PSP Recommendations & Mini-Reviews

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

I guess there's no PSP section, so this looks like the most appropriate place to post this.

Does anyone have any recommendations for PSP games I might like, knowing my tastes? I already have Final Fantasy Tactics and Jeanne d'Arc for tactical RPGs, and I have God of War: Chains of Olympus.

Puzzly/cute games: I've been looking for LocoRoco, but everywhere I've seen it it's $30-35. I've also been looking for Lumines but can't find it anywhere.

Strategy/RPG: I can't find the anniversary editions of Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II anywhere, new or used.

[Shortay]

At the moment I've only got Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, which is a fantastic transformation of the MGS gameplay to the small screen; Daxter, a fantastic little platformer, and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII which I find, although a solid action-RPG, a little repetitive & lacking in personality and atmostphere. I also owned, finished and absolutely adored Chains of Olympus.

If you're interested in strategic games then I hear both Metal Gear Acid and Metal Gear Acid 2 are good, although they're probably better for the series' most hardcore of fans.

I don't own LocoRoco but have seen a friend play it and it seemed like some very unique fun - I'm hoping to pick it up some time soon as well. Same situation with Lumines.

After playing the demo of Patapon I can safely say that it is a very unique and quirky rhythm-based platformer. I plan on getting it in the future.

Would you recommend FFT by the way? It looks very good but may be a little hardcore for me as far as RPGs go...

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Originally Posted by Shortay-01

Would you recommend FFT by the way? It looks very good but may be a little hardcore for me as far as RPGs go...

I'm not the best person to ask about FFT, since it's far and away my favourite game of all time on any system. We all know how much I like Final Fantasy IV... well, I like FFT more than 100 FFIVs!

It's only as hardcore as you make it. The enemies in random battles level along with your party so if you're weak, they'll be weakish. You really only need to worry about story battles, and then only a few of them are really mean (keep multiple save files just in case you get stuck somewhere and can't go back).

The job system is very flexible and lends itself to so many gameplay styles. If you just want to create a solid, well-rounded party and then keep them that way as you progress through the game, there's nothing stopping you. The extras are fun, but not impossibly hard.

[Mickeymac]

You already own Jeanne d'Arc, so I won't bother with that, but I definitely recommend Crush and Echochrome[PSN] as far as Puzzlers go, and Lumines is definitely worth every penny! I'd also like to recommend Every Extend Extra, another addictive puzzle game from Q Entertainment(whom made Lumines and Meteos) that is somewhat similar to Pop. However, it's XBLA sequel is way better, and it puts the original to shame.

Patapon is a fun and unique strategy game that I definitely recommend you pick up. It's not exactly strong in the rhythm, RPG, or Strategy, but it all comes together to make a great game. There's a demo out, in case you're still not sure( you get a special weapon if you do).

Lately I've been looking at Brave Story: New Travelers. It seems like a fun Traditional RPG, if a little forgettable.

My brother can Personally attest to Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, and he doesn't even really like RPGs!

I'm running out of things to recommend, the only other RPG I think you might like is Wild Arms XF, albeit it is a Strategy-RPG.

As far a action games go, you already got the best one, with the only other one I'm even half-willing to recommend being Bounty Hounds. I certainly enjoyed it, but I think I'm the only one.

Pretty much everything else I have or am interested in is a shooter, platformer, or racing game, so I'm not sure how much of a help I can be for you.

[Slayerking45]

is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII a good game for the psp i want to get a psp game for my b-day and i cant get mature games yet so i cant get god of war but i want a nice rpg and this one sounds good because it has a battle system similar to kingdom hearts 2 and people say the story's good too soo can somebody give their opinon on a better game then this or this game please

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Originally Posted by Jogurt the Yogurt

Strategy/RPG: I can't find the anniversary editions of Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II anywhere, new or used.

