The PSP was 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 finest RPGs ever 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 a PSP or a Vita to play the game via the PlayStation Store.

(Updated on February 28, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam): With Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth upending the current storyline of Final Fantasy 7 by offering its own twist, fans of the Final Fantasy RPG 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 both Final Fantasy and 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.

18 7th Dragon 2020-2

GameFAQs User Rating: 4.19

Technically a sequel to the spinoff to the 2012 Nintendo DS title 7th Dragon, the premise of 7th Dragon 2020-2 maintains 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 2020-2 takes 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 sets 7th-Dragon 2020-2 apart 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 appreciate 7th Dragon 2020-2 for 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 grabbing 7th Dragon 2020-2.

17 Aedis Eclipse: Generation of Chaos

Metascore: 62

While "saving the world" is certainly part of the core premise of Aedis Eclipse: Generation of Chaos, it stands out from its contemporaries in the PSP not just for its striking visuals and themes that blend science and magic but also for its unique setting and core gameplay styles. The main story of Aedis Eclipse happens 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 where Aedis Eclipse becomes a more unique RPG experience. Taking cues from its predecessor Generation 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

While Aedis Eclipse is 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.

16 Dungeons & Dragons Tactics

Metascore: 58

While Baldur's Gate 3 is celebrated as one of the best RPGs not just of Larian Studios but of all time, many RPGs have tried to make a mark in the video game scene as a decent adaptation of D&D mechanics. Such an attempt was Dungeons & Dragons Tactics, a portable iteration of D&D 3.5e with 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-depth 3.5e character creation mechanics involving the 11 core character classes in this iteration of D&D.

In terms of overall gameplay, Dungeons & Dragons Tactics uses 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 standard D&D 3.5e ruleset of the Initiative count and D20-style combat.

Why Play Dungeons & Dragons Tactics

Despite its lukewarm reception, Dungeons & Dragons Tactics can be a refreshing break from hardcore D&D playthroughs - both physical and more modern variants. The handheld element tied to D&D Tactics makes its story a more condensed experience while still allowing players to enjoy D&D 3.5e without having to play more complicated titles such as Neverwinter Nights, Baldur's Gate, or an actual physical session.

15 Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days

Metascore: 84

Although Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories was originally a PS2 release, its 2009 PSP port Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days was 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 where Dark Hero Days truly shines.

Both minute and major changes make Dark Hero Days the “true” predecessor to Disgaea 3. Chief among these changes is the inclusion of numerous playable characters, most of which have made appearances in other Disgaea games. 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 like Dark Hero Days have made it a more cohesive version of its original iteration.

Why Play Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days

If players find Dark 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.

14 Class of Heroes 2

Metascore: 77

Compared to most other RPGs at the time, Class of Heroes 2 takes on the same gameplay formula as its predecessor: a modernized version of the dungeon crawler. And like the first game of the series, Class of Heroes 2 doesn’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 2 aims 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 as Wizardry could quickly see the appeal of Class 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 2 can be a pretty engaging RPG.

13 Fate/Extra

Metascore: 77

In the ever-expansive Fate universe, players aren’t just confined in Fuyuki City across its entries. Whereas the Fate/Grand Order mobile game will have players jump across timelines to save the Earth from certain doom, Fate/Extra takes 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 original Fate/stay night story, Fate/Extra is a relatively safe way to get into the franchise and its concepts without being overwhelmed.

However, where Fate/Extra shines 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 this janken system 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 makes Fate/Extra quite 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’s Fate franchise, a player’s Fate/Extra experience could become the entry point to a bigger world of games such as Fate/Grand Order. Moreover, transforming rock-paper-scissors into a core combat mechanic can make Fate/Extra fights 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.

12 Gods Eater Burst

Metascore: 77

Players who want an alternative to Monster Hunter might appreciate Gods Eater Burst, the 2011 re-release of the original God Eater game, 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 Burst already makes for an exciting Monster Hunter alternative.

However, Gods Eater Burst also 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 to Monster Hunter, the anime aesthetic and post-apocalyptic premise of Gods Eater Burst makes 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.

11 Tales Of The World Radiant Mythology

Metascore: 66

Proving the PSP as the home for JRPG fanatics, Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology is the only game of its series to be released in the west and localized into English. To be more specific, Tales of the World is a spin-off of the Tales franchise, 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 a Tales game 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.

10 Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Edition

Metascore: 67

The first two Final Fantasy games 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 not pixelated 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 IV is 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

Although Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Edition is 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-oriented Crisis Core and the more strategic Tactics.

9 Metal Gear AC!D

Metascore: 67

Metal Gear's first PSP outing opted to drop the stealth action for 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 from Metal Gear, the turn-based gameplay works well for the handheld. One sequel was also developed for the PSP, while the next two entries, Portable Ops and Peace 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 from Metal Gear mechanics, Metal Gear AC!D gameplay 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.

8 Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

Metascore: 81

It might be hard for some people to believe, but Monster Hunter had a long history before Monster Hunter: World. The older games served a more niche market and were not quite as accessible. If anybody missed the boat on the original two Monster Hunter games the first time around, there is always the opportunity to jump into the enhanced remakes released for the PSP. And for those who want to take things a next step further, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is a must-try for PSP owners.

Considered the largest PSP entry for the acclaimed monster-hunting franchise, MHFU boasts more than 500 hours of gameplay courtesy of new creatures and subtypes. The game also introduces Felyne Comrades to aid solo fighters, as well as new weapons such as the Longsword, Gunlance, Hunting Horn, and Bow.

