ThePSPwas Sony’s first foray into trying to dethrone Nintendo as the king of the handheld market. While the console did not reach the same commercial heights as the Nintendo DS, it was still an incredible device in its own right.
It amassed a large library of games over its lifespan, populated with some of the finestRPGsever made. While many of the best games have since been ported to other consoles, several RPGs are still stuck on the older piece of hardware, forcing players to buy aPSPor a Vita to play the game via the PlayStation Store.
(Updated on June 08, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam):WithFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthupending the current storyline ofFinal Fantasy 7by offering its own twist, fans of theFinal FantasyRPG may want to give this modern take on the hit title a shot to see where Cloud’s new adventures will take them. However, fans of bothFinal Fantasyand RPGs who want a throwback to stellar stories back in the day may want to grab their PlayStation Portable from their storage boxes as the handheld did have its fair share of interesting RPGs. For genre fans who want a blast of the past in their RPG experiences, must-tries on the PSP include a handheld iteration of a hit TTRPG, a niche RPG among hardcore strategists, and modern-fantasy title with a unique aesthetic.
Developer
Imageepoch
Technically a sequel to the spinoff to the 2012 Nintendo DS title7th Dragon, the premise of7th Dragon 2020-2maintains its franchise roots:dragons have begun their invasion, and it’s up to players to save the world. Whereas the original game took place in the fantasy world of Eden,7th Dragon 2020-2takes place a year after dragons have begun their invasion of Earth. Players become members of Unit 13, a squad of the dragon-hunting organization Murakumo. Unfortunately for players, the arrival of the more aggressive SECT 11 unit forces Unit 13 to stay on their toes, especially when the new team seems to have another motive than just slay the new dragons.
What sets7th-Dragon 2020-2apart from its contemporaries at the time is its post-apocalyptic punk aesthetic that strays away from the dreary visuals usually associated with the genre. The more techno-fantasy take of the game with its classes like the Samurai and the Hacker give a modern take on the game’s fantasy premise, and its turn-based system is digestible enough for newcomers.
Why Play 7th Dragon 2020-2
Players who want a more dynamic take on turn-based RPGs would appreciate7th Dragon 2020-2for its funky visuals, decent soundtrack, and alluring character designs to add “oomph” to traditional class-based gameplay. While some fans may feel its overall mechanics leave much to be desired, players who want to try a niche experience should consider grabbing7th Dragon 2020-2.
Idea Factory
While “saving the world” is certainly part of the core premise ofAedis Eclipse: Generation of Chaos, it stands out from its contemporaries in the PSP not just for its striking visuals and themesthat blend science and magicbut also for its unique setting and core gameplay styles. The main story ofAedis Eclipsehappens across three “realms” connected by the Otherworld Tower, wherein players can tackle saving the realm in any order they wish but separated by difficulty (Divine World is the hardest, the Surface World is the middle ground, and the Lower World is the easiest).
Despite its setup as a traditional fantasy story, it’s in gameplay whereAedis Eclipsebecomes a more unique RPG experience. Taking cues from its predecessorGeneration of Chaos, combat takes place across a board with pre-determined paths that players can modify to alter the state of combat. Players control commanders that represent armies, which are themselves comprised of the commander and other units arranged in formations. In combat, two opposing forces automatically clash with their armies, with stats and skills capable of turning the tide.
Why Play Aedis Eclipse: Generation Of Chaos
WhileAedis Eclipseis often criticized for its clunky mechanics, it’s precisely due to this perceived difficulty that it’s become a niche entry for hardcore strategists. Units having a tendency to attack in random during skirmishes means setups can become extremely important, and the option to potentially convert enemy commanders into allies can make for an alluring case of boosting the player’s abilities of persuasion. Being able to tinker not just with individual units but their formation as a team adds a layer of bigger-picture strategy not often seen in other games.
