What are some worthwhile PSP games?

[Edmond Dantes]

I bought one a couple of months ago and I'm starting to regret my purchase. But before I go hawking it on the marketplace, I want to know if there are any really worthwhile games on it.

Just one thing, DO NOT name any Kingdom Hearts, Metal Gear, Star Ocean or Final Fantasy games. I either already have them, or else don't like them. Anything besides those, though, is fair game.

So, any recommends?

[Oobgarm]

Lumines
Lumines II
Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble
Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero?
Ridge Racer
Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles
Gradius Collection
Half-Minute Hero
Patchwork Heroes (download only)

That's just out of what I have, I'm sure there are plenty more.

[Suikoman444]

Persona 1 and 3 and 2 EP soon. Disgaea 1 and 2. Ys 1 and 2, Ys 7. There are quite a few good RPGs for it. There are also the playstation store PS1 games that can be downloaded to the PSP

[kupomogli]

There are more "good PSP games threads" than anything else on this forum.

Anyways. Why are you regret purchasing the best system on the market? If you're not finding a ton of amazing games than you're not looking hard enough. What Oobgarm mentioned plus here are a few.

Brave Story
Wild ARMs XF
Ys 1 and 2, 3, and 7
Gurumin
Pursuit Force 1 and 2
Prinny 2
Gundam Battle Universe
Gundam vs Gundam Next Plus
Crisis Core FF7
Dissidia Duodecim
Crimson Gem Saga

There are a lot more but I list most on every one of these thread types, so should be able to find another one of those.

[Vectorman0]

Hot Shots Golf Open Tee
Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2
Wipeout Pure
Wipeout Pulse

I enjoyed Harvey Birdman as well.


If you have a PSN accont, I think you still have a week to download a couple free games.

[Kid Fenris]

These.


Lumines
Lumines II
Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles


And these:

Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together (http://www.1up.com/reviews/tactics-ogre-review) is an amazing remake of the original Tactics Ogre. It fixes everything that dragged down its source material, adds some extras, and retranslates the story. Definitely worth playing if you like strategy-RPGs.

Gods Eater Burst (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygTGfaotGF0) is basically a faster, more stylish, and just-plain-better version of Monster Hunter.

Gurumin (http://www.gurumin.us/) is a fun little action-RPG by Falcom. It's lightweight and cutesy as hell, but there's a lot to hold your attention.

Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTEKzOftQnA) isn't a perfect port of the PlayStation game; the graphics sometimes blur, and the menu interface isn't as friendly. Still, it's a cheaper alternative if you never played the game and don't want to spend upwards of $50 on the PlayStation version.

[substantial_snake]

These are all games I personally enjoyed that meet your criteria off the top of my head.

Brave Story New Traveler
Initial D Street Stage
Persona 1
Armored Core Formula Front
DJ Max Series
The Legend of Heroes Trails in the Sky
Jean D'Arc
Phantasy Star 1
Killzone Liberation
Ace Combat (Skies of Liberation & Joint Assault)s

This complaint about the PSP always blows my mind, I have at least 30 titles in my current collection and I've probably played 60 during its lifetime just scratching its surface. Maybe 20 out of those were crap and the rest I enjoyed, if you can't find any worthwhile games then you really aren't looking.

[Edmond Dantes]

I don't have high-speed internet in my area, so I literally can not do download games. So henceforth lets restrict this only to games available on physical media.

I notice that a lot of the suggestions are some sort of remake/re-releases. I'd appreciate knowing what factors (including availability) make the PSP versions better.

Also, I love compilations, especially of classic arcade games and RPGs, so if there are any on the PSP I should know about, let me know! I already know about the FFIV collection and if I don't sell the PSP, I might grab that.

[Jackattack]

Valkyria Chronicles II, the number one reason to own a PSP. If you have a PS3, you can play the original. No need to play one before the other though.

[Drixxel]

I second Jeanne D'Arc, it's a cool strategy RPG although a tad on the linear side. Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles is more worthy for its inclusion of SOTN and Rondo of Blood than the 3D update, in my opinion, but still cool.

Some others that I personally am quite fond of:

Pixeljunk Monsters
Soul Calibur: Broken Destinies
Lemmings
Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX
Ultimate Ghosts 'N Goblins
Mega Man Powered Up
Space Invaders Extreme

As for compilations, Atari Classics Evolved & SNK Arcade Classics are neat. The Atari collection features 'classic' and 'evolved' versions of mainstays like Asteroids, Battlezone, Centipede, etc., with the evolved editions varying in quality/playability. There's a large library of 2600 games that become available once you overcome an insane series of achievements. SNK Arcade Classics has some unpleasantly noticeable load times, but the lineup is fairly solid.

