Found a PSP for $8, need quality title suggestions!!

[wayultratech]

Hey there, so I found and purchased a PSP (w/ no battery, battery cover or charger) at Goodwill for $7.99.

I've never really played the system that much and was kinda curious, so I bought it and then went to the local game shop to get a charger and couple games. $27 more for charger and 2 games, and then I plugged it in....

....And it works great (gotta get battery and bat cover soon though). I ended up getting Lumines and Star Ocean Second Evolution.

So basically I stumbled into owning a PSP and am looking for some game suggestions. I mostly like oldschool platformers and JRPGs, Shmups and horror games.

Got any suggestions?

heres my getlist so far:

MGS Peace Walker
Lunar Silver Star Harmony
Dracula X Chronicles
Neo Geo Heroes Ultimate Shooting

What am I missing? What are some fun unique titles?

[Jorpho]

I'd kind of like to take a swing at

Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core
Final Fantasy Dissidia
Prinny
The various Persona titles
Maverick Hunter X
Mega Man Powered Up
Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep
Patapon
Power Stone Collection
Capcom Puzzle World

Maybe Little Big Planet, but I heard that wasn't so good. Or Lemmings, perhaps.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

what model PSP is it?

Here's what i suggest:

Get a fairly large memory stick (at least 4GB), find out what firmware it has and then soft mod it with custom firmware. With custom firmware you can just download PSP games from the internet (they're readily available many places) and use that to try out any game you're interested in buying.

Now I'm not saying you should pirate and not buy PSP games, but instead treat your downloads as demos and if you like the game enough, go out and buy it. Most PSP games are very affordable with the exception of the late release RPGs.

[The Adventurer]

Lucky man. I've been on the hunt for a cheap PSP for ages. Never found one without a damaged screen.

[Edmond Dantes]

King of Fighters Orochi Saga
Gradius Collection
Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection

[wayultratech]

Thanks for all the suggestions!! its a PSP-1001 model, the fat kind apparently. The screen has been great so far, and im hyped to see the pricing is generally fairly tame for PSP titles. The custom firmware approach sounds great, I will have to grab a mem stick with a tad beefier capacity as the only compatible one I had lying around was as measly as they come (512mb)

[Terminusvitae]

Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions is the game the original FFT should have been. Of course, that's just one man's opinion.

[Emperor Megas]

Thanks for all the suggestions!! its a PSP-1001 model, the fat kind apparently. The screen has been great so far, and im hyped to see the pricing is generally fairly tame for PSP titles. The custom firmware approach sounds great, I will have to grab a mem stick with a tad beefier capacity as the only compatible one I had lying around was as measly as they come (512mb)I love the PSP, but the original fat 1001 had a horrible D-pad. I literally couldn't play games like Gradius and Ultimate Ghouls N' Ghosts on it. I found a complete, boxed God of War PSP system last year for like 20 bucks or something at a thrift store (with 2 4GB memory cards) which was an amazing find I think, and the D-pad is SO much better. I'll never part with my original fat one (because it was a gift), but it's totally worth it to upgrade IMO if you can find another model on the cheap. The PSP is an AMAZING system to collect for now, because the software is EVERYWHERE and in my experience it's always dirt cheap.

I have quite a few PSP games but honestly I've only had the time to play a small % of them, and they're mostly compilations. Some of my favorites are:

Bomberman
CAPCOM Collection (Reloaded, Remixed)
CAPCOM Puzzle World
Gradius Collection
Gunpey
Lumines, Lumines II
Outrun 2006: Coast 2 Coast
Taito Legends Power-Up
Ultimate Ghouls N Ghosts

[theclaw]

Thanks for all the suggestions!! its a PSP-1001 model, the fat kind apparently. The screen has been great so far, and im hyped to see the pricing is generally fairly tame for PSP titles. The custom firmware approach sounds great, I will have to grab a mem stick with a tad beefier capacity as the only compatible one I had lying around was as measly as they come (512mb)

To think 32mb cards were once common on PSP. 32gb is the largest official size, despite firmware support for larger.
Not that they would've sold well considering Sony's prices...

