Despite being the most advanced handheld console ever and a beast easily comparable to the PS2, the PSP has more to it than -say- the excellent, jaw-dropping and brand new God of War: Chains of Olympus. It’s a brilliant home for retro games of the highest quality too. No, really. Read on, read on and find out why.

EA Replay

From Wing Commander, to Road Rash, to Syndicate, to Desert Strike and Ultima, EA Replay is a great retro collection spanning over 10 years of EA history, that frankly could have been better. I’m pretty sure the UMD could have coped with the extra 4 or 5 Mbytes necessary for the inclusion of a few more classic games and I’m quite sure that EA could have spent a few more hours better adjusting some of the controls to the PSP. Still, a worthy purchase for retro lovers with a thing for the 16-bit era.

Lemmings - Platinum

An updated version of the classic puzzle game with shiny new cartoon graphics , tons of levels, some impressive audio enhancements over the Amiga original and a few tweaks here and there. If you haven’t played Lemmings, buy it. If you ever loved Lemmings, buy it. If you enjoy being entertained, buy it. If you have Lemmings on the Atari Lynx, ignore it. Heh.

Sega Mega Drive Collection

A stunning offering featuring 28 (mostly) excellent 16-bit Sega Mega Drive games, that come complete with interviews, tons of info, artwork and even some unlockable games and trailers. The emulation is perfect, the controls simply work and you get to play through Sonic the Hedgehog, Golden Axe, Comix Zone, Ecco the Dolphin, Phantasy Star IV and Shinobi 3.

Activision Hits Remixed

Another collection, this time sporting over 40 Activision games that were released over 20 years ago for the Atari 2600. The emulation is obviously silky smooth, the front end and extras are brilliant and among the included games you’ll find such amazing games as Pitfall, H.E.R.O., River Raid 2, Keystone Kapers and Frostbite. It’s quite impressive how well suited these simple classics for on the go gaming are.

Metal Slug Anthology

Perfectly emulated versions of Metal Slug, Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug X, Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug 4, Metal Slug 5 and Metal Slug 6. And you get wireless support for two players too. ’nuff said.

Final Fantasy II Anniversary Edition

I don’t really hold the original Final Fantasy II in the highest of esteems, but I can definitely see its appeal. And obviously understand the fact that many feel nostalgic about its retro RPG charms. This all-new Anniversary Edition of the game features new character art, updated graphics, a few new dungeons, full 16:9 widescreen support and an updated camera view. Surely fans of the original will love it.

Ultimate Ghosts ‘n’ Goblins

One of the best and truest to form retro updates ever. Beautiful, tough as nails, addictive and utterly brilliant. Then again, you could read this older ButtonSmasher article on the thing by clicking here.

Care for more retro offerings? Oh dear, you’re insatiable, aren’t you? Anyway, here are a few more humble suggestions that will hopefully keep you off the streets:

- Bomberman
- Worms PSP
- Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars
- Space Invaders Evolution
- Gradius Collection
- Impossible Mission
- Dracula X Chronicles

Posted on March 5th, 2008 by konstantinos