Kuju Entertainment
WhileBaldur’s Gate 3is celebrated asone of the best RPGs not just of Larian Studiosbut of all time, many RPGs have tried to make a mark in the video game scene as a decent adaptation ofD&Dmechanics. Such an attempt wasDungeons & Dragons Tactics, a portable iteration ofD&D 3.5ewith players leading a party of adventurers initially sent to investigate a being. Players create not only a lead character but their entire party, either selecting from a pre-generated library of characters or dabbling into the in-depth3.5echaracter creation mechanics involving the 11 core character classes in this iteration ofD&D.
In terms of overall gameplay,Dungeons & Dragons Tacticsuses an overworld map where players can select points of interest to explore. If a location offers a scenario, players can embark on an adventure where characters are moved freely until combat begins. Should players have to fight, they follow the standardD&D 3.5eruleset of the Initiative count and D20-style combat.
Why Play Dungeons & Dragons Tactics
Despite its lukewarm reception,Dungeons & Dragons Tacticscan be a refreshing break from hardcoreD&Dplaythroughs - both physical and more modern variants. The handheld element tied toD&D Tacticsmakes its story a more condensed experience while still allowing players to enjoyD&D 3.5ewithout having to play more complicated titles such asNeverwinter Nights,Baldur’s Gate, or an actual physical session.
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days
The DEFINITIVE Edition! Includes all content from Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories (PS2) and Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days (PSP) ~Darkness is back. Overlord Zenon has cursed the land, and now, Veldime is transforming into a nasty Netherworld. Memories are sterilized, bodies demonized, the world is falling into chaos. The only one unaffected is a young man, Adell. He stands up to fight the curse, but things never go as planned. The haughty daughter of Zenon, a filthy little frog, lovable demon siblings and a washed-up rock star!? No one can ever predict what goes on in the world of Disgaea. And of course, other Overlords refuse to sit still watching…Key Features: Choose from over 200 character classes for your squad!, All-new Dark Court system where the good are punished and the evil praised,The Item World is back! Customize your items to make them even better. Utilize the new Stack Attack option, adding another layer of strategy.Enter the Dark World: a hardcore world setting where you’re able to display massive amounts of damage! Play through Axel Mode and help Axel regain his popularity! Head over to the Land of Carnage, defeat high level enemies, and claim victory!New to Disgaea 2 PC: Updated UI, keyboard and mouse support, New keyboard shortcuts, Playable on Macs & Steam Machines!, Three playable characters that never made it to the West: Dark Eclair, Gig, and Miabel!
AlthoughDisgaea 2: Cursed Memorieswas originally a PS2 release, its 2009 PSP portDisgaea 2: Dark Hero Dayswas so drastic an improvement to the former that it may be considered its own title. While retaining the same plot of warrior Adell in his journey to defeat Overlord Zenon and revert his undead townsfolk into regular humans, it’s in changes to gameplay whereDark Hero Daystruly shines.
Both minute and major changes makeDark Hero Daysthe “true” predecessor toDisgaea 3.Chief among these changes is the inclusion of numerous playable characters, most of which have made appearances inotherDisgaeagames. New to the game is the Magichange system that allows monsters to be transformed into other characters, vastly adding new options to combat.
The Item World has also become more streamlined to make item crafting less of a pain. Considering the infinite gameplay loop encouraged by the game’s reincarnation system, the quality of life changes in an immensely-flexible turn-based RPG likeDark Hero Dayshave made it a more cohesive version of its original iteration.
Why Play Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days
If players findDark Hero Days’comedic approach to dark fantasy somewhat overwhelming, tactical RPG fans can enjoy its nigh-limitless gameplay options. Leveling up characters to upwards of 4-digit levels with both class change and reincarnation systems can encourage players to raise units to ridiculously overpowered levels. Moreover, players who want a change of scenery could always hop into Item World to raise their favorite item’s stats by diving into dungeons inside that very piece of gear.
Compared to most other RPGs at the time,Class of Heroes 2takes on the same gameplay formula as its predecessor: a modernized version ofthe dungeon crawler. And like the first game of the series,Class of Heroes 2doesn’t give players a complicated story. Instead, players take the role of young adventurers in Crostini Academy who have to juggle schooling shenanigans with the occasional saving the world. While a remastered version of the game was announced for the PS4 and Nintendo Switch, the PSP is currently the prevailing platform to play the classic.
