In every platform’s life, there are titles that go underappreciated TST4D during their time, only to be celebrated years later. The PSP had no shortage of these hidden gems. Among the PlayStation games that dazzled fans, there were also many PSP games that didn’t get their due when first released but have since been reevaluated as some of the best games in the handheld’s catalog.
Titles like Jeanne d’Arc, a tactical RPG with deep combat and rich storytelling, showed that PSP games could hold their own against console strategy titles. Similarly, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together offered a reimagined experience that catered to fans of complex role-playing mechanics. These games may not have had the marketing budgets of more mainstream releases, but their quality and innovation were undeniable.
One reason these games flew under the radar was the sheer volume of PlayStation games releasing across platforms at the time. With the PlayStation 2 still dominating and the PlayStation 3 on the rise, the PSP sometimes got overshadowed. Yet, as time has passed and retrospectives have been written, these hidden titles are now rightly recognized as some of the best games ever made for the handheld.
Their resurgence speaks to the depth and diversity of the PSP’s library. It wasn’t just a device for blockbusters—it was a treasure trove of unique, rewarding experiences that deserve a second look. For anyone exploring classic PlayStation games, these underrated PSP titles are essential stops on the journey.