Lumpy Onion
Member
Such a charming JRPG that rarely gets much mention. Really nice hand drawn visuals.
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In this thread we talk about Underrated PSP Games
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Such a charming JRPG that rarely gets much mention. Really nice hand drawn visuals.
Wow, that box art alone looks awesome. This thread is making me realize I missed out on so many PSP games.
One of my favorite games of last gen, period.
Man, now that was a awesome game
!Got it a few months ago for my Vita (always wanted to play that but never owned a PSP) and it was one of the games I always wanted to play (alongside Birth By Sleep) if I ever got a PSP and/or PS Vita.
I loved the fact that this was more or less the true sequel to Jak 1; the platforming is reminiscent of Jak 1 mixed with a little Crash Bandicoot, the controls felt perfect, the visuals and music was very colorful and nice looking, and the gameplay mechanics from Jak 2/3 were incorporated really well within the gameplay Ready At Dawn was setting out to make.
To me, this and Ghost of Sparta are some of there best works, making me hope someday they tackle another game in the Jak and Daxter series
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One of my favorite games of last gen, period.
That was AWESOME! Much better that Jak & Daxter games on PS2. The best non-Mario platformer since Spyro imo.
OuterLimits
Gold Member
Brave Story is a fun JRPG. Same with Hexyz Force. Growlanser IV didn't get very good scores, but I thought it was a good JRPG/SRPG game.
A couple underrated SRPGs are Ragnarok Tactics, Wild Arms XF, and Generation of Chaos: Pandora's Reflection.
A couple underrated SRPGs are Ragnarok Tactics, Wild Arms XF, and Generation of Chaos: Pandora's Reflection.
EmptySpace
Banned
come on, gang.
the pursuit force games.
This thread will be expensive ;_;
The Acid games are part of my favourite handheld games. I dumped so many hours into 2, it isn't even funny.
Not that underrated, but:
One of the best Metal Gear spinoffs. The card battle system works surprisingly well for a handheld.
The Acid games are part of my favourite handheld games. I dumped so many hours into 2, it isn't even funny.
blankempathy
Member
This game. Final Fantasy Tactics big brother. People rave about how great FFT was and I agree its amazing but this game hasn't gotten nearly the love it deserves. Its a masterpiece.
Jarod McChicken
Member
One of the best sRPGs, very fun game. Totally surprised me too, I had fairly low expectations to begin with.
Now that I have two Vita, I've set my first model to my US account (I'm from Europe) and my first discovery on the US Store will be this
cj_iwakura
Member
Initial D and Half Minute Hero 2.
GloriousBagel
Banned
This thread is going to put a dent in my wallet
ResidentDante
Member
Not a very unknown game per se, but I really would like to mention Ridge Racer 2.
It's a very complete package, compared to it's far more successful launch game on the PSP. It has all the tracks from Ridge Racer 1, RR Revolution, Rage Racer and RR Type 4 AND Rave Racer (from the arcades), rather than just a selection. Wikipedia states it never was released stateside, which may explain why it didn't do too well.
It's a perfect summary of all the Ridge Racer games of the PS1 era, with improved graphics.
It's a very complete package, compared to it's far more successful launch game on the PSP. It has all the tracks from Ridge Racer 1, RR Revolution, Rage Racer and RR Type 4 AND Rave Racer (from the arcades), rather than just a selection. Wikipedia states it never was released stateside, which may explain why it didn't do too well.
It's a perfect summary of all the Ridge Racer games of the PS1 era, with improved graphics.
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DidntKnowJack
Member
Motorstorm Arctic Edge
Ah, Street Supremacy = Shutoko Battle
I forgot that they made a PSP installment.
I forgot that they made a PSP installment.
Oh my yes, really slick game. The continue system ruins the challenge but the game itself is pure class. The soundtrack too is just so so good.
Shizuka: What's that Sweet Fuse game? Never heard of it but it looks like something I'd be into.
My pick, the game that's been consuming hours of my life:
So, the Wild Arms series is really popular, and there are a ton of SRPG fans on PSP (no way would I call either Tactics Ogre or Jeanne d'Arc "underrated", these games were really big back on release). But this game hardly ever gets discussed. Only person I've ever seen post about it on this board is Seda - had a nice back-and-forth with him about the merits of the game in the "What RPG are you playing?" thread.
