The PSP era was a golden time for handheld gaming, with a blend of blockbuster franchises and under-the-radar gems that truly made the platform shine. While games like God of War: Chains of Olympus and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories grabbed the spotlight, there were many lesser-known titles that defined the PSP experience for hardcore gamers. In fact, some of the best PSP games cendanabet never received the attention they deserved, despite offering creative gameplay and deep narratives.
One of these hidden gems is Jeanne d’Arc, a tactical RPG from Level-5 that reimagines the story of Joan of Arc through a fantastical lens. The game combines turn-based strategy with RPG elements, offering a strong plot, beautiful art style, and robust combat system. Despite being critically praised, it remained relatively niche, making it a treasured discovery for PSP enthusiasts. It’s one of those games that reminds players how PSP was more than just a portable console—it was a platform for bold experimentation.
Another underrated title is LocoRoco, a physics-based platformer where players control colorful blobs navigating quirky worlds. With its joyful aesthetic and innovative tilt mechanics, LocoRoco was unlike anything on the market. It wasn’t about high-octane action but rather about evoking delight through its playful design. The game’s charm and creativity cement it as one of the best PSP games, especially for players looking for something out of the ordinary.
Daxter, a spinoff of the Jak and Daxter series, also delivered an unexpectedly rich experience. While it didn’t feature the same open-world exploration of its console counterparts, it excelled in platforming and humor. Daxter’s journey, filled with slapstick comedy and cinematic flair, showcased how well PlayStation games could transition to the handheld format without losing their spirit.
These underappreciated titles reflect the PSP’s depth and diversity. While it’s easy to celebrate the system’s blockbuster hits, digging into its library reveals an array of creative and satisfying games. These hidden gems prove that some of the best games aren’t always the most talked-about—they’re the ones that surprise and delight long after their release.