[Niku-Sama]

I got one of these: http://www.dx.com/p/dual-micro-sd-tf-to-ms-card-adapter-black-16gb-max-42928#.U2SjIZ3n-Uk
well worth it

I just used a pair of micro sd's I had lying around, a 2 and a 4 gig. you have to format it as one unit so if you take one of the cards out or swap one for another, even if its the same size, it'll be an incomplete volume and make you reformat. something to keep in mind so you don't lose any info or game saves

[theclaw]

I got one of these: http://www.dx.com/p/dual-micro-sd-tf-to-ms-card-adapter-black-16gb-max-42928#.U2SjIZ3n-Uk
well worth it

I just used a pair of micro sd's I had lying around, a 2 and a 4 gig. you have to format it as one unit so if you take one of the cards out or swap one for another, even if its the same size, it'll be an incomplete volume and make you reformat. something to keep in mind so you don't lose any info or game saves

Looks pretty nice, too bad I haven't been using PSP much. 128 gig micro sd's recently hit the market for extremists.

[SeverThe7th]

Tales of Eternia seems like a good rpg, i have Tales of Destiny II for the PSX which is the same game, just ported.
Another one which looked decent was Trails in the Sky.

[kupomogli]

What I do for PSP games is purchase the games and use CFW to run them. The worst thing about the PSP is the UMD drive. I had two PSPs that the UMD drive died. I sold my fat, but right now I have a 2000 with UMD drive that doesn't work, a new 3000, and a new Go. So go to Wololo.net and click PSP Custom Firwmare for a walkthrough on how to get your PSP working. It's super easy now days. Not only can you play Vita games but a lot of emulators run very well. SNES runs well for a lot of games, but some games run poorly.

Anyways Vita games you should purchase.

Breath of Fire 3(PAL import/English)
Tales of Eternia(PAL import/English)
Gurumin
Gundam Battle Universe(JP or Asian import/Japanese, but there's little text. Around 200 missions, 100+ different mobile suits.)
Pursuit Force 1 and 2
Brave Story
Crimson Gem Saga
Crisis Core Final Fantasy
Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy
Half Minute Hero
Phantasy Star Portable 2
Prinny 1 and 2
Space Invaders Extreme
Star Ocean 1 and 2
Test Drive Unlimited
Legend of Heroes Trails in the Sky
Ys 1 and 2, Oath, and 7
Yggdra Union
What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord 2(includes the first game as long as you put a code in so it's two games. It's a puzzle game that looks good, this is the only one on the list I havne't played though.)

[Tanooki]

From memory, I used to have a PSP and it was a blast until piracy killed off the releases. :)
MGS Peacewalker
Patapon 1 and 2(2 has a physical release)
Gurumin
FF7 Crisis Core
Castlevania DracX(has SOTN on it too)
Capcom Arcade packages (2)
SNK arcade packages by franchise (many)
Ultimate GHosts n Goblins
Mega Man Powered Up
Tales of Eternia (I actually has this, fantastic game)
Ys games (various, all solid)
Lumines
Popolocrois
FF 1, 2, and Dissidia (never touched the others, psp was gone)
Lunar
Half Minute Hero

I know I forgot stuff, but that's more than enough solid entertainment to last for months or years depending how hard you hit it.

[WCP]

Wipeout Pure.


That is the game right there.

[wayultratech]

Yeah after having the PSP for a few days I definitely hear what you're saying regarding the d-pad, although everything is still playable for me as of now but that may change once I grab some shmups.

As far as the custom firmware approach, are the steps basically to find a custom firmware dowload online that will allow the booting of roms/disc images and that will also run emulation (specific to PSP?.. or can they be an emulator written for PC/Mac??) and then load the firmware onto the mem stick and pop it into the PSP?