Anyways, the game is pretty original as far as SRPGs go, it's not just FFT with a Wild Arms skin. The game has a class system, but the classes provide a much more puzzle-based element to the game - certain classes are much more effective than others in battle (i.e. using a class which has defense-weakening abilities to stop heavy armor units), and you will get punished if you don't choose the correct class. A quick pre-battle overview gives you some tips to the enemy lineup and what type of classes would be best for battle. Not to mention, your goal isn't always "defeat all the enemies" - most stages have unique goals, such as - emptying out a boss's MP without killing her, escorting all the townspeople to the exit, using the Excavator's "Analyze" skill to reveal a hidden key in the environment, even solving simple switch-based puzzles.
Also, the movement is hex-based instead of grid-based. It's something new to the genre but I don't really care for it... sometimes it makes it difficult to tell your position or to line up attacks.
The game is also VERY difficult (though at the stage I'm at, with a decent chunk of classes leveled, it has let up somewhat). Reinforcements like to show up at the most inopportune times, and the enemy AI knows to target the weakest character.
I like the story, even though it's fairly basic. The characters are growing on me, except for Levin who sounds like a more whiny version of Charlie Day. Labyrinthia is my favorite, and a unique archetype to the RPG genre - a middle-aged, motherly woman that is more of a teacher than a fighter.
So yeah, it's a really innovative game that has its share of issues (mostly in the interface - the frequent changes of class are accompanied with equipment/skill/item resets). But I wish more people would play it.
My pick, the game that's been consuming hours of my life:
So, the Wild Arms series is really popular, and there are a ton of SRPG fans on PSP (no way would I call either Tactics Ogre or Jeanne d'Arc "underrated", these games were really big back on release). But this game hardly ever gets discussed. Only person I've ever seen post about it on this board is Seda - had a nice back-and-forth with him about the merits of the game in the "What RPG are you playing?" thread.
Anyways, the game is pretty original as far as SRPGs go, it's not just FFT with a Wild Arms skin. The game has a class system, but the classes provide a much more puzzle-based element to the game - certain classes are much more effective than others in battle (i.e. using a class which has defense-weakening abilities to stop heavy armor units), and you will get punished if you don't choose the correct class. A quick pre-battle overview gives you some tips to the enemy lineup and what type of classes would be best for battle. Not to mention, your goal isn't always "defeat all the enemies" - most stages have unique goals, such as - emptying out a boss's MP without killing her, escorting all the townspeople to the exit, using the Excavator's "Analyze" skill to reveal a hidden key in the environment, even solving simple switch-based puzzles.
Also, the movement is hex-based instead of grid-based. It's something new to the genre but I don't really care for it... sometimes it makes it difficult to tell your position or to line up attacks.
The game is also VERY difficult (though at the stage I'm at, with a decent chunk of classes leveled, it has let up somewhat). Reinforcements like to show up at the most inopportune times, and the enemy AI knows to target the weakest character.
I like the story, even though it's fairly basic. The characters are growing on me, except for Levin who sounds like a more whiny version of Charlie Day. Labyrinthia is my favorite, and a unique archetype to the RPG genre - a middle-aged, motherly woman that is more of a teacher than a fighter.
So yeah, it's a really innovative game that has its share of issues (mostly in the interface - the frequent changes of class are accompanied with equipment/skill/item resets). But I wish more people would play it.
J-Roderton
Member
I wish I could get into the Metal Gear Acid game. Put around 3 hours into it and still don't think I understand how to play it.
And yes, Motorstorm Arctic Edge is fun as hell.
And yes, Motorstorm Arctic Edge is fun as hell.
Pretty good rogue-like game, and surprisingly good story (I liked it more than the first Disgaea game).
Easily one of my favorite games on the console
I really need to get round to getting that game.
Ha ha reading fail is fail.
Indeed it's such a great game.
sixteen-bit
Member
Every Extend Extra is a blast (pun intended). I really enjoyed the chain mechanic.
I just remembered another little known PSP gem, I'm ashamed to say its obscure title took me some time to recall.
It played sort like a punishingly hard roguelike 2d dungeon keeper. It was incredibly frustrating but once you clicked with it it was tons of fun and deep as hell.
This is such a great and very unique game. Though nowadays, I'd suggest playing one of the sequels (third one was called No Heroes Allowed) instead of the first. And the second game comes with the first on disc anyway.
