Best of 2009 PSP

     Ever since Sony unveiled the PlayStation Portable, gamers were astonished by the hardwares expectations and capabilities.  Years later, everyone is kinda wondering what in the world happened.  UMD's have failed, Sony still hasn't incorporated a second analog stick, and furthermore did decide to make a new version of the Portable entitled PSPGo.  The flip screen design still lacked a second stick, and coincidentally removed the ability to use UMD's altogether.  Digital distrubution had arrived.  The only problem was that people who previously owned games, music, and movies for their original version could no longer use those peripherals for the new system.  Dilemna dilemna.  The $250 price tag is definitely not pocket change, and why buy a Go when for 50 bucks more you could buy a new PS3 Slim? 

    

     Although The Portable got rocked hard with questionable and shocking tactics in 2009, no one can deny the lineup of games it amassed towards the end of the year.  Safe to say that this gamer definitely spend more time on his PSP this year than his DS.  Here it is folks, my top PSP games of 2009.

5. Star Ocean: Second Evolution

     A remake of a long forgotten gem that was last seen on the PlayStation, Second Evolution defined all the reasons why I only played my PlayStation for RPG's.  So when this game was announced to be ported to the PSP, I knew that I had to own it.  The game takes place on planet Expel where you fill in the shoes of Claude or Rena as you encover a mystery surrounding their planet.  The game lets you choose which antagonist to play as, and depending on your actions and who you recruit, you can obtain multiple conclusions.  As always, the Star Ocean series takes a different approach for your average RPG.  In battle you have full time control over your characters, and was the difinitive step forward from turn based battles.  Easily one of my favorite RPG galactical space romps ever. 

4. Half-Minute Hero

     Although it's hard to keep up with all the J-RPG's publisher X-Seed Games puts out these days, it's hard to deny the the quirkiness of this particular treat.  Half-Minute Hero takes a page out of yester year to deliver a satisfying gameplay mechanic never seen before.  With it's 8 bit graphics, each stage is determined by a 30 second, THAT'S RIGHT, 30 second time limit in oder to advance the stage.  Hero Mode, Princess Mode, Knight and Wizard Mode take a bite out of several different genres and manage to keep the game refreshing and rewarding.  A must play if you like challenging, retro, and funny gameplay.  Did I mention how spectacular the soundtrack is?

   

3. Persona

     Another original PlayStation gem, Persona can be summed up as the definitive J-RPG series.  The clothing style, music, and everyday school life is very reminescent of how Japan really looks and feels.  Now, theres no such thing as summoning demons, but Japan can get away with these ideas.  In Persona you follow a group of students who check in on a friend in the hospital when everything starts to go bad.  Fog sets into the town and demons start to spawn everywhere.  They learn to harness these powers they obtain called Personas, demons of themselves who help them fight their battles.  Persona is turned based fashioned good ole RPG fun, but with the Shin Megami Tensei twist of being able to recruit demons to your party.  Persona was basically the prelude to the Pokemon series in my opinion.  Other than the horrible first person view of running around inside buildings, Persona was thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end and rightfully deserves my nod for 3rd best PSP game of the year.

     2. LittleBigPlanet

     I will blatantly be one of the first to say that I DID NOT think LittleBigPlanet would work on the PSP.  It just couldn't.  Boy was I wrong.  The gameplay, graphics, aakind the ability to make your own custom designed levels all remained intact and more.  Never in a million years did I imagine being able to play this game away from home, but sure enough I was proven wrong.  Safe to say that now when I'm on the road or taking a break from work, LittleBigPlanet occupies my time.  All the splendor, smiles and most importantly fun gameplay keep this title one of the best yet. 

1. Dissidia: Final Fantasy

     Anybody and everybody who knows me probably won't be surprised that Dissidia is MY number one game of 2009.  No other game this year took up more of my time than this superb fighting classic.  Everything Final Fantasy is showcased here whether its the music, the characters, the storylines.  SquareEnix always delivers with its top notch voice acting and illustrious symphonies.  You got the chance to lay waste as Sephiroth, or blast away from a distance with Terra.  This game was deep.  It took forever to get one character to level 99.  Imagine how much more it would take to bring up the other 22 characters.  The final Chaos/Cosmos storyline level with all 100 lvl enemies was THE most challenging run through I've experienced so far in a portable game.  With so much to unlock and discover, it's no wonder Dissidia is a must have for any Final Fantasy nutjob like myself.  The game rewards you for playing each and everyday!  A toast to you Final Fantasy, as we ring in the New Year from all of us at Geek Elixir to you and yours at home, Happy New Year!!  Keep playing videogames strong and stick close as I cover more of the year's best. 

--Posted by Vaughn, "Happy New Year Everybody!"