While the PlayStation Portable had its fair share of blockbusters, many of its best titles never received the widespread attention they deserved. These underrated PSP games delivered incredible experiences that flew under the radar at the time but are now seen by retro gaming fans as hidden gems. In an age of remasters and nostalgia, these titles deserve another look.
Killzone: Liberation took the first-person franchise in a new direction with an isometric, tactical approach. It retained the series’ gritty atmosphere but focused on cover-based strategy and sharp level design. Many fans argue that it’s one of the most well-executed spin-offs on a portable platform, and yet it’s rarely mentioned in discussions of PSP greats.
Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light is another often-overlooked RPG that brought traditional turn-based combat with a unique crafting system. Its anime-inspired art style and deep story might have been lost among flashier titles, but it provided dozens of hours of classic RPG goodness for those who gave it a chance.
Exit brought a fresh puzzle-platforming twist, casting players as a professional escape pisces88 artist rescuing civilians from dangerous environments. Its minimalistic design and creative level layouts made it stand out, even if it never reached mainstream popularity. It’s a game that rewards logic, timing, and planning—perfect for bite-sized portable play.
For fans of stealth, Tenchu: Time of the Assassins provided an authentic ninja experience with open-level design and multiple paths to complete missions. While the franchise is better known on consoles, this PSP entry managed to maintain its trademark tension and strategy.
One of the quirkiest yet compelling entries on the PSP is Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure. This action RPG features colorful visuals, charming characters, and responsive combat. While it was clearly aimed at younger audiences, its gameplay holds up remarkably well and has found renewed interest through emulation and digital storefronts.
The PSP’s underrated gems are a reminder that great games don’t always get the spotlight they deserve. With the tools available today—emulation, remakes, and remasters—players can rediscover these forgotten titles and enjoy the full range of what the PSP had to offer.