With 2008 just around the corner, we look back at the last 12 months and pinpoints the 5 games that truly defined 2007 and made their mark on the history of the PSP. Here goes PSPHyper’s Top 5 Games of the Year 2007…

1. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd (aka Monster Hunter Freedom 2)

With some 1.5million PSP gamers owning this game in Japan alone, Monster Hunter Portable 2nd, or the series in general, gets my vote as the best of 2007 by its sheer influence alone. A superb game combining classic level-up elements of an RPG with a deep and fluid battle system, the straightforward nature of this title (hack ‘em, level up, hack ‘em some more) has proven to be unbelievably addictive for purists and casual gamers alike. What really separates this baby from the rest is its unmatched playability. This game offers literally hundred of hours because there are so many things you can do. In addition to monster hunting, you can upgrade equipments, farm items, cook new recipes, all of which are essential to your quests. Simply put, you’ll be so involved in this one you won’t want to go back to the real world!

Why it’s good:

1. Unmatched actual-gameplay graphics
2. Interesting, believable world
3. Great content offering tons of stuff to do

Read: PSPHyper Monster Hunter Portable 2nd Guide.

2. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII

The release of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is perhaps the defining moment in 2007 for many gamers out there. Quite possibly the most anticipated game in the history of the PSP, Crisis Core showed us what the system is really capable of achieving in the graphic department, given enough time that is (the game took over 2 years to make). Graphically aside, this gem of an RPG is excellent as it features a superb plot that makes you want to finish it even if you already know what the ending is going to be. Gameplay-wise, battling is fast and smooth and the all new Digital Mind Wave system adds a whole new dimension (ie. luck) to RPG as we know it. Other than being a tad short for an RPG, this title shines in almost every department and it is edged out from being Number One simply because it is currently still in Japanese. Gamers, make sure you are there to buy this when the English version is released on March 25th.

Why it’s good:

1. Great prologue to the FFVII universe
2. You won’t find better cut-scenes anywhere else
3. Smooth and fast-paced gameplay

3. Silent Hill Origins

Silent Hill Origins gets a deserved third in ranking as the only real survival horror game on the PSP. Simply put, if you are looking for a genuine scare on the PSP, there is no other title that will deliver the goods except this one. Though a bit on the short side, this title has all the sleep-reducing atmosphere of its predecessors (especially SH1 and SH2) and a kick-ass story that will entice you to finish it right from the start. In addition, this game is graphically and musically spot-on, as well as possesses a battling engine that is pretty hard but nonetheless good fun. The introduction of additional costumes, weapons and secret endings prolong the playability of this title, though the sheer quality of its first run alone is enough to justify its ranking. This is a definite must-get for adventure or horror gamer out there!

Why it’s good:

1. Scary as Hell (because you are there)
2. Resembles the highly sucessful SH1 and SH2
3. The only scare you will find on the PSP

Read: PSPHyper Review: Silent Hill Origins

4. Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles

If there ever was a remake that feels like a totally new game, Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles is definitely it. Essentially a better-looking and better-sounding Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (which has never been released outside of Japan), this title brings us back to the good old days of side-scrolling fun, featuring the same kind of extreme difficulty that is so common with games back in the Nineties. Old-school gamers will get a real kick playing this baby because it is so very challenging, which makes it extremely rewarding when you do finish it. But there’s more! The developer has also thrown in the original Rondo of Blood as well as the cult classic Symphony of the Night to this fully-packed UMD, making it a real bargain as you will essentially be getting three games instead of one. Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles is a real lesson to other developers who think a remake means adding sounds to 20-year-old games and shipping it to unsuspecting gamers. Konami gets my respect for making, quite frankly, the most sincere remake you will find on the PSP.

Why it’s good:

1. Challenging and rewarding gameplay
2. Shows others what a remake should be like
3. Three games in one!

Read: PSPHyper Review: Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles

5. Jeanne D’Arc

With Jeanne D’Arc, developer Level-5 has once again created a game of high production value and memorable experience. Based very loosely on the original story of Saint Jeanne of Arc, this title excels not only in gameplay, but in creating a believable world that is savaged by war and overcome by demons. Couple that with a colorful cast of characters with personalities that you will genuinely love or hate, and this makes Jeanne D’Arc quite possibly the game you won’t want to end once you get into it. Gameplay-wise, the tactical portion of this title really does shine and requires you to think of your next move every step of the way. The challenge of this game is further compounded by innovative features like “Burning Aura” and “Group Defense”, which make strategizing a must right from the beginning. Though suffering a bit from a much-too serious plot, Jeanne D’Arc sets the standard for original SRPGs on the PSP and for that, it deserves to be included in PSPHyper Top 5 for 2007.

Why it’s good:

1. Creative, challenging gameplay
2. Colorful characters you will love or hate
3. Made by Level-5!

Read: PSPHyper Review: Jeanne D’Arc

That’s it. PSPHyper’s take on the top 5 games of 2007. Though there are a whole bunch of equally good games out there, some (such as Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions) are excluded for being too much of a “straight-port”; while others are games which I admit I have yet to play due to a lack of time or not being enticed enough by the promotions. Anyway, the list above is PSPHyper’s sincere recommendations and I hope you find them useful in finding a game that you enjoy. Meantime, rock on PSP gamers!

Posted in PSP on Sunday, December 30th, 2007 at 11:24 am | Comments Feed | Leave a response | Trackback