The PlayStation Portable (PSP) may not have garnered the same mainstream success as its successor, the PlayStation Vita, or its competitor, the Nintendo DS, but it certainly left its mark on gaming. With the ability to play full-fledged console games on the go, the PSP provided players with experiences that were ahead of their time. While there were many popular titles like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and God of War: Chains of Olympus, the PSP also featured a slew of underrated gems that often flew under the radar but are still worth playing. These hidden treasures are unique experiences that showcase the power and potential of handheld gaming.
One of the best-kept secrets of the PSP is LocoRoco (2006), a quirky, vibrant platformer that challenged traditional gameplay conventions. The game follows a group of colorful, blob-like creatures that players guide by tilting the environment. The simple, yet charming mechanics, combined with its colorful art style and catchy music, made it an addictive and delightful experience. LocoRoco was a departure from more conventional gaming experiences, offering a relaxing yet engaging platforming adventure. It stands as one of the best examples of how the PSP pushed the boundaries of what was possible on a handheld device.
Another hidden gem is Patapon (2007), a rhythm-based strategy game that blends music and gameplay in a way that few other games have achieved. In Patapon, players control a tribe of dewaslot creatures by rhythmically tapping the PSP’s buttons, guiding them through various challenges. The game’s whimsical art style, catchy soundtrack, and unique mechanics made it a standout title that many missed during its initial release. Though it didn’t gain widespread attention at the time, Patapon remains a captivating and innovative game that showcases the PSP’s ability to deliver unconventional, yet thoroughly enjoyable, experiences.
For fans of RPGs, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007) is an absolute must-play. Serving as a prequel to the classic Final Fantasy VII, this action-packed RPG follows Zack Fair, a character who plays a pivotal role in the original game’s backstory. With real-time combat and a compelling narrative, Crisis Core brings the world of Final Fantasy VII to life on the PSP. The game’s emotional storyline and fast-paced gameplay make it an essential title for any Final Fantasy fan, and it remains one of the standout RPGs in the PSP library.
Lastly, Daxter (2006) is an enjoyable platformer that serves as a spinoff of the Jak and Daxter series. The game follows Daxter, the wise-cracking sidekick, on his own adventure while Jak is trapped in prison. Daxter features the same charming platforming mechanics and vibrant world design as the main series, but with a focus on Daxter’s comedic antics. Though it may not have achieved the same level of fame as Jak and Daxter, Daxter stands as one of the most entertaining and underrated platformers available on the PSP.
While the PSP had its share of big-name titles, these hidden gems demonstrate the versatility and creativity of the platform. LocoRoco, Patapon, Crisis Core, and Daxter are just a few examples of the many underrated games that continue to offer enjoyable experiences to players today. For those who still own a PSP, these games are well worth revisiting.