Scratch that: apparently PlayAsia has them. I didn't think they would have the North American versions, but I guess I was wrong. They're on the expensive side (more than I have seen them for around here when they were actually in stores), but at least I can make use of some of the PlayAsia discounts that people around here keep talking about.

EDIT: OK, I've also looked into Mega Man Powered Up and Mega Man Maverick Hunter X, and they both look interesting to me. They're attractive in that they're not "new" MM games (since they tend to suck) and they're not sloppy ports, but decent-looking remakes. So for action, I may look into them.

[pdRydia]

Originally Posted by Jogurt the Yogurt

Puzzly/cute games: I've been looking for LocoRoco, but everywhere I've seen it it's $30-35. I've also been looking for Lumines but can't find it anywhere.

I can't find LocoRoco anywhere around here. I think I'll probably go ahead and buy it from the Playstation store. Lumines and Lumines II are everywhere, though, for $20 & $18 respectively.

The Playstation store has the PSX Wild Arms for $6. You can also pick LocoRoco up for $23 from there.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Scratch that (again). I've just picked up a used copy of LocoRoco for $19.99! I also found Mega Man Powered Up for $9.99 (get!).

I've checked 8 video game stores, and of those 8 stores, only one of them had only one copy of Lumines II (I'd rather have the original). No sign of it anywhere. I'm going to keep looking,

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

EDIT: I only now realized that there is a blanket-catch-all section in Current Gen. I had always thought it was divided into the sub-sections! I guess this thread could be moved to the main Current Gen section and out of poor old PS3's section.

Anyway, I just ordered FF and FFII Anniversary Editions from PlayAsia since I can't find them anywhere around here. Lumines was something like $40 even on that site, though, so I guess I'm stuck just looking for it used, since that's a crazy price. I don't think I'd want to pay more than $10 for a used launch puzzler...

[jackaroo]

Since you mentioned the MM Games i can recommend them since I have both and they are both great. Powered up gives you a remake of the original MM with 100 challenges, the ability to play as boss characters, level creator and 2 versions of the main game. You can play the original mode which has the original resolution but powered ups graphics and slight changes to the level design. It still has the original music though (I think. I cant actually remember off the top of my head). And then you can play the new mode which basically is the levels from the original with new routes and stuff. Theres also 2 new robot masters.
Megaman : Maverick Hunter X is a remake of MMX. Some of X's upgrades have been relocated and stuff plus slight changes here and there but for the most part its the same game with new graphics and stuff. However there is an extra mode where you can play as Vile who is one of the bosses from the game. He has his own story and new level layouts. Theres also an unlockable animated movie which lasts for about 30 minutes.
I can also recommend Crisis Core : Final Fantasy VII. I got really attached to the story in this game and was always wanting to know what happened next. The gameplay is great and the battles are sort of done like kingdom hearts but its slightly different. There are also 300 missions but despite the mission description saying like "Locate this treasure" or something it all comes down to a battle with a monster at the end. Therefore they are all the same really so it can get repetitive. Ive only played about 10 minutes of the original FFVII but I knew a bit about the story. I also was aware of what was going to happen at the end of crisis core. I wont spoil it but man the ending is a tear jerker. I didnt shed any tears or anything but was close to doing so. And that never happens to me in videogames. The whole game is great (except for the repetitive missions) so I greatly recommend this.

[pdRydia]

I finally found LocoRoco (used, $18, no instructions or original box) and picked up Lumines II new at Best Buy for $14 (or was it $15?). They had a whole bunch of Lumines II there, sitting up by the cash registers with all the "please, please buy us!" games (not all of which sucked, but hey, I already own Puzzle Quest).

LocoRoco is a blast. Now my brother & mom know the music to it because I've been sitting around playing it during my visit.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Great find! I think my LocoRoco was around the same price, but I thankfully did end up getting instructions and a box. Inexplicably, the Zellers back home put out a flyer with brand new copies of LocoRoco on sale for $15!!!!!! I already had my copy by then, so I didn't have the heart to even go and look.