[oesiii]

If you like sports games the MLB The Show games are great ports on the PSP. And you don't have to lug your PS3 around for a quick game of baseball.

[dairugger]

There are more "good PSP games threads" than anything else on this forum.

Anyways. Why are you regret purchasing the best system on the market? If you're not finding a ton of amazing games than you're not looking hard enough. What Oobgarm mentioned plus here are a few.

Brave Story
Wild ARMs XF
Ys 1 and 2, 3, and 7
Gurumin
Pursuit Force 1 and 2
Prinny 2
Gundam Battle Universe
Gundam vs Gundam Next Plus
Crisis Core FF7
Dissidia Duodecim
Crimson Gem Saga

There are a lot more but I list most on every one of these thread types, so should be able to find another one of those.

my psp is my favorite system this generation by far. it goes everywhere with me. i have cfw running on it which only makes it even sweeter. if you want a full console experience
in your hands the psp is your answer.

games i recommend:
lunar: ssh
Ys series
popolocroise
tales series
megaman powered up
megaman x
dracula x collection
gurumin
legend of heroes series
ultimate ghosts n goblins
silent hill series
disgea series
final fantasy i & 2 & 4
gradius collection
salamander collection import
parodius collection import
hexyz force
jeanne d'arc
prinny 1 & 2
3rd birthday
kingdom hearts
wild arms xf
street fighter 3
darkstalkers
shadow of destiny
harvey birdman
xmen legends 2
knights in the nightmare
guilty gear series
final fantasy tactics
crimsom gem saga
capcom classics series
breath of fire 3
assassins creed

and when add in the ability to play ps1 games or put your isos from your own discs it becomes a GODLY system!

currently rocking my pspgo with cfw.

[Jehusephat]

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite.

This is the only game I play for my PSP, and I've probably played it more than all of my other portable games (from any system) combined. I don't know if I've even removed the UMD since I bought it.

[Vectorman0]

Also, I love compilations, especially of classic arcade games and RPGs, so if there are any on the PSP I should know about, let me know!

Activision Hits Remixed is great; I should have mentioned that one in my post.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I don't have high-speed internet in my area, so I literally can not do download games. So henceforth lets restrict this only to games available on physical media.

I notice that a lot of the suggestions are some sort of remake/re-releases. I'd appreciate knowing what factors (including availability) make the PSP versions better.

Also, I love compilations, especially of classic arcade games and RPGs, so if there are any on the PSP I should know about, let me know! I already know about the FFIV collection and if I don't sell the PSP, I might grab that.

Midway Arcade Treasures Extended Play is fantastic (and cheap!).

Among other well emulated titles on the disc it has MUCH better emulations of MK 1-3 than the PS2/XBOX/Gamecube collections of that generation.

Capcom Classics Remixed
and
Capcom Classics Reloaded are both fantastic collections with plenty of games that are perfect on the PSP

and

Namco Museum Battle Collection has plenty of familiar Namco favorites as well as several of the arcade remix versions they did in the late 90s of PacMan, Dig Dug, etc.

[Edmond Dantes]

Somebody mentioned Phantasy Star 1. Is that a remake or an emulation of the original (or both)? And is it available in English?

EDIT Also, yesterday I picked up Metal Gear Acid finally, and though I've only played a couple of minutes of it, it seems interesting. It's already easily better than the steaming dog turd known as Peace Walker. so, I guess I'm committed to keeping my PSP now.

[kupomogli]

Somebody mentioned Phantasy Star 1. Is that a remake or an emulation of the original (or both)? And is it available in English?

Phantasy Star Portable is what the person meant. Phantasy Star Portable 2 is better with more areas and doesn't drop in framerate like the first one does.

[substantial_snake]

Somebody mentioned Phantasy Star 1. Is that a remake or an emulation of the original (or both)? And is it available in English?

EDIT Also, yesterday I picked up Metal Gear Acid finally, and though I've only played a couple of minutes of it, it seems interesting. It's already easily better than the steaming dog turd known as Peace Walker. so, I guess I'm committed to keeping my PSP now.

I remember when Acid was released people dogged all over it because it wasn't a traditional Metal Gear game but both titles are fun in there own way. The second is more bright, colorful, and follows a cell shaded style but the gameplay is still there just expanded upon.

