Best PSP Spin-Off Games, Ranked

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Summary

  • PSP library featured spin-off games from big franchises like Kingdom Hearts and Metal Gear Solid, making them successful.
  • PSP spin-off titles like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 offered similar experiences to their mainline counterparts.
  • God of War: Chains of Olympus and Daxter were visually stunning and successful titles, proving handheld consoles can handle large-scale games.

The evolution of handheld gaming has significantly advanced since the days of Sega Game Gear, Atari Lynx, and Nintendo Game Boy. These pioneers set the stage, but it wasn’t until Sony’s PlayStation Portable in 2004 that portable gaming saw a significant leap forward.

It’s not a surprise that these portable devices are powerful given their size and cost. Consequently, when it comes to major franchises, they often release smaller versions, known as spin-offs, of their primary console games. Fortunately, the PSP had an abundance of such titles.

This list will only feature one title per game franchise.

6. Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep (2010)

The Beloved Square Enix & Disney Crossover For The PSP

Initially, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep didn’t appear on the PSP platform; however, it was the inaugural PSP game in the popular crossover series between Disney and Square that had earlier been released on handhelds such as the Game Boy Advance.

The game adopts an action-packed, combat style typical of many games in the series. Uniquely, its storyline is divided into separate narratives for its three primary characters: Terra, Aqua, and Ventus. Remarkably, this was the only Kingdom Hearts release on the PSP, yet it became a hit globally among fans, cementing its status as an excellent spin-off for Sony’s portable system.

5. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops (2006)

Breaking Ground In The Stealth Genre For Handhelds

Without a doubt, the legendary Metal Gear franchise has long been a trailblazer in the realm of stealth games, dating back to the 80’s. A significant portion of this enduring success can be attributed to the innovative ideas conceived by Hideo Kojima throughout his career.

By 2006, the series made its debut on Sony’s latest handheld device, “Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops”, and it did not disappoint. Set in the 1970s, this installment focuses on Naked Snake, also known as “Big Boss”, as he battles against the FOX unit they once belonged to. The gameplay maintains the series’ traditional style but with a unique twist, as players can create and manage their own team rather than playing solo. The game was warmly accepted, even receiving an expansion in 2007 focused on online play named “Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus”.

4. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 (2007)

A Full Final Fantasy Experience In The Palm Of Your Hand

As one of the most renowned role-playing games ever made, “Final Fantasy” is a series that requires minimal introduction. Its installments have graced almost every major Nintendo or Sony console for several decades now, such as the PlayStation Portable with “Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII”.

This game takes place seven years before the events of Final Fantasy VII, focusing on the protagonist, Zack Fair, as he embarks on a quest to find other missing members from the elite “SOLDIER” unit. Although the action RPG style of play may seem familiar within the series, what sets it apart is its portability – allowing players to enjoy an experience similar to its console counterparts, all compactly on a handheld device. This spin-off is certainly worth exploring for both Final Fantasy and PSP enthusiasts alike.

3. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)

One Of The Most Visually Stunning Games On The PSP

The God of War series has consistently showcased epic, mythical fight scenes on Sony’s consoles, dating back to the PlayStation 2. One might wonder if these grand battles could still be effective on a more compact, less powerful portable device.

Even though it initially appeared implausible, God of War: Chains of Olympus proved that it was indeed possible, and it did so exceptionally well. Players familiar with the series will recognize the routine: assume the role of Kratos as he participates in epic, action-packed conflicts against a multitude of creatures from Greek mythology. In 2008, this game earned the title of PSP Game of the Year. It delivered an almost identical gaming experience to its main console releases, and it showcased impressive graphics and scale for a handheld device, especially considering it was a spin-off title.

2. Daxter (2006)

The Fan-Favorite Side-Kick Got His Own Spin-Off

The “Jak and Daxter” games were often chosen as top platformers on the PlayStation 2, and it was in 2006 that their first spin-off and PSP debut came with “Daxter”. However, this spin-off deviated slightly from the usual style of the widely appreciated series.

In contrast to the primary games that predominantly featured Jak, this handheld spin-off shifts the focus onto his sidekick, Daxter. Players assume the role of the humorous otter character who’s taken up a new profession as a bug exterminator in Haven City. Alongside this job, Daxter searches for Jak throughout his journey. The gameplay includes various missions, blending traditional 3D platforming and puzzle-solving. This portable release was well-received within the franchise, offering similar enjoyable gameplay and endearing visual style as its console counterparts. Notably, it was one of the top 10 best-selling games for the PSP, often regarded as one of the most iconic titles for this legendary handheld device.

1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (2006)

How Do You Get An Entire GTA Game On The PSP?

In a remarkable achievement, Rockstar managed to bring their globally acclaimed Grand Theft Auto series, which essentially shaped the open-world crime game genre, onto the PlayStation Portable (PSP) with Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories in 2006 – something many thought was almost unattainable.

As a gaming enthusiast, I found myself immersed in the world of Vice City, stepping into the shoes of Vic Vance, a secondary character from the original Vice City, as he embarks on a quest to establish a criminal empire with the aid of his brother, Lance. The gameplay was just as enjoyable and engaging as any of its mainline console counterparts, with side-splitting characters and an expansive open world to explore. A year after its initial release in 2006, it was brought to the PlayStation 2, solidifying its reputation as a spin-off title that could hold its own against the mainline games. While the 2005 spin-off was also top-notch, Vice City Stories stands out due to its impressive scale and abundance of content, making it one of the finest PSP spin-offs ever produced.

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2025-07-24 10:34