When Sony launched the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2004, it was heralded as the next big leap in handheld gaming. Equipped with powerful graphics, a large screen, and the ability to play full-fledged console games on the go, the PSP represented a new frontier for portable gaming. Its library of games quickly became one of the most diverse and robust ever seen on a handheld console. While the PSP is no longer in production, the games released on the system have left a lasting impact on the gaming world, many of which are still fondly remembered by fans.
One of the most beloved games on the PSP was God of War: Chains of Olympus. A prequel to the main God of War series, Chains of Olympus allowed players to control Kratos, the anti-hero from Greek mythology, as he battled gods, monsters, toto77 and other mythological creatures. Despite the limitations of the handheld hardware, Chains of Olympus maintained the franchise’s trademark brutal combat, large-scale battles, and intricate puzzles. The ability to play a full God of War experience on a portable device was groundbreaking at the time, and it remains one of the best action-adventure games on the PSP.
Another standout title was Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions. A tactical role-playing game that was a remake of the original Final Fantasy Tactics, it brought refined mechanics, new characters, and additional content to the PSP. The game was a perfect fit for the handheld format, with its turn-based battles and intricate storylines. The Final Fantasy series is known for its rich narratives and strategic depth, and The War of the Lions was no exception, offering hours of engaging gameplay and a compelling story set in the Final Fantasy universe.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is another iconic PSP title that showcased the device’s capabilities. A spin-off of the famous Grand Theft Auto series, it took place in the fictional city of Liberty City and allowed players to engage in the series’ signature open-world mayhem. Despite being a handheld game, Liberty City Stories delivered a full GTA experience, complete with a gripping story, varied missions, and the freedom to explore the city. The game’s success proved that handheld gaming could deliver the same level of depth and entertainment as home console titles.
These PSP games helped redefine what was possible on a portable device, showing that the handheld market could support complex, console-quality experiences. The PSP’s library remains one of the most diverse and memorable in the history of portable gaming, and many of its titles still hold a special place in the hearts of fans. Though the PSP is no longer in production, its legacy lives on through the games that helped define a generation of portable gaming.