What are the best PSP and PS1 RPGs for PS Vita?

Options
Considered

User
Recs.

Jul 2, 2023

Last
Updated

Corpse Party vs Final Fantasy VII vs Final Fantasy IX

vs The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky vs Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable vs Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection vs Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords vs Monster Hunter Freedom Unite vs Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2: Innocent Sin vs Fate/Extra vs YS: SEVEN vs Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days vs Riviera: The Promised Land vs Phantom Brave: The Hermuda Triangle vs Knights in the Nightmare vs Lunar: Silver Star Harmony vs Half-Minute Hero vs Ys: The Oath in Felghana vs Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together vs The 3rd Birthday vs ClaDun x2 vs Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness vs Yggdra Union vs Wild Arms XF vs DISSIDIA® 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY vs Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions

Specs

Genre

Adventure / Horror / RPG / Indie

Steam Rating

Very Positive

Co-Op

None

Controller Support

Full

Platforms

Genre

Role-Playing

Steam Rating

Very Positive

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

PlayStation 1, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, Windows

Genre

Role-Playing

Steam Rating

Very Positive

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

PlayStation, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Windows, Android, iOS

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Role-Playing, Visual Novel, Dungeon Crawler, Simulation

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Genre

Steam Rating

Co-Op

Controller Support

Platforms

Pros + Cons

Pro
Never becomes too unnerving

While the plot of the game can be quite heavy and scary, there are times where the tension eases up (when exploring) as the music takes a lighter tone. This gives the player a much needed break from how unsettling the game can be.

Comment

Pro
Deep interactive storied gameplay

While there are no battles in the game (as one would expect from the RPG look of the title), the game does feature a deep interactive story that sees the player control different characters in different horror scenarios. Throughout the game you will be searching for clues and investigating mysterious events. The choices made throughout the game will affect the outcome, which makes for not only a good reason to replay the title but also a unique way to explore the story being told.

Comment

Con
Can fetishize violence

One thing that is a bit unnerving about the game is how much it fetishsizes the violence contained within. This may take the games violence a bit too far for the player due to how it often presents it in a unrealistic light.

Comment

Con
Overly familiar premise

For those familiar with Japanese horror games, the plot in Corpse Party should be pretty familiar. A group of school kids have accidentally performed an occult ritual and are now stuck in a haunted school trying to solve the mystery of who is killing off their friends. Basically, a haunted school horror RPG. While the gameplay is pretty good, making an effort to present a solid package, the plot itself is pretty hum drum and will be all too familiar for many.

Comment

Pro
Solid turn-based combat system with good character customization

The combat system is easy to get the hang of, even at higher levels of play with all the customization options. It starts off with the standard three characters who can attack, defend, and use magic or items one at a time. The game gradually introduces you to more systems, like how to get the most out of your magic and summon abilities to exploit enemy weaknesses. Every character starts off as a blank slate, so you can equip one person with a bunch of elemental magic and summons as your caster, another with special tools to learn monster abilities, and tons more. The system is simple, but intuitive enough for players of all skill levels to grasp.

Comment

Pro
Memorable story that holds up well over time

Final Fantasy VII has an incredible story with a lot of thought and care put into it. Even with all the intrigue surrounding the environmentalist group named AVALANCHE fighting back against the evil Shinra Corporation who are destroying the planet, the narrative is still rooted in emotion. The characters you meet all come together for reasons that make sense, and the story affects each of them in ways that truly matter, especially the main protagonist, the mercenary Cloud Strife. The plot twists have weight in the way they challenge what's possible within the game's world, making for some truly stand-out moments. The story is one that stands the test of time and is still worth experiencing many years later.

Comment

Pro
Diverse cast of characters from all walks of life

The many different characters you meet are all wonderful in their own ways. Cloud starts off aloof and uncaring, focused only on earning money from running missions with AVALANCHE, but he slowly begins to care about what the Shinra Corporation are doing to the planet. His childhood friend, Tifa, is much kinder and caring, encouraging him to change his ways and do what's right for the environment, even though she also has her own reasons for wanting him around. Their leader is Barret, the loud-mouthed and aggressive man with a machine gun grafted on his arm, who's actually a warm-hearted father who wants to do right by his young child and protect the planet. They meet so many other personalities, like a sorrowful man who sleeps in a coffin as he mourns for his mistakes in life, and a dog-like creature from an endangered species who speaks intelligently. Everyone has such different worldviews and experiences, but they all manage to come together in ways that feel right for the story.

Comment

Pro
Really great soundtrack

Final Fantasy VII has fantastic music. It's a beautiful collection of melodic sounds, from the simplicity of the opening prologue that plays when you boot up the game, to the more bombastic and orchestral themes that play during the iconic final boss. Each song fits the moments it plays in, adding even more humanity to a story about human greed and lusts for power leading to the near-destruction of the environment.

