The PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was a groundbreaking handheld console that hit the market in 2004. With its sleek design, gorgeous graphics, and innovative features, it quickly became a fan favorite.
The PSP was ahead of its time in many ways, offering gamers the ability to play console-quality games on the go, as well as access to multimedia features like music and video playback.
The device also boasted Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing players to connect with others online and play games together. The PSP’s popularity skyrocketed, and it became a cultural icon of the mid-2000s.
From iconic franchises like Grand Theft Auto and God of War to lesser-known gems like Patapon and Lumines, the PSP had an impressive library of games that catered to every type of gamer.
Looking for the ultimate list of must-play PlayStation Portable (PSP) games? Look no further, Our expertly curated selection of the best PSP games includes classics will keep you entertained for hours on end!
1. Patapon
Most rankings regarding the best games on the PSP will not have Patapon on the top of their list. The very reason that Patapon is our number one PSP game is that, it was made for the platform, and most importantly, it is fun. Sure, Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions, the second game on this list, is considered one of the greatest games of all time, and yet to be surpassed as the crown jewel of its genre, but that game has performance problems that knocked it down a peg. Patapon is perfect in its concept and execution.
Patapon is a unique game that was released on the PSP in 2008 and developed by SCE Japan Studio. It quickly gained critical acclaim for its quirky visuals, unorthodox gameplay, and catchy music. The game is classified as a rhythm-based strategy RPG, which is a unique combination that sets it apart from other games in its genre.
The gameplay is centered around your role as a Kami, or god, for the Patapons. The Patapons are a tribe of eyeless creatures that rely on your guidance to help them find “IT,” which is believed to grant eternal contentment. The gameplay is heavily focused on rhythm, as you use the PSP’s face buttons to beat drums and issue commands to your army.
For example, you use the Square button to beat the Pata drum and the Circle button to beat the Pon drum. These commands are used to control the actions of your army, such as making them march forward or initiating attacks. The gameplay is not as simple as mashing buttons; it requires a sense of rhythm and timing to execute the commands successfully.
To ensure you keep up with the rhythm, the game plays a beat in the background while the screen flashes a white border, which acts as a visual cue for the beats. If you don’t follow the rhythm, your Patapons will not know what to do and will just stand there. However, if you keep up with the rhythm, you will activate Fever Mode, which will cause your Patapons to sing louder and become more powerful in combat.
The game also incorporates RPG elements into the gameplay. You can create new Patapons by using specific items and the game’s currency, ka-ching. Using rarer items will result in Rarepons, powered-up versions of regular white Patapons that have their strengths. You can also equip your Patapons with better weapons, shields, helmets, and other items that you obtain from defeated enemies.
The game features a good deal of mini-games, which usually involve rhythms. Successfully beating a mini-game will reward you with items that you can use to create better Patapons. As you progress through the game, you will unlock more mini-games.
One of the game’s biggest strengths is its difficulty level. It strikes a great balance between being challenging and being frustratingly difficult. The game starts off forgiving, allowing you to get used to the mechanics and learn the ropes, but gradually ramps up the difficulty as new gameplay and combat elements are introduced.
The game’s longevity is also impressive, as you can continue to make more powerful armies by fighting bosses even after you’ve beaten the game. If you defeat a boss, their level goes up, making them more powerful, but also increases the chances of them dropping better items. Since the game features a lot of bosses, you’ll be spending a good amount of time with this game.
The game’s presentation is also worth noting. The visuals are cute and simple, which adds to the game’s unique feel. The game is rendered in 2D, with the character designs created by the popular French artist, Rolito. Watching your Patapons march and flip their weapons in the air is a treat for the eyes. The music is also catchy and memorable, with a distinct style that is different from other games in its genre.
Despite its strengths, the game is not without its flaws. One of the most glaring issues is the lack of a pause button, which can be frustrating if you need to take a break but don’t want to lose your momentum. Additionally, the boss patterns don’t change significantly even after multiple battles, which can make the fights feel repetitive after a while. The game also has some minor issues with the flow of the story, with certain missions requiring specific items to progress
Patapon 2 was released a year after the original Patapon, also for the PlayStation Portable. It features similar gameplay mechanics to the original game, but with some improvements. The game has a greater emphasis on multiplayer, allowing players to team up and fight bosses together. It also features new Patapon classes, mini-games, and bosses to defeat. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of Hero Patapons, who can perform special abilities during battles. Patapon 2 was praised for its improved graphics, pacing, and longer gameplay compared to the original.
