We already published the list of best PSP games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PSP action games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PSP definitely has a great library of action games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PSP and action games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX
- Release Data: Capcom, 2006
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
The Alpha series of Street Fighter games is as gorgeous as it is deep and engaging and this is no different with Alpha 3 MAX which is perhaps the purest distillation of old-school Street Fighter gaming out there.
Basically, this game is a touchstone for people who miss the way Capcom used to make arcade fighters.
#24. A Space Shooter for 2 Bucks!
- Release Data: Frima Studio, 2010
- Genre: Action » General
Part bullet hell, part classic arcade shooter like Galaxian, A Space Shooter for 2 Bucks! has a tongue-in-cheek title but its a rock-solid gameplay effort.
If you enjoy older arcade shooters from the day or 16-bit shoot ‘em ups and bullet-hell titles, then you can’t go wrong with this title.
#23. Dissidia: Final Fantasy
- Release Data: Square Enix, 2009
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Take all of your favorite Final Fantasy characters and put them into game and that’s this in a nutshell.
The combat is realized in amazing 3D glory and the move anywhere feel mimics Dragon Ball and other magic-based fighters out there.
It’s initially somewhat complicated to understand but, once you get it, you won’t want to put it down.
#22. The Warriors
- Release Data: Rockstar Leeds/Take-Two Interactive, 2007
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
The Warriors really pays homage to the classic movie which is somewhat unknown to popular audiences.
And since it is about street gangs the basic gameplay revolves around beat ‘em up mechanics.
But it manages to keep itself fresh throughout by balancing dramatic needs and player engagement.
#21. BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Portable
- Release Data: Arc System Works, 2010
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Aside from its astonishingly beautiful graphics, BlazBlue is like a fighting game with a RPG storyline that not only takes itself seriously but is an exceptionally deep game.
The fighting system takes some getting used to but it is unique enough to justify this learning curve.
#20. SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo
- Release Data: Zipper Interactive/SCEA, 2005
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Tactical
Incredibly engaging and tactical, Fireteam Bravo is also a little bit more user friendly than the console game due to the aiming system.
Because of the PSP’s lack of two analog sticks, the player has to lock on with the R-button which, as anyone will tell you, is way easier.
#19. Mega Man Maverick Hunter X
- Release Data: Capcom, 2006
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
A remake of a legendary game is typically a winning formula and that is the case here.
Remade in an interesting 3D graphical style, Maverick Hunter X is a great introduction the Mega Man X series and doesn’t lose a lot of the tight gameplay and quick action that made that game so addictive.
#18. Gitaroo Man Lives!
- Release Data: Koei/Inis/Koei, 2006
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Combining a rhythm battle and fighting game, Gitaroo Man Lives! is another supremely unique title that will carve out a place in your heart if you give it a chance.
A really fun game, Gitaroo Man Lives! combines a uniquely weird manga-style story with an intuitive fusion of game genres.
#17. Crush
- Release Data: Zoe Mode/Sega, 2007
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
A puzzler at its heart with action elements overlaid on top, you have to adjust between 2D and 3D views to figure out how to progress in the game.
Everything is tied in some way to the central story’s concept, which makes it neat, and the game’s aesthetic is anything if not unique.
#16. Tekken 6
- Release Data: Namco Bandai Games, 2009
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Tekken 6 takes its lore very seriously which is hilarious since it is some of the most bonkers stuff out there.
But it’s all in good fun. After all, no one plays a fighting game for the lore.
If you find yourself with a hankering for some hardcore Tekken portable action, this title fits the bill.
#15. Space Invaders Extreme
- Release Data: Taito Corporation, 2008
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
A remaster and reimagining of the original arcade title, Space Invaders Extreme brings updated graphics and pumping sound to the table but it also does some novel things with gameplay modes and options.
As a game that rewards mastery and playing it over and over again, it almost checks all of the boxes for perfect portable gaming title.
#14. Resistance: Retribution
- Release Data: Sony Bend/SCEE, 2009
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Resistance is pretty much your standard far FPS in many ways but the way it brings everything to life sets it apart from other games.
Even if you don’t enjoy the story and its well-worn tropes, you will be drawn in by gameplay and mechanics that are so solid you’ll wonder if this really is a portable game.