I've always been partial to Dead Head Fred for the combination of horror-noir, humorous writing and the voice acting of the titular character by John C. McGinley (of Scrubs fame).
Edit: Speaking of breathing new life into games. If you're playing any of these games on a CFW PSP I recommend bumping the CPU Speed to 333MHz. It'll often smooth out the more egregious offenders of slowdown and loading on the system.
FlyingSaucer
Banned
Such a charming JRPG that rarely gets much mention. Really nice hand drawn visuals.
Wait. It exists on PSP ? And translated ? O_O
ClaDun (DL only in the West):
Dungeon crawler with very deep customization options. And a fantastic soundtrack (do not choose the retro music style).
There was a sequel, but I never played it, plus there's even a "spiritual sequel" for PS3 on PSN.
Sure, it was even released in every region (I think in 2005 or 2006).
Dungeon crawler with very deep customization options. And a fantastic soundtrack (do not choose the retro music style).
There was a sequel, but I never played it, plus there's even a "spiritual sequel" for PS3 on PSN.
Sure, it was even released in every region (I think in 2005 or 2006).
I'll do a little cross-post from an older thread:
Carnage Heart EXA
1. What is it?
A game where you customize combat robots, program their AI end-to-end (complete with PSP input hooks if you want some real-time control) using a grid-based logic diagramming system, and then send them to battle.
2. Why do you feel it is underrated?
It's a PSP game that was released in North America digital-only in 2013 at $30 and it probably wasn't very widely-advertised. Among the forums I read, barely anybody has tried this game.
3. Why should we play it?
It's incredibly complicated and even the tutorial is satisfying. Full disclosure? The tutorial took me hours and provided its own challenges near the end, and I haven't even beaten the first real mission yet. You have a ton of control over the behavior of these robots, and the interface makes things a hell of a lot of fun to tweak. If you've played Spacechem you can understand the appeal, though I'd say that thematically and aesthetically this blows it out of the water.
Some screens:
Carnage Heart EXA
1. What is it?
A game where you customize combat robots, program their AI end-to-end (complete with PSP input hooks if you want some real-time control) using a grid-based logic diagramming system, and then send them to battle.
2. Why do you feel it is underrated?
It's a PSP game that was released in North America digital-only in 2013 at $30 and it probably wasn't very widely-advertised. Among the forums I read, barely anybody has tried this game.
3. Why should we play it?
It's incredibly complicated and even the tutorial is satisfying. Full disclosure? The tutorial took me hours and provided its own challenges near the end, and I haven't even beaten the first real mission yet. You have a ton of control over the behavior of these robots, and the interface makes things a hell of a lot of fun to tweak. If you've played Spacechem you can understand the appeal, though I'd say that thematically and aesthetically this blows it out of the water.
Some screens:
Everybody always remembers of the VC I, but the second one don't get any love
Ok, the anime cliches and most of characters are horrible, but it's a really fun game and makes me even more sad that VC III never got a english version
Wait, there is an English version of VCII? is it on PSN??
(I have to restart and finish VCI hehe, great game).
Lumpy Onion
Member
It's also a bit of a mash-up of Popolocrois 1&2 so you are technically getting 2 games in 1. Some things were cut from the games in the process, but it is the only way anyone can play it in English so it's worth it. It came out pretty close to PSP launch so it's no wonder it got lost in the shuffle.
SniperHunter
Banned
Syphon Filter Dark Mirror
Syphon Filter Logan's Shadow
Better than MGS Peace Walker and many PS3 era action games IMO
Syphon Filter Logan's Shadow
Better than MGS Peace Walker and many PS3 era action games IMO
OniBarubary
Banned
Hexyz Force
Bam.
I'd honestly say it's Sting's best game, though that's a matter of preference. It's a really really good jRPG.
And the dudes who mentioned Kenka Bancho and Sweet Fuse are my bros for life.
I have so many PSP games, there are a buttload of great games that sold like 4 copies.
Bam.
I'd honestly say it's Sting's best game, though that's a matter of preference. It's a really really good jRPG.
And the dudes who mentioned Kenka Bancho and Sweet Fuse are my bros for life.
I have so many PSP games, there are a buttload of great games that sold like 4 copies.