Patapon 3, released in 2011, again for the PlayStation Portable, is the final game in the series. The game takes a departure from the previous games by introducing a new multiplayer mode and a new storyline. The game’s plot involves the Patapons, who are stranded in a strange land and must find a way to return home. Patapon 3 features new gameplay mechanics, including new Patapon classes, weapons, and bosses. It also introduces a new character customization system that allows players to customize their Patapons’ appearance and abilities. The game is also much more challenging than its predecessors, with harder bosses and tougher missions.
The original Patapon was remastered for the PlayStation 4 back in 2020.
2. Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions
The port of one of the greatest games of all time was also enhanced with a lot of gameplay tweaks and rewritten localization. Given that the Final Fantasy games attract the most rabid fans, a vocal minority would have you think that the original game on the PlayStation One is the better game, but it is not. The up-port is the better game marred by the performance problems but it can be easily fixed by modding the PSP or just playing it via emulation. Let us count the ways why the PSP version is better.
Firstly, the graphics and sound have been enhanced, resulting in more detailed character models, improved animations, and higher-quality audio. The new visuals and audio help to create a more immersive experience for players.
Also, WOTL includes new content that was not included in the original game. Players can enjoy new cutscenes, new job classes, new characters, and new battles. These additions add to the overall richness of the game and provide players with even more gameplay options.
Another component that is not in the original is that of a multiplayer mode that allows players to battle against each other using their customized parties. This feature adds another layer of depth to the game, as players can compete with others to test their skills and strategies.
In terms of gameplay, WOTL rebalances the gameplay mechanics to make it more challenging and balanced. Some abilities and classes were reworked, and new abilities were added. This rebalancing ensures that the gameplay experience is engaging and challenging for all players.
Finally, the English localization of WOTL is considered to be superior to the original PlayStation version. The new translation is more accurate and faithful to the original Japanese script, providing a more immersive experience for players who prefer to play in English.
As mentioned already, despite the many improvements, the PSP version of the game suffered from some performance issues, including long load times and occasional slowdowns during battles. These issues were particularly evident during cutscenes and when using certain abilities. However, most players felt that the enhanced content and improved graphics and sound made up for the performance issues.
3. God of War: Chains of Olympus
Chains of Olympus is a prequel to the first God of War game, following Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, while he is still serving the gods. In the game, Kratos is dispatched to uncover the mystery behind a catastrophic event that takes place within the gods’ lands. Although playing the prior games is not necessary to understand what’s happening, it is recommended to play the first game before Chains of Olympus. The character development in this game is not as strong as in the other games, and Kratos is less fleshed out. The game attempts to tug on the player’s emotional heartstrings, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark. The actual plot of the game involves the sun God Helios falling from the sky, and Kratos’s journey takes him through both real-world locations and the fictional underworld. The game has good world-building, with ancient Olympian cities and the underworld represented in all their glory.
Chains of Olympus is a visual tour-de-force that highlights what the PSP is capable of, with breathtaking environments and modeling that is gorgeous. The game’s sound is decent, and the music is more ambient and atmospheric, reminiscent of Prince of Persia or Tomb Raider.
The game’s trademark bombastic hack ‘n’ slash gameplay is fully enjoyable throughout the brief campaign. Players control Kratos, a nimble warrior who is incredibly fun to control, and combat makes up the bulk of the game. Kratos wields a number of weapons, including his famous extending blades of chaos.