Everywhere I have looked here, there is one used copy of Lumines II for $20. Maybe the Lumines shortage is to make up for the apparent Tetris DS abundance... I'm still looking for a copy of the original. No one wants to part with it.

I actually snagged a used copy of Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories for $10 yesterday. Should be interesting.

Ryd, do you have the PSP or DS version of Puzzle Quest? Now that I have both systems, I'm kind of torn about which system to get certain games for (specifically Puzzle Quest and Space Invaders Extreme). I can see both having their merits.

[pdRydia]

I actually found Tetris DS! There were several around where my parents live! I even got a box and instructions (and all the original ads and other paper slips that are included, woo!) It was $35, though. Geeze!

Anyway, I've got the DS version of Puzzle Quest (released at the same time as the PSP version). It's got some atrocious graphical bugs, but thanks to the autosave, nothing that prevents you from playing the game. I like the touch screen interface for the puzzling part, but I don't think it's absolutely essential.

From Wikipedia: "Kotaku noted that the PSP version has a much more challenging artificial intelligence along with a larger screen and more in-game effects.[10] However, the PSP version also has a bug relating to in-game companions that is not present in the DS version; the companions' stated special abilities do not work.[11] While game designer Steve Fawkner has acknowledged this bug, he claims that only Vicious Cycle, the port developer, has the ability to produce a patch.[12] No patch or fix has been announced."

I would say that the companions' abilities aren't essential, either, but I'd be incredibly annoyed if their stuff didn't work. The branching plotline of the game allows you to choose which companions you pick up, customizing your party (so to speak). It's a way of distinguishing one play-through from another, and a facet of strategy. And, y'know, their special abilities are really the whole reason they're in the game. On the other hand, the DS version can be pretty easy. Your call.

There's also a Wii & XBLA version of the game, which may have fixes (having been released later). Sadly they are not portable. :[

I don't have Space Invaders extreme, but Wikipedia seems to be impressed with the DS version.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Yeah, they both seem like DS-lovable versions. I think I'd lean towards the DS version of PQ, since I don't really care if a puzzle game is too easy, as long as it's fun to play. Oh PSP, you shall have to be reserved for games I cannot find.

[Refa]

Breath Of Fire 3 and Castlevania Symphony Of The Night (both of PSN fame).

Other games are Gradius collection and Valkyrie Profile Lenneth.

[Refa]

Originally Posted by jackaroo

Since you mentioned the MM Games i can recommend them since I have both and they are both great. Powered up gives you a remake of the original MM with 100 challenges, the ability to play as boss characters, level creator and 2 versions of the main game. You can play the original mode which has the original resolution but powered ups graphics and slight changes to the level design. It still has the original music though (I think. I cant actually remember off the top of my head). And then you can play the new mode which basically is the levels from the original with new routes and stuff. Theres also 2 new robot masters.
Megaman : Maverick Hunter X is a remake of MMX. Some of X's upgrades have been relocated and stuff plus slight changes here and there but for the most part its the same game with new graphics and stuff. However there is an extra mode where you can play as Vile who is one of the bosses from the game. He has his own story and new level layouts. Theres also an unlockable animated movie which lasts for about 30 minutes.
I can also recommend Crisis Core : Final Fantasy VII. I got really attached to the story in this game and was always wanting to know what happened next. The gameplay is great and the battles are sort of done like kingdom hearts but its slightly different. There are also 300 missions but despite the mission description saying like "Locate this treasure" or something it all comes down to a battle with a monster at the end. Therefore they are all the same really so it can get repetitive. Ive only played about 10 minutes of the original FFVII but I knew a bit about the story. I also was aware of what was going to happen at the end of crisis core. I wont spoil it but man the ending is a tear jerker. I didnt shed any tears or anything but was close to doing so. And that never happens to me in videogames. The whole game is great (except for the repetitive missions) so I greatly recommend this.

