While the PlayStation Portable is remembered for its big hits, like Crisis Core or 도라에몽토토 Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, it also harbored a trove of underrated gems that flew under the radar. Some of the best PSP games weren’t massive blockbusters, but secret masterpieces that showcased creativity, depth, and replayability in a handheld format.

Take Jeanne d’Arc, a tactical RPG from Level-5 that blended fantasy with real historical figures in a way that felt bold and original. Its clean battle mechanics and strong character development gave it a passionate niche following. Another overlooked hit was Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, a remake of a cult classic strategy game with an intricate political narrative and multiple story paths that made every decision meaningful. These games weren’t built to follow trends—they set their own standard.

Other titles like Ys Seven and Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero? embraced niche audiences with unique gameplay and over-the-top difficulty. They weren’t designed for everyone, but for the right player, they delivered unforgettable experiences. What made these PSP games special was their willingness to take risks—both narratively and mechanically—in ways that bigger franchises often couldn’t afford.

Years later, these hidden gems are still being discovered by new players through emulation or digital storefronts. They remind us that the best games aren’t always the ones with the most hype—they’re the ones that surprise, innovate, and stick with us long after we put the system down.