Chains of Olympus is a supplementary piece to the God of War series, and while it has its shortcomings, it is still a solid addition to the franchise. The game’s world-building, visuals, and gameplay make it an enjoyable experience for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
4. Lumines
Lumines, a puzzle game from the makers of Rez and Space Channel 5, is an addictive, visually stunning, and beautifully sounding game. The concept of the game is quite simple: a block of four cubes of different colors falls down the screen, and the player has to arrange the blocks to create a “block” of four or more cubes of the same color. When a vertical line sweeps across the screen, any blocks of the same color disappear. If the blocks reach the top of the screen, it’s game over. Lumines combines the elements of Tetris, Super Puyo Puyo, and a music video. Players can learn how to play the game in about 30 seconds without the manual and improve their gameplay the more they play.
The game’s presentation is one of its key strengths. The backgrounds of the game pulse and move to the techno/dance tracks that players will hear. Each track is represented by a ‘skin,’ featuring two signature colors for the blocks and the little animations and pictures in the backdrop.
Although the game starts on the same level, the playing order seems to be random. Players will almost never get the skins in the same order twice, which makes it easier to discover new ones. The widescreen of the PSP is used to full effect, and it’s easy to fling the block from one side of the screen to the other.
Lumines is a highly addictive game. The game’s addictive quality is not just down to the simple gameplay, but the fact that the game is so visually stunning and the music is so beautifully composed. The game’s background pulses and moves to the beat, and the tracks are incredibly well put together. Lumines is one of the most exciting games for the PSP and the most addictive game in years. It is easy to learn and hard to put down, and its elegant simplicity is its beauty. Anyone who loves puzzle games or just wants to kill some time will find Lumines a must-play game.
5. Grand Theft Auto: China Wars
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars was originally released on the Nintendo DS, receiving critical acclaim. It got ported to the PSP within the same year it got released on the DS. Honestly, the DS version is superior due to the unique use of the hardware that does not feel like it’s hamfisted.
In this game, the player controls Huang Lee, a spoiled kid who must return to Liberty City after his father, who was the leader of the Triads, is murdered. The story is full of murder, betrayal, drugs, guns, and all sorts of crazy situations that the player must navigate.
Chinatown Wars is played from an angled top-down perspective like the first two GTA games, with moving art cutscenes and a bright and vibrant look akin to an animated film. Despite this new look, the game has everything that makes a GTA game great, including a deep story with over 70 missions, varied side missions, and the ability to deal drugs for profit.
Drug dealing is a major part of the game, as it is the best way to make a living in Chinatown Wars. Players can buy and sell drugs to make a profit, with the ability to store them in their safe house and sell them to different dealers around the city. Building a drug network and becoming a kingpin is one of the high points of the game.
6. Persona 3 Portable
The game boasts an incredible amount of new content, so much so that it feels like a brand-new game altogether. While the core story of the game remains the same, the addition of a new female protagonist, new social links, and significant changes to existing social links help to expand upon the characters and story in ways that make the game feel fresh and new.
In Persona 3 Portable, players take on the role of a new transfer student at Gekkoukan High School, who finds themselves drawn into a battle to save the world during the “hour between hours,” when everyone else is transformed into strange coffins. The addition of a female protagonist, affectionately dubbed “FeMC,” adds a whole new perspective to the game. Romantic interests become platonic friends, while former friends become romantic interests. However, these changes are not as cut and dried as they may seem.
Veterans of Persona 3 FES, the expanded version of the original game, may be familiar with the game’s social links, of which there are a total of twenty-two. In Persona 3 Portable, eight of these social links have been completely redone with new characters for the female protagonist, while most of the rest have been significantly altered. Two of these social links, the leader of the Tennis or Volleyball club and a girl in charge of the school library, are brand new characters to the game, while the remaining six social links further enhance existing characters, including male allies like Junpei, Akihiko, Ken, Shinjiro, Koromaru, and Ryoji. These additional social links help to expand upon the characters and their backgrounds, making them more fleshed out and relatable to players.
Other social links have been modified so extensively that they bear little resemblance to their original incarnations. For example, Fuuka starts a cooking club and asks the player to join, allowing them to create items that can be given to friends as gifts during Sunday excursions. Even major events have been modified for the new perspective. While players can no longer participate in Operation: Babe Hunt, the infamous hot spring scene in Kyoto now sees players trying to capture the boys rather than evade capture as before. The shower scene during the Lovers confrontation now features a towel-clad Junpei or Akihiko, depending on who the player chooses to take with them. Even a trip to Inaba from Persona 4 and a 14-year-old Yukiko feature prominently in the many changes, both minor and major, that Persona 3 Portable offers up.
