The PlayStation Portable’s library contains several hidden gems that have been unjustly forgotten over time. Valkyria Chronicles II stands out as one of the system’s deepest strategy RPGs, adapting the unique “BLiTZ” battle system from its PS3 win88 predecessor into a perfect portable format. The game’s watercolor aesthetic and compelling military academy story make it a must-play for tactics fans, yet it remains trapped on the PSP while other entries in the series have seen modern re-releases.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker represents Hideo Kojima’s ambitious attempt to bring a full-scale Metal Gear experience to handheld. The game’s bite-sized missions were perfectly suited for portable play, while its surprisingly deep base management systems and cooperative multiplayer showed the PSP’s untapped potential. This title served as the crucial bridge between MGS4 and MGSV, making its current lack of availability outside of legacy platforms particularly frustrating.
Corpse Party introduced Western audiences to a new kind of horror experience, blending traditional adventure game mechanics with gruesome survival horror elements. The game’s 16-bit aesthetic belies its genuinely disturbing atmosphere and multiple nightmare endings. While the franchise has seen sequels and remakes, the original PSP version remains the purest expression of its terrifying vision.
Ys Seven demonstrated how action RPGs could thrive on portable hardware, delivering lightning-fast combat and an epic adventure that rivaled console experiences. Falcom’s signature blend of challenging real-time battles and memorable soundtrack work shines brightest in this entry, which served as many players’ introduction to the long-running Ys series. The PSP’s superior d-pad made this version preferable to later mobile ports.
Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble offered one of the PSP’s most unique open-world experiences, casting players as a delinquent student traveling across Japan to prove himself the toughest fighter. The game’s hilarious dialogue, deep customization options, and satisfying brawler combat created a cult classic that never received the recognition it deserved outside Japan. Its blend of humor and heart makes it ripe for rediscovery in today’s gaming landscape.