While the PlayStation Portable (PSP) is often remembered for high-profile hits like God of War: Chains of Olympus and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, many of its best games never received the recognition they deserved. Hidden beneath the surface of mainstream marketing were PSP games that quietly offered deep gameplay, clever storytelling, and innovation on par with their harum4d console counterparts. These titles remind us that greatness in PlayStation games isn’t always measured by fame, but by the lasting impression they leave on dedicated players.

One such forgotten gem is Jeanne d’Arc, a tactical RPG developed by Level-5. It reimagines the historical figure of Joan of Arc through a fantasy lens, complete with magical creatures and turn-based combat. While not as well-known as Final Fantasy Tactics, it delivers a richly crafted experience with strategic depth and emotional storytelling. It’s a perfect example of how PSP games weren’t merely portable—many stood as full, satisfying adventures in their own right. Its vibrant visuals and accessible yet challenging mechanics make it one of the best games many gamers have never played.

Another title that rarely gets its due is SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny. While most fighting games on handhelds tend to be simplified or clunky, Broken Destiny retained much of the polish and fluidity that made the series a staple on consoles. With robust single-player content and fast-paced multiplayer, it showcased how well PlayStation games could be adapted to a handheld system without compromise. Add in guest characters like Kratos from God of War, and you have a unique crossover that fused different branches of the PlayStation universe.

Of course, the charm of the PSP also lay in its experimentation. Titles like Every Extend Extra and LocoRoco 2 pushed boundaries in gameplay design and presentation. These weren’t just games—they were interactive art pieces that demonstrated the creative spirit often associated with indie games today. While they may not have sold millions, their legacy lives on in how modern developers think about interactivity and design. These titles added variety and texture to the PSP library, proving that some of the best games don’t follow the rules—they rewrite them.

The underrated PSP library also includes powerful storytelling experiences. Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, for example, tackled political intrigue, ethical choices, and branching storylines long before these became mainstream in RPGs. The handheld format didn’t restrict its ambition. In fact, its portability added intimacy to the narrative—allowing players to make tough decisions and reflect on them in quieter, personal moments. It’s a testament to how handheld PlayStation games could be both thoughtful and mechanically complex.