PlayStation has long been recognized as a powerhouse in the gaming world, offering players a range of exceptional titles across its consoles, from the powerful PlayStation 5 to the compact, beloved PlayStation Portable (PSP). The year 2025 is no different, with numerous games from both systems continuing to leave an impact on players worldwide. Whether it’s the cutting-edge visuals and gameplay of the PS5 or the classic portable adventures found on the PSP, PlayStation has something for every type of gamer. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best games across both platforms that are still capturing attention in 2025.
Among the top PlayStation 5 games, Horizon Forbidden West (2022) stands out as a breathtaking open-world adventure that has captured the imagination of fans since its release. Set in a post-apocalyptic future where machines have taken over the world, players control Aloy, a skilled hunter and archer, as she journeys to the western part of the continent to uncover the secrets of a mysterious new threat. The game’s open-world design is vast and stunning, with lush environments, detailed character models, and intricate storytelling. The engaging combat, where players battle mechanical creatures and humans alike, is fast-paced and satisfying. Horizon Forbidden West builds on the success of its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn, while introducing new gameplay mechanics and narrative twists that keep players hooked. With its visually striking world and engaging gameplay, Horizon Forbidden West remains one of the PS5’s best offerings.
Another highlight on the PlayStation 5 is Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020), a superhero game that lets players take on the role of Miles Morales, the second Spider-Man in the Marvel Universe. Following in the footsteps of the hugely successful Spider-Man (2018), Miles Morales builds on the open-world New York City setting, with new abilities, a compelling storyline, and a fresh perspective on the Spider-Man legacy. The game’s fluid combat system, which allows players to combine web-slinging, hand-to-hand combat, and a variety of gadgets, is exhilarating and fun. Miles’ unique powers, such as his invisibility and bio-electric venom strike, add a new dimension to gameplay. The game’s emotional story about responsibility, legacy, and the personal sacrifices of being a hero strikes a chord with players. The graphics are jaw-dropping, with the PS5’s hardware bringing the vibrant world of Spider-Man to life like never before.
For fans of tactical role-playing games, Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2020), available on PlayStation 5 via backward compatibility, remains one of the best tactical RPGs to date. While originally released on the Nintendo Switch, the game’s strategy-heavy gameplay, emotional narrative, and intricate character development have made it an enduring favorite. Set in the continent of Fódlan, players take on the role of a professor at the Officer’s Academy, where they lead a group of students in a prestigious military school. The game’s turn-based combat is deeply strategic, requiring careful planning and decision-making, and the narrative branches depending on which house the player chooses to align with. The characters are well-written, and the stakes feel high as the plot progresses, offering a game that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally rewarding.
Shifting gears to the PSP, Persona 3 Portable (2009) remains one of the best RPG experiences available on the handheld console. Persona 3 originally launched on the PlayStation 2 and became a cult classic for its unique blend of dungeon-crawling gameplay and life simulation mechanics. In Persona 3 Portable, players assume the role of a high school student who becomes part of a secret group tasked with investigating strange occurrences in their town during the “dark hour” — a mysterious time that occurs between midnight and 1 a.m. The game combines traditional turn-based combat with social simulation elements, where players build relationships with their classmates and other NPCs. The narrative explores themes of life, death, and existential questions, making it a deeply philosophical and rewarding experience. The PSP version offers new content, including a female protagonist route, making it an even more well-rounded and engaging title.
Another standout on the PSP is Lumines (2004), a puzzle game that has earned its place as one of the best handheld titles of its time. Created by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, Lumines is a visually stunning puzzle game that mixes the simplicity of Tetris with the musical rhythm of the electronic dance music genre. Players must align blocks of different colors to form squares and clear them from the screen, all while syncing their movements to the pulsating music. The game’s soundtrack is a key feature, with catchy, upbeat tracks that enhance the gameplay experience. The visual effects, coupled with the mesmerizing beats, create a truly immersive environment. Lumines is easy to pick up but difficult to master, offering hours of entertainment for fans of puzzle games.
On the action side, God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) is another PSP classic that remains one of the best action games available on the handheld. This entry in the God of War series follows Kratos as he embarks on a personal journey to uncover the truth about his past and confront his demons. The game delivers the same brutal, fast-paced combat and epic boss battles that the series is known for, while also deepening the character of Kratos. Ghost of Sparta offers a rich narrative, thrilling gameplay, and jaw-dropping visuals for a PSP title, making it one of the best portable action games of its time. Fans of the main God of War series will find plenty to love here, from the visceral combat to the engaging story.
For fans of rhythm games, Patapon 2 (2008) is a unique and enjoyable experience that continues to be one of the best titles on the PSP. The game’s premise is simple: players control a tribe of creatures called Patapons, directing them through various missions by tapping to the rhythm of the music. The game combines rhythm-based gameplay with real-time strategy, requiring players to carefully time their beats to move their tribe and command them in battle. The whimsical art style, catchy music, and quirky gameplay make Patapon 2 a standout title, and its charm has made it one of the most beloved games in the PSP library.
Rounding out our list of must-play PSP titles is Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010), a stealth action game that remains one of the best entries in the Metal Gear franchise. In Peace Walker, players take on the role of Big Boss as he builds a private military force and faces off against powerful enemies in Cold War-era Latin America. The game combines the classic stealth mechanics of the Metal Gear series with a more portable-friendly mission-based structure. The story is complex, the characters are memorable, and the gameplay offers a mix of stealth, action, and strategy. Peace Walker is an essential title for fans of stealth-action games and Metal Gear enthusiasts, offering a complete experience on the PSP.
As we reach 2025, PlayStation continues to deliver a remarkable range of games that appeal to all kinds of players, whether on the powerful PlayStation 5 or the nostalgic PSP. From expansive RPGs and thrilling action games to puzzle classics and tactical masterpieces, PlayStation’s catalog is rich with diverse titles that are still worth experiencing today. With both consoles offering such varied and unforgettable gaming experiences, PlayStation has truly solidified its place as one of the most important and influential brands in the gaming world. Whether you’re a fan of the modern PS5 titles or the timeless PSP gems, these games represent the very best of PlayStation.