The PSP was and remains one of my favorite handheld consoles of all time, it was revolutionary at the time – with console quality graphics in the palm of your hand.
Among the multitude of genres it embraced, it was the action games that truly ignited the screen with adrenaline-fueled escapades and unforgettable confrontations.
As we journey into the world of hand-held gaming’s past, we’ll delve into the pulse-pounding titles that not only defined the platform but also left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape as a whole.
Buckle up and brace yourself as we countdown the best PSP action games of all time.
God of War: Ghost of Sparta
First on our list is none other than the God of War title, Ghost of Sparta. This engaging action-adventure game has proven to be a favorite among gamers. Its captivating storyline and intuitive combat mechanics offer an immersive experience that is hard to match.
The game takes players on a thrilling journey through ancient Greece, as they assume the role of Kratos, the iconic Spartan warrior. As Kratos, players will face formidable enemies, solve intricate puzzles, and uncover the secrets of his past.
The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the game, from the breathtaking environments to the fluid animations of Kratos’ brutal attacks.
Players have access to a wide array of weapons and abilities, allowing for strategic and dynamic gameplay. The combat sequences are intense and satisfying, with each victory feeling earned and rewarding.
Ghost of Sparta also boasts a variety of challenging puzzles that require players to think outside the box. These puzzles not only serve as a break from the action but also showcase the ingenuity of the game’s level design.
God of War: Ghost of Sparta is a must-play for fans of the series and action-adventure games in general. Its gripping storyline, intuitive combat mechanics, and stunning visuals make it a standout title.
God of War: Chains of Olympus
Next is God of War: Chains of Olympus. Often considered one of the best PSP action games, Chains of Olympus delivers a stunning combination of action-filled gameplay and an engaging storyline.
Set before the events of the first God of War game, Chains of Olympus allows players to further understand the tormented protagonist, Kratos.
Chains of Olympus boasts a fluid combat system that seamlessly combines brutal melee attacks, devastating combos, and magical abilities.
As players progress through the game, they will uncover the intricacies of Kratos’ past and witness the emotional turmoil that drives him forward. The narrative is expertly woven, revealing layers of depth and complexity to the already iconic character.
Chains of Olympus features stunning visuals that push the limits of the PSP’s capabilities. The game’s graphics showcase highly detailed character models, breathtaking landscapes, and awe-inspiring cinematic sequences, all of which contribute to an immersive gaming experience.
God of War: Chains of Olympus is a testament to the PSP’s potential as a platform for delivering high-quality action games. Its gripping narrative, fluid combat, and breathtaking visuals make it a must-play for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is the next gem in our collection. This action-adventure game successfully brings the signature GTA experience to the portable platform.
Step into the vibrant and bustling streets of Liberty City, a sprawling metropolis filled with opportunities and dangers at every turn.
As you navigate its intricate open-world, you’ll be captivated by the sheer attention to detail in every nook and cranny.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is packed with adrenaline-pumping action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Engage in high-speed car chases as you race through the city streets, dodging traffic and narrowly avoiding collisions.
The game’s mission structures are as diverse as the city itself, offering players a wide range of challenges to tackle.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is a must-have for all action game aficionados.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Following its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories adds another layer of depth to the beloved franchise. Set in the glitzy, neon-filled 80s, Vice City Stories presents a captivating storyline filled with action-packed missions.
Just like in Liberty City Stories, players can engage in exciting side activities, making the game highly replayable.
With impressive open-world gameplay, Vice City Stories continues to reign as one of the best PSP action titles.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is an impressive entry in the Metal Gear franchise. Praised for its deep tactical espionage gameplay, Peace Walker offers a unique blend of action and strategy.
The game introduces new mechanics, such as the base management system, broadening the scope of gameplay. Peace Walker’s compelling narrative and innovative mechanics easily place it among the best PSP action games.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
Next up is Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, known for its adrenaline-pumping co-op gameplay. This action role-playing game has players battling a variety of monstrous creatures in a vast fantasy world.
The title’s satisfying combat system and cooperative multiplayer mode have attracted a dedicated fanbase. Its expansive roster of monsters and array of weapons certainly earns it a spot on our list.
Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep
Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep is another unforgettable PSP action game. Renowned for its intricate storyline and familiar characters, Birth By Sleep offers an enthralling experience for both Kingdom Hearts fans and new players.
Players can enjoy intense action sequences coupled with strategic gameplay elements, making it a standout title amongst its PSP counterparts. Its compelling narrative and polished combat mechanics highlight the game’s all-round excellence.
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror is a thrilling third-person shooter game with stealth elements. From intense gunfights to strategic infiltrations, Dark Mirror provides a diverse range of gameplay experiences.
It features a gripping storyline and a robust multiplayer mode, ensuring hours of addictive gameplay. Its cutting-edge visuals and tight controls add to the title’s charm, making it a worthy addition to our list.
Daxter
Daxter takes center stage in this action-packed platformer. Known for its diverse gameplay and stunning visuals, Daxter provides a fun-filled adventure on the PSP.
