The PlayStation Portable (PSP) had a lot of games. It is not a surprise that a huge number of them are underrated as people are playing a limited number of games. Here are seven of the best-underrated PSP games.
Best underrated psp games
7. Chili Con Carnage
The incredibly puny title of this game is as great as its gameplay. Chili Con Carnage offers an action-packed and humor-filled gaming experience. The story follows Ramiro "Ram" Cruz on a quest for vengeance after his father's assassination, weaving an offbeat narrative through diverse Mexican settings filled with eccentric characters.
The visually crisp graphics, vivid textures, and unique character models are only skin-deep to what is really an underrated gaming experience. The game's stylized approach and colorful environments were a fresh relief from the drab grey-and-brown of the mid-2000s.
Chili Con Carnage offers a refreshing take on third-person shooters with an emphasis on combo-based gameplay. Killing enemies, executing acrobatic moves, and maintaining combo chains are central to the game's scoring system. The control scheme simplifies aiming and firing, while a variety of weapons and special moves, known as "Loco Moves," add depth to the gameplay.
This underrated PSP game encourages creativity in dispatching foes and rewards players with points, medals, and unlockable content. Chili Con Carnage offers a relatively short but entertaining story mode with a range of challenges and replay value. Chili Con Carnage offers engaging and humorous gameplay, making it a fun choice for those who enjoy action games filled with style.
6. Rengoku: The Tower of Purgatory
Rengoku: Tower of Purgatory is a unique and captivating experience that can be best described as interactive artwork. While its storyline may seem simple, it possesses hidden depth, offering a narrative told through actions rather than words.
Players step into the metallic shoes of an A.D.A.M. robot named Gram, embarking on a journey through a mysterious tower. The game's story unfolds gradually as you ascend the tower and confront various boss battles. Gram's inner journey and evolving identity are central to the narrative, infused with themes of reincarnation and religious undertones.
Gameplay in Rengoku: Tower of Purgatory offers a blend of melee and ranged combat, where you can customize Gram with different weapons and upgrades. The game encourages players to mix and match equipment, resulting in engaging combat scenarios that combine gunplay and close-quarters combat. Dashing and side-rolling add a strategic element to the gameplay, challenging players to choose their tactics wisely. The boss battles are especially exhilarating, providing intense one-on-one encounters that can range from quick victories to prolonged showdowns.
5. Exit 2
Exit 2 improves upon the original Exit in every tangible way, delivering a compelling puzzle-platformer experience. In this game, players take on the role of Mr. ESC, an escape contractor specializing in rescuing survivors from dangerous situations. One of the reasons this game is underrated is that it was only released outside of the North America, gamers had to import this game in order to enjoy it.
Exit 2 offers a substantial number of new levels and introduces some fresh puzzle elements to keep players engaged. The game combines stylish visuals with challenging puzzles. Its extensive collection of puzzles ensures that there's always another one to tackle if you find yourself stuck.
Exit 2 offers an engaging and satisfying mental exercise, presenting a variety of environmental hazards, including fire and electrified floors, as well as complex elements like platforms on pulleys and one-time-use bridges. The rush of accomplishment upon solving each puzzle is rewarding, and while the game is challenging, its tutorial and difficulty curve provide a comfortable learning curve.
Exit 2 doesn't revolutionize the original game but remains a compelling puzzle experience, and this makes this game underrated as players might have seen this game as cash-grab sequel. It offers an extensive collection of 250 puzzle-platforming levels across 22 scenarios, providing great value for its price. The survivors' abilities, environmental challenges, and clever level design ensure that players are always motivated to try "just one more time."
4. Generation of Chaos
While Generation of Chaos offers a rich and rewarding strategy experience, it comes with a steep learning curve. The game's complexity, numerous acronyms, and lack of a comprehensive tutorial mean that it can take around 12 to 24 hours of gameplay for players to fully grasp its mechanics. Hence, many gamers, even those who are hardcore did not give this game a chance. The effort invested in learning the game's intricacies is well worth it for those seeking a deep and complex strategy title.
Generation of Chaos is a Strategy RPG with a fantasy theme that takes players on a quest led by the protagonist, Gena, to thwart a Dark Empire's plot to resurrect a menacing dark dragon. The game's gameplay is divided into chapters set on expansive, board game-like maps. It differs from titles like Advance Wars by offering real-time combat, where players command 30 of their units against 30 enemy units, allowing for more control and strategy.
The game's combat system is highly detailed, with various formations, techniques, and commands available for use, making battles complex and engaging. Players can capture commanders and negotiate with them, adding an extra layer of depth to the game's micro-management elements. Additionally, the game incorporates in-depth features like character customization, equipment purchases, and area control.
3. Gitaroo Man Lives!
Gitaroo Man Lives! is a rhythm game that often flies under the radar, treasured by those who discover it. The game features a quirky story where players take the role of U-1, an underdog who transforms into a hero of Planet Gitaroo. The story is delivered through captivating visuals and music, offering a lighthearted but engaging narrative that players enjoy.
The gameplay is divided into two main phases: charging/attack and guarding. In the charging/attack phase, players follow an on-screen line with the analog stick, timing button presses to build health or attack enemies. The guarding phase presents face buttons rushing toward the center of the screen, and players must press the correct button at the right moment. As the game progresses, these phases become more challenging, requiring practice and determination to succeed.
The game's wacky levels, diverse songs, and unique characters is an experience like no other. While it may be challenging, the difficulty adds to the satisfaction of mastering each level and perfecting the songs. Gitaroo Man Lives! stands out as an enjoyable and addictive rhythm game that deserves recognition among the genre's best titles. If you're a fan of rhythm games, this hidden gem is a must-play.
2. Crush
Crush is a standout puzzle game for the PSP that offers both innovative gameplay and a compelling story. The game's protagonist, Danny, enters a psychological experiment to confront his inner demons, and this intriguing narrative is expertly delivered through voice-acted cutscenes.
The game's unique gameplay centers around Danny's ability to manipulate his dreamworld, switching between 2D and 3D perspectives. This mechanic presents a considerable learning curve but allows for challenging and head-scratching puzzles. The enemies and obstacles represent Danny's insecurities and fears, adding depth to the gameplay.
Crush is not for the faint of heart, with levels that can be grueling and require patience and precision. The game's dark and dreary atmosphere, along with its unique visual style complements the eerie narrative. While the difficulty can be frustrating, it's this challenge that makes Crush a rewarding and compelling puzzle game for those looking for a deep and complex experience.
1. FlatOut: Head On
FlatOut: Head On for the PSP is an exhilarating and unique racing experience that offers a refreshing twist on the traditional racing genre. The game's primary objective is to race while causing mayhem and destruction, involving smashing into opponents and navigating through debris-filled environments. It's the perfect blend of racing and chaos. Each race is a thrilling and unpredictable affair, making it a game you'll want to keep coming back to.
One of the standout features is the challenging AI opponents. It is appreciated that there is tough competition against AI-controlled opponents that features the thrill of unpredictable races. With over 25 tracks, a variety of vehicle classes, and real-time damage that affects your car's handling, there's plenty of content to explore. The game also boasts high-quality graphics, detailed vehicle models, and smooth framerates, though some of the debris objects have blocky textures.
The controls are solid, and while the vehicles may feel a bit touchy at first, they become manageable with practice. The game's soundtrack maintains a consistent heavy rock theme, providing an enjoyable backdrop for your races. Sound effects are spot-on, immersing you in the chaotic races. FlatOut: Head On comes at a budget-friendly price,