The 3rd Birthday
A sequel to the “Parasite Eve” series, this is the new title in 11 years.
The main character is “Aya Brea,” a gun-action RPG in which she defeats enemies while switching between four different types of firearms.
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release: December 22, 2010
- Genre: Action Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥800/$5.39
There are seven episodes in total, and once the game is completed, the player can choose between “Deadly Mode” and “Genocide Mode,” both of which have a high level of difficulty.
7. Metal Slug Anthology
This game contains seven Metal Slug games and was released on PS2, PSP, and Wii.
The basic content is the same as the PS2 version, but only the PSP version has an interruption save function.
- Publisher: SNK Playmore
- Release: February 9, 2007 EU
- Genre: Scrolling Shooter
- Purchase Price: ¥2800/$18.87
It also includes features such as the “Art Gallery Mode,” which allows users to view valuable illustrations from the past.
8. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
The story is two years before “Grand Theft Auto Vice City” and takes place in Vice City in 1984.
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Release: October 31, 2006 NA
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Purchase Price: ¥750/$5.06
The protagonist is Victor Vance, the older brother of Lance Vance, the protagonist of Grand Theft Auto Vice City.
He cannot swim in the previous game, but he can swim in this game. He can also ride in a helicopter.
9. Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy
It is a sequel to “Dissidia Final Fantasy” and the conclusion of the series.
Two game modes are included: “Story Mode” and “Party Battle.
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release: March 3, 2011
- Genre: Action Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥350/$2.36
In addition to the characters, maps, background music, and summoned beasts from the previous game, many new ones have been added.
10. Mega Man Legends 1+2
This value pack includes the first and second Mega Man DASH games.
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release: January 29, 2009
- Genre: Action-adventure, Third-person Shooter
- Purchase Price: ¥3500/$23.59
It is a port from the PS1 version and supports widescreen. (PS1 version: 256 x 224 PSP version: 480 x 272)
Subtitles have also been added to event scenes, making it easier to understand dialogue and technical terms.
11. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
This is the sixth title in the “Grand Theft Auto” series and the first “GTA” for the PlayStation Portable.
The story takes place in Liberty City in 1998, three years before “Grand Theft Auto III”. The main character is Toni Cipriani.
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Release: October 25, 2005 NA
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Purchase Price: ¥800/$5.39
Unlike in “Grand Theft Auto III,” he can ride a motorcycle. However, he cannot ride a helicopter or airplane (except for some missions).
Also, you cannot swim in rivers or the ocean.
12. Persona 3 Portable
In this role-playing game set in a school town, boys and girls who use special powers called “personas” become a team and engage in various activities.
This work is divided into two parts, day and night. In the daytime, you can experience school life, and at night you fight the mysterious monster “Shadow”.
- Publisher: Atlus
- Release: November 1, 2009
- Genre: Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥600/$4.04
A remake of “Persona 3 Reload” will be released on February 2, 2024 on PS5/XSX/PS4/ONE/Win.
13. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
This is a port of “Final Fantasy Tactics” released in 1997 with additional elements to the PSP.
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release: May 10, 2007
- Genre: Tactical Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥600/$4.04
The “Dark Knight” and “Onion Knight” were added as new jobs.
New characters “Balflear” from “Final Fantasy XII” and “Luso Clemens” from “Final Fantasy Tactics A2” were also added.
14. Ridge Racer
It was a launch title for the PlayStation Portable and the first in the series to support a widescreen (16:9) format.
- Publisher: Namco
- Release: December 12, 2004
- Genre: Racing
- Purchase Price: ¥700/$4.72
Courses from previous titles in the series have been refined and reworked, and new courses have been included.
Also, popular machines from past series will appear in this title.
15. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
This is an upgraded version of “Monster Hunter Freedom 2nd” released in February 2007 with additional elements.
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release: March 27, 2008
- Genre: Action Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥700/$4.72
This title has a data install function, which allows game information to be saved to a memory stick in advance to reduce loading time.
16. Star Wars: Battlefront II
This is a sequel to Star Wars Battlefront, which was released on PS2 and XBOX on September 21, 2004.