The game mixes platforming with combat, offering a balanced action experience. Complemented by an intriguing storyline, Daxter proves to be more than just a humor-filled spin-off.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
Finishing off our list is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, a thrilling action RPG with a strong narrative focus. Set in the beloved world of Final Fantasy VII, players get to experience a gripping prequel to the main game.
It combines real-time action with RPG elements, offering a dynamic gameplay experience.
The game’s deep storyline and memorable characters cement its status as one of the must-play PSP action games.
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters is a classic that never disappoints. It executes the complex balance of providing challenging gameplay while maintaining a fun and enjoyable experience. It’s a brilliant game that perfectly captures the essence of its console counterparts.
Size Matters takes the platform action to the next level, delivering a robust set of weapons alongside hilarious gadgets, in a narrative set within beautifully designed environments.
Size Matters also excels in its storytelling, delivering a captivating narrative that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The witty banter between Ratchet and Clank adds a layer of humor to the game, making it a joy to experience.
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters is a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and captivating storytelling make it a standout title on the PSP.
Patapon series
With its unique blend of rhythm-based gameplay and strategic army management, the Patapon series is a refreshingly original gaming experience. Its innovative integration of music and action sets it apart in the crowded PSP library.
Players push their tribal force forward by playing a sequence of drums, resulting in a captivating mix of thought-provoking strategy and rhythm gameplay. The series’ progressive complexity across sequels holds players’ attention, catapulting it into the realm of the best PSP action games of all time.
Not only does the Patapon series offer engaging gameplay, but it also boasts stunning visuals and a captivating art style. The world of Patapon is brought to life with colorful and detailed environments, filled with lush forests, treacherous mountains, and ancient ruins.
The rhythmic drumming and catchy tunes perfectly complement the gameplay, creating an immersive audio experience that further enhances the sense of adventure and excitement.
With its unique gameplay mechanics, charming art style, and captivating sound design, it’s no wonder that the Patapon series has garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. The series’ ability to seamlessly blend rhythm and strategy has solidified its place as one of the most innovative and memorable gaming experiences on the PSP platform.
Killzone: Liberation
In contrast to its first-person shooter counterparts on console, Killzone: Liberation offers a wholly immersive third-person action experience. Players are thrust into a war-torn world where they must navigate treacherous terrain and engage in intense firefights.
The game’s unique perspective allows players to see their character from a different angle, adding a fresh and exciting element to the gameplay.
Players must carefully plan their moves, considering factors such as enemy positions, available cover, and ammunition. Rushing headfirst into a battle is not a viable strategy in this game. Instead, players must use their wits and strategize their every move to overcome the challenging scenarios.
This game is not for the faint of heart. It rewards skill and precision over brute force, making every victory feel incredibly satisfying.
The game boasts gorgeous graphics that bring the war-torn world to life. From the detailed environments to the meticulously designed character models, every aspect of the game’s visuals is a testament to the developers’ attention to detail.
Killzone: Liberation is a standout title in the third-person action genre. With its immersive gameplay, punishing difficulty, engaging multiplayer modes, stunning visuals, and captivating storyline, it is no wonder that this game stands tall on our list of must-play titles.
Resistance: Retribution
Resistance: Retribution took the popular console FPS series and effectively scaled it down for handheld gaming. Despite the reduction in size and scope, the game maintained the heart of the Resistance universe: a dystopic future where humanity battles against an invading alien force.
It presented challenging sequences throughout its campaign, driving players to utilize their arsenal to survive the relentless enemy forces. The result is an action-packed game that is unmissable for PSP owners.
LocoRoco series
LocoRoco, with its distinct art style and playful vibe, is a charming break from the conventional action game. It involves guiding blobs through levels by rotating the environment, merging and splitting blobs, and solving puzzles.
Its appeal lies in its simplicity, universal charm, and the fun factor that underpins the whole experience. With engaging gameplay and catchy music, the LocoRoco series can brighten any gamer’s day.
The 3rd Birthday
A spinoff of the Parasite Eve series, The 3rd Birthday is an engaging third-person shooter with impressive visuals and a gripping storyline. It involves players controlling Aya Brea through a series of chaotic battles in a dystopian Manhattan.
The game’s Overdive system, which allows Aya to possession-control other characters on the field, adds a layer of strategic depth. Despite its mature content, the 3rd Birthday maintains an incredible gameplay experience.
Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines
Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines chronicles the story of Altair in a handy PSP format. The game managed to keep the feel of the console version, delivering an immersive experience with a well-paced storyline and captivating mission structure.
Despite its limitations, the game thrived on fluid gameplay mechanics and engaging assassinations. Bloodlines offers an unforgettable experience on the PSP, making it a must-have in any action lover’s library.
Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles
As one of the most cherished franchises in gaming history, Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles lets players experience the classic in a completely new way. This version of the game is a polished remake and packs the original game’s charm with improved visuals and added content.
From its challenging level designs to its epic boss fights, the game offers an action-packed journey that has cemented it as one of the PSP’s strongest titles.
Silent Hill: Origins
Silent Hill: Origins, the prequel to the original Silent Hill, brings terror and action to the portable screen. Despite the change in developer hands, the game maintains the series’ psychological horror and tense combat.
Interlaced with the nightmare transition mechanics and psychologically charged narrative that have become Silent Hill trademark, Origins makes full use of the PSP’s potential to bring players a uniquely terrifying experience.
Star Wars: Battlefront II
Star Wars: Battlefront II for PSP is the ultimate Star Wars action experience. It allows players to participate in all-out wars, engage in single-player story modes, or fight alongside others in multiplayer modes.
The game shines with its variety of iconic characters and vehicles from the Star Wars universe, combined with diverse multiplayer modes. This enables both dedicated Star Wars fans and action enthusiasts to enjoy this title to the fullest.
Lumines
The first on our list is the electrifying puzzle-action game, Lumines. It’s more than just a strategy game – it’s an immersive journey that combines the elements of sound, light, and puzzling blocks into an incredibly addictive gameplay experience.
The praise for this game is global, and its reputation precedes it. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the vibrant neighborhoods of New York City, gamers all around the world have fallen in love with the mesmerizing world of Lumines.
Its innovative gameplay mechanics and captivating visuals have garnered critical acclaim from both players and industry experts alike.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking for a new challenge or a casual player seeking an immersive experience, Lumines has something to offer. Its addictive gameplay, stunning visuals, and captivating music will keep you coming back for more.
LittleBigPlanet
Next on our review list is LittleBigPlanet. This is an innovative action game that goes beyond ordinary gaming norms. It encourages players to interact with the game environment in creative ways, elaborating on platform gaming by allowing players to shape the game world.
The charm of this game lies in its adorable main character – Sackboy, and the collaborative game design. Players can work together to solve game puzzles, building a sense of camaraderie.
With a robust level editor, players can let their creativity run wild. Want to build a challenging obstacle course or a serene garden? The choice is yours. You can even share your creations with the online community, allowing others to enjoy and be inspired by your ingenuity.
Whether you’re swinging from ropes, bouncing on springs, or navigating treacherous platforms, the controls are responsive and fluid, allowing for a seamless gaming experience.
LittleBigPlanet also boasts a vast array of customization options, allowing you to personalize your Sackboy to your heart’s content. From different outfits and accessories to unique stickers and decorations, you can truly make your Sackboy stand out in the crowd.
This level of customization adds a layer of personalization that enhances the overall immersion and connection to the game world.
Mega Man Powered Up
Third on our list is Mega Man Powered Up – an exceptional remake of the original 1987 Mega Man game. Embracing modernization while staying true to Mega Man’s roots, this game serves as both a tribute and an improvement to its predecessor.
The gameplay remains faithful to the classic Mega Man style, with the introduction of new levels, characters, and a level creator for players to design their own Mega Man stages.
The game boasts a visually stunning art style, with vibrant and detailed environments that breathe new life into the Mega Man universe. Each level is meticulously crafted, with attention to every pixel, creating a visually captivating experience for players.
Mega Man Powered Up also introduces new playable characters, allowing players to experience the game from different perspectives. Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyle, adding a fresh layer of strategy and variety to the gameplay.
And let’s not forget about the controls. Mega Man Powered Up offers tight and responsive controls, ensuring that every jump, slide, and shot feels precise and satisfying.
Whether you’re a seasoned Mega Man veteran or a newcomer to the series, the controls are intuitive and easy to pick up, allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy the game.
Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier
Our fourth pick is Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier. This game continues the dynamic duo’s exciting journey with a delightful mix of platforming, shooting, and flight combat sequences.
Players will love the sharp graphics, well-animated characters, and humor-filled dialogue. The game provides a balanced challenge by alternating between piloting aircraft, solving puzzles, and defeating enemies. Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier is proof that action games can be both thrilling and fun.
The graphics are vibrant and detailed, bringing the world of Jak and Daxter to life in a way that is truly awe-inspiring. The character animations are fluid and expressive, adding an extra layer of immersion to the overall experience.
With its captivating storyline, diverse gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and engaging dialogue, Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier is a must-play for fans of the series and action-adventure enthusiasts alike.
Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy
And finally, we have Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy. This title is a spectacular action RPG that features a dream collection of characters from the Final Fantasy saga, each with their unique combat styles and abilities.
The game mechanics are engaging, with varied scenarios that generate endless replay value. The graphics are simply stunning, and the soundtracks are true to Final Fantasy’s musical grandeur.
Fans of the series would find Dissidia 012 an essential addition to their collection.
Conclusion
Each of these titles offers unique experiences, pushing the boundaries of PSP gaming and creating a special place in the players’ hearts. Whether you are a fan of rhythm-bases puzzle games or prefer fast-paced action, there is something for every PSP player within these top picks.