In addition to the story changes, the gameplay has also seen significant improvements and revisions. The One More combat system, which is the center of the game, has been revamped to bring it in line with what was seen in Persona 4. These revisions include the ability to directly control party members, the lack of turn loss for being knocked down (which applies to allies and enemies alike), and new ally abilities that allow them to take a death blow for the main character, endure a fatal attack with one HP remaining, and even perform a co-op attack that will knock down an additional foe. These changes allow for a larger margin of error, resulting in fewer unexpected deaths and retries without dramatically reducing the game’s challenge.
7. OMG-Z
OMG-Z is a zombie shooter game developed by Laughing Jackal Games, available as a PS Minis title for PS3, PSP, and PS Vita. It stands out from the crowd of zombie-themed video games by adding a little strategy and skill to the gameplay. The game starts with the City of Redfield being overrun with zombies, and you, as the player, are tasked with clearing arenas of zombies one at a time. The game’s monochrome style and subtle soundtrack add to its unique atmosphere.
One of the game’s interesting features is that each zombie dies in a slightly different way when hit, which can help you clear crowded areas of zombies. However, you only have limited ammo per arena, and your character cannot move from their starting position. This gameplay style focuses more on strategy and how you use what you have got effectively and efficiently. Your end-of-level score is determined by how many zombies you clear from the arena, and you can obtain any of four trophies ranging from bronze to platinum.
At first, the game can be overwhelming with the limitations it puts on you, but once you start using the in-game wealth on upgrades, the fun starts to creep in. The upgrade shop is essential to your progression through the game, and you will be using it at every opportunity to upgrade your ammo capacity, damage, and other benefits. With a combination of zombies, strategy, and upgrades, the game becomes addictive, and replaying older levels for that little extra cash becomes a must.
Since the PlayStation store for PSP and Vita is no more, the only way to play this game is through Steam. It is known now as OMG Zombies!
8. Need for Speed Most Wanted
Need for Speed has been a popular racing game for years, with each release bringing something new to the table. Most Wanted 5-1-0 is a pocket edition created exclusively for PSP. The game allows you to buy fancy cars, enter races, unlock upgrades, and work your way to the top of the Black List. However, you can also buy ugly cars at the start of the game as that’s all you can afford.
The game has a customization feature that allows you to change the paint job, add pre-made vinyl decals, buy new rims, color tint the windows, and acquire new hoods and spoilers. Body kits allow you to drastically change the appearance of your car. To enhance performance, you can purchase suspension kits for improved handling, turbo kits, engine kits, and chassis upgrades to increase your top speed and acceleration rating.
One new feature in Most Wanted is the introduction of the Speedbreaker, which slows down your vehicle for a limited amount of time. The Speedbreaker is similar to Burnout 3 and Burnout Revenge but has a different purpose. Here, the goal is to avoid collisions, not cause them. By slowing the speed of the entire game, not just your individual vehicle, you can easily maneuver in and out of tight spots. The amount of time you have with your Speedbreaker is determined by how full its meter is. You can fill that meter by driving over 100mph at any time during the race.
9. Jeanne d’Arc
Jeanne d’Arc is an amazing strategy RPG game that deftly interweaves historical elements with fantasy and magic. The game’s story is based on the involvement of Joan of Arc in The Hundred Years’ War, where players take on the role of young Jeanne, a peasant girl from the village of Domrémy. One night, Jeanne finds a magical armlet in the forest that attaches to her wrist and gives her the power to transform into a powerful warrior, as well as a voice in her head telling her to fight to save France. The English and their demon minions attack and burn Jeanne’s village, which drives her to fight alongside the French army and embark on her journey to save France from the English and their demons.
The game’s cutscenes use anime to portray the key moments of the story, and they look stunning despite the small resolution of the PSP. The game also boasts a delightful cast of characters, including La Hire, a lion-like Therion based on a historical figure who was a close ally of Joan of Arc. The game’s use of historical figures and events gives the story an extra dimension.
