Now that 2009 has ended, it’s time to salute some of the exceptional game released we enjoyed last year. True, there wasn’t an avalanche of PSP games released, but many of the ones that did debut were high quality titles. Some of them may even be considered PSP classics when the system has reached its end and the PSP2 debuts.
Gamertell is ready to pay homage to what we feel are ten of the best PSP games released in 2009. They’re all familiar titles, many were even among the most popular releases for the system last year. So read on, and see 10 2009 PSP games that deserve special honors.
10. Phantasy Star Portable
Phantasy Star Portable continues the story many Phantasy Star Universe fans loved. You create a custom character from the human, newman, CAST or beast race and then work with an AI CAST partner named Vivienne to stop a terrorist who is unleashing SEED monsters and robots to start attacking the Gurhal Galaxy. Even though the still character models during story scenes look a bit strange, and you can’t freely explore the space station areas, it’s a good mission-based action RPG.
The lack of online multiplayer sort-of kills the experience though, especially since Phantasy Star Portable 2 (PSP) and Phantasy Star Zero for the DS both support online multiplayer.
9. Class of Heroes
Atlus’ Class of Heroes brings classic, first person dungeon crawling to the PSP, and acts as an homage to old school RPGs. You create a custom party from multiple races, alignments and jobs, and then take on missions, which are billed as school assignments. As you advance through the game, you unlock new majors (jobs) and are able to visit more schools and areas. There’s also a bit of a mapping element, as each time you enter a dungeon you are able to work to complete a map of it.
The best way to think of it is as a PSP version of the cult classic Etrian Odyssey games. You focus on dungeon exploration and getting stronger, rather than following an epic story.
8. Patapon 2
Patapon 2 offered more of the same rhythm and action fun as Patapon. Once again, you’re helping the Patapons proceed on an epic journey, directing their actions with certain drum beats. There are new mini-games, you can unlock new warrior classes, and there are even multiplayer elements in Patapon 2, making it bigger and better than the original.
Unlike the previous game, you couldn’t find it in stores, and its PlayStation Store exclusive status hurt Patapon 2. The game didn’t receive the fanfare or attention it deserved.
7. Half-Minute Hero
Half-Minute Hero is a great travel game. It pretty much has four game modes, covering four different game genres: rpg, real-time strategy, shooter and action. In each game, you essentially have 30 seconds to complete a mission. If you go over the time limit, the game’s over. Of course, you can always pay to rewind the clock, but many times the time limit isn’t an issue. Half-Minute Hero also features classic, pixelated graphics.
The best mode of the game is, not surprisingly, the Hero 30 RPG. However, the Evil Lord 30, Knight 30, Princess 30, Hero 3 and Hero 300 modes aren’t without their charm.
6. Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days
The PS2 game Disgaea 2 was a great game, so it’s no surprise that Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days would be just as good. The port featured tons of new content, including an Axel Mode where Axel gets his own story, new animated scenes, characters from Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice to round out your party, Magichange and Pass & Toss added in, Music and Data Shops and additional DLC characters from other NIS games.
The only downside is that it is yet another port of an NIS game. However, it is the first time Disgaea 2 has been rereleased, so its a forgiveable offense.
5. Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble
Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble was one of my favorite PSP games from last year. It’s filled with Japanese nuances and culture, and a hilarious beat’em up. You play as a young man on a school trip to Kyouto, and decide to join a bancho rumble to see which student, out of the almost 50 schools attending, is the toughest. You have seven days to take down the top banchos from the other schools and become a legend. To start a fight, you first lock menchi eye beams with an opponent, then you enter a trash talking battle to see who strikes first and finally you enter an all out battle.
It’s very free form, and you can either spend your entire time battling against enemies, or enjoying the trip. You can even get the main character a girlfriend, if you like, or spend your time collecting souveniers and clothing.
4. LittleBigPlanet
LittleBigPlanet for the PSP was one of 2009′s most anticipated titles and, for the most part, it delivered a pretty faithful portable version of the LittleBigPlanet. You can play and create platformer or mini-game levels, and either share or download additional levels from the internet. Of course, level creation isn’t as robust as it is in the PS3 version, but it is still possible to create some entertaining and impressive levels.
The only downside to LittleBigPlanet is that it is a single player game, and one of the best parts of the PS3 version was playing through levels with friends.
3. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona was a wonderful way to see just how the Persona series got its start. The PSP port was a remastered version of the original PlayStation game Revelations: Persona, with a whole new translation, no strange localization choices and the legendary Snow Queen quest left accessible and intact. It also featured all new animated cutscenes, new music and came with a soundtrack.
Even though it is a remake of an older game, it withstood the test of time well and provided a challenging gameplay experience with a deep and engaging story that helped satisfy PSP owners looking for a quality RPG.
2. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
One of the most popular PSP series is Monster Hunter, and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite may just be the best entry yet. It has more quests, a Felyne assistant, more armor, the ability to hold more items and equipment sets and Epic Hunting Quests where you can head off to hunt down up to four monsters. It’s also compatible with the PS3 PSP Adhoc Party program, to allow you to play with other Monster Hunter Freedom Unite players over the internet.
While there’s still no true online multiplayer for the game and some small gameplay issues, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is easily a must-have game for PSP owners.
1. Dissidia: Final Fantasy
Everyone knew Dissidia: Final Fantasy would be well received among fans, but no one expected that it would be a fantastic fighting game that any PSP owner could enjoy. From the robust story mode, to the endless hours of gameplay you get thanks to incentives to visit daily, single player challenges and multiplayer battles, Dissidia is a PSP game that goes above and beyond a player’s expectations.
Dissidia: Final Fantasy looks good, is easy to play, has a fantastic soundtrack and offers tons of game modes and character customization options. It really could be one of the best PSP games ever made.
So, what do you think? Were the games above hits or misses? Was there a PSP game released in 2009 that we missed and you think deserves to be in the top 10? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Dissidia is definitely the ultimate PSP game and one of my favorite games I may have ever played.