Why Play Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite serves as a massive upgrade to Monster Hunter Freedom, with its new weapon types providing much-needed tactical flexibility to the series. The new quests and monsters can also provide longer playtimes for players, which, when incorporated with its multiplayer component, can lead to enjoyable parties in a pre-MHW era.

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6 Jeanne d'Arc

Metascore: 87

Some RPGs find inspiration in the strangest places. Jeanne d'Arc is a fictional retelling of the Joan of Arc's story. With demons populating the battlefield, it is clear this game does not take place in the real world's historical Europe.

The gameplay will be familiar to anybody who played RPGs like Final Fantasy Tactics, but it is notably less challenging. Still, the unique aesthetic helps it stand out.

Why Play Jeanne d'Arc

This fantastical take on the real-life story of Jeanne D’Arc takes players on a personal journey under the backdrop of a tactical RPG. Despite the level of challenge in some of the game’s stages, the title gives players numerous opportunities to “cheese” their way out of them in the same way Jeanne can overcome impossible odds. Mechanics such as transformations and auras that can give select buffs to allies add a layer of strategy that separates the game from other PSP titles.

5 The 3rd Birthday

Metascore: 71

Perhaps the weakest of the many great PSP-exclusive RPGs, The 3rd Birthday is the third game in the cult-classic Parasite Eve franchise. The gameplay should be somewhat familiar to fans of the older games, and the story even features characters from the prior titles.

While it was nice to see the franchise return after so long, it was not exactly what fans were hoping for. Maybe a proper console continuation will come out in the future.

Why Play The 3rd Birthday

While The 3rd Birthday has quite a linear story, the body-switching gimmick the game offers gives players numerous tactical opportunities to get out of sticky situations. This level of “freedom” in controlling Aya across fights can make The 3rd Birthday quite a fun and quick RPG experience - starkly contrasting to the darker Parasite Eve prequels.

4 Brave Story: New Traveler

Metascore: 76

It is pretty rare to see an RPG based on a novel series, but this is exactly what Brave Story: New Traveler is. The game is a loose interpretation of the Brave Story series, featuring some of the same characters but telling a new story.

A young boy is taken to a distant land to complete a mission and save his sick friend in the real world. While the game was received positively, it never received a port to other consoles.

Why Play Brave Story: New Traveler

Lying at the heart of Brave Story: New Traveler is quite the generic turn-based RPG that emphasizes building bonds with teammates to build strength, making the game quite a wholesome alternative to other titles. Being a predictable fantasy RPG doesn’t make New Traveler bad, however, as its balanced gameplay and fleshed-out story can provide a decent experience for PSP owners who want to play something uncomplicated.

3 Phantasy Star Portable 2

Metascore: 89

After Phantasy Star IV, the numbering convention of the JRPG series went out the window. The franchise found itself on numerous consoles, including the PSP. Phantasy Star Portable is a sequel to Phantasy Star Universe on the PS2. The PSP game was popular enough to warrant a sequel, though neither game has ever been ported to other systems. The sequel even features a multiplayer mode. The PSP was one of the first consoles with in-depth online functionality, so it was great to see games take advantage of it.

For anyone yearning for the older style of Phantasy Star, the second, third, and fourth entries are available on the PSP as a part of the Sega Genesis Collection. The first entry came out on the Sega Master System but is available on the PS3 in Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection. For a more modern online experience, play Phantasy Star Online 2, which has been out in Japan for years but only made it to the west in 2020

Why Play Phantasy Star Portable

Despite its lackluster story, Phantasy Star Portable becomes an enjoyable dungeon-crawler courtesy of its action-packed full-3D combat and deep customization. Customizing one’s classes and equipping a multitude of different weapons can give players a different way of clearing dungeons, with the techniques in the Action Pallete giving characters unique combo options to spice up the action.

2 Wild Arms XF

Metascore: 64

The Wild Arms series had its best time on the original PlayStation, but it still lived on past Sony's first console. Where the series mainly dabbled in turn-based RPGs, Wild Arms XF is a tactical RPG. The genre made a nice home for itself on the console.

This was the last game released in the Wild Arms franchise, though developer Media Vision is still going strong, making renowned JRPGs like Valkyria Chronicles. In addition to this PSP-exclusive game, players can also play the original on the PSP as a PS1 classic.

Why Play Wild Arms XF

The only setback to Wild Arms XF’s decent story is its rather complex gameplay, especially since battles tend to demand players have suitable classes for specific situations or risk losing quickly. The objective-based missions in the game tend to be difficult as well, with even the slightest mistake often prompting a reload. Players looking for a more challenging tactical RPG may consider giving Wild Arms XF a shot.

1 Valkyria Chronicles 2

Metascore: 81

The first Valkyria Chronicles is a cult classic relatively easy to play today thanks to the PS4 re-release. For those unfamiliar with its unique style, it is a tactical turn-based strategy game with more real-time elements. Every unit gets its turn, but foes will automatically attack characters if they run into their line of sight.

The sequel was only released on the PSP and has yet to receive a port of any kind. Even more unfortunate, the third game never even saw release in the west. Don't let the portable format make discourage you; the game was still warmly received and a worthy successor. The most recent release, Valkyria Chronicles 4, came out on the PS4.

Why Play Valkyria Chronicles 2

On top of its painterly backgrounds and reality-rooted story, Valkyria Chronicles 2 combines turn-based RPGs and tactical gameplay to form a compact military strategy experience. Its anime graphics don’t harm its compelling strategic experience, especially when things such as trenches, shield generators, and even weather can drastically alter the flow of combat. Players who want a more complex RPG that gives a lot of room for combat flexibility should give Valkyria Chronicles 2 a shot.