Also I don't know what your particular gripe is with Peace Walker but I commonly hear that people can't stand not being able to go prone in that game. If that is one of your issues Metal Gear Portable Ops has a bigger emphasis on stealth elements rather then the action emphasis in Peace Walker so you might prefer that title.

Earlier in the thread you said you were interested in picking up FF4: The Complete Collection and if your a fan of the original game you should go for it.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I remember when Acid was released people dogged all over it because it wasn't a traditional Metal Gear game but both titles are fun in there own way. The second is more bright, colorful, and follows a cell shaded style but the gameplay is still there just expanded upon.

Also I don't know what your particular gripe is with Peace Walker but I commonly hear that people can't stand not being able to go prone in that game. If that is one of your issues Metal Gear Portable Ops has a bigger emphasis on stealth elements rather then the action emphasis in Peace Walker so you might prefer that title.

Earlier in the thread you said you were interested in picking up FF4: The Complete Collection and if your a fan of the original game you should go for it.

I had a LOT of fun playing through Metal Gear AC!D ... the 2nd was also excellent (and had a better art style) but I never finished it.

It's not a traditional Metal Gear game, but there's little else like it on the PSP. It's equal parts Advance Wars turn based strategy and a Magic the Gathering/Pokemon type card game.

[Edmond Dantes]

Also I don't know what your particular gripe is with Peace Walker but I commonly hear that people can't stand not being able to go prone in that game. If that is one of your issues Metal Gear Portable Ops has a bigger emphasis on stealth elements rather then the action emphasis in Peace Walker so you might prefer that title.

Wow, that is so spot-on.

Okay, my issues with Peace Walker are so numerous that the reason I haven't posted a review in my blog yet is because I'm trying to shave it down to size. But yeah, a lot of the time I can't help comparing it to Portable Ops and coming away saying "somehow, the game that had only a year of development time, and which was geared towards multiplayer with an almost tacked-on single player campaign, wound up having the better gameplay and storyline. How does that happen? Does Hideo Kojima just suck now?"

To be honest, Peace Walker was the game that got me so fed up I almost sold the PSP.

I'll probably order that FFIV collection soon. I'd be more interested in Phantasy Star Portable if it was a re-release and not a new game (didn't the series basically go downhill after the Genesis died?)

[substantial_snake]

Wow, that is so spot-on.

Okay, my issues with Peace Walker are so numerous that the reason I haven't posted a review in my blog yet is because I'm trying to shave it down to size. But yeah, a lot of the time I can't help comparing it to Portable Ops and coming away saying "somehow, the game that had only a year of development time, and which was geared towards multiplayer with an almost tacked-on single player campaign, wound up having the better gameplay and storyline. How does that happen? Does Hideo Kojima just suck now?"

To be honest, Peace Walker was the game that got me so fed up I almost sold the PSP.

I'll probably order that FFIV collection soon. I'd be more interested in Phantasy Star Portable if it was a re-release and not a new game (didn't the series basically go downhill after the Genesis died?)

Interesting, I only ever hear about people either loving or loathing Peace Walker. It seems like even among Metal Gear fans there are few people who don't fall into either camp with that game. I actually fall into the former category so I'm really curious what your review has to say about the game. :D

On that same note since you liked Portable Ops and you haven't picked it up already take a look at Portable Ops +. Its really just an expansion pack with emphasis on online and continuing to build your forces but if you liked the game play style in PO then it might interest you. You don't need to play online to enjoy it, has a large single player mode called Infinity Mission which is really just mission after mission with different objectives so if you find it for cheap check it out.

FF4 Complete surprised me a bit since instead of a porting the new style DS version of the game they gave all the original sprites a complete overhaul. That coupled with the fantastic magic effects, the option to chose between the original SNES or remixed music, and the after years along with a new interlude game make it a nice package.

I'm not versed in the Phanatsy Star Universe but PSP1(hah just noticed that) is apparently a port of one of the PS2 styled games with added content. The game is a Dungeon crawler/Monster Hunter styled affair so if you like that genera I would suggest it.

[dairugger]

Wow, that is so spot-on.

Okay, my issues with Peace Walker are so numerous that the reason I haven't posted a review in my blog yet is because I'm trying to shave it down to size. But yeah, a lot of the time I can't help comparing it to Portable Ops and coming away saying "somehow, the game that had only a year of development time, and which was geared towards multiplayer with an almost tacked-on single player campaign, wound up having the better gameplay and storyline. How does that happen? Does Hideo Kojima just suck now?"