I am interested in this approach and would love more info (although I know posting rom links or anything is a sensitive issue and I am not asking for that, just wanted clarification on the steps and whats needed to soft mod a PSP) as the UMD drive doesnt close all the way and has thus interrupted the gameplay already (prob why it was $8 bucks) and itd be great to have an option if my UMD drive gets frazzled.

[wayultratech]

Thanks for all the rad suggestions, yeah Tanooki you got the list right there, so many good games!! Lumines is super addictive!! Lunar looks amazing, however I opted to purchase Star Ocean Second Evolution first as I had a SO Second Story PS1 strat guide lying around and I never can resist playing an RPG if I have the accompanying guide book (although its the port so theres some differences). I find it distracting kinda to dive into too many RPGs at once, all the lore gets torn and blended up like a superfood smoothie!!

And thank you KupoMogli for the link and info as well as game suggestion list!! I am super hyped to find out how versatile the PSP is, and I never noticed til now as I was distracted by GBC and GBA stuff for so long!!!!

[kupomogli]

^

Installing CFW is easier than ever. Hook your USB to your PC and follow the instructions. PSP games go into the iso folder, emulators, PSX eboots, app eboots, or homebrew eboots go into the Game folder. Use the same site to find emulators for various systems, programs to rip and create eboot files from PSX games, programs to use your PSP and whatever game is in it to create an iso of that game, programs to compress iso files into cso files to save room, etc.

http://wololo.net/cfw4dummies/

[wayultratech]

Thats so awesome!!

Thanks Kupo, you da man!!!!

Im gonna dive into that stuff ASAP. Damn the PSP is versatile!!

[FlyingSpacePenguin]

Gurumin has always been my personal favorite on the PSP, solid little action game with light RPG elements and has a charming (if overly cutesy) aesthetic to it. The story is very basic but I found the gameplay fun enough to keep me interested, fighting your way through dungeons with a giant drill is lots of fun.

Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero? is a 2D platformer that is also excellent, has a very retro feel to it with it's gameplay and high difficulty, and also has that signature Disgaea style of humor. Speaking of, Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness is worthwhile if you haven't played it on the PS2 and enjoy strategy JRPGs. Just be prepared for some pretty heavy grinding at points.

Finally, I also recommend Half-Minute Hero, an incredibly unique and humorous parody of JRPGs in which you must finish each level in 30 seconds, requiring you to quickly grind, rush your way from town to town, buy equipment and kill the evil overlord in that short span of time. It's not really a JRPG as much as it is an action game, but the humor will appeal more to those who have played several JRPGs. Also has some shmup levels in it too. Has a surprising amount of content for a game centered around lightning quick levels too. If you don't like time limits however that might kill the game for you.

[chriswy27]

valkyrie profile had an enhanced port on the PSP

[o.pwuaioc]

Much of what I would have recommended is already listed, so I'll only add one: Every Extend Extra.

[Arkanoid_Katamari]

I don't have a huge authority on this system, but I've been playing mine more lately since I recently had a long flight giving me time to play thru Little Big Planet. I don't think that's a PSP exclusive though. I only have about 12 games for this console and I'm also interested now in getting some more, but heres some good ones I have.

Metal Gear Solid: Peacewalker
Little Big Planet
The 3rd Birthday
Space Invaders Extreme (great soundtrack in this)
Loco Roco (This one I hafta recommend the most, its a weird wacky, silly platformer-puzzle game that's my most recent pickup. If u like the aesthetic and Japanese style/humor of Katamari, u'll appreciate this gem. Controls are real unique and work super well, also. Next, for me, is the sequel.)