Comment

Pro
Tons of challenging optional content

When you're up for a challenge, there's a lot to seek out in Final Fantasy VII. Near the end of the game, before going after the final boss, that's when you can access all of the side content, like the optional superbosses and hunting for rare summons and magic spells. There are also some non-battle-related things to do that are still somewhat difficult, like earning the best prizes in the Gold Saucer, the game's theme park, and becoming the best jockeys in one of the mini-games there. You can easily spend dozens of hours just getting through these challenges and earning the best rewards to power up your characters.

Comment

Pro
Plenty of funny moments

There are some genuinely hilarious moments in the story. The game never takes itself too seriously, willing to be silly with comic mischief and ridiculousness for the sake of it. One of the best moments is a few hours into the story where Cloud goes on a rescue mission and has to go on a chain of quests to get prepared for the operation, finding himself in some seriously absurd situations that have become iconic over time. There are a lot of other funny scenes sprinkled throughout the game as well, keeping things entertaining to balance out some of the heavy themes that the story tackles.

Comment

Con
Blocky character models haven't aged well

The most jarring flaw the game has is the graphics, especially the character models. Since Final Fantasy VII first came out in 1997, it's a given that the graphics are dated, but the characters just look distracting. They're shaped in weird ways, with huge, bulky forearms, tiny elbows, and giant shoulders with huge heads. It's comical enough to where it might not bother you too much.

Comment

Con
It's not always clear where you're supposed to go next

While playing through the story, you may get lost from time to time. There are instances where the characters only give vague directions as to where you have to go next. Other times, the game makes you deliberately wander around looking for something without any hints on how close you are. You might want to look up a guide for these things, since it can be way too frustrating to keep running around without much guidance.

Comment

Con
Battles are sometimes too easy

The downside of the accessible battle system is that it can be too simple. There are plenty of times where you only have to mash a single button to get through battles. Since the encounters are random, exploring areas can get boring when all you have to do is press one button to rush through the fights. Luckily, boss battles are more challenging and engaging, but you have to slog through the regular, repetitive fights first.

Comment

Pro
One of the most plot-driven games ever created

While the story is the central focus in every RPG, Final Fantasy IX takes that to the next level. The plot often switches focus between different characters or parties. One particularly exciting sequence on the second disc features two separate parties trying to escape a sticky situation. The game cuts between the two parties and builds an incredible sense of tension. Moreover, changing circumstances force characters to switch from one party to the other, which creates a real sense of dynamic teamwork. These sorts of events are what have driven the masses to calling Final Fantasy IX one of the greatest stories ever told.

Comment

Pro
You can customize the way your characters battle with the item-ability system

In most games, characters come with set abilities, gaining them at particular levels, or after defeating enemies, etc. In Final Fantasy IX, your abilities are tied to your items, making it possible to customize your character's skillset. In addition, if you wear some items long enough (meaning you've participated in enough battles), you'll permanently learn the skill and be able to use it regardless of what you've got equipped.

Comment

Pro
A legitimately breathtaking world

The graphics of this game hold up quite well when compared to most older games. The abilites, characters, and environment are all incredibly well done.

Comment

Pro
Dozens of hours of gameplay

This game has a bare-minimum of 40 hours of play in it, but that can easily be doubled.

Comment

Con
It can be slow to get started

Despite throwing you into battle within the first few minutes, the game is actually quite slow to start, particularly if you're the type to go around exploring and completing all the immediate sub-quests.

Comment

Pro
Well-written dark and mature story about finding hope in impossible situations

The story here deals with a lot of death, darkness, and suffering, but there's always a light at the end of the tunnel if you're willing to look for it. You start off as a regular high school student who transfers to a new school in the city, assigned to live in a dorm with a group of other students. There's a supernatural phenomenon that happens at midnight known as the Dark Hour where Shadows turn up on the streets and cause all kinds of trouble in the city. You and the group of students in the dorm are among the few who are lucid during the Dark Hour, so it's up to you to stop the Shadows every night at midnight and the full moon. Things can get quite dark with the way the plot explores human sin and how our own vices can corrupt us. Some of the symbolism of what the Shadows represent can be pretty grim. But the main protagonist always has his group of friends to fall back on -- a theme that shines through the hopelessness and despair without getting heavy-handed or cheesy. It's a full, well-written story from start to finish that stays with you for a long time.

Comment

Pro
Memorable final boss that fits the game thematically

Without spoiling anything, Persona 3's last boss is one to remember. It's a grueling fight with an incredible accompanying music track. The challenge surrounding the boss fits right with the theme's of tackling impossible situations when all hope seems lost. It's a standout fight among JRPGs, period.

