The PlayStation Portable (PSP) may have come and gone, but its library of games remains a fond memory for many gamers who experienced the joys of handheld gaming in its heyday. Released in 2004, the PSP was Sony’s first foray into the handheld market, and while it may not have achieved the same level of success as its home console counterparts, it was home to a number of exceptional games. This article looks back at some of the best PSP games that defined the handheld console and continue to offer memorable gaming experiences today.

One of the most notable titles in the PSP’s catalog is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. This game brought the open-world chaos of the GTA series to a portable platform and did so with incredible success. Set in Liberty City, the same fictional city as GTA III, players assume the role of Toni Cipriani, a member of the Leone Mafia family. The game offers a sprawling open world filled with side missions, mini-games, and story-driven content that feels just as engaging as its console counterparts. The ability to carry around a fully realized city and wreak havoc on-the-go was a revolutionary concept at the time, making Liberty City Stories one of the best PSP games ever created.

Another standout title is Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, a game that quickly became a fan favorite for its deep combat system and cooperative multiplayer gameplay. Players assume the role of a detiktoto hunter tasked with taking down massive monsters, using a variety of weapons and strategies. The game’s difficulty and focus on teamwork made it incredibly rewarding, especially in the game’s multiplayer mode, where friends could team up and take down beasts together. Its expansive content and the sense of progression made Monster Hunter Freedom Unite one of the most addictive and enduring games on the PSP.

For fans of puzzle-platformers, LocoRoco offers a unique and delightful experience that stands out in the PSP’s library. In this colorful and whimsical game, players control a blob-like creature that can roll around the environment to solve puzzles and collect items. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, paired with its charming art style and fun soundtrack, made it an instant hit. LocoRoco stands out as a title that’s easy to pick up and play, yet offers just the right amount of challenge to keep players engaged.

Finally, God of War: Chains of Olympus is another must-play on the PSP. As a prequel to the main God of War series, the game captures the series’ signature brutal combat and mythological storytelling while delivering it in a handheld format. Players take on the role of Kratos as he attempts to save the Greek gods from an ancient curse. The game’s fluid combat system and large-scale boss battles translate incredibly well to the PSP, making it one of the best action games available on the system.

While the PSP is no longer a mainstream console, its library remains a treasure trove of unforgettable games. Titles like GTA: Liberty City Stories, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, LocoRoco, and God of War: Chains of Olympus continue to hold up, offering experiences that are just as enjoyable today as they were when they first released. For anyone who remembers the PSP fondly or wants to experience these classics for the first time, these games are a perfect introduction to one of handheld gaming’s greatest consoles.