Jeanne d’Arc’s primary gameplay element is strategic combat, where each stage has a victory and a failure condition, and a turn limit to keeping the player focused on the goal. The game also features the Burning Aura and Transformation systems, which provide strategic opportunities for players. Burning Auras form when you land a regular attack on an enemy, and if you place a character inside a Burning Aura, their attacks will do more damage. The Transformation action available to some characters allows them to transform into more powerful forms with unique skills once they have accrued enough SP.
While the game plays well, it does have some difficulty spikes, especially during boss battles. However, players can grind and increase the levels of their units to tackle these obstacles. Jeanne d’Arc lacks some features that would have been nice to have, such as the ability to speed up or skip battle animations and to see the full attack range of the enemy.
In comparison to FFT, Jeanne d’Arc stands out with its use of historical elements, which adds an extra layer to the story. While FFT is known for its deep, complex gameplay and political intrigue, Jeanne d’Arc focuses more on the action and strategic combat. Both games have their strengths and weaknesses, but Jeanne d’Arc’s unique take on a historical figure and its fun gameplay make it a must-play for any strategy RPG fan.
10. Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is a tactical RPG that differs from traditional RPGs by allowing players to control a group of characters in battle, rather than just one. The game’s storyline offers multiple endings based on player choices, providing a unique and immersive experience. The class system also offers a high level of replayability and the game’s intricate storyline filled with political intrigue and moral quandaries sets it apart from others in the genre. The game is considered the progenitor of Final Fantasy Tactics, another critically acclaimed tactical RPG.
While the original SNES version of Tactics Ogre is known for its high level of difficulty, the PSP version and modern remake offer a more balanced challenge. The modern remake is considered the better game objectively speaking, with deep and complex gameplay mechanics, intricate storytelling, and challenging battles that are sure to keep players engaged.
11. Burnout Legends
Burnout Legends is an impressive racing game that brings the Burnout franchise to the PSP with great success. The game combines elements from the first three console Burnout games, creating a unique and original package. The racing is fast, frantic, and filled with crashes, which is what Burnout is all about. The crashes are extremely satisfying, and the game gives you ways to control your wreck to cause even greater carnage.
The game modes are familiar to Burnout fans, and the gameplay is addictively simple. The single-player mode, world tour, is composed of 175 races and events, making for a long and satisfying experience. The multiplayer is also enjoyable, with up to six players via ad hoc wireless play. Burnout Legends is a resounding success and one of the best racing games available on the PSP.
12. WipeOut Pulse
The Wipeout game series has been enduring for fifteen years, and while there are many titles to choose from, Wipeout Pulse is not one of the most definitive ones. It doesn’t try to change anything from its predecessor, Wipeout Pure, and while it does have some minor refinements, it comes up a little short in terms of improvement.
The game benefits from borrowing elements from Wipeout Pure, which had great controls, robust handling, and fun mechanics. Pulse has similar qualities, with some minor graphical and structural improvements, but the tracks lack variety and the option to race them backward blurs their distinct elements.
The game’s structure is different from Pure, with a grid of events to progress through, mixing up game types. While this layout stretches the game’s content over a sizable campaign, the small selection of visually similar courses makes it feel necessary.
Wipeout Pulse is a refinement of the mechanics from Wipeout Pure, it feels underwhelming and insignificant compared to other titles in the series. The quality of the tracks is crucial to defining the experience, but here, the game doesn’t deliver anything that stands out as more than quite good.
13. Tekken: Dark Resurrection
The highly acclaimed Tekken franchise, which is widely considered the best hand-to-hand 3D fighting game in existence, gained more popularity in the mid-2000s with the release of Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection. The game has been well received by the local arcade community in two major cities following the release of Tekken 5.1.
The game’s first true handheld version exploded onto Sony’s PSP in the summer of 2006, offering every character from the arcade version and a range of modes and options, including a new “Tekken Dojo” mode, character customization, ghost fighters, and mini-games like Gold Rush and Tekken Bowling. With superb character models and stages that are eye candy, Tekken: Dark Resurrection on PSP is an updated version with an awesome BGM player, complete with a dancing bear, and a theater mode. It has won the title of “Best PSP Fighting Game” and “Best Handheld Fighting Game” (to date) and is technically one of the most complex 3D fighters you can currently play on any system.
