While the PlayStation Portable (PSP) may have had its heyday in the mid-2000s, it still holds a special place in the hearts of gamers. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the PSP offered a rich library of games that included everything from action-packed adventures to deep, narrative-driven RPGs. While mainstream titles like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and God of War: Chains of Olympus often dominate discussions about the handheld, there are a number of underrated and lesser-known gems that are worth discovering—or rediscovering—by PSP enthusiasts.
One of the most beloved yet overlooked games on the PSP is LocoRoco (2006), a whimsical, platforming game that allows players to control a colorful blob-like creature as it rolls through a vibrant, gravity-defying world. With its cheerful soundtrack and simple, yet challenging gameplay mechanics, LocoRoco is a perfect example of how a game can stand out without relying on complex graphics or heavy combat systems. The game’s innovative use of tilt controls, where players tilt the PSP to guide the character, was a novel and engaging way to experience the game. Its sequel, LocoRoco 2, further expanded on the unique gameplay, making the series a hidden gem on the handheld.
Valkyria Chronicles II (2010) is another PSP exclusive that didn’t get the attention it deserved. A tactical RPG with a mix of turn-based strategy and real-time action, Valkyria Chronicles II continues the story of the original Valkyria Chronicles (which was released on PS3). Set in a fictional version of Europe during an alternate history of World War II, the game follows a group of students from a military academy as they become embroiled in a war to save their homeland. The game’s distinct art style, which resembles a watercolor painting, and its tactical combat system, which blends strategy with real-time shooting mechanics, made it a standout in the genre. Though the PSP’s limitations could sometimes hinder its scope, Valkyria Chronicles II was still a compelling and enjoyable experience for fans of strategy RPGs.
Another hidden gem for the PSP was Patapon (2008), an innovative rhythm-based game harum4d login developed by Pyramid and Japan Studio. Players control an army of little creatures called Patapons, guiding them through various levels by tapping out rhythmic beats that control their movements and actions. The game’s quirky art style and addictive, beat-driven gameplay made it a unique and fun experience. The challenge of maintaining rhythm while navigating through increasingly complex levels kept players hooked, and the game’s catchy soundtrack added to the fun. Patapon 2 and Patapon 3 followed up with more levels, new characters, and additional rhythm-based mechanics, making it a must-play for fans of creative gameplay.
Persona 3 Portable (2009) also deserves a mention as one of the best RPGs on the PSP. Originally released on the PS2, Persona 3 was reimagined for the handheld system with additional features, such as the ability to play as a female protagonist, which introduced new story elements and social links. The game’s unique mix of dungeon crawling and life simulation, where players balance fighting monsters with attending school and building relationships, made it one of the most innovative RPGs of its time. The portable version of Persona 3 maintained much of the depth and charm of the original while adapting it for on-the-go play, cementing it as one of the most essential PSP games for fans of the genre.
Finally, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (2008) was one of the defining multiplayer experiences on the PSP. The game allowed players to hunt massive monsters in a fantasy world, collect materials, and craft weapons and armor. The vast array of monsters and the complex combat system made it a challenging and rewarding game, and the cooperative multiplayer mode, where friends could team up to take down giant beasts, added a social element that kept players coming back. While the Monster Hunter series would go on to achieve even greater success on consoles, Freedom Unite remains one of the best multiplayer experiences on the PSP