Best PSP Games (Updated 2020)

1. Star Wars: Battlefront II

Currently, the most well-known ‘Battlefront’ games are the EA-published reboots of the original series. But in the early 2000s, the original Battlefront games were everything that these reboots have to offer and so much more.

In particular, Battlefront II was revered for its multitude of stages, a variety of playable characters, and unique and exciting gameplay modes. However, unlike the other versions of Battlefront II (for PS2, PC, and Xbox), the version on the PSP doesn’t have a campaign mode, and only offers two modes — Instant Action and Galactic Conquest.

Within the Instant Action mode, there are four different game types that you can choose from (Hero Assault, Hunt Mode, Space Assault, and Capture the Flag). In this mode, you can jump straight into the action and choose from the 24 different maps. Hero Assault offers you the change to play as the Jedi or Sith. Space assault offers high octane battles with space stations and vehicles. Hunt mode and Capture the Flag offers standard multiplayer modes with team-based objectives (i.e., most kills, most flag captures).

With Galactic Conquest, you’re placed in control of a fleet while you choose which various planets to protect or conquer. In this mode, you’ll play via the third-person shooter style of the game, but you’ll also have to think strategically in terms of allocating parts of your fleet/resources towards protecting or conquering a planet.

If you’re a fan of Star wars and third-person shooters, then Battlefront II just may end up being one of your new favorite games! There are endless hours of fun to be had — and although there are drawbacks in comparison to the version of the game released on other platforms, there’s no doubt that this game is just as worth the purchase.

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• Endless hours to enjoy online and with friends
• Two different modes with unique and exciting gameplay
• Enjoy playing as familiar heroes and villains from Star Wars
• Fantastic audio and visuals

2. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable

Persona is a series that’s been filled with a number of cult classics, building in popularity up until the massively successful and well-received release of Persona 5. But even though Persona 5 seems to be the most talked-about title in the series, longtime fans of the series have always found Persona 3 and Persona 4 to be the best titles.

Persona 3 Portable is the perfect place to start for someone who’s only played a few of the titles and wants to dive deeper into the series, or for someone who hasn’t gotten the chance to play any Persona or Shin Megami Tensei (the series Persona originated from) titles.

Serving as an updated port of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3, there are noticeable differences in gameplay and plot from the original. You’re immediately given the option to choose between two protagonists, rather than being relegated to the one main protagonist in the original game (there’s now a female and male protagonist). There are also two new difficulty options, and a number of new plot elements (regardless of which protagonist you choose).

In Persona 3, you play as the main character in high school who, with a group of friends, investigates a curious and little-known time phenomenon known as the ‘Dark Hour’. The protagonist enters a dark and mysterious area referred to as Tartarus, where they must fight through shadows as they learn more about the true nature of the Dark Hour. Similarly to other Persona titles, your interactions and relationships in real life directly impact your abilities in Tartarus. You’ll have to work just as much on your in-game social life as you do on your combat skills. This game involves turn-based fighting with strategic elements and simulation elements in terms of socialization and development of social stats.

With around 80 – 100 hours of gameplay, Persona 3 Portable is filled with missions, plotlines, and characters that will keep you coming back to the game for months! Here’s hoping that if this is your first Persona game, you fall in love with the series! And If you’re familiar with other titles and are trying this one for the first time, here’s hoping it’s your next favorite Persona game!

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• Detailed game with turn-based gameplay
• High school relationships and interactions impact combat and abilities
• Lovable characters and dialogue to constantly keep you gripped
• Beautiful soundtrack; great visuals

3. Secret Agent Clank

For any fans of the Ratchet and Clank series or just fans of PlayStation platforming games in general, Secret Agent Clank is definitely worth giving a shot!

Based on a Clank-only gameplay section that was involved in Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal, you play this game as Clank as you encounter a number of missions, puzzles, and hijinks. Similarly to Daxter, the gameplay is more limited than the main title games, and the overall game is relatively short in length. But for anyone who’s wanted a chance to play Ratchet and Clank on the go, this is the perfect opportunity.

Playing off of the ‘Secret Agent’ theme, Clank wears a tuxedo and bowtie, which are equipped with various gadgets that optimize gameplay and assist you throughout your journey. Although the game difficult is relatively standard and straightforward, there are still a number of challenging missions and puzzles.

There are a lot of ins and outs that make this game its own unique entry in the Ratchet and Clank series: you can transform from Clank to Giant Clank (an optimized and stronger version of Clank), Clank’s interactions and gameplay feel defined and unique, and missions feel purposeful rather than aimless and ancillary.

Overall, if you’re a fan of Clank from the Ratchet and Clank series, and want to have the opportunity to play one the series’ games on the go, then Clank is definitely worth trying. Although it’s not a main title game in the series, it’s unique quirks and gameplay elements make it a novel and enjoyable experience.

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• Variety of secrets and unique gameplay elements
• Fully play as Clank for the first time
• Interesting story tying into main title narratives
• Exciting platforming and combat

4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta

God of War: Ghost of Sparta is a fantastic entry in the God of War series, and has enjoyable elements for longtime fans and newcomers.

