PlayStation has just announced a complete shift in its membership options. The new subscription service will give different tiers of access, with the basic package giving the same perks that PlayStation Plus granted previously, and the Premium package offering exciting access to hundreds of nostalgic game titles from previous systems.
One system whose games fans are excited to see become available on the PS4 and PS5 is the PlayStation Portable, or PSP. This portable gaming system was first released in 2005, and while it never gained the same traction with fans as typical PlayStation consoles, it, as well as its games, holds a nostalgic place in many gamers' hearts. For this reason, Redditors are abuzz with the promise of these games being available to play on their newer systems and are sharing which they hope to see the most.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
Redditor The-Zarkin90, with the agreement of countless other users, chose Monster Hunter Freedom Unite as the game they most "hope to see." This game was originally released in 2008 as an expansion to Monster Hunter Freedom 2 and quickly became one of the most popular games to play with friends.
The title has over 500 hours of gameplay, with a variety of monsters to defeat with unique weapons during exciting missions. The opportunity to team up with your friends is one that gamers must take advantage of in this game, making it easier to tackle more difficult foes, creating an all the more exciting experience.
Patapon
Patapon is a unique game that is described as being a war strategy game with a twist. Players use rhythm to create a sequence of beats to control an army of eyeballs called "Patapons."
This fun and surprisingly challenging game was another big pick for Redditors, with user Tmarikdidnothingwrong specifically citing "Patapon 1" as the best of the Patapon games. The game gained two sequels since the release of the first game in 2008, but the original still holds a special place in fans' hearts.
Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core
The PSP had quite a few Final Fantasy titles, but Redditor WexGC92 is specifically "hoping for Crisis Core." Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core serves as a prequel for the PlayStation title Final Fantasy VII, and takes place seven years before the events that follow Cloud in his game.
Crisis Core's main protagonist, Zack Fair, is a member of the organization SOLDIER and is tasked to hunt down and solve the mystery of a missing SOLDIER agent. The Final Fantasy games are known for their confusing storylines, but that doesn't stop fans from adoring them, making this a title that must be included in the premium collections.
Ace Combat X: Skies Of Deception
Redditor DTravers's favorite title for the PSP is Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception. This game is part of a series of Ace Combat titles and is a flight simulation game. It is the first to have been released for the PSP. In this title, players must complete missions with various types of goals.
All missions require the player to take control of an aircraft, and either take out targets on the ground or in the air. DTravers states that "the story's a bit generic but most missions play out differently depending on which order you choose to do them," making this game fairly dynamic, and great fun to play.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War Of The Lions
Redditor WexGC92 shared that Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions is "rumored" to have a remake in the works, but they still hope that the PSP version might be an option for the Premium subscription games. The game is a classic turn-based tactical role-playing game and is a remake of the original Final Fantasy Tactics that was released for the PlayStation in 1997.
The game follows a war between two Kingdoms and tells the story from the perspectives of both sides. The title is adored for its interesting story and for its amazing Final Fantasy soundtrack that has become a staple of the franchise.
Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy
Redditor Dmarty77 is "seriously hoping for Dissidia 012," another Final Fantasy title, but that diverts from the mainline Final Fantasy games. It was released in 2011 for the PSP and was meant as a prequel to the original Dissidia Final Fantasy game.
The game features one-on-one battles and uses bravery attacks to steal points from their opponent and increase their HP attacks. This gives a unique dynamic to the fighting game, which, combined with its use of Final Fantasy-like storytelling, makes it a favorite among many PSP gamers.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Redditor ImAllBamboozled has the opinion that Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker blows the franchise's other portable titles "out of the water in every category." The Metal Gear games almost always perform well, no matter which platform they are released, but gamers had an especially good time with Peace Walker. It is the fifth installment in Metal Gear's chronology and was released specifically for the PSP.
It is set in 1974 and gives more explanation to the overall story of the franchise, giving the back story of Big Boss and the creation of Outer Heaven. The game has a lot of the fun hidden details that fans expect from Metal Gear, and will surely not disappoint if it appears in the collection for PlayStation Plus Premium.
Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection
The PSP exclusively gained the combination of Final Fantasy IV and Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, as well as the addition of Final Fantasy IV Interlude, which fills in the gap between the two games. This created a complete story, as well as revamped the original game from the Nintendo DS version with enhanced ports.
Redditor ImAllBamboozled felt that "the PSP version has the most gorgeous sprite work," in comparison to the "weird-looking DS version," making this game a great potential asset to the PlayStation Premium's included collection.
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
The Ratchet & Clank games are another nostalgic collection for many gamers. The games use cute and fun characters to tell simple stories, combined with exciting combat and classic-style puzzles. Redditor ImAllBamboozled felt that Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters wasn't as "large as home console R&C games," but finds that it was just as much fun.
The story follows Ratchet and Clank as they abandon their island vacation to find a young girl in distress and make forgotten discoveries along the way. This game is great for all ages and is a great introduction to the franchise given its shorter format.
Jeanne d'Arc
Redditor Jellye believes that if gamers "enjoy tactical RPGs," then they will enjoy Jeanne d'Arc, calling it "fantastic." The game was released in 2007 exclusively for the PSP and is unique in that it uses a semi-historical map of 15th century France. The story is loosely based on Joan of Arc, a patron saint who has become a symbol of the French revolution.
If a gamer enjoys history, great art and music, and a tactile gaming style, they may want to look for this game in the collection of PSP games to become part of the Premium option.