To be honest, Peace Walker was the game that got me so fed up I almost sold the PSP.

I'll probably order that FFIV collection soon. I'd be more interested in Phantasy Star Portable if it was a re-release and not a new game (didn't the series basically go downhill after the Genesis died?)

i hope you didnt almost sell your psp over one game, thats crazy. theres a whole sea of games and genres on the psp. honestly, i dont know why it gets a bad rap. one thing i hate is when people buy the psp and pirate the hell out of it. in order for a platform to thrive people need to buy the games, without it devs wont make games for it. \end rant

[kupomogli]

one thing i hate is when people buy the psp and pirate the hell out of it. in order for a platform to thrive people need to buy the games, without it devs wont make games for it. \end rant

I don't like this either. I love my PSP and games are either being made for the PSP but staying in Japan due to "the amount of piracy in the west.(quoted from Sega when asked about Valkyria Chronicles 3)" or it just doesn't get many games developed for it because of the same reason.

After the amount of times Dissidia Duodecim was pirated and the poor sales it's received, Square-Enix even stated they're unsure of localizing Final Fantasy Type-0 for the west because of the piracy. This makes me sad :(.


I'll probably order that FFIV collection soon. I'd be more interested in Phantasy Star Portable if it was a re-release and not a new game (didn't the series basically go downhill after the Genesis died?)

FF4 Collection as others have said is amazing. The After Years kind of sucks, but it's the overall best version of FF4.

Phantasy Star didn't get worse after the Genesis games. Phantasy Star Online is where the series really reached its peak, even if it is a completely different game. PSO, PSO Episode 2, PSO Episode 4 were all just more of the exact same type of gameplay and it was fun.

Then Phantasy Star Universe came out. It's not terrible, but it's a watered down version of PSO. Forces were once my favorite class, but in PSU and PSP they're just not really fun to play as, so I stick to the Hunter class and sometimes, although rarely, the Ranger. PSP expanded on PSU, and PSP2 made it much better. PSP2 even adds areas like Forest, Cave, Ruins, and Mine from PSO. Even though the games aren't as good as PSO, they're still good games. I'd recommend skipping PSP and getting PSP2. The reason to play these games are the network portions, not for the story mode.

[dairugger]

I don't like this either. I love my PSP and games are either being made for the PSP but staying in Japan due to "the amount of piracy in the west.(quoted from Sega when asked about Valkyria Chronicles 3)" or it just doesn't get many games developed for it because of the same reason.

After the amount of times Dissidia Duodecim was pirated and the poor sales it's received, Square-Enix even stated they're unsure of localizing Final Fantasy Type-0 for the west because of the piracy. This makes me sad :(.



FF4 Collection as others have said is amazing. The After Years kind of sucks, but it's the overall best version of FF4.

Phantasy Star didn't get worse after the Genesis games. Phantasy Star Online is where the series really reached its peak, even if it is a completely different game. PSO, PSO Episode 2, PSO Episode 4 were all just more of the exact same type of gameplay and it was fun.

Then Phantasy Star Universe came out. It's not terrible, but it's a watered down version of PSO. Forces were once my favorite class, but in PSU and PSP they're just not really fun to play as, so I stick to the Hunter class and sometimes, although rarely, the Ranger. PSP expanded on PSU, and PSP2 made it much better. PSP2 even adds areas like Forest, Cave, Ruins, and Mine from PSO. Even though the games aren't as good as PSO, they're still good games. I'd recommend skipping PSP and getting PSP2. The reason to play these games are the network portions, not for the story mode.

and thats what makes me so mad/sad, gamers for years longed for a powerful sytem that was like a console in your hands, that would be a real gamers system, bring the loved series of yesterday into today (ultimate ghosts n goblins/ megaman x and powered up) and when we finally get it people steal the games left and right then complain that the games arent innovative enough. i know battery life has been a factor in peoples complaints but the newer systems more or less fixed that as do extended batteries.

ive gone to buy games from gamestop and was asked why buy them, no one plays psp games, and to just download them, all from a gamestop employee mind you.

[Swamperon]

No one mentioned Monster Hunter? Very good games and addictive.

I wish the Vita was physically BC with the PSP. There's so many games I want to pick up but I just can't get used to the nub.

[LiquidPolicenaut]

Most of the great games to get for the PSP have been mentioned in previous posts but I will also add both of the God of War games. Both are absolutely great and, if you enjoyed the series before, you should like these as well. True, they are coming out for the PS3 but just in case you want them on the go, the PSP versions shouldn't be overlooked..