Yay! I came here to post this. A very cohesive art style, well animated cutscenes, a fun combat system, lots of content, and a nice simple story. I'd like to play through this game again sometime.
Has anyone mentioned Crush yet?
Great puzzle platformer published by Sega in the US. You can travel along 3D environments and press a button to crush the 3D from any right angle (front, back, sides, top) into a 2D environment. Way better at the concept than shitty Super Paper Mario.
Great puzzle platformer published by Sega in the US. You can travel along 3D environments and press a button to crush the 3D from any right angle (front, back, sides, top) into a 2D environment. Way better at the concept than shitty Super Paper Mario.
Herbspiceguy
Member
I just remembered another little known PSP gem, I'm ashamed to say its obscure title took me some time to recall.
It played sort like a punishingly hard roguelike 2d dungeon keeper. It was incredibly frustrating but once you clicked with it it was tons of fun and deep as hell.
I love these games (also a fan of the Dungeon Keeper games), but I've yet to play the 3rd one. There's a nifty entry of the franchise at 101hardcoregaming which sold me on the games.
Also:
Lumpy Onion
Member
Mostly because I didn't pay a dime for it (The full game was listed as free and the demo at 39.99 on it's release date), but this was a really fun Musou varient with a nice artstyle
Undderated because it's actualy one of the best games of all time, not just one of the best games on PSP
The actual game of Basketball was mediocre to average, but all the minigames really make this game a lot of fun.
Well, you play in relatively small level with the goal being to get a rolling ball from point A to point B. It's pretty heavily slanted into the puzzle game arena.
djtiesto made my post for me.
I much preferred Wild ARMs XF to Jeanne D'Arc actually. I found the class combination and character setups to be quite a bit more interesting, and I appreciated some of the creative objectives as well as difficulty. Not to mention I thought it had better art and music.
A couple significant issues with how equipment is handled (especially upgrading it), but all-in-all I think it's definitely a worthwhile SRPG.
I much preferred Wild ARMs XF to Jeanne D'Arc actually. I found the class combination and character setups to be quite a bit more interesting, and I appreciated some of the creative objectives as well as difficulty. Not to mention I thought it had better art and music.
A couple significant issues with how equipment is handled (especially upgrading it), but all-in-all I think it's definitely a worthwhile SRPG.
FlyingSaucer
Banned
Never heard about this port (I didn't have a PSP at that time). Going to hunt it right now.
Thanks for the details !
Uncle Rupee
Banned
Onore no Shinzuru Michi wo Yuke
Found out about it via this Hardcore Gaming 101 article. Really cool puzzle action game with a very unique idea / mechanic.
Basically you're a ninja who uses the classic ninja ability to duplicate yourself to progress. Each time you duplicate, you start the stage over and can see the previous one(s) retracing what you did in real time. So you might go and press a button to create a platform with one ninja, and then use your next ninja to ride the platform to the next part of the level. Or you might stack multiple ninjas on the boss to deal massive damage. And despite being a Japan-only title it's not very story heavy so if you're willing to put up with Japanese menus and whatnot I'd say go for it.
This video gives you an idea how it's played.
Found out about it via this Hardcore Gaming 101 article. Really cool puzzle action game with a very unique idea / mechanic.
Basically you're a ninja who uses the classic ninja ability to duplicate yourself to progress. Each time you duplicate, you start the stage over and can see the previous one(s) retracing what you did in real time. So you might go and press a button to create a platform with one ninja, and then use your next ninja to ride the platform to the next part of the level. Or you might stack multiple ninjas on the boss to deal massive damage. And despite being a Japan-only title it's not very story heavy so if you're willing to put up with Japanese menus and whatnot I'd say go for it.
This video gives you an idea how it's played.
semiconscious
Gold Member
There are so many things wrong with this game but I love it. Nothing says bancho like staring laser beams into your enemies before pummeling them...
this game's a lotta fun (& very funny). closest thing we'll likely ever get to a portable yakuza...
Surprised to see Jeanne mentioned by a few folks. It was widely praised by... everyone. Hardly underrated.
And I can't believe someone posted Tactics Ogre. Come on, that is a classic!
I vote for the Metal Gear Acid games. LOVED those games. Would love a sequel.
And I can't believe someone posted Tactics Ogre. Come on, that is a classic!
I vote for the Metal Gear Acid games. LOVED those games. Would love a sequel.
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