How Are These 10 PSP RPGs STILL This Good in 2025!

Summary

In this video, the creator takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through the best RPGs that defined the PSP, showcasing games that transformed the handheld into a powerhouse of portable gaming. From the emotionally charged *Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7* to the tactical brilliance of *Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions* and the monster-slaying madness of *Monster Hunter Freedom Unite*, the video highlights 10 must-play RPGs. Each game offers unique mechanics, engaging stories, and deep systems, making the PSP an unforgettable device for RPG lovers. Get ready to revisit the classics and discover hidden gems from a time when handheld gaming was at its peak.

Takeaways

• 😀 The PSP was home to one of the best RPG libraries, with games that turned it into a powerhouse in handheld gaming.
• 😀 The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky started one of the most ambitious RPG sagas, with a unique Orbment system for character customization.
• 😀 Final Fantasy 4 Complete Collection offers the definitive version of FF4 with enhanced graphics, gameplay refinements, and additional story content.
• 😀 Monster Hunter Freedom Unite was a system seller for the PSP, offering deep progression and challenging boss fights, becoming a social phenomenon in Japan.
• 😀 Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 tells the tragic story of Zack Fair, with real-time combat, a unique slot reel mechanic, and mission-based gameplay perfect for short bursts.
• 😀 Jeanne Dark is a hidden gem, offering tactical RPG gameplay with a grounded story based on Joan of Arc, alongside a unique divine armament system.
• 😀 Tales of Eternia was an underrated RPG with real-time combat, a fun story, and a cooking system, standing out for its linear motion battle system.
• 😀 Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions enhanced the classic with new cutscenes, voice acting, widescreen support, and an improved job system.
• 😀 Persona 2 (Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment) offers a deep, strategic turn-based system and a contact system that lets you communicate with demons, making for a unique RPG experience.
• 😀 Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days is the ultimate portable tactical RPG, featuring insane grind mechanics, the inclusion of Axel mode, and endless postgame content.

Q & A

What made the PSP's RPG library stand out during its time?

The PSP built one of the best RPG libraries, featuring deep and unique games that combined excellent storytelling, strategic gameplay, and innovative mechanics, making it a standout portable system for RPG fans.

Why is The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky considered a landmark RPG?

Trails in the Sky is considered a landmark RPG because it introduced an intricate story with complex political intrigue, deep character development, and an innovative combat and magic customization system through the Orbment system.

What makes the Orbment system in Trails in the Sky so special?

The Orbment system allows players to customize their characters' magic and abilities by placing quartz into different slots, offering a high level of strategy and personalization in combat.

What sets Final Fantasy 4 Complete Collection apart from other versions of the game?

The PSP version of Final Fantasy 4 Complete Collection stands out due to its enhanced 2D art, widescreen support, refined gameplay mechanics, and the inclusion of additional story content, including The After Years and The Interlude, making it the definitive edition.

Why was Monster Hunter Freedom Unite so important to the PSP's success?

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite was a system seller for the PSP, driving its success, especially in Japan, with its deep progression systems, multiplayer features, and highly engaging monster hunting mechanics that captivated players and created a social gaming experience.

What makes Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 a standout title on the PSP?

Crisis Core is memorable for its fast-paced real-time combat system, emotional storytelling, and unique slot-machine mechanic in the Digital Mind Wave, all of which helped it become one of the most iconic games on the PSP.

How does the tactical combat in Jeanne d'Arc compare to other RPGs on the PSP?

Jeanne d'Arc offers tactical RPG gameplay with a unique divine armament mechanic, where characters’ weapons evolve based on performance in battle. It also features a morale system, adding an extra layer of strategy to its turn-based combat.

Why was Tales of Eternia overlooked despite its quality?

Tales of Eternia was overshadowed by other titles in the Tales series and its confusing title in the West, but it remains a solid RPG with a unique real-time combat system and a charming story that combines fantasy and sci-fi elements.

How does Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions improve on the original game?

Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions enhances the original with new cutscenes, voice acting, widescreen support, and a revamped job system that offers deeper character customization, along with the addition of new characters and guest appearances.

What makes Persona 2 unique in the Persona series?

Persona 2 is unique for its dark themes, complex story, and strategic turn-based combat system that emphasizes positioning. It also introduces the contact system, allowing players to interact with demons to gain powerful persona cards, offering a unique twist on RPG mechanics.