However, when two random button mashers start playing Tekken, the gameplay usually consists of pointless jumping, overused crouching jabs and kicks, and a few jump-to-ground punches from the likes of Tekken (1) or Tekken 2. Such gameplay makes Tekken look horrible to anyone watching.
Namco hasn’t removed these “less impressive” animations from earlier installments yet, perhaps because the dev team keeps them in the game for their own entertainment to laugh at how noobs play the game. Tekken: Dark Resurrection on PSP offers a super basic tutorial mode to help beginners learn basic movement, commands, and how to block.
The game also has improved computer AI characters that combo correctly, helping players learn combos and how to play the game properly. Tekken: Dark Resurrection on PSP is an outstanding game and a must-play for fans of the franchise.
14. Ys Seven
Ys Seven was originally released on PSP in 2010 and now makes its way to PC platforms for a re-release. The game features Adol Christin, an experienced and well-renowned adventurer, on his latest journey. For those unfamiliar with the Ys series, each game details one of Adol’s many adventures and works as a standalone game with few callbacks to other titles in the franchise.
As a PSP game, the character models and environment textures may not be exceptionally detailed, but the game’s bright color palette produces a vibrant and inviting image quality. The 2D character art and UI elements have been upscaled nicely to PC resolutions. Load times between game screens are nearly instantaneous and saving or loading games also takes no time at all.
The PC port of Ys Seven offers a 60 FPS frame rate and much higher resolutions, along with toggles for texture level, texture smoothing, V-Sync, FXAA anti-aliasing, and a borderless window display option. The game is also well-optimized and should be playable on most setups. The port features controller support, and the addition of an extra pair of shoulder buttons on the Xbox 360 gamepad makes character switching and using the Extra skill more simple.
The gameplay of Ys Seven features playable party members who fight alongside Adol in real-time combat. Each character possesses unique skills, and the player can switch characters at any time. Each character can perform normal attack combos on enemies, which will fill up the blue SP gauge. As characters fill up this gauge, they can then perform one of several Skill attacks, which require SP to use. There is also a yellow Extra gauge, which allows a character to perform an ultimate Extra attack when full.
15. Virtua Tennis World Tour#
Virtua Tennis on Sony PSP is a timeless classic that offers endless fun with its pure and addictive gameplay. The game is easy to pick up and play with a control system that feels ahead of its time, and it provides a priceless commodity in handheld gaming with its array of modes that satisfy most of your whims.
Sumo Digital remained faithful to Virtua Tennis 2, with the only significant changes being an updated roster of 14 pros. Virtua Tennis offers a full complement of single-player modes, including instant action, custom exhibition mode, and a five-round tournament challenge. The World Tour career mode is the game’s centerpiece, and it’s delightfully addictive with its silly, yet addictive mini-games.
16. Tetris
It’s Tetris. Words can never reduce the greatness of this game and its impact on the industry. However, this particular version of Tetris is a PlayStation Mini so it is difficult to find the game today in retail. Admittedly, the Tetris Mini for the PSP is barebones and not the actual testament to the game’s all-time quality, and despite of that, it is still a recommended game. The linked game below is Tetris Effect for the PlayStation consoles.
17. Ridge Racer
Ridge Racer for PSP is a racing game developed by Namco. The game features fast-paced, arcade-style racing with a focus on drift racing. The game includes various modes, including arcade, time trial, and wireless multiplayer.
Compared to Burnout and NFS, Ridge Racer has a different gameplay style. Burnout focuses more on high-speed racing with a focus on causing crashes and taking out opponents. NFS has a mix of both high-speed racing and a more realistic racing experience. Ridge Racer, on the other hand, is more arcade-style racing, with a focus on drifting and high-speed turns.
In terms of graphics, Ridge Racer for PSP has impressive graphics for a handheld console. The game features smooth, detailed graphics with bright colors and dynamic lighting effects. Burnout and NFS also have remarkable graphics, but they focus more on realism, while Ridge Racer has a more stylized look.