[Press_Start]

Here's my compiled list of RPG for the system, hope this helps:

PSP RPG List. (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=126374&highlight=rpgpsp)

[kupomogli]

I bought one a couple of months ago and I'm starting to regret my purchase. But before I go hawking it on the marketplace, I want to know if there are any really worthwhile games on it?

I forgot that you were an Armored Core fan. Armored Core 3, Silent Line, and Last Raven are on the PSP but as digital download anywhere but Japan. Unfortunately, there's no L2/R2 so you have to use the digital pad to aim the camera up and down. I haven't played them since I have them on PS2, but the controls don't seem too bad, just can't think of how you'd overboost unless it's a multi button combination.

If you ever decide to get the Vita, anything you purchase digitally can be played on the Vita. Good thing about it is that for PSP titles the left analog would control the analog nub and the right analog would control the digital pad. This makes the games such as Armored Core(camera up/down to right analog,) Monster Hunter Portable 3rd(no more of "The Claw,") as well as other games that would be better with a second analog stick but only uses the digital pad work better.

[Vectorman0]

I had a LOT of fun playing through Metal Gear AC!D ... the 2nd was also excellent (and had a better art style) but I never finished it.

It's not a traditional Metal Gear game, but there's little else like it on the PSP. It's equal parts Advance Wars turn based strategy and a Magic the Gathering/Pokemon type card game.

I just wanted to second this post.



Metal Gear Acid 1 & 2 are both terrific games that too often get overlooked because they aren't real-time action games like MGS. If you can enjoy card or turn-based games, try this series.

[Edmond Dantes]

Interesting, I only ever hear about people either loving or loathing Peace Walker. It seems like even among Metal Gear fans there are few people who don't fall into either camp with that game. I actually fall into the former category so I'm really curious what your review has to say about the game. :D

Here ya go (http://jispylicious.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/standing-tall-and-peace-walking-high/). It's not really a review so much as a "why this game sucks" though.

[duffmanth]

Well since you've mentioned the Metal Gear games, I would highly recommend any of the God of War and Syphon Filter games. They're dirt cheap as well.

[Edmond Dantes]

You know what would be nifty? a "List of Classic Game Compilations." Or at least just Compilations, or games that include older titles as some sort of bonus.

Also, I checked out that RPG list. It's interesting, but the problem is... its just a list. It doesn't tell me anything about the games. I would at least like to know what kind of RPG it is (first-person, JRPG, Zelda clone, Metroidvania) and have a rough sketch of the plot, even if you have to fudge details to avoid spoilers (or even just say "It's Metal Gear, I ain't gotta explain $#!%.")

Currently, my PSP library consists of both the Star Oceans and all the Metal Gears.

Kupomogli, it sounds like it might be better to play Armored Core on PS1/2 than on PSP. But there's still the King's Field games...

[Edmond Dantes]

I saw two games where you play as a glob of mercury. The guy at the store said they were some kind of puzzle game. They worthwhile?

Are there any good racing games for PSP?

I saw Tactics Ogre at Gamestop, but they wanted like $40 for it.

Picked up Gradius Collection. That's keeping me happy for awhile.

[Leo_A]

I saw two games where you play as a glob of mercury. The guy at the store said they were some kind of puzzle game. They worthwhile?

Are there any good racing games for PSP?

Outrun 2006 Coast 2 Coast is a good racer. The analog nub holds it back from meeting its full potential, but it's still fun even using just the d-pad.

The Mercury games are best experienced on the Wii and PS2. But they're worthwhile experiences for sure, especially if you don't mind the analog nub.

[Edmond Dantes]

While I'm on this subject, what is the best memory stick for the PSP? Mine currently has a 1GB pro duo in it and I think I need to upgrade.

[dairugger]

i have two micro sd cards joined into a pro duo adaptor for a total of 32 gigs. total happiness achieved. :-)

[Edmond Dantes]

I read about something like that, but... would I still be able to put the slot cover on with an arrangement like that? I'd rather just have one 16gb card.

[kupomogli]

It's basically a Memory Stick Pro Duo with two slots for Micro SD or Micro SDHC. It's cheaper than a legitimate 16GB Memory Stick Pro Duo. I use a 16GB myself, but if I ever upgrade I'll get that instead because I've heard it works well.

[Edmond Dantes]

Okay.

Hey, are the PSP iterations of SOCOM or Medal of Honor any good? I've never played a game in either franchise and I was wondering if I should start with those.