While the PlayStation Portable (PSP) is often remembered for its iconic titles like God of War: Chains of Olympus and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, the handheld console also boasts a number of hidden gems that didn’t receive as much mainstream attention but are well worth playing. These underrated titles demonstrate the versatility of the PSP and how the console was home to a wide variety of genres, offering experiences that ranged from action-packed adventures to thoughtful puzzle games.

One such hidden gem is LocoRoco (2006), a quirky platformer that combined bright, cheerful visuals with innovative gameplay mechanics. In LocoRoco, players control a group of colorful blobs as they roll through Kencana88 levels, avoiding obstacles and collecting smaller blobs along the way. The game’s unique art style and simple yet engaging mechanics made it a fun and refreshing experience that is still fondly remembered by PSP fans. While it may not have garnered the same mainstream success as some of the bigger PSP titles, LocoRoco remains a beloved and charming entry in the PSP’s library.

Another underrated title on the PSP is Patapon (2007), a rhythm-based strategy game that blended musical elements with tactical gameplay. In Patapon, players control an army of tiny creatures by rhythmically pressing buttons to the beat of the music. The game’s unique concept, catchy soundtrack, and stylish visuals made it a standout on the PSP, offering a gameplay experience unlike anything else on the platform.

For fans of the racing genre, Wipeout Pure (2005) remains one of the PSP’s best-kept secrets. A futuristic racing game with high-speed tracks and intense competition, Wipeout Pure featured sleek visuals and a fantastic electronic soundtrack that set it apart from other racing games. The game’s combination of fast-paced action, smooth controls, and futuristic design made it one of the most exciting titles on the handheld, even if it didn’t receive as much attention as some of the PSP’s more high-profile releases.

Lastly, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007) is a standout RPG that is often overlooked compared to its console counterparts. A prequel to the beloved Final Fantasy VII, Crisis Core tells the story of Zack Fair, a soldier in the Final Fantasy VII universe, and provides important backstory to the events of the original game. The engaging narrative, solid combat mechanics, and deep connections to Final Fantasy VII made it a must-play for fans of the franchise, even though it didn’t receive the same recognition as other Final Fantasy titles.

Though the PSP may no longer be in production, its library of hidden gems continues to provide great experiences for those willing to dig a little deeper. These underrated titles, from the rhythm-based Patapon to the action-packed Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, showcase the incredible variety of gaming experiences available on the PSP, making it a system worth revisiting for any gaming enthusiast.