While many PSP entries in popular series serve as supporting or additional content, Ghost of Sparta invokes so much in-depth content, gameplay, and story elements that it feels like a main entry.

Ghost of Sparta combines action, adventure, and hack and slash elements in its gameplay, with a fluid and rewarding combat system similar to previous titles. You play as Kratos, the protagonist, who is surprised to find out from his mother than his brother, Deimos, is still alive. From this point, you journey to save your brother from the ‘Domain of Death.’ On this journey, you’ll encounter a variety of quests, enemies, and puzzles.

Unlike the previous God of War PSP title, Chains of Olympus, Ghost of Sparta offers more content and combat updates to ensure that combat always feels engaging and exciting. Your abilities will continuously be tested as you gain new abilities and skills that keep combat feeling fresh. Whether you’re taking down a god or fighting through random enemies, you’ll always enjoy fighting and exploring in this game.

This is a great game for anyone who’s a fan of RPG or hack and slash style games, especially if you’re already a fan of the God of War series. If you’ve been looking for a challenging and engaging experience for the PSP, or are just looking to collect games from this series, this game is sure to be one that you enjoy for a long time to come!

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• In-depth plot and story
• Beautiful visuals and audio
• Detailed and engaging lore
• Variety of gameplay styles for fighting enemies and bosses

5. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is a hidden gem in the long-running Metal Gear Solid series. Because it’s on the PSP, many may look at the game as mere supporting or secondary content. But in reality, the depth of the gameplay, story, and characters is that of a main title game, and these positive qualities shine through during the entire span of the game.

If you’re looking for a multiplayer experience, then you’ll be disappointed to find out that there isn’t a mode for that in this game. However, the two main modes — ‘Mother Base’ and ‘Mission’ — offer enough content that you’ll forget about the lack of multiplayer mode completely. The ‘Mission’ mode serves as the main story, adopting a similar gameplay style as Metal Gear Solid 4.

Implement various covert ops techniques as you choose to attack enemies in a stealth-based or straightforward manner. This stealthy gameplay also allows you to come up with a variety of ways to accomplish and fulfill mission requirements (with players being able to create their own stealth attack setups).

Mother Base, on the other hand, is a micromanaging mode where you oversee the internal operations of Militaires Sans Frontières (the army corps Snake belongs to). In this mode, you’ll decide how various elements of the MSF function, including technology, combat, intelligence, and more. You can always recruit soldiers and give them specific tasks or responsibilities while making sure to keep them fed and optimistic.

With the Mission and Mother Base modes, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker offers the lovable and familiar gameplay of previous Metal Gear titles, while offering players the chance to experience a casual game similar to Fallout Shelter. If you’re a fan of Metal Gear or have been hoping to get into the series, this is definitely a great place to start!

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• Fantastic Metal Gear Solid title with portability
• Two different modes; Vastly different gameplay styles
• Large number of missions and quests
• Variety of ways to solve missions/engage in combat

6. Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy

Dissidia 012 is, in retrospect, seen by many as one of the best available games on the PSP. Serving as an updated version of the prior game, Dissidia Final Fantasy, Dissidia 012 adds a prequel story element and has updates to a variety of gameplay elements involved in the prior game.

Fans of the Final Fantasy series will be particularly excited by this title, with various characters from other titles making their return in this game. The gameplay is fluid and complex, reminiscent of the combat styles from games like Final Fantasy 15 and Kingdom Hearts, with attacks, blocks, and commands being reactive and responsive rather than turn-based.

Between the multiplayer and single-player modes, there are a variety of elements of this game to enjoy as you explore the world that Dissidia 012 has to offer. One on One online or local battles are extremely high octane as you battle it out with some of the strongest characters from the Final Fantasy universe. The single-player mode in this game is extremely fleshed out as well, offering a variety of missions within the ‘world map’ and the ability to roam and explore. With the main party being composed of Lightning (FF13), Kain (FF4), and Tifa (FF8), you’ll have a ton of abilities to use and learn while you race through Dissidia’s missions.

If you’re looking for a great fighting game with JRPG elements, then look no further! Dissidia 012 makes up for everything that the original Dissidia seemingly lacked. With intense gameplay, in-depth missions and story, and a variety of characters to try, there are an endless number of ways to play and enjoy this game!

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• Play as familiar Final Fantasy characters in all-out battles
• In-depth single player mode with variety of missions
• World map exploration
• Rewarding and exciting gameplay

7. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is a fantastic game all around that is extremely overlooked and truly serves as just an impactful experience as the main Final Fantasy VII game.

Playing as the main character, Zack, we’re introduced to a variety of characters that we’ve met in Final Fantasy VII (for those who know the story or who’ve already played), but we’re shown their personalities from completely different angles. Because Crisis Core serves as a prequel, there are a variety of familiar elements (e.g., the Buster Sword, Sephiroth, etc.) that lead us to question — how did this world and these characters become the way they are in Final Fantasy VII? How did the Buster Sword end up in Cloud’s possession?

As Zack, you search for a member of SOLDIER (a military organization) who’s recently been reported missing, named Genesis. As you work with and are overseen by Angela and Sephiroth, two senior members of SOLDIER, you begin to learn about the relation between Genesis’ disappearance and these two characters.