#13. Mega Man Powered Up
- Release Data: Capcom, 2006
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
A remake of the first game ever in the series, Powered Up adds two robot masters to the original roster of 6 and updates the graphics.
But overall, this game is a little bit friendlier in terms of difficulty and still as fun as ever.
#12. Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow
- Release Data: Sony Bend/SCEA, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
The challenge with a portable action game like Syphon Filter is that you have to strategize and think through what you’re doing which isn’t always conducive to the pick-up-and-play nature of portable games.
Nonetheless, Syphon Filter balances out the action and strategy such that you can play it however you’re comfortable and still get a near-console experience.
#11. Where is My Heart?
- Release Data: Die Gute Fabrik/Copenhagen Game Collective, 2011
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Starting out as a traditional platforming game, the screen is then broken up into various viewpoints that you have to shift between in order to collect hearts and solve puzzles.
But it’s also a solid platforming experience though it does take a little time to figure out what the heck it expects of you.
#10. LocoRoco
- Release Data: SCE Japan Studio/SCEE, 2006
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
LocoRoco makes an absolutely fantastic first impression. It’s got unique control, a really great look to it, and the gameplay is sharp.
All in all, LocoRoco‘s charm carries it quite well, and it’s a unique experience that’s worth checking out.
#9. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
- Release Data: High Impact Games/SCEA, 2007
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Platforming and action gameplay come together in an intense title that is beautifully realized in gorgeous graphics and furiously addictive gameplay.
Like many of the games on this list, the fact that this is a portable title is just an amazing fact when you consider how close it is to its console counterparts.
#8. Patapon 2
- Release Data: SCE Japan Studio/SCEI, 2009
- Genre: Action » General
A rhythm game that combines that genre with titles like the PC classic Lemmings, Patapon 2 requires specific inputs in order to make the assembled mass move in the way you desire.
It’s an interesting combination between a music game and a platform game.
#7. Patapon
- Release Data: SCE Japan Studio/SCEA, 2008
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Mastering the rhythm-based aspect and knowing when to tell the Patapons what to do is just a part of the charm of this game as the overall aesthetic and presentation is charming and disarming.
That definitely helps take some of the edge off of the frustrating difficulty found in the end game.
#6. Daxter
- Release Data: Ready at Dawn/SCEA, 2006
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 3D
Daxter starts out as a bug exterminator in a change of pace though things quickly ramp back around to the traditional Jak and Daxter gameplay you expect.
Utterly charming and a heck of a good time, Daxter shows that even a dynamic duo needs a break every once in a while.
#5. LocoRoco 2
- Release Data: SCE Japan Studio/SCEI, 2009
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Like the first game, you assume the role of the planet itself as you seek to guide the LocoRoco in their struggles against Moja Troop.
The gameplay is more refined and streamlined this time around and that makes it somewhat more approachable by new gamers.
#4. Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
- Release Data: Sony Bend/SCEA, 2006
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Tactical
A much greater emphasis on conspiracy-theory-laden narratives makes Dark Mirror way more engaging from a narrative standpoint.
As luck would have it, the iconic and addictive gameplay most of us expect and want is present and accounted for as well which makes this game a natural sequel to its predecessors.
#3. Velocity
- Release Data: FuturLab, 2012
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
A shoot ‘em up game that requires some tactical thinking as well as quick reflexes, Velocity combines retro concepts with modern portable gaming to make a game that is recognizably arcade-inspired but also engaging and deep like more modern games.
#2. LittleBigPlanet
- Release Data: Media Molecule/SCEA, 2009
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Remember how much fun you had playing with toys as a kid?
LittleBigPlanet asks you to tap into that nostalgia as you basically play with toys and set up various scenarios for them.
From realistic physics to awesome graphics and variety, LittleBigPlanet is a creator’s gem.
#1. Tekken: Dark Resurrection
- Release Data: Namco Bandai Games, 2006
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Tekken’s intense arcade fighting action is brought to the next level in this game that feels like it was built from the ground up for the portable system.
Everything you’d expect in a major fighter is here and Tekken’s penchant for crazy storylines and endless challenges is also here.
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See also: Best PS2 Games & Best PS3 Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PSP action game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!