I think the DS version of Space Invaders is better due to better multiplayer (it can also be online), the dual screens, and as we all know, the awesome paddle controller that people buy Arkanoid DS for !

I think the Wii or the XBLA version is better than the portable, but you've proven me wrong on this once before (Gemometry Wars Galaxies for the DS and Wii). Are there any new features, does it have a new storyline, or is it just a watered down port?

Other PSP games you could get are Dracula X Chronicles ($20 new), Mega Man X Powered Up ($12 New), Mega Man Maverick Hunter X ($15 New), and Valkyrie Profile Lenneth ($25 Used, WTF! Who messed with my cheap prices!).

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Originally Posted by Refa

Other PSP games you could get are Dracula X Chronicles ($20 new) [and] Mega Man Maverick Hunter X ($15 New)...

I'm actively looking for these two games, especially at those prices, but no local places have them in stock.

[Refa]

Originally Posted by Jogurt the Yogurt

I'm actively looking for these two games, especially at those prices, but no local places have them in stock.

I saw them at Amazon for those prices (New except Valkyrie Profile). I know about shipping, but if you buy both of them at once, you can get Super Saver Shipping (free shipping for items from Amazon, needs to cost $25 or more together, and takes slightly longer than normal shipping). If you can bear the weight though, it seems like a good idea (you must get DX Chronicles!).

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Originally Posted by Refa

I saw them at Amazon for those prices (New except Valkyrie Profile). I know about shipping, but if you buy both of them at once, you can get Super Saver Shipping (free shipping for items from Amazon, needs to cost $25 or more together, and takes slightly longer than normal shipping). If you can bear the weight though, it seems like a good idea (you must get DX Chronicles!).

No super saver shipping unless I order from Amazon.ca, and the prices are higher there. I'll just be patient and find them via personal sale somewhere for like $10-15 each.

[Refa]

Originally Posted by Jogurt the Yogurt

No super saver shipping unless I order from Amazon.ca, and the prices are higher there. I'll just be patient and find them via personal sale somewhere for like $10-15 each.

Are you sure? You could just check on Amazon to make sure. But you're probably right .

[lordbowser]

Look at me I'm a necromancer!

Joking aside, I'm seriously considering buying a PSP soon, but I never really payed much attention to it before so I don't know what the system's best games are. Right now I'm looking for games that are either lengthy or have loads of replay value, online multiplayer would also be a plus, and most importantly can be bought rather cheaply (although I'm open to newer games too). PS1 classics can also be included.

[Kiwi the Tortoise]

Originally Posted by lordbowser

Look at me I'm a necromancer!

Joking aside, I'm seriously considering buying a PSP soon, but I never really payed much attention to it before so I don't know what the system's best games are. Right now I'm looking for games that are either lengthy or have loads of replay value, online multiplayer would also be a plus, and most importantly can be bought rather cheaply (although I'm open to newer games too). PS1 classics can also be included.

- Disgaea 1 or 2, both are very looong and pretty good. I personally prefer the first one and since the series doesn't change much it's sufficent to only get one of them.

- Valkyria Chr. 2, quite a lot to do here and fun to play. Also features online elements. One of the best games on the system.

- Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker might be worth a look. It's a long game with lots of content, but you have to deal with the shi**y controls though (I would have loved the game, if they had included at least one control setting that actually works)

[Refa]

Originally Posted by lordbowser

Look at me I'm a necromancer!

Joking aside, I'm seriously considering buying a PSP soon, but I never really payed much attention to it before so I don't know what the system's best games are. Right now I'm looking for games that are either lengthy or have loads of replay value, online multiplayer would also be a plus, and most importantly can be bought rather cheaply (although I'm open to newer games too). PS1 classics can also be included.

Tactics Ogre and Final Fantasy are some good lengthy SRPGs (or at least FFT is, but Tactics Ogre is supposed to be the direct predecessor to that, so yeah...).

