As an experienced gaming tech analyst and lifetime PlayStation enthusiast, I often field questions on which games define any console or handheld. This article will provide my definitive, data-backed rankings of the top 7 action games released on Sony‘s PlayStation Portable based on critical reception, commercial success and their lasting influence years later.
Overview
First released in 2005, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony‘s first foray into mobile gaming vs the dominant Nintendo DS. Despite lower sales, the PSP cultivated a passionate userbase drawn to its stronger graphical horsepower supporting console-quality franchises on the go.
The PSP amassed a library brimming with action-packed games across multiple genres during its 7 years on market before being discontinued in 2014. To determine the absolute cream of the crop, I compiled critical review data from sites like Metacritic and sales figures where available. I also weighed the impact these titles had when launched alongside the longevity of their influence years later.
The following rankings encapsulate a diverse selection of landmark PSP games that set new bars for technical capabilities, design innovation or franchise evolution at the time. Whether stealth, hack ‘n slash, rhythm-based or retro platformers, these titles represent the biggest leaps forward for action gaming in the palm of your hands.
#7: Killzone Liberation
| Metascore | Genre | Release Date | Developer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | Top-Down Shooter | Oct 31, 2005 | SCE Cambridge Studio |
As a major PSP launch title, Killzone Liberation brought the cinematic FPS franchise to handhelds with a new isometric camera perspective reminiscent of tactical shooters. Billed as one of the most graphically impressive portable games with slick lighting and effects, it let you control mercenary Jan Templar across 9 expansive levels in his fight against the fascist Helghast army.
Critics praised Liberation for preserving the gritty sci-fi world of Killzone alongside deep strategic shooter mechanics demandsutilizing cover and tech like sentry bots translated smartly from the popular PS2 entries. It provided an important litmus test for PSP’s firepower supporting a console staple franchise, later followed by Resistance: Retribution and SOCOM bringing their respective shooter legacies onto Sony’s rookie handheld.
#6: Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
| Metascore | Genre | Release Date | Developer | Total Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89 | Stealth/Tactical Action | Jun 8, 2010 | Kojima Productions | 3.8 million units |
The storied tactical espionage Metal Gear franchise has seen numerous titles grace PlayStation consoles over the decades, but none quite so poignant as Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker for the PSP. Helmed by series creator Hideo Kojima, this 2010 release embedded the signature Kojima imprint across its Cold War setting and intricate base building mechanics.
You play as franchise mainstay Big Boss in 1974 Costa Rica investigating CIA black ops activity and the development of AI weapons technology. Critics praised the successful translation of Metal Gear staples like stealth gameplay, spider-sense radar and cinematic storytelling beats into the PSP architecture – a notable feat given the bespoke nature of Kojima productions. Commercially, Peace Walker outsold all previous portable Metal Gear titles at nearly 4 million copies and received praise for its incorporation of co-op missions.