- Publisher: LucasArts
- Release: October 28, 2005 EU
- Genre: Action, Third-person shooter
- Purchase Price: ¥1000/$6.74
It includes all six movies in the Star Wars saga and lets you control Jedi (Luke Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker) and Sith (Darth Maul, Darth Vader) characters.
17. Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection
This complete collection allows you to play three titles: “Final Fantasy IV,” “Final Fantasy -Interlude-,” and “Final Fantasy The After Years.
The three titles are displayed when the game is launched and can be played in any order.
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release: March 24, 2011
- Genre: Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥1800/$12.13
The Nintendo DS version of the scenario movie is inserted, and the BGM can be switched between the original and DS versions.
18. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
This is the first Metal Gear Solid title for the PSP that depicts a sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3. (excluding Metal Gear Acid).
- Publisher: Konami
- Release: December 5, 2006 NA
- Genre: Action-adventure, Stealth
- Purchase Price: ¥400/$2.70
Using the PSP’s Wi-Fi functionality, players can play online matches and trade soldiers.
The expansion pack “Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops Plus” was released on September 20, 2007. If you have play data from this title, you can carry over your data.
19. Steins;Gate
It is a sound novel style adventure game set in Japan in 2010.
There are six multiple endings, and the choices made by the main character “Rintaro Okabe” will change the lives of his friends and the future of mankind.
- Publisher: 5pb./MAGES.
- Release: June 23, 2011
- Genre: Visual Novel
- Purchase Price: ¥600/$4.04
On December 10, 2015, the sequel “STEINS;GATE 0” was released on PlayStation 4/PlayStation 3/PlayStation Vita.
20. Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity
In this RPG, players create their own unique character, and save the stars in peril with their friends.
There are more than 100 million variations of characters and a total of 3,000 weapons and items.
- Publisher: Sega
- Release: February 24, 2011
- Genre: Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥300/$2.02
In addition to “Story Mode,” game modes include “Multi Mode,” which allows up to four players to enjoy cooperative and competitive play, and “Internet Multi Mode,” which allows cooperative and competitive play over the Internet.
21. Dissidia Final Fantasy
This game commemorates the 20th anniversary of the birth of the “Final Fantasy” series, and was produced mainly by the staff of the “Kingdom Hearts” series.
A total of 22 characters can be controlled, with “FFXI” and “FFXII” appearing as hidden characters.
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release: December 18, 2008
- Genre: Action Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥300/$2.02
Each character gains experience in battle and can be raised to level 100. In addition, players can customize their stats by changing equipment and abilities.
The average playing time is estimated to be 40 hours until the story is cleared, and more than 100 hours if you add in the challenging elements.
22. Tales of Destiny 2
This game is the PSP port of “Tales of Destiny 2,” which was released on PS2 on November 28, 2002.
Set 18 years after the previous “Tales of Destiny” game, the game chronicles the battles of Kyle Dunamis.
- Publisher: Namco
- Release: February 15, 2007
- Genre: Action Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥1000/$6.74
An “illustration book” has been added that allows users to view illustrations from the game, as well as a mode that allows users to view all movies.
23. Gods Eater Burst
A hunting action game in which players fight giant monsters, similar to Monster Hunter.
- Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
- Release: October 28, 2010
- Genre: Action Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥400/$2.70
An improved version of the previous “God Eater” game with adjusted game balance and systems. There are additional characters and scenarios.
24. Star Ocean: First Departure
A full remake of “Star Ocean” released on the Super Famicom (SNES) in 1996 for the PlayStation Portable.
Characters are now fully voiced, graphics have been redesigned, and new scenarios and characters have been added.
- Release: December 27, 2007
- Genre: Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥500/$3.37
An HD remastered version of Star Ocean 1 -First Departure R- was released on December 5, 2019 for PS4 and Nintendo Switch.Publisher: Square Enix
25. Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA
The game features the virtual idol “Hatsune Miku” and is a rhythm action game.
You can change Hatsune Miku’s outfit or change her appearance to someone other than Miku.
- Publisher: Sega
- Release: July 2, 2009
- Genre: Rhythm Game
- Purchase Price: ¥500/$3.37
There are 36 songs in total, 19 of which are new songs.
The game also has a mode that allows users to create their own rhythm games by using MP3 data imported to Memory Stick.
26. Final Fantasy III
A remake of “Final Fantasy III” released on the Famicom (NES) in 1990.
