Since its inception, the PlayStation brand has been synonymous with innovation, exceptional storytelling, and unforgettable gaming experiences. With each new generation jitutoto of consoles, Sony has continued to raise the bar, delivering both blockbuster franchises and hidden gems. Whether you’re on the PlayStation 5 or enjoying the nostalgia of the PSP, the PlayStation ecosystem offers an impressive range of games that showcase the full potential of the platform. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best games on both PlayStation and PSP that remain just as captivating and enjoyable in 2025.
For PlayStation 5 owners, one of the most exciting titles to experience is Returnal (2021). A roguelike third-person shooter, Returnal thrusts players into an intense and ever-changing world as Selene, a space explorer caught in an alien environment. As Selene, players must navigate the hostile terrain while combating dangerous enemies and trying to uncover the mystery behind her situation. The game features a compelling mix of bullet-hell combat, atmospheric exploration, and a gripping narrative that unfolds with every death. Each time Selene dies and returns to the planet, the environment shifts, keeping the experience fresh and unpredictable. The combination of fast-paced combat and an intriguing story makes Returnal one of the best and most unique games available on the PlayStation 5, making full use of the console’s capabilities.
For those who love gripping and realistic narratives, The Last of Us Part II (2020) remains a standout. The game continues the story of Ellie, now older and dealing with the emotional weight of the post-apocalyptic world she inhabits. The gameplay has been refined to offer a more immersive and fluid experience, while the storytelling is more nuanced and emotionally charged. The Last of Us Part II takes risks by exploring themes of revenge, grief, and the consequences of violence, setting a new standard for narrative-driven games. With breathtaking visuals, masterful voice acting, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, this is a game that continues to leave a lasting impact on anyone who plays it.
Demon’s Souls (2020), a remake of the classic 2009 action RPG, also stands as one of the PlayStation 5’s finest titles. The game is notorious for its punishing difficulty and unforgiving combat, making it a rewarding experience for players who thrive on challenge. The remake does justice to the original, offering stunning visuals, updated mechanics, and a smoother overall experience. Set in the dark and grim world of Boletaria, players must take control of a hero who sets out to defeat terrifying monsters and restore the land’s lost glory. Demon’s Souls remains a must-play for fans of action RPGs, particularly those who appreciate deep lore and hard-hitting combat.
In a completely different vein, Astro’s Playroom (2020) offers a joyful, family-friendly adventure that showcases the PlayStation 5’s innovative DualSense controller. This platformer features Astro Bot, a small robot on a mission to explore and celebrate PlayStation’s history. The game’s charming visuals, catchy music, and fun puzzles make it an excellent introduction to the PlayStation 5. More importantly, it serves as a fantastic demonstration of the new controller’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, making the gameplay feel more tactile and immersive. Astro’s Playroom is one of those feel-good experiences that’s suitable for all ages and offers a wonderful nostalgia trip for long-time PlayStation fans.
Another must-play on the PlayStation 5 is Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020), a thrilling superhero adventure that follows the young Miles as he takes on the Spider-Man mantle in New York City. Building on the success of the 2018 Spider-Man game, Miles Morales introduces new mechanics, including Miles’ bioelectric venom powers, which add variety to the fast-paced combat. The game captures the essence of Spider-Man’s acrobatic, fluid movement as players swing through the city, battle villains, and take on side missions. The emotional narrative, which focuses on Miles’ growth as a hero and his relationship with his family, adds depth to the superhero experience, making it more than just a beat-em-up game. For Marvel fans, Spider-Man: Miles Morales is one of the most satisfying superhero games ever made.
Moving on to the PSP, there are several titles that still hold a special place in the hearts of gamers, despite the handheld console’s age. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005) was a revolutionary title for the PSP, bringing the open-world chaos of the GTA series to the palm of your hand. Set in Liberty City, players take on the role of Toni Cipriani as he works his way up through the criminal ranks. The game features the same gameplay mechanics that made the GTA series a household name—driving, shooting, and causing mayhem in a sandbox world—but it does so on a portable console. The fast-paced action, dark humor, and engaging story make Liberty City Stories one of the best PSP titles.
Another standout PSP title is Persona 3 Portable (2010), a unique blend of dungeon crawling, turn-based combat, and life simulation. Players take control of a high school student who, along with his friends, explores a mysterious tower known as Tartarus. The game introduces a social simulation element where you can build relationships with other characters, which in turn strengthens your combat abilities. The story’s exploration of mental health and personal growth, paired with the engaging combat and deep narrative, makes Persona 3 Portable a standout RPG for the PSP. The addition of a female protagonist in the portable version offers even more replay value, giving players new perspectives on the story and characters.
If you’re a fan of tactical RPGs, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (2007) is an absolute must-play. The game takes place in the world of Ivalice and follows the story of Ramza Beoulve as he navigates the political intrigue and wars that plague his land. Final Fantasy Tactics is widely regarded as one of the best tactical RPGs ever made, offering deep, grid-based combat that requires strategy and foresight. The portable version features updated cutscenes, voice acting, and a revised translation, making it a more polished version of the original. For fans of tactical combat and immersive storylines, War of the Lions is a game that is still worth revisiting today.
For action-adventure fans, God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) offers an exciting and brutal journey through Greek mythology. Set before the events of the main God of War series, this prequel follows Kratos as he battles gods and monsters to save the world from destruction. Despite being a handheld title, Chains of Olympus delivers the same high-octane combat and cinematic quality that the God of War franchise is known for. The game’s fast-paced action, memorable bosses, and epic scale make it one of the best action games on the PSP.
Finally, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror (2006) is an excellent choice for fans of stealth action and espionage. The game follows Gabe Logan as he uncovers a conspiracy involving biological weapons and international intrigue. The game blends stealth mechanics with third-person shooting, offering players a variety of ways to approach each mission. Dark Mirror features a compelling story, tense atmosphere, and satisfying combat, making it one of the best action games on the PSP. For fans of spy thrillers and stealth action, this is a game you’ll definitely want to check out.
In conclusion, PlayStation and PSP offer an expansive library of games that are still worth playing in 2025. Whether you’re exploring new worlds in Returnal or The Last of Us Part II on the PlayStation 5, or revisiting classics like Persona 3 Portable or Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories on the PSP, there’s a wealth of incredible experiences to enjoy. From gripping narratives and intense action to immersive role-playing and strategic gameplay, PlayStation continues to offer diverse gaming experiences that appeal to a wide variety of tastes. These games are a testament to the lasting legacy of PlayStation and will continue to provide entertainment for years to come.
