The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony’s ambitious attempt to bring console-quality gaming to handheld devices, and while it may not have reached the same level of success as its home console counterparts, it is still remembered fondly for its exceptional game library. The PSP offered a wide range of games that spanned genres, from action-packed adventures to immersive RPGs. Titles such as Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite helped cement the PSP’s place in gaming history, and even today, these titles are considered some of the best handheld games ever made.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is one of the standout titles for the PSP, and it remains a fan-favorite in the Final Fantasy series. Set seven years before the Marco88 events of Final Fantasy VII, the game follows Zack Fair, a young SOLDIER whose story intertwines with the larger narrative of Final Fantasy VII. The real-time combat system, combined with the rich storyline and emotionally charged moments, made Crisis Core a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Its graphics and cinematic cutscenes were impressive for a handheld console, and it provided an experience that was comparable to full-fledged console RPGs.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories brought the thrill of the GTA franchise to the PSP with great success. Set in the same world as Grand Theft Auto III, the game lets players explore Liberty City while completing missions, interacting with NPCs, and causing chaos in an open-world environment. The game featured the signature GTA gameplay—fast-paced action, vehicular mayhem, and a gritty narrative—while adapting the experience to fit the limitations of the PSP hardware. The game’s success helped prove that handheld consoles could support expansive, high-quality open-world games.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite became one of the best-selling PSP games due to its addictive gameplay loop and challenging monsters. The game centered around hunting down giant creatures and collecting resources to craft better equipment and weapons. The cooperative multiplayer mode allowed players to team up and take on massive monsters together, making the experience even more engaging. The game’s combination of action, strategy, and collaboration made it a standout title on the PSP and a precursor to the larger Monster Hunter series that would go on to dominate gaming in later years.
These three games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite—demonstrate the PSP’s ability to deliver exceptional gaming experiences on the go. Despite the console’s relatively short lifespan, its legacy is still remembered fondly, with many of its best games still regarded as some of the finest handheld titles ever released. The PSP proved that portable gaming could offer the same depth and excitement as home consoles, paving the way for future handheld devices and mobile gaming experiences.
