While the PSP was home to several blockbuster hits, many of its most compelling experiences flew under the radar. pisces88 These lesser-known titles often delivered incredible gameplay and memorable stories but never received the mainstream recognition they deserved. Today, as gamers look back on Sony’s first handheld, there’s a growing appreciation for these underrated gems that contributed to the console’s diverse and innovative library.
One such game is Jeanne d’Arc, a tactical RPG loosely based on the historical figure Joan of Arc. The game blended real-world inspiration with fantasy elements, offering a strategic battle system that was approachable yet deep. Its charming art style, solid voice acting, and emotional plot made it one of the finest RPGs on the system, even if it was overlooked due to the shadow of larger franchises like Final Fantasy or Persona.
Another hidden treasure is Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together. This remake of the SNES classic brought a layered political story and one of the deepest tactical combat systems ever seen in a portable game. Its branching narrative paths and morally complex choices gave players a reason to replay the game multiple times. Despite critical praise, it was often drowned out by flashier titles with bigger marketing budgets.
Resistance: Retribution was another overlooked entry that offered a surprisingly robust third-person shooter experience on the PSP. Set between the events of the main Resistance games on PlayStation 3, it managed to tell a gripping story while delivering smooth shooting mechanics and strong mission variety. It even featured a unique connectivity feature with Resistance 2, allowing for crossover content when played via the PS3.
One of the most creative titles was Exit, a stylish puzzle platformer where players took on the role of a professional rescuer tasked with saving people from dangerous situations. The game’s puzzles required critical thinking and real-time decision-making, and its visual presentation set it apart from nearly everything else on the handheld.
These underrated PSP games show that the platform had more to offer than what was spotlighted in advertisements or best-seller charts. For players willing to dig a little deeper, the system provided a goldmine of unique, polished, and engaging experiences that continue to hold up even today. They are a testament to the PSP’s legacy as one of the most versatile and ambitious handheld consoles ever released.