The sports genre might be one of the most underrated categories in all of gaming. Sure, they suffer from a yearly release schedule that makes the previous entries obsolete, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t games worth remembering. To help keep handheld gamers busy till the Vita releases next month, we’re showcasing the best PSP games from each of the main genres of gaming, with the feature originally kicking off with action games.
MLB ’11: The Show
Running around the bases is an American pastime that has been around for many decades, and Sony’s latest entry of MLB: The Show lets you relive the last baseball season. Numerous different modes from the console version made the jump to the PlayStation Portable, including Home Run, All Star Game, Season and Road to the Show.
Speaking of modes that didn’t make the transition, Sony pulled support for the online mode of The Show in 2009. The extra development time saved by discontinuing online support allowed Sony to beef up the animation and season modes for future versions of The Show. If you are looking to take your favorite baseball team with you on the go, no game does it better.
Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2
The Hot Shots Golf series and PlayStation have gone hand in hand since the days of the PlayStation One. The idea behind the series is simple: provide players with an accessible golfing experience while delivering a deep experience for more advanced players.
Even if you are new to golfing games you should not find the basic mechanics of Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 surprising. The goal of any golf game is to sink the ball in the hole under Par, but the real challenge comes in the type of clubs you utilize as well as type of shots needed to get the ball to its intended destination.
The on-the-course-action directly affects your chosen character off the green. By completing single player challenges you earn loyalty points for your chosen character, which you can use to unlock new characters and outfits. Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2 even supports ad-hoc multiplayer so you can earn loyalty points with your friends.
FