We already published the list of best PSP games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PSP RPGs of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PSP definitely has a great library of RPGs.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PSP and RPGs, 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. Justice League Heroes
- Release Data: Snowblind Studios/Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Snowblind Studios’ use of the Justice League property (with all of its iconic characters and even those lesser known sorts) is absolutely astounding in this solid, well-executed role-playing game that does justice to the League while also presenting a compelling game and an implausible if not gripping story.
#24. Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony
- Release Data: SuperVillain Studios/Take-Two Interactive, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
You choose one of the three heroes on offer to take on the Black Druid in 2006’s RPG from SuperVillain Studios.
Leveling as you go, your hero can also take on a companion to help with the combat.
Focused on story and an immersive environment, Throne of Agony is a worthy successor to the modern classic Dungeon Siege 2.
#23. 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.
#22. Star Ocean: Second Evolution
- Release Data: TOSE/Square Enix, 2009
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Classic JRPG action and a storyline that is good but complicated for someone who knows nothing about the series, Second Evolution is a game that shows just how serious the PSP was about bringing mainline experiences over to the portable.
A great, if grindy, JRPG that remains compelling because it of its solid mechanics.
#21. Star Ocean: First Departure
- Release Data: TOSE/Square Enix, 2008
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Working as an introduction to the vast Star Ocean universe, this enhanced version on PSP maintains the feel of the classic game while giving it a fresh coat of paint.
A solid game from beginning to end, the first Star Ocean is also a study in streamlined narrative and gameplay.
#20. 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.
#19. ClaDun x2
- Release Data: System Prisma/Nippon Ichi Software, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
A hack and slash epic with randomly generated dungeons and a leveling and class system—what more could you want?
With ClaDun x2, not much more as it is one of the best games ever made on the PSP for fans of action-packed RPGs.
#18. 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.
#17. 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.
#16. 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.
#15. Cladun: This is an RPG
- Release Data: System Prisma/NIS America, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
The game is more about exploring and fighting than it is the story that is introduced.
That said, Cladun has some of the most addictive gameplay you’ll ever find in an action RPG.
Ideal for a pick up and play or a long gaming session, Cladun is perfect for gamers that need something substantial for a handheld.
#14. Ys: The Oath in Felghana
- Release Data: Falcom, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
The Ys series swings back and forth between being heavy on stats or heavy on equipment management but this game actually does a good job of preferring action above all else.
If you want an epic story with some pure action RPG gaming, this game largely strips away the tedious parts of a JRPG and presents a nice experience instead.
#13. Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure
- Release Data: Falcom, 2007
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
This is a 3D action RPG with real time combat.
That means movement and attacks are all happening simultaneously and this makes Gurumin both different and challenging.
Aside from the amazing graphical presentation and tight gameplay mechanics, Gurumin’s compelling, fairy tale-like story stands out among a sea of high school sagas and epics.
#12. 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.
#11. 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.
#10. Ys Seven
- Release Data: Falcom, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Rather than use the strict elemental system of games past where certain element types determined what could hurt or not hurt certain monsters, Ys Seven’s much more flexible maximum and minimum damage system make the action crisp and quick.
The saga of Adol and Dogi might not be for everyone, but this gameplay is hard to dislike.
#9. Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger vs Darkdeath Evilman
- Release Data: Nippon Ichi Software, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » General
As the synopsis probably reveals, there’s a lot going on here and not all of it makes sense.
For one, the story is out there but the gameplay is centered around one guy exploring dungeons that are generated at random—somewhat like a Roguelike but without all of the pressure attendant to that genre.
#8. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
- Release Data: Square Enix, 2008
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Without a question the single best spin-off game in the FFVII universe to not get a release outside of its primary system, Crisis Core is a must-play title for fans of FFVII and a great game otherwise.
It not only has a unique roulette style battle mechanic but it is also the beginning of the more action-oriented, 3D combat.
#7. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
- Release Data: Vicarious Visions/Activision, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
A great RPG in that it makes each and every playable character feel unique and different, Ultimate Alliance also rocks a really cool story that seems like it was ripped directly from the pages of the comics themselves.
Definitely play this one.
#6. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
- Release Data: Capcom, 2009
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
The Monster Hunter series is like an action, hack and slash RPG for gamers that love to take down huge enemies but don’t need a lot of reason to do so.
Like the name implies, you hunt monsters and that doesn’t require an epic narrative. Expect to lose hours of your life on this PSP title.
#5. Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep
- Release Data: Square Enix, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
It is hard to fault anything in the Kingdom Hearts series and this is the case with Birth by Sleep.
More like “Death by Lack of Sleep,” from its charming and inviting story to its absolutely addictive gameplay mechanics, this action RPG really shows you how Square does great things when they break away from the Final Fantasy formula.
#4. X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse
- Release Data: Vicarious Visions/Activision, 2005
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Again, what makes these games so fun is that each mutant or character feels so unique from one another that the mixing and matching of party members becomes as much fun as the game itself.
Probably one of the better X-Men stories to be written, Rise of Apocalypse features the unique conceit of uniting enemies with good guys.
#3. Tales of Eternia
- Release Data: Namco, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Gameplay trumps all things in this title and that is the charm of Tales of Eternia.
Do not come here expecting fancy graphics, but you will find an addictive, if sometimes opaque, RPG mechanical system running it all.
Overall, one of the best RPGs for the PSP.
#2. Half-Minute Hero
- Release Data: Opus/Marvelous Entertainment, 2009
- Genre: Role-Playing » General
If you like quick action and strategy, Half-Minute Hero is your deal.
An indie sensation that has grown into a full series on its own merits, Half-Minute Hero is about classic turn-based action and presentation and it is a charm that does not wear thin.
#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 RPG is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!