Reports are circulating that Sony plans to close the legacy PlayStation Store for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, andPlayStation Portable. Although PSP owners haven’t been able to make purchases directly from the built-in PSP store for a few years now, they still have the ability to access the PlayStation store from the PS3, Vita or PC. However, with news that the digital storefronts are closing, PSP users will need to make sure they have any digital-only games they need secured in their libraries.
ThePSPwas quite successful in its 10-year lifespan, as it was a solid competitor to the Nintendo DS and offered a great library of titles. Unfortunately due to poor marketing and the fact that it was Sony’s first generation handheld, many PSP games flew under the radar for most of its lifespan. As a result, there are many games that fans may have missed, that they will want to pick up now that the legacy PlayStation store is closing.
RELATED:5 Rare PSP Classics to Download Before PlayStation Store Shuts Down
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC
Falcom’sTrailsseries has gained recognition over the yearsin the JRPG community for its detailed worldbuilding and interconnected plot spanning multiple games over 15 years. TheTrails in the Skyarc is where the story initially begins, and JRPG fans will find plenty to love with its dynamic character writing, unique turn-based combat, and rich narrative.
While the first chapter of the game,Trails in the Sky FCis readily available in physical and digital editions for the PSP, the sequelTrails in the Sky SCis digital-only. As XSEED (the North American localizer for the series) didn’t have the budget,the physical edition ofTrails in the Sky SCwas never released outside of Japan. Although players will need to play the first chapter before starting the second, it’s a good idea to snag a copy if they’re interested in the series.
Corpse Party Blood Covered & Corpse Party: Book of Shadows
TheCorpse Partyseries has become renowned in the horror genrefor its suspenseful atmosphere, plot twists, and multiple endings. Players are tasked with escaping a haunted school while vengeful spirits threaten their lives and sanity. Although the originalCorpse Partygame was released on the NEC PC-9801 back in 1996, it was followed by remakes for the PC and PSP under theCorpse Party: Blood Coveredtitle.
Featuring updated art and professional voice acting,Corpse Party Blood Coveredis the definitive way to experience the gameas it also includes expands the plot and setting from the original. Its sequel,Corpse Party: Book of Shadowsfeatures several nonlinear chapters that add detail to character backgrounds and story twists fromCorpse Party Blood Covered.Horror fans should not miss these games when the legacy PlayStation store closes.
LocoRoco Midnight Carnival
ThePSP had a number of surprisingly good exclusivesand theLocoRocoseries was one of them. Using the bumper buttons on the PSP, players would tilt the game’s environments to maneuver jelly-like blobs called LocoRoco. As they navigate the levels, players are able to let the LocoRoco to eat berries to grow in size or split into smaller beings to progress through narrow spaces. Charming and unique with its brightly colored environments,LocoRocosaw success in North America and Europe which led to the development of sequels.
LocoRoco Midnight Carnivalis a Halloween themed spin-offthat continues the story ofLocoRoco2,and was released as a PlayStation Network exclusive in 2009. Featuring a new mechanic called “boing,” players could use it to make the LocoRoco bounce higher with a counter of up to 100. Together with brand new stages and minigames,LocoRoco Midnight Carnivalis perfect for fans of puzzle platformers.
RELATED:Digital Only PS Vita Games to Play Before the PlayStation Store Shuts Down
Ape Quest
Ape Questis anRPG spin-off from theApe Escapeseriesreleased as a digital exclusive for North America and Europe. Though the RPG elements can be shallow at times with its limited combat and repetitiveness, it does a great job of retaining the charm of theApe Escapeseries by mixing in minigames. As players navigate through various areas, they may randomly encounter battles or minigames such as deflecting arrows or playing badminton. Eventually, they will also fight bosses in minigame form and visit dungeons as well. Combined with an interesting collection and crafting system for equipment,Ape Questoffers light-hearted fun for fans of the series.
What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord?
Aside from the weirdly translated title,What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord?is a hidden gem in the RTS genre, and garnered a cult following despite its limited success outside Japan. Released exclusively as a digital game on the PlayStation store in 2009, the game puts a unique spin on the genre by giving players the ability to dig a dungeon underground. As the villains of the game, they must populate the dungeon with monsters and defend the demon lord Badman from heroes looking to capture him.
Over time, players can upgrade their monsters, hide Badman by changing locations, and create mazes within their dungeons to make the search more difficult. Monsters are created based on the number of nutrients or mana available in the blocks of the dungeon, and players can use the environments to their advantage. Together with a witty localization full of humor and references,What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord?should not be missed by any fans of the strategy genre.
Patchwork Heroes
Much like other hidden gems on the PSP, whilePatchwork Heroessaw moderate success in Japan, it had no marketing in North America and flew under the radar for most of the PSP’s lifespan. InPatchwork Heroes,players control a sky captain and must defend their hometown from giant warships. The goal of the game is to land on these giant ships and cut them into harmless patches before they reach the towns.
With 30 levels of different warships, mechanics, and obstacles to overcome, players will need to think on their feet as they navigate through the different puzzles. The game’s distinctive style and originality make it a must-play for any PSP players looking for something fresh.
MORE:Legacy PlayStation Store Shut Down Highlights the Downside of Digital Media
