The PlayStation Portable may be best remembered for hits like God of War: Chains of Olympus or Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, but it also had a library full of lesser-known gems that were overlooked at the time or overshadowed by bigger franchises. These forgotten PSP games still hold up today and deserve a second look from fans and newcomers alike.
One such title is Jeanne d’Arc, a tactical RPG that blends fantasy elements with a retelling of the historical tale of Joan of Arc. Developed by Level-5, the game features an elegant art style, deep strategic gameplay, and a strong narrative that rivals any of the more popular tactical games on consoles. Its quality storytelling and satisfying mechanics went largely unnoticed during its release window, but today, it feels like a hidden treasure.
Metal Gear Acid also stands out for its daring departure from the main Metal Gear series. A turn-based card game at heart, it combined stealth and tactics in koko138 ways that were both innovative and surprisingly deep. Though it was polarizing for fans expecting traditional stealth gameplay, it’s a bold experiment that has aged better than expected.
Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light offered a unique crafting system and distinctive art design that set it apart from typical JRPGs of the time. While it received mixed reviews upon release, its ambitious systems and exploration-based gameplay made it a title with cult potential. It may not be as polished as its AAA peers, but it’s a great example of PSP games that were trying something different.
Another title worth revisiting is Exit, a puzzle-platformer where players guide a protagonist through escape scenarios involving logic, timing, and puzzle solving. Its unique art style and level design make it feel like a cross between a comic book and an arcade classic, and it’s still enjoyable even by modern standards.
Many of these forgotten PSP titles are now accessible through digital platforms or emulation, giving today’s players the chance to explore a side of the PSP library that they might have missed. These hidden gems prove that the PSP was more than just a portable console—it was a platform for creative risks and untapped potential.