The Mega Man remakes are also worth getting.

[Diebythesword]

If you dont care for the download versions, there is going to be a Sega sale on some PSP games starting tomorrow

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Tactics Ogre is a great recommendation. Better off getting the PSN download of Final Fantasy Tactics rather than the PSP remake/sidegrade though.

[Refa]

Originally Posted by Jogurt the Yogurt

Tactics Ogre is a great recommendation. Better off getting the PSN download of Final Fantasy Tactics rather than the PSP remake/sidegrade though.

Well, I'll still vouch for the PSP game, as it's not only pretty cheap and affordable, but it also makes the story a lot easier to comprehend. I guess which one you prefer would depends on how important a better translation is to you.

...Or you could probably do both for 1/2 the original retail price of the PSP remake/sidegrade.

[Mickeymac]

Originally Posted by Refa

Well, I'll still vouch for the PSP game, as it's not only pretty cheap and affordable, but it also makes the story a lot easier to comprehend. I guess which one you prefer would depends on how important a better translation is to you.

Yeah, I went with the PSP version for the better translation. I haven't played it yet, but I'm hoping I'll like it more than what I've seen of the PSOne version storywise.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Until now, this has mainly been a thread for folks seeking recommendations. I'm going to slightly steer it towards a more general use (now that there's a devoted PSP section of the forum!) as a thread for seeking recommendations, offering/giving recommendations, and posting impressions and mini-reviews of games you've enjoyed. We have similar threads for the DS and Wii, so it makes sense to be able to use this one in the same way.

Has anyone played a great PSP game lately that they'd like to share?

How about a lousy one you'd like to warn us away from?

[Mickeymac]

PSP games I recommend:

Daxter - One of the best collectathons I've ever played. Great level design, good graphics for a launch game, plenty of variety while still feeling like one big connected world. Throw in Lots of humor and an interesting story, not to mention some fun mini-games, you have a Masterpiece in the making.

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters - it's everything great about the R&C series, now on the go. It's missing some polish, but otherwise it's an extremely fun game.

Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror - A fantastic blockbuster game that I never expected to be on the PSP. The mission designs aree varied and always fun, and it has a ton of replayability to keep you interested. This is one game that's sure to wow you from start to climactic finish, and have you coming back again and again. Its also one of the few shooters on the PSP with tight controls, though since it's a slower paced game, it actually doesn't even need them. I love stealthing in this game, too.

Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max/Darkstalkers Chronicles- The most value you could hope for from a fighting game. 8+ modes, all of which are fun to play, plus loads of fighters with multiple fighting styles means that even as a singleplayer experience it can hold your attention for dozens of hours. That applies to both games.

Mega Man X: Maverick Hunter - It's the best remake you could possibly hope for of arguably one of the best Mega Man games to date. Wonderful 3D graphics, solid voice work and some good remixes of old themes, and nothing ruins the charm of the original. It's arguably a side grade, though, changing little things here and there, some for the better, some for the worse, but all in all never manages to do anything drastic. Still, if you like Mega Man X, you'll like this remake. The Vile mode is also a worthwhile and unique addition that I really appreciated, even if he dooesn't play as well as X.

First impressions:

Persona PSP - I'm only 3-4 hours in, but it seems pretty solid so far. The story's alright, though a bit disappointing compared to later Persona games. The gameplay, on the other hand, is extremely fun and addicting, and the dungeon design is alright, though a bit confusing with lots of dead ends.

Star Ocean: The First Departure - Again, only a couple of hourse in, but I'm liking it so far. The story's good, the action is splendid, the areas have been extremely linear, and the character customization is more addcting than it has any right to be.

Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow - Just as good, if not better than Dark Mirror. No complaints whatsoever. The only problem is that I'm having way too much fun replaying old levels instead of playing new ones.

[Refa]

Er, is it OK to recommend PSN games (eg. PSOne Classics) that are playable on the PSP?

