May 9, 2021
10 PS One Classics Games Worth Buying On Your PSP (While You Still Can)
Sony’s Playstation Store on PSP devices closes on July 2nd, 2021.
Sony may have reversed their recent decision to close the digital storefronts on PS3 and PS Vita game systems, but the Playstation Portable is still on the way out.
There are a variety of PS One Classics games available on the Playstation Store depending on your region, but this list will focus on the games available in the U.S. store. Some of these titles are hard to come by in their original disc form nowadays, so buying digitally is not only more convenient, but often more affordable too. Here are 10 great games from yesteryear you might like to pick up before the PSP’s digital storefront closes this July.
Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night
Symphony of the Night is a popular entry in the celebrated Castlevania franchise from Konami. In it, you face off against Dracula by assuming the role of his son, Alucard, who awakens from a lengthy slumber when the forces of his evil father begin stirring anew.
This action platformer has a variety of weapons and play styles, huge bosses to take down, a fairly non-linear approach to the gameplay, and plenty of secrets to uncover. The controls are responsive and smooth, and the visuals are varied and detailed. The soundtrack is fantastic as well, with many memorable tunes.
If you’ve never played a 2D platforming style Castlevania game before, this is an excellent starting point. As a bonus for longtime fans, the PS One Classics release is the original Playstation version, unlike the modified versions found in Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles or Castlevania Requiem.
Suikoden
Suikoden is a unique franchise among RPGs that has a large cast of characters to recruit, an interesting mix of magical and oriental themes for its setting, and a gripping tale, just to name a few of its charms.
You play as a young imperial guard who learns of foul deeds among the nobility he had come to respect, and a whirlwind of events lead to a grand adventure.
The battle system is an enjoyable turn-based style, with one of the highlights being the Unite Attack feature, where compatible characters can team up to do massive damage by taking their turns together. Another standout feature of the Suikoden games are the army battles, which are large scale tactical encounters that take place during key moments in the game’s story.
At crucial points in the story, your choices can influence the outcome of pivotal scenes, and even change the fates of characters you meet along your adventure.
Alundra
If you’re a fan of classic 2D Zelda games, you’ll probably enjoy Alundra.
The game features a heavy amount of puzzle solving, and action based gameplay with some platforming elements as well. Just like in the celebrated Zelda series, in Alundra you’ll explore dungeons, unlock secrets, solve challenging puzzles, and face off against a variety of interesting andd mysterious bosses, all while learning more about the story and circumstances surrounding the village where Alundra finds himself.
The game can be very challenging at times, and the story can feel downtrodden as well, but it is well designed and executed, and is quite a memorable gameplay experience for those who wish to give it a try.
Tomba!
Tomba! may just seem like yet another mediocre 2D platforming game among a mountain of similar titles, but playing it feels surprisingly unique and interesting.
Its particular gameplay elements, quirky charms in its design, and unusual and refreshing ideas in its execution, all help to make it stand out from the crowd in a great way.
Hop on top of enemies as Tomba, and ride on them while they jump around, or press a button instead to give them a toss. Swing on branches, ascend cliffs, and even switch planes between the foreground and the background to uncover secrets and progress the story.
Even if you’ve played so many other 2D platformer games that you feel jaded on them, you might want to give Tomba! a try. You may be surprised to find that it offers something unexpected and fulfilling with its creativity and ingenuity.
Xenogears
Often making “Top RPGs” or even “Best Games” lists over the years, Xenogears is a fantastic RPG experience with a story that is full of memorable characters, incredible depth, and questions you will ponder long after the game is finished.
The combat system is robust and rewarding, with players getting to battle both on foot, and while piloting large humanoid mechanical battle suits called “Gears” that are a fusion of modern technology and unsolvable secrets of a lost age. Players are able to switch between the two forms during combat sequences, making for an exciting and dynamic experience.
If story is your main draw when it comes to RPGs, you’ll find a phenomenal one here, with depth rarely matched even among other RPGs, and a progression of events full of twists and turns that keep you hooked throughout the adventure.
R4: Ridge Racer Type 4
While the simulation style racers of the time arguably got more attention, R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 was a standout among arcade style racers on the PS1.
Much less daunting, and easier for players to just pick up and instantly enjoy, R4 is an excellent entry in the Ridge Racer series.
It also had one of the most memorable opening scenes of any PS1 game, thanks in no small part to the very catchy music.
It’s a worthwhile addition to any PS1 racing fan’s library, and is a great fit on the PSP as well.
Suikoden II
Two Suikoden games on one list? Well, yes. Not only is Suikoden II considered by some fans to be the best game in the franchise, but it’s also one of the rarest, most expensive games on PS1 in its original disc format.
This remains the only re-release the game has ever gotten in the west. If you have even the slightest interest in RPGs, Suikoden II is the kind of rarity that makes it worth buying digitally for its affordable price alone.
Fortunately, regardless of financial considerations, you’re in for an even better game than the first entry. Everything about the experience that made the original Suikoden interesting has evolved and improved in the second game.
The story is even more intricate and engrossing this time around too, and you really connect with, and feel for, the plight of the characters you meet along the journey. Fans of the original game will even find some familiar faces making their return among the cast.
Chrono Cross
Chrono Cross is a vibrant, colorful, and imaginative RPG set in the same universe as the popular classic Chrono Trigger.
The soundtrack is wonderful and fitting for the game, and the battle elements are varied and engaging.
There is a lot to uncover in the game, and it takes a somewhat non-linear approach just like its predecessor.
While it didn’t enjoy quite the same runaway level of success that Chrono Trigger has, Chrono Cross also hasn’t seen the same level of distribution on modern consoles. That makes the PS One Classics release one of the best (and few) ways to experience the game these days.
Jet Moto
Jet Moto is an interesting answer to the popularity that Nintendo’s Wave Race 64 was enjoying at the time.
In addition to using a wave runner and riding on the water though, machines in Jet Moto can go over land too, more like a futuristic hovercraft. There’s also an interesting magnetic-like system for turning sharp corners in the game, and when you get the hang of using it, you can quickly slingshot your rider and craft around corners in a satisfying way.
If you can forgive the large amounts of product placement in the rider outfits and such, there’s a pretty interesting racing game here that transitions from water racing to land racing seamlessly during its tracks, and has a feel to it that you don’t find very often. It’s a good choice for a racing game that offers something a little different.
Vagrant Story
Vagrant Story carries a fairly distinct presentation and overall aesthetic.
If you’re familiar at all with the Parasite Eve games, the battle system in Vagrant Story has some similarities, with a heavier focus on action and active movement elements to it, and an area based attack range expressed using lines and polygonal shapes.
It’s a little hard to put to words, but there’s a distinct style and feel about the game that will appeal to some folks. Those who are looking for something out of the ordinary to try might find Vagrant Story an enjoyable experience as well.