Gameplay in this game is extremely fluid and engaging, with reactive and in-motion combat being employed for the first time in the Final Fantasy VII series. Rather than fighting via turn-based attacks, players engage in combat as Zack using hack-and-slash type attacks, commands, and items, with the game maintaining a variety of elements of the well-known Final Fantasy turn-based system.

Overall, Crisis Core is one of the best games available on the PSP. Although it managed to sell well during the time of its release, many still missed out on this experience, which offers as compelling a story as Final Fantasy VII. As you grow to love these characters, you’ll come to understand the world of Final Fantasy VII that much more. Here’s hoping you enjoy playing the game from start to finish, just like millions of other fans around the world.

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• Compelling narrative and story related to Final Fantasy VII
• Prequel; explains a variety of story elements in FFVII
• Extremely in-depth and intriguing characters
• Beautiful visuals and soundtrack

8. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

Serving as a prequel to Vice City, this game feels like an homage to many of the earlier Grand Theft Auto games in terms of its vicious gameplay, engaging plot, and gorgeous soundtrack.

Similar to the previous Grand theft auto titles, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is an open-world game with action-adventure and third-person shooter elements. You play as the main character named Vic, who’s boss instructs him to oversee a drug operation. From this point, the world of Vice City is truly your oyster.

Regardless of if you want to play through the main storyline, or if you just want to roam the world and see what it has to offer, you’ll be surprised to see just how vast and detailed Vice City feels. Although the main story is only between 15 – 25 hours, this game offers endless hours of replayability through its exciting gameplay, numerous mini-games, various secrets, and potential interactions.

Aside from the gameplay of the main story, there’s also the option to open your own businesses to make additional profits via ’empire-building’. There’s also a multiplayer mode, but it’s extremely limited and can only handle about six players via WiFi. There are a variety of ways to enjoy Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, just like any other Grand Theft Auto game, but because its a prequel to Vice City, it’s truly one of the last GTA games of its kind. Grand Theft Auto 4 was one of the first games to have radical changes in terms of gameplay elements, and for lovers of the older games in the series, this game is sure to be a long time favorite.

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• Prequel to Vice City with in-depth plot
• Varied gameplay and detailed open world
• Action-adventure game with third person shooter elements
• Dive into the world of Vice City once again

9. Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep

For longtime and new fans of the Kingdom Hearts series, it can sometimes feel difficult to get a grip on the story’s timeline, and where many of the games respectively fall on that timeline. Birth By Sleep, however, is a game that is clear about its position in the timeline, and about what characters and occurrences it’s focusing on.

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep is a prequel game that takes place far before even the first Kingdom Hearts title. Focusing on three different characters — Ventus, Aqua, and Terra — you’ll engage in different styles of gameplay and story elements with all three characters. This is where the game is truly at its best; with each character having a different fighting style and series of missions, you grow to know and understand each character while becoming increasingly familiar with their moveset and abilities.

Similarly to the other Kingdom Hearts titles, you have a variety of Disney worlds to visit, all filled with familiar protagonists from our favorite childhood films. This game is a great purchase for anyone who loves Final Fantasy, Nier Automata, or just action RPGs in general! With a rewarding hack and slash-esque combat system, you’ll get endless hours of excitement from just killing enemies and bosses.

With the main story being 30 – 40 hours long, and the story taking place before all other titles, this game is perfect for a longtime fan or for someone looking to get into the series. This game is bot a fantastic PSP game and one of the most unique and exciting games in the series.

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• Prequel in the Kingdom Hearts series
• Three characters to play as with different stories
• Variety of gameplay types and fighting styles
• Fantastic visuals and soundtrack

10. Daxter

Daxter is a hidden gem in the Jak and Daxter series that offers players exciting gameplay from the perspective of the titular character.

If you’re the kind of person who loves platforming games (Mario, Jak and Daxter, Ratchet and Clank), then you’re sure to love this game. Similarly to the first Jak and Daxter game, this game offers colorful and expressive character design, melee-centric combat, and missions and puzzles that will keep you gripped from start to finish.

At the beginning of Jak II, Jak encounters a series of events that lead to him being imprisoned for two years. Cutscenes show the terrible experiences Jak goes through during imprisonment, but gameplay ultimately starts after he’s freed by his lovable friend and sidekick — Daxter. Daxter (the game) is set in this two year period, where you play through a variety of missions as you eventually work your way towards saving Jak.

If you’re looking for an action/adventure-type game that focuses on combat, exploration, and platforming, then you’ll get hours of fun from this game. Although the game itself isn’t particularly long — with the total game being about 9 – 10 hours — the game offers a lot of replayability, and enough secret missions and rewards to keep you continuously surprised.

If you’ve never played any of the games in the Jak and Daxter series and have been wanting to give one a shot, this is a great place to start. Although it offers a slightly different and easier gaming experience than the main titles, Daxter is a game that reels you in with its world-building, vibrant environments, and charming characters.

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• First chance to play as Daxter from Jak and Daxter series
• Variety of secret missions to enjoy
• Race through missions to save Jak
• Exciting platforming gameplay