PSP Games: Top Choices

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PSP GAMES: TOP CHOICES TOCA Race Driver 3 Challenge Developer: Sumo Digital Publisher: Codemasters "You'll need dedication, patience and skill to get the most of TRD3 Challenge," we said in our review back in March and nothing has changed since. This isn't a game for those whose idea of racing is to approach corners with the finger firmly on the accelerator button and simply flick the analogue nub (or D-pad) violently to one side. If that's not you, you'll love the wide range of vehicles and remarkable balance of 'playable reality' on offer here.
The Warriors Developer: Rockstar Leeds Publisher: Rockstar Adapted from a cult 1979 film (and previously available on consoles), this is an often brutal gang-based action adventure that sees you fighting your way across New York's meanest streets. Thankfully, the third-person combat system is as tough as they come, which combined with a hugely atmospheric setting, superlative production values and seemingly endless variety makes this a supremely entertaining experience all PSP-owning adults (this is 18-rated) should try.
Metal Slug Anthology Developer: SNK Playmore Publisher: Ignition Seven games from SNK's gorgeous, delightfully playable 2D side-scrolling shooter series may sound like a recipe for broken PSP buttons as a result of the relentless use they'll endure. For us, though, it sounds like the UMD to have with you at all times. Because despite the odd irritating flaw as a result of the conversion process, there is little on Sony's handheld that can match this for a quick, gratifying dose of shoot-'em-up goodness.
Sega Mega Drive Collection Developer: Digital Eclipse Publisher: Sega Granted, not all of the 27 impeccably converted games crammed into this UMD are classics, but the majority do represent a selection of the most popular titles to appear on Sega's old 16-bit console. From various examples of the Sonic The Hedgehog, Phantasy Star, Golden Axe and Ecco the Dolphin series, to Columns, Virtua Fighter 2 and Shinobi III, this is one of the strongest retro compilations to have appeared on any system.
Tony Hawk's Project 8 Developer: Page 44 Studios Publisher: Activision Console owners may be sick of the Hawkster tuning up on a yearly basis, but on PSP his appearances have to date been far less frequent. As a result, when a skateboarding game as delicately crafted and compelling as this rolls along, it's impossible (and, indeed, unfair) to ignore it. Crucially, Project 8 nails the control mechanism and then follows that with a ridiculous amount of depth through a multitude of mini-goal based missions. It's emerged as one of the year's most absorbing games.
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Developer: High Impact Games Publisher: Sony Taking a much-deserved vacation from their adventures on PlayStation 2, Ratchet and Clank turn up on PSP only to find themselves needing to embark on a mysterious quest involving a kidnapped girl and forgotten race of genius inventors. Cue the franchise's many weapons and gadgets, which together with the relentless destruction, pleasing variety, and tonnes of content results in one of the handheld's best action adventure experiences to date.
Sid Meier's Pirates! Developer: Full Fat Publisher: 2K Games An update of the classic 1987 strategy-led adventure, whose open-ended mechanic gives you the freedom to amass fame, fortune, land, political power and treasure as you roam around the Gulf Coast, Caribbean and South America, making both friends and enemies. It's a glorious mix of exploration, mutinies, duelling and sea-battle mini-games, charming and humourous cut-scenes, supported by the kind of sturdy game design even the most determined cannonball can't dent.
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Developer: Kojima Productions Publisher: Konami Although out in the US in 2006, Portable Ops qualifies for inclusion here due to the ridiculous five-month wait European gamers had to endure for the game to arrive in our continent. Specifically, it qualifies for inclusion here in such a high position because it's excellent – a clever and brilliantly designed stealth-based action title that remains true to the essence of past MGS games while introducing a host of new elements, not least one of the strongest multiplayer aspects yet seen on PSP.