The game system has been significantly modified, and the graphics are now full-polygon 3D.
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release: September 20, 2012
- Genre: Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥3800/$25.61
The main characters were changed from four boys to three boys and a girl.
The characters had no personalities in the original version, but their names, appearances, and personalities were newly set up.
27. Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars
A game in which both “Crazy Taxi” and “Crazy Taxi 2” can be played. The BGM has been renewed, and two players can now play the game.
- Publisher: Sega
- Release: August 7, 2007
- Genre: Racing
- Purchase Price: ¥2000/$13.48
Players take on the role of a cab driver, picking up passengers who are calling for a cab on the field, and having them arrive at their destination within the time allotted.
28. Everybody’s Golf Portable 2
This is the eighth title in the Everybody’s Golf series.
This is the largest number of golf courses in the portable version of the “Everybody’s Golf” series.
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Release: December 6, 2007
- Genre: Sports
- Purchase Price: ¥450/$3.03
Multiplayer play was also possible using the wireless LAN function, although this service has now been terminated.
29. Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX
The story is based on the Game Boy Advance version, with the addition of a new character, Ingrid. A total of 39 characters can be controlled.
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release: January 19, 2006
- Genre: Fighting
- Purchase Price: ¥2000/$13.48
This software is not compatible with Memory Sticks larger than 4 GB, and game data cannot be saved even if inserted.
30. Armored Core 3
This game is a port of “Armored Core 3” released on PS2 in 2002 to PSP.
- Publisher: FromSoftware
- Release: July 30, 2009
- Genre: Robot Action
- Purchase Price: ¥1500/$10.11
The game content is almost the same as the PS2 version, but the frame rate has been reduced from 60 FPS to 30 FPS and the graphics have been degraded.
In the versus mode, you cannot play against the computer, and you cannot switch difficulty levels.
31. Final Fantasy
The game is based on “Final Fantasy I/II Advance,” which was released on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, and includes an additional dungeon, “Soul of Chaos.
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release: April 19, 2007
- Genre: Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥900/$6.07
The additional dungeon, “Soul of Chaos,” requires players to seal any ability. If they do so, they will receive time depending on the ability they sealed.
The player proceeds through the dungeon within the given time and defeats the boss at the end. By defeating the boss, you can complete the art gallery.
32. Capcom Classics Collection
You can play 19 retro games including Street Fighter II.
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release: March 22, 2006 NA
- Genre: Various
- Purchase Price: ¥1400/$9.44
In this game, you get one coin for each game played.
The coin can be used for a slot game, and when three patterns are matched, you can get materials, songs, and cheat codes for each title.
33. Suikoden I & II
This game software allows you to play “Suikoden 1” and “Suikoden 2”.
- Publisher: Konami
- Release: February 23, 2006
- Genre: Role-playing
- Purchase Price: ¥1400/$9.44
The game recreates the scale of the original “Suikoden,” with a maximum of 108 friends and a castle that grows stronger as the player’s power expands.
34. Castlevania: Rondo of Blood
This is a remake of Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, which was released in 1993.
By fulfilling the requirements, the original “Castlevania: Rondo of Blood” and “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” can also be played.
- Publisher: Konami
- Release: October 23, 2007 NA
- Genre: Platform
- Purchase Price: ¥3200/$21.57
The graphics have all been rewritten in 3D, but the game is a stage-clearing 2D action game.
The two characters available are the main character “Richter Belmont” and the female character “Maria Renard.
35. Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy in Itadaki Street Portable
This board game released by Square Enix is the sixth in the Itadaki Street series.
It features many characters from the Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy series.
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release: May 25, 2006
- Genre: Party, Board Game
- Purchase Price: ¥500/$3.37
It is not a port of the PS2 version, but a new version with all new characters and maps, and the character illustrations have been newly drawn.
You will receive coins depending on the score you clear, and you can purchase characters and hidden modes with the coins.
Summary
Here are my personal top 10 PlayStation Portable games:
- Monster Hunter Portable 3rd
- Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
- Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
- Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
- Final Fantasy Type-0
- The 3rd Birthday
- Metal Slug Anthology
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
- Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy
- Mega Man Legends 1+2
I hope you find your perfect game in these PSP titles.
