The Unrivaled Best PlayStation and PSP Games You Must Play in 2025
The PlayStation consoles have consistently been home to a wide variety of genre-defining games, with PlayStation 5 continuing to push the envelope in terms of jitutoto graphics, storytelling, and innovation. However, it’s not just the new consoles that offer an incredible gaming experience. The PlayStation Portable (PSP) continues to be a beloved handheld console with a library of classics that still hold up even today. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best PlayStation and PSP games you should experience in 2025, whether you’re a fan of action, role-playing, or something in between.
Demon’s Souls (2020), the remake of the original 2009 classic, was one of the earliest titles released for the PlayStation 5 and served as a major showcase for the console’s power. The game follows the protagonist through a dark and gothic fantasy world filled with nightmarish creatures and punishing combat. As the player explores the kingdom of Boletaria, they face formidable enemies and bosses, each one requiring precision and strategy to defeat. The beauty of Demon’s Souls lies in its atmosphere, the palpable sense of danger that surrounds every corner. It also set the stage for the dark and difficult games that would follow, including Elden Ring. The visual overhaul in this remake offers a remarkable level of detail, lighting, and dynamic environments that make this game a must-play for anyone seeking a challenging experience.
For those who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed experiences, Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020) delivers exactly that. This PlayStation 5-exclusive follows Miles Morales as he embraces his role as the new Spider-Man and navigates a city under threat. The web-slinging mechanics are refined, offering a level of freedom and fluidity that makes exploring New York City exhilarating. The narrative is engaging, as Miles struggles with his responsibilities as a superhero while also dealing with personal challenges. Miles Morales is a stellar superhero game, filled with heart-pounding action, stunning visuals, and a compelling story that feels fresh yet nostalgic for fans of the Spider-Man franchise. The PS5’s hardware pushes the game’s visuals to incredible levels, and the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback make the experience even more immersive.
Another standout title for the PlayStation 5 is Returnal (2021), a roguelike third-person shooter developed by Housemarque. Returnal is an intense, fast-paced game that follows Selene, a space explorer who crashes on a mysterious alien planet. As Selene explores the hostile environment, she discovers that the planet is stuck in a time loop, forcing her to repeat the same cycles while battling dangerous creatures and uncovering more about her circumstances. The game combines tight gunplay, stunning visuals, and a deep, emotional story that keeps players hooked. The time-loop mechanic keeps things interesting and ensures that no two playthroughs are the same, making Returnal a thrilling and unpredictable experience. Its sci-fi setting and tense atmosphere make it one of the best games available for the PlayStation 5.
When it comes to open-world experiences, Horizon Forbidden West (2022) is one of the most visually impressive and engaging titles on the PlayStation 5. The sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, Forbidden West follows Aloy as she ventures to the western regions of a post-apocalyptic world to uncover the secrets of a new, even greater threat. The game’s open-world design is breathtaking, filled with lush landscapes, towering robotic creatures, and intricate details. The combat system is refined, allowing players to take down massive machines using a combination of strategy, skill, and resource management. The narrative is equally engaging, delving deeper into Aloy’s past and the mysteries surrounding the world. With its stunning visuals, immersive world, and captivating story, Horizon Forbidden West is an essential PlayStation 5 experience for fans of action RPGs.
Turning our attention to the PSP, one of the best action-adventure games available is God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010). This title sees Kratos on a quest to uncover his past while battling his way through a series of increasingly brutal challenges. The game features all the epic combat, massive bosses, and story-driven moments that made the God of War series a household name. Despite the PSP’s limitations, Ghost of Sparta still delivers incredible visuals, cinematic sequences, and fluid combat. The game’s narrative, which delves deeper into Kratos’ personal struggles and his tumultuous relationship with the gods, adds emotional weight to the gameplay, making it one of the most memorable experiences on the handheld.
Persona 3 Portable (2010) is another gem for the PSP that remains one of the best JRPGs on the platform. The game follows a group of high school students as they battle mysterious creatures and unravel the mysteries surrounding their world. What makes Persona 3 unique is its blend of turn-based combat, social simulation, and dungeon crawling. Players must balance their school life, friendships, and extracurricular activities while also facing increasingly dangerous enemies in the tower known as Tartarus. The engaging characters, gripping story, and the innovative gameplay mechanics of Persona 3 Portable make it a standout RPG on the PSP, and it’s a game that continues to influence the genre today.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (2007) is another must-play title on the PSP for fans of tactical RPGs. Set in the fictional kingdom of Ivalice, the game revolves around a group of soldiers caught in a bitter civil war. With deep tactical gameplay, players are tasked with commanding their army, positioning them strategically on the battlefield, and utilizing each character’s unique abilities to outsmart enemies. The War of the Lions offers a rich, intricate story with political intrigue, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. The gameplay is challenging but rewarding, requiring careful planning and strategic thinking. Final Fantasy Tactics is often regarded as one of the best tactical RPGs ever made, and its PSP version remains one of the best portable experiences.
Another great PSP title is Gran Turismo (2009), a driving simulation game that is considered one of the most realistic and in-depth driving experiences on the handheld. The game features a wide range of cars and tracks, and players can engage in both time trials and full races. The attention to detail in the physics, car models, and racing mechanics is exceptional, making it a must-play for fans of racing games. While the PSP may not have had the horsepower of home consoles, Gran Turismo proved that portable gaming could deliver an authentic and immersive driving experience.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010) is another standout PSP title for fans of tactical action games. In Peace Walker, players control Big Boss, the legendary soldier, as he leads his mercenary group on a series of covert operations in Central America. The game features the same stealth-based gameplay that the Metal Gear Solid series is known for, as well as an engaging storyline, branching missions, and base management mechanics. Despite being on a handheld system, Peace Walker delivers a deep, cinematic experience with challenging gameplay and a thought-provoking narrative. It’s one of the best titles for PSP owners, particularly for fans of the Metal Gear franchise.
Lastly, LocoRoco 2 (2008) is a colorful, quirky platformer that stands out on the PSP for its simplicity and charm. The game’s objective is to guide a group of blob-like creatures through whimsical environments by tilting the world and solving puzzles. The gameplay is lighthearted and accessible, making it an excellent choice for players of all ages. The vibrant art style, cheerful soundtrack, and whimsical atmosphere make LocoRoco 2 a delightful and unique experience. It’s a perfect example of how a game doesn’t need complex mechanics or a serious tone to be enjoyable, and it remains one of the most fun games on the PSP.
In conclusion, the PlayStation and PSP platforms offer a rich library of games that continue to captivate players in 2025. From the emotional narratives and visually stunning worlds of The Last of Us Part II and Horizon Forbidden West to the nostalgic and engaging classics like Persona 3 Portable and God of War: Ghost of Sparta, these games represent the best that the PlayStation consoles have to offer. Whether you’re experiencing the cutting-edge technology of the PlayStation 5 or revisiting the timeless classics of the PSP, there’s no shortage of incredible gaming experiences that are worth your time.
