We already published the list of best PSP games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PSP JRPGs of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PSP definitely has a great library of JRPGs.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PSP and JRPGs, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#10. The Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermillion
- Release Data: Microvision/Bandai, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
The best thing The Legend of Heroes has going for it is its sheer size, so if you’re seriously into JRPGs, you’ll find that you can really sink your teeth into this one.
Basically, if you’re an RPG fan and you want a conventional RPG to have with you on the go, this one is for you.
#9. Hexyz Force
- Release Data: Sting/Atlus, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
This isn’t a challenging ultra-epic game with a deep storyline and characters you’ll forever hold close to your heart.
It’s a standard role-playing game that manages to elevate itself through well-balanced battle and item systems and a world that you don’t mind saving.
Hexyz Force delivers all the necessary basics of a good adventure, with thoughtful execution.
#8. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2 – Innocent Sin
- Release Data: ITL/Atlus, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Fans of the Persona series will find a lot to love in Innocent Sin, a game that continues the traditional battle system seen in others of this genre but which involves a storyline that is unique and compelling.
There’s a lot of grinding, but it is all worth it to see the resolution of the central mystery that is central to the game.
#7. Brave Story: New Traveler
- Release Data: Game Republic/SCEI, 2007
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
It begins with Tatsuya playing a PSP (so much so he doesn’t even notice Miki’s collapse beside him) and ends with the typical JRPG fare you’d expect from a good manga or anime.
The gameplay is party based and traditional but encourages replay value with the Epilogue feature that allows access to the full game roster of characters at any time.
#6. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona
- Release Data: ITL/Atlus, 2009
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
If you’ve never played a Shin Megami Tensei game before, Persona might the place to start.
There’s little to complain about with this game other than the fact that it is starting to show some signs of age but, aside from that, the story is really awesome and the gameplay never presents a barrier to the enjoyment of that.
#5. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky
- Release Data: Falcom, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Utilizing turn-based combat on a grid system, Trails in the Sky is one of the most evocative of a tactical JRPGs.
The battle system is accessible but also incredibly deep which makes it ideal for people who both want to enjoy the story and those who want to squeeze out every last drop of fun from the game.
#4. Crimson Gem Saga
- Release Data: IronNos Co.,Ltd./Atlus, 2009
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
A traditional turn-based RPG with a unique “ambush” system that is based upon how a player encounters a monster tile, Crimson Gem Saga doesn’t do a lot to change up the JRPG formula but absolutely knocks it out of the park when it comes to the quality of writing.
#3. Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth
- Release Data: TOSE/Square Enix, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Aside from is beautiful graphics and awesome story, the mechanics at work in Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth are reminiscent of the best JRPGs on classic systems like the SNES.
With 24 playable characters, Lenneth is never going to be short on content—especially considering that some of those are only obtainable through the very difficult mode of the game.
#2. Lunar: Silver Star Harmony
- Release Data: Game Arts/GungHo, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
A classic from the era of the Sega CD, Lunar: Silver Star Harmony is a remake of the original title and retains a lot of its classic trappings.
A charming tale buoyed by gameplay that is hard to dislike, Lunar’s remake is worth having on the PSP.
#1. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable
- Release Data: Atlus, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style
Persona thrives off of a combination of classic RPG mechanics and deep, involved stories.
That’s definitely what we get in Persona 3, a game for the ages and a touchstone for many fans of the series.
Definitely the best PSP RPG of all time.
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See also: Best PS2 Games & Best PS3 Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PSP JRPG is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!