Instead of the usual turn-based combat in most other JRPGs,Clash of Heroes 2aims to revamp the old-school first-person dungeon crawler. Characters can be recruited based on a player’s preferences, with the option to change their alignment and class whenever they go back to school. While its first-person dungeon-crawler approach has been a contested element of the title, the game also serves as a great “introduction” to the classic genre, given its simpler and more manageable UI on top of an anime aesthetic.
Why Play Class of Heroes 2
Despite its rather simplistic approach to the genre, fans of classics such asWizardrycould quickly see the appeal ofClass of Heroes 2. Creating a party and expanding their skillset according to a player’s preference gives a lot of leeway to customization. Dungeons also offer varying degrees of difficulty, with a healthy mix of creature and boss variants to encourage leveling characters. Should players get the groove of the game’s difficulty curve,Class of Heroes 2can be a pretty engaging RPG.
Metascore: 77
Fate/Extra
Waking up in a strange virtual world with no recollection of the past, the main character is forced to fight for survival in a war they do not understand for a prize beyond value; the opportunity to have one’s wish granted. With only an enigmatic “Servant” by their side, the protagonist will have to face both friends and foes in battles to the death in order to not only gain possession of a mysterious object known as the “Holy Grail,” but also to find the answer to the most important question of all: “WHO AM I?“Thanks for the fing assure you I day For a Mast NDIFAST-PACED BATTLE SYSTEMUsing Guards. Attacks, and Breaks in combination with powerful Special Moves and Magic Spells, players are required to plan out their attacks to effectively counter their opponent’s moves.ENGROSSING STORYWritten by the creator of the original Fate series of PC games. Kinoko Nasu, the story of Fate/EXTRA will not only appeal to long time fans of the Fate universe, via the inclusion of many familiar characters, but will also appeal to RPG fans looking for a deep, non-formulaic storyline.EXTENSIVE REPLAYMultiple story paths, each with their own unique dialog trees and character interactions that lead to different endings.
In theever-expansiveFateuniverse, players aren’t just confined in Fuyuki City across its entries. Whereas theFate/Grand Ordermobile game will have players jump across timelines to save the Earth from certain doom,Fate/Extratakes place in a virtual world of the Moon Cell, where the protagonist is paired with a Servant and then coerced into joining the Holy Grail War as they try to recover their memories. Given its nature as a parallel timeline to that of the originalFate/stay nightstory,Fate/Extrais a relatively safe way to get into the franchise and its concepts without being overwhelmed.
However, whereFate/Extrashines is in its combat system. Taking the form of a modified rock-paper-scissors system, Servants and their enemies set up actions (Attack, Breakthrough, Protection) that clash with each other in a combat phase. Winners of thisjankensystem get damaged while getting three consecutive hits will make an additional attack. This simple system that demands foresight on the part of players is what makesFate/Extraquite the intriguing alternative to a turn-based RPG on top of its deep plot.
Why Play Fate/Extra
With a rich story worked within the backdrop of Type-Moon’sFatefranchise, a player’sFate/Extraexperience could become the entry point to a bigger world of games such asFate/Grand Order.Moreover, transforming rock-paper-scissors into a core combat mechanic can makeFate/Extrafights a surprising brain teaser for players. The wrong choice of attack can easily transform a fight into a nightmare to deal with, forcing players to become more tactical with their combo strings.
Players who want an alternative toMonster Huntermight appreciateGods Eater Burst, the 2011 re-release of theoriginalGod Eatergame, both of which were available on the PSP. Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth overrun by monstrous Aragami, players are God Eaters armed with God Arcs, a transforming weapon that eats Aragami in order to improve. With hunting scenarios set in sprawling environments, as well as the option to have AI companions,Gods Eater Burstalready makes for an excitingMonster Hunteralternative.
