While major franchises often dominate the conversation around the best games, the PSP’s library also boasts a wealth of underrated titles that deserve more attention. These hidden gems may not have received the same spotlight オンカジ as bigger PlayStation games, but they contributed significantly to the system’s identity and left a lasting impact on players who discovered them. With the resurgence of retro gaming, these overlooked PSP games are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
One such title is Jeanne d’Arc, a tactical RPG that blends historical fantasy with turn-based strategy. Developed by Level-5, the game offers a gripping narrative set in an alternate version of the Hundred Years’ War. Its deep combat system, character development, and beautiful anime-style presentation made it one of the best games on the PSP, despite not receiving mainstream attention. It showed that the PSP could deliver thoughtful, story-rich experiences that rivaled console RPGs.
LocoRoco, another standout, brought whimsical charm and innovation to the handheld. With its unique control scheme—tilting the world rather than directly moving the character—it offered a refreshing approach to platforming. Its vibrant visuals, catchy music, and light-hearted tone made it a joy to play. Although it wasn’t part of a major franchise, it demonstrated the creative freedom developers enjoyed on the PSP. It stood as proof that PSP games could be innovative and artistic while still being deeply entertaining.
Killzone: Liberation also deserves more recognition. As a top-down tactical shooter, it deviated from the first-person roots of its console predecessors but retained the series’ gritty aesthetic and intense action. With smart level design, co-op functionality, and engaging combat, it quickly gained a cult following. It wasn’t just a scaled-down version of a PlayStation game—it was a bold reinterpretation that used the PSP’s capabilities to create a distinct experience.
These lesser-known titles are essential to understanding why the PSP remains one of the most beloved handhelds in gaming history. They represent the risk-taking and creativity that flourished on the platform. As fans continue to explore retro libraries and celebrate gaming’s past, these underrated PSP games are finally being recognized as some of the best games in the PlayStation catalog—proof that greatness often lies beyond the spotlight.