Those using the PlayStation Portable often find it difficult to choose the best PSP RPG games to try. It’s because when you search the game, hundreds will appear with no descriptive details and similar posters, leaving you in a confused state. However, if you are struggling to find the best RPG game for your PSP, you are where you should be.
Today, we’ll cover 10 RPG games that are must-play on your PSP. We will introduce the games briefly so that you can choose the best games for you.
Best PSP RPG Games You’ll Love
On your PlayStation Portable, you might find tons of RPG games, and unfortunately, you won’t love most of them. We tried a lot of RPG games to make a list for the RPG fans. At a point, we were hopeless because of poor 2D graphics, common plots, and games with no plots.
However, finally, we found some games that still seem classic and addictive. Let’s check out the list with a brief introduction to the games.
1. Brave Story: New Traveler
Let’s start with the best PSP RPG game of all time, Brave Story: New Traveler. This legendary game was made with the inspiration from a novel series to craft an engaging storyline. Here, you will have a journey with a young protagonist who has to save his ill friend. But the journey is not easy, and it is full of mysteries and combats.
Here, you will enjoy the traditional turn-based combat and need to focus on strategic team-building and character bonding for success. Even though the fantasy setting is pretty much predictable, you won’t get bored because of its balanced mechanics and well-developed narrative. So, to enjoy a wild adventure filled with charm and mysteries, you should try this game.
2. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky
The next suggestion is the Trails in the Sky. The PSP version of this game offers an enthralling turn-based JRPG experience that you can’t help getting addicted to. This game is set in a meticulously crafted world across a trilogy, and it has a lot of well-developed characters whom you can choose to play the role of.
This exciting game unfolds a 40-hour adventure in the first installment alone. You can go on a quest to save the realm, and on your way, you’ll encounter engaging subplots and recurring motifs. Personally, I love the soundtrack of this game, which goes perfectly with the plot and the gaming environment.
3. Ys: The Oath in Felghana
If you admire the classic game design on your PSP, try Ys: The Oath in Felghana. This exciting PSP RPG game is all about the adventure of Adol Christin, the sole character who can utilize a magic ring. The gameplay resembles A Link to the Past but with intensified speed and streamlined mechanics.
In this game, you will love the part of skill-driven combat where precision is the only way to win. Besides, the unique soundtrack goes perfectly with the adventurous environment of this game. You will enjoy tons of action sequences and situations where you need to make the right decisions to overcome challenges. For a classical nostalgic RPG experience, you must try The Oath in Felghana.
4. The 3rd Birthday
I remember my elder brother used to get scolded by his mom because he played the 2000 version of The 3rd Birthday nonstop. Well, personally, I didn’t love the 2000’s version, but the one on my PSP, which was the 2011 version, is completely my type. Well, it’s the third installment in the Parasite Eve series, where you’ll find familiar gameplay.
Here, you have to control Aya in a linear story who has the ability of body-switching to cope with the essential combat strategies. You will love the refreshing twist on traditional RPG mechanics in this game. Even if it does not meet all fan expectations, you should try The 3rd Birthday, at least for the series’ return after a long hiatus.
5. Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep
Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep can be another option for an exceptional action RPG experience. In this game, you can control three distinct characters, each with their own unique abilities. This game comes with a self-contained plot, which is suitable for newcomers. Battles in this game can be quite difficult if you choose the wrong mode.
Besides, competitive boss battles and story arcs will provide a fresh perspective on familiar worlds. Also, the series has a long backstory that makes the plot even more interesting. Here, you have to collect unique cards in Shin Megami Tensei for combat. With some of the most exhilarating gameplay on the PSP, this game can be your best pick if you love the classical plot.
6. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable
The Shin Megami Tensei by Persona 3 Portable for PSP is another must-play game for an immersive RPG experience. This game comes with over 160 floors to explore in Tartarus. You can choose a female protagonist and utilize the new social links. In this game, you will love the fresh narrative perspectives that elaborate the gameplay perfectly.
Even though it’s built on Persona 4’s gameplay enhancements, this game is a lot more exciting than that. The portable version maintains the charm of its predecessors with smoother combat and social interactions. Also, the dark theme of death is perfectly showcased with its blend of dungeon crawling and strategic combat.
7. Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth
Valkyrie Profile by Lenneth is one of my favorite PSP RPG games that I love for its unique gameplay mechanics. The game’s best part is its visuals and enchanting music that together create a mythic ambiance. The gameplay is fast-paced and flashy here, and you will get addicted very soon because of its exciting combat style.
However, as you keep playing the game and complete step after step, it can seem more complicated. With unconventional chapter progression, the game makes a proper character development and engaging plot. Surprisingly, hard mode proves to be easier than normal mode in this game, where you just need to be a little more intelligent to win the chapters.
8. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
I’m pretty sure that you are pretty familiar with the name Final Fantasy. Well, Crisis Core is the seventh part of this game series, and it’s available on PSP. In this game, you’ll be drawn into Zack Fair’s journey to experience his exceptional character development. Aerith, Zack, and Sephiroth are portrayed in new dimensions as well.
However, you’ll love the game’s outstanding visuals, especially some of the system’s best graphics with the series’ original music. Here, you will also enjoy tons of missions and special abilities to explore beyond the main story. The combat system is both unique and entertaining in this part. So, if you like the fusion of gameplay and storytelling, don’t miss this one.
9. X-Men Legends II
If you are a Marvel fan, you should try X-Men Legends II on your PSP. This one is a real deal for the RPG fans as it comes with an exhilarating action RPG gameplay with nearly two dozen iconic Marvel characters. Here, you will be free to assemble teams of four superheroes to customize your squad according to your playstyle and preferences.
The game’s engaging combat system will simply challenge to strategize and coordinate attacks using each character’s unique abilities. Your goal will be to overcome powerful foes and epic boss battles. However, you will love the game’s impressive graphics and smooth gameplay on the PSP platform without any doubt.
10. Riviera: The Promised Land
Today’s final recommendation is Riviera: The Promised Land. This PSP game simply presents an exciting twist on traditional JRPG gameplay. Here, you will play as a powerful angel Ein, and meet his companions through the vibrant realm of Riviera. You will also battle fallen angels to learn secrets along the way.
Unlike typical RPGs, movement isn’t direct in this game. Instead, directional choices will make Ein’s way all over the maps. However, turn-based battles using strategic weapon management are the best part of this game. You will have to choose whether to conserve or expend valuable gear to move forward over the series. So, your decision will determine the outcome.
Wrapping Up
If you are a true RPG fan and using your classic PSP, I recommend you try every single PSP RPG game on the list. I can bet that you will love it most, especially if you don’t mind the classic graphics. Also, the combat style of all these games is unique and will give you a different experience each time.
However, the gameplay is not so long for most of the games. So, you can save the list and try them one after another. I’m pretty sure that you will love them. Well, make sure to share the list with your RPG-maniac friends. Thank you.