Comment

Pro
Persona 3 Portable has a few bonuses, like playing as a female main character

The most notable addition in this version is getting to choose the female protagonist or the regular Persona 3 male protagonist. There's also a big plus in getting to control all of your party members during battle, a key mechanic that the original Persona 3 sorely lacks. Playing as the FeMC, as she's known in the Persona community, opens up Social Links for all of your party members. This is great since you could only have Social Links with your female party members as the male protagonist, and you were limited to romances with them instead of platonic friendships. Some of FeMC's Social Links are much better than the male protagonist's options, making them worth checking out.

Comment

Pro
Building friendships with characters through Social Links gives you an edge in battle

There are all sorts of characters to get to know and befriend through the Social Link system. You can make friends with your classmates, your party members, and a few other characters in the community of the city you live in. Spending time with them gives you a contained, and often touching story where you get to know them more and help them solve a personal struggle. After reaching the end of their Social Link, you're able to fuse special and powerful Personas that can help you tackle some of the game's hardest challenges. It's a neat system that gives you a gameplay incentive for building relationships.

Comment

Pro
Challenging yet rewarding turn-based combat

The battles in Persona 3 are tough, yet once you get the hang of the system, it's quite engaging. You fight with your Personas and your party members, who have their set Personas of their own, aiming to pinpoint your enemy's elemental weaknesses and exploit them. Once you find the weakness, you and your team are rewarded with an extra turn; if you keep landing the right attacks, then the game lets you chain a finite number of turns one after another. If you don't look up a guide, then finding weaknesses is a matter of trial and error. But this also applies to your enemies -- if they exploit your weaknesses, then they get extra turns instead. The bosses are pretty hard since they hit for a ton of damage, so you absolutely need to take advantage of gaining extra turns. And as you get farther along in the game, you get access to buffs to your party's attack, defense, evasion, and more, as well as debuffs to debilitate your foes. As you get better with the combat and earn some tough victories, the sense of satisfaction you get helps you to keep pushing forward.

Comment

Pro
You get to collect and control many types of demons and angels as your Personas to fight in battle

Your Personas are demons and angels that you summon to use their spells and special abilities in battle. Fusing different Personas together lets you create stronger ones with better abilities. You can switch your Personas in and out of battle as needed to exploit enemy weaknesses you come across. And there are hundreds of different types of demons and angels with their own fitting designs and relevant mythological lore, ranging from familiar names like Shiva, Lilith, Valkyrie, Phoenix, Raphael, and many many more.

Comment

Pro
Cool and modern sense of style with the visuals and soundtrack

Everything in Persona 3 is stylistically on-point. The recurring cool blue or warm pink in the eye-catching menus and UI, text boxes, and even the protagonist's features gives the game a distinct aesthetic. The character designs are also really cool, with slender forms and a modern yet laid-back sense of fashion. And the trip-hop/hip-hop soundtrack blends classical, rock, pop, and synthwave sounds together in such a unique way that no other game really comes close to. Despite all the different ideas, it all comes together as a cool and cohesive look.

Comment

Con
Persona 3 Portable is pared down compared to Persona 3 FES

While Persona 3 Portable does offer some nice bonuses and a change of pace with the female protagonist, there are also a number of drawbacks. The game plays more like a visual novel than anything, taking away your 3D space to explore environments. It doesn't come with The Answer, either, which is the expansion in Persona 3 FES that adds more battle content with a lengthy story. This is still a good choice for those looking to play Persona 3, but if you want the full experience, you should pick up the FES version as well.

Comment

Con
The main dungeon, Tartarus, is an insanely repetitive grind

Tartarus is an impossibly high tower that only shows up during the Dark Hour, filled with Shadows and strong bosses. Outside of story sequences during the full moon, Tartarus is the only place you get to go for dungeon crawling. The randomly-generated rooms mostly look the same from floor to floor, save for some color swaps after you beat a boss and unlock the next section of the tower. All you do is look for the next set of stairs up in between fighting against Shadows over and over and over again for the entire game. It's really, really repetitive, and unless you adore this kind of grinding, you will have to push yourself through this somehow to continue on with the story.

Comment

Con
The combat is hard -- especially boss battles

Persona 3 is a challenging game with tough difficulty spikes during boss fights. Once you get a hang of the elemental weaknesses and earning extra turns, there's still the issue with bosses overwhelming you with tons of damage and/or boosted defenses. Grinding for levels is an option, but you want to always prioritize fusing better Personas with stronger and more useful abilities such as buffs and debuffs. As long as you do that, you should be fine.

Comment

Con
Long stretches of in-game days with no story progression

For a large chunk of the story, you're stuck waiting until the next full moon. This is when the most powerful Shadows show up in the form of a boss fight, letting you progress the story. But there are times when you have absolutely no other cutscenes during an entire moon cycle. Your party members just tell you to wait and hang in there until the next segment. All you can do is go to school or the mall or maybe hang out with any available Social Links, and it feels pretty monotonous when you're stuck waiting like this.

Comment