[Manhattan Sports Club]

Some great recommendations in this thread! The PSP is an example of quality over quantity much akin to the Sega Game Gear. I'll definately second Popolocrois, as it's a nice lighthearted RPG and the first time the series came to the states. Another stateside-first is Hammerin' Hero, which is based on the Daiku no Gensan/Hammerin' Harry franchise and was localized by Atlus. It's a 2D action-platformer. I also recommend the Konami shmup compilations for PSP as imports. Twinbee, Gradius, Salamander and Parodius Portable. As for the Mega Man remakes, they were some of the best renditions of classic games to come out in a while. Ape Escape: On the Loose and Parappa the Rapper are also available on PSP with some new features, and if you didn't catch them on the PS1 when they first came out, pick them up for the PSP if you can.

[wayultratech]

Man, Loco Roco is alot of fun and i've been super hyped on all the amazing titles the PSP has got. I gotta say I am now a fan of the Star Ocean series after becoming super engrossed in Second Evolution, I think i've sunk maybe 30 or 40 hours into it already and it jus keeps on going!!

I am bummed on the no video-out restriction of my PSP1001 though, but hey for 8$ this has been a great way to explore a system I quite honestly wouldn't have picked up otherwise due to my console/collecting focus shifted elsewhere.

I threw CFW on it and now have all my favorite GB GBC and GBA titles for on-the-go although sadly the battery saves from all my Zelda handheld carts aren't transferrable

[Arkanoid_Katamari]

Yea the PSP is really great. I'm not a big handheld guy, I love my old school Gameboy games, and I do play those, but beyond that I don't really play much handheld games. I don't really pick up GBA games or DS games, but the PSP is really turning me on to handheld gaming more.

[Arkanoid_Katamari]

I try not to think of it as a mini PS3 or PS2, tho, cuz there really are tonsa great exclusives for it. I wonder how Loco Roco would play on a home console tho, it's a brilliant concept for the PSP, and could work well with the tilting technology they had with that Kirby game on GBA, but I like the bumper controls, its easier for old school gamers like me who are classic D-pad guys.

[fluid_matrix]

So go to Wololo.net and click PSP Custom Firwmare for a walkthrough on how to get your PSP working. It's super easy now days. Not only can you play Vita games but a lot of emulators run very well. SNES runs well for a lot of games, but some games run poorly.


The PSP will run Vita games? Might be time to dust off the PSP.

[wayultratech]

I definitely agree Arkanoid, yeah I am not much of a handheld gamer and pretty much use my 'Cube's GB Player to enjoy GB GBC and GBA games, and I actually sold a 3DS within a week of purchase last year due to the intrinsic annoying-ness of lengthy handheld gaming sessions. But the PSP has the potential to bring so many platforms/consoles on-the-go (portable Earthbound!!!!) that it feels like it has so many more possibilities than many other handhelds, at least to me!!

[Arkanoid_Katamari]

I definitely agree Arkanoid, yeah I am not much of a handheld gamer and pretty much use my 'Cube's GB Player to enjoy GB GBC and GBA games, and I actually sold a 3DS within a week of purchase last year due to the intrinsic annoying-ness of lengthy handheld gaming sessions. But the PSP has the potential to bring so many platforms/consoles on-the-go (portable Earthbound!!!!) that it feels like it has so many more possibilities than many other handhelds, at least to me!!

I was just never as into handhelds like I was into home consoles, that goes back to my childhood, also. I never owned a Gameboy cuz to me, why would I wanna play a less good version of Mario on a 4" screen, when I can play it for the same price on a 40" screen? And the games were better on home consoles then. So Idk, I know I'm missing out. Many will say it's a sin I don't get tonsa GBA or DS games, cuz I know theres a million good ones, I'm just hardwired to do my gaming on a TV.

Plus, I don't have time to play handhelds as much, I do all my gaming pretty much at home, and I'd much rather just play on the big TV. Why wouldn't I?

But yes, my little PSP is sucking me in. I plan to get Loco Roco 2 next, and Me & My Katamari after that. Even tho I expect the controls in Katamari to be real confusing.