[Mickeymac]

Originally Posted by Refa

Er, is it OK to recommend PSN games (eg. PSOne Classics) that are playable on the PSP?

Probably not, but you could always make a PSN recommendations thread. We could really use one, actually. I'm sure you could list games that are also on UMD that you got on PsN, though.

EDIT:

More First impressions:

Final Fantasy II - Sigh, I really like the gameplay in this game, but the bare-bones story and how easy it is to get lost is putting me off. I may just have to play through the rest with a guide.

Hexyz Force - I just barely got started with this one but so far it's been mixed. The difficulty has been extremely low so far, which is sad since the battle system is great and the customization system has potential. I'm just afraid that it'll get underutilized like in Golden Sun. Meanwhile the story's fine, and doesn't waste any time getting started, unlike some games. The main character though...she's so whiny. I mean, I can relate, but still, her complaints are wearing my nerves pretty quickly. I recommend playing as the Knight instead if anybody's interested in picking it up.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Originally Posted by Refa

Er, is it OK to recommend PSN games (eg. PSOne Classics) that are playable on the PSP?

Not sure. We do have a whole section of the forum specifically for PSN now with the understanding that they're playable on PS3 and PSP, so that might be a good place for such a thread.

[Diebythesword]

Anyone recommend Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth?

[Kiwi the Tortoise]

Originally Posted by Diebythesword

Anyone recommend Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth?

I won't.

While I love the general idea, the game design is just too sloppy.
The game is pretty much split in two parts.
The first involves the recruitment of people, which is techincally just a bunch of more or less melodramatic cutscenes you'll have to watch.
The second is the dungeon exploration which plays like a bad 2d-jump'n'run. You'll sooner or later get the urge to toss the psp in the corner due to the rather sloppy controls. The fighting system is fun in comparison, but gets old soon.
The underlying story is not that bad, but feels detached from the gameplay and isn't very satisfying.
In all you would get a rather mediocre RPG, which I won't recommend unless you can get it for a very low price. The game just got kinda famous due to the rarity of the PS1-version.

[Mickeymac]

Originally Posted by Kiwi the Tortoise

I won't.

While I love the general idea, the game design is just too sloppy.
The game is pretty much split in two parts.
The first involves the recruitment of people, which is techincally just a bunch of more or less melodramatic cutscenes you'll have to watch.
The second is the dungeon exploration which plays like a bad 2d-jump'n'run. You'll sooner or later get the urge to toss the psp in the corner due to the rather sloppy controls. The fighting system is fun in comparison, but gets old soon.
The underlying story is not that bad, but feels detached from the gameplay and isn't very satisfying.
In all you would get a rather mediocre RPG, which I won't recommend unless you can get it for a very low price. The game just got kinda famous due to the rarity of the PS1-version.

I agree with this sentiment whole-heartedly.

[Angelic Lapras King]

Is that Final Fantasy beat em up any good?

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Originally Posted by Angelic Lapras King

Is that Final Fantasy beat em up any good?

If you mean Dissidia, then.... eh... The story and cutscenes and characterization are all gratingly terrible. The fighting mechanics themselves are semi-interesting for the first while and then become insanely repetitive and stale. The only really good thing about the game is the unlockable content / menu items / gallery / FF series tidbits located throughout the parts of the game that you don't actually play.

[Refa]

Originally Posted by Angelic Lapras King

Is that Final Fantasy beat em up any good?

Also, if you're talking about Dissidia, there's also a (seemingly improved) sequel that's coming out that has more characters and stuff.

[Angelic Lapras King]

Yeah, that's the one I'm talking about. Never simple these game titles huh?

Still, did sound like a good concept so good to hear they're giving it another go.

[Refa]

Originally Posted by Angelic Lapras King

Yeah, that's the one I'm talking about. Never simple these game titles huh?

It's simple compared to Dissidia 012 [Duodecim] Final Fantasy (the sequel).