Ridge Racer for PSP is a great racing game for fans of arcade-style racing. While it may not have the same level of realism as Burnout or NFS, it offers a fun and exciting racing experience that is perfect for gaming on the go.
18. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
Crisis Core is a great game that I highly recommend to any Final Fantasy VII fan. Despite a few minor issues, it is an enjoyable experience that will not disappoint.
In Crisis Core, you play as Zack Fair, Cloud’s friend who only had fleeting appearances in the original game. The story focuses on Zack and his interactions with three principal characters: Angeal, Genesis, and Sephiroth. The game is more subdued and plays out on a smaller scale than its predecessor. Unlike the grand majority of modern RPGs out there, Crisis Core isn’t about saving the world or stopping the cataclysmic destruction of the universe.
The combat system is an action RPG where battles take place in real-time. During battle, you can move Zack around with either the d-pad or the analog nub. The X button selects whatever action your cursor is on across the small menu at the bottom of your HUD. The L and R triggers are used to move this cursor back and forth. The square and triangle buttons command Zack to roll and block, respectively, while circle resets your command cursor back to the default Attack action.
The most unique aspect of Crisis Core’s battle mechanics is the DMW, or Digital Mind Wave. This three-reeled slot system is constantly spinning and dictates a number of things, including when you perform Limit Breaks, when you summon when you level up, and even when your materia is leveled up. All is decided through various match-ups of numbers and portraits which show up on the reels. This system definitely takes some time to get used to, but I thought it was fantastically implemented and made even the most mundane battles interesting.
Crisis Core’s combat engine is very important to the overall experience. Battles are activated at certain points on the map, and enemies will fade into view and fight you right where you stand. Once the enemies are dispatched, Zack continues on his way, with little interruption in terms of loading or transitions.
The game’s atmosphere, sense of humor, and overall design are reminiscent of its predecessor. A number of the locales in Crisis Core are actual 3D redesigns of the original environments in Final Fantasy VII. Any fan who remembers walking through the lobby of Shinra Headquarters will feel nostalgic when they see it so accurately recreated in Crisis Core.
19. Fight Night Round 3
EA Sports’ beloved boxing franchise was made available for the PSP with Fight Night Round 3, offering a unique gaming experience that stands out from its console counterparts. Rather than attempting to replicate the full PlayStation 2 version of the game, EA Chicago has created a tailored experience specifically for the PSP, incorporating some of the best elements from the console versions of Round 2 and Round 3 while introducing new features that make the game a competent and enjoyable boxing experience.
With the convenience of portability, you can now take the excitement of boxing wherever you go and engage in thrilling matches on the go. The game offers four different control configurations, each with slight variations on the basic concept, making it easy for players to customize the gameplay to their liking.
While the absence of the dual-analog Total Punch Control configuration from the console versions may disappoint some fans, the game’s use of the analog stick for moving your boxer around the ring and the face buttons for throwing punches is intuitive and easy to pick up, even for newcomers.
One of the game’s standout features is the variety of punches and defensive moves available to players, allowing for a more immersive and realistic boxing experience. You can defend four areas of your body, and with eight different punches available, each with its own variations between head and body shots, there are plenty of options to keep your opponent on their toes. While the complex control scheme may seem daunting at first, once you get the hang of it, the game’s intricate mechanics offer a deeper level of strategy and excitement.
20. Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy
Square Enix released Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy in 2011, a cross between an RPG and a 3D fighting game. This is the remake of Duodecim previously released a few years before with a bevy of enhancements s and improvements.
The game features a story where two deities are in a constant war, summoning warriors to represent them in the battle. The gameplay is the real highlight of the game, featuring deep elements and a unique combat system with two types of attacks: Brave Attacks and HP Attacks. The game also includes new features, such as enhanced and balanced characters, new abilities, and the addition of Assist characters.
This is essentially a fan service game that does not serve purely fighting game fans or RPG fans. Hence, there is a lot of noise about the game’s quality that is unfounded. This game is one of those games that you would like to play with your PSP, and never out of it.