However,Gods Eater Burstalso shines in how it handles both its story and approach to gameplay. Players themselves are a part of the Fenrir Far East Branch of God Eaters, where they interact with NPCs and partake in missions that dive deep into the origins of the Aragami and how it relates to the rest of their teammates. Meanwhile, players can customize their appearances as well as their God Arc’s performance by crafting weapon sub-types that allow their God Arcs to have different swords, guns, and shields optimized for specific combat scenarios.
Why Play Gods Eater Burst
Despite comparisons toMonster Hunter, the anime aesthetic and post-apocalyptic premise ofGods Eater Burstmakes it a grittier and more action-packed experience. Players being able to carry and customize a gun, a sword, and a shield all at once adds tactical variety to fights, especially when the game’s many locales pack not just target monsters but also equally-pesky threats.
Proving the PSP as the home for JRPG fanatics,Tales of the World: Radiant Mythologyis the only game of its series to be released in the west and localized into English. To be more specific,Tales of the Worldis a spin-off of theTalesfranchise, which has been around since 1995 and is still going strong to this day.
The game’s Metacritic score sits at 66, an average rating. However, it earns a place on this list for being the only official release of this series in the west thus far, one of the more unique games on the console.
Why Play Tales Of The World Radiant Mythology
Being aTalesgame that offers a customizable main character immediately gives players a degree of personal stake in the game. Not to mention, the game’s full 3D graphics and its real-time combat system make fantasy fights more fast-paced and engaging. Compared to other fantasy titles,Radiant Mythology’s more vibrant visuals make it a breath of fresh air versus its contemporaries.
The first twoFinal Fantasygames are available almost everywhere, including mobile phones. However, the version available on PSP is wholly unique to the system. It includes a distinguished 2D art style with some of the most beautiful sprites of any game. It is not cartoonish like the steam releases from a few years ago, and it is notpixelated like the recent remasters.The debut entry is worth playing today and still holds up, thanks to its simplicity and charm. The sequel is better reserved for curious fans.
Final Fantasy IVis also available on the handheld device in a similarly unique form. This release also comes paired with the sequel,The After Years. A small episode taking place between the two stories,Interlude, is the new piece of content added to this release, and it is still not available anywhere else.
Why Play Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Edition
AlthoughFinal Fantasy 20th Anniversary Editionis a straightforward PSP port of the original experience, the inclusion of content such as the Labyrinth of Time and the “Dawn of Souls” areas can give players an extra few hours of playtime. Owning a PSP at the time should enable players to enjoy this classic title’s turn-based RPG format before enjoying other PSP offerings, such as the action-orientedCrisis Coreand the more strategicTactics.
Metascore: 67
Metal Gear Acid
A plane has been hijacked by an unknown terrorist and it’s up to Solid Snake to infiltrate the enemy and put an end to this dangerous crisis. Get ready to experience deep tactical espionage as you plan out your infiltration strategy and accomplish missions in an entirely new Metal Gear game. With over 200 strategic moves, two playable characters, wireless play and appearances by your favorite Metal Gear characters, Metal Gear Acid is the ultimate stealth trip.Experience Metal Gear’s renowned stealth action with new emphasis on tactical turn-based strategyPurchase new strategic battle cards to enhance your infiltration strategy and discover new cards as you playDifferent card decks give you new abilities and actions unique to the theme of the deckUnlock wireless multiplayer mode and experience head-to-head stealth gameplay with a friendIncredible graphics and animations never before seen on a handheld game system
Metal Gear’s first PSP outing opted to drop thestealth actionfor which the series is known. Instead, the non-canon spin-off,Metal Gear AC!D, is a card-based, turn-based strategy RPG game.
While incongruous with everything fans expect fromMetal Gear, the turn-based gameplay works well for the handheld. One sequel was also developed for the PSP, while the next two entries,Portable OpsandPeace Walker, would return to the more traditional stealth gameplay that the series is famous for.
Why Play Metal Gear AC!D
While opting for a card game instead of traditional stealth is a radical departure fromMetal Gearmechanics,Metal Gear AC!Dgameplay does a solid job of providing tactical depth to the new experience. Combat options being spread into action cards with corresponding costs forces players to double down on strategy, ensuring Snake and his allies maximize their resources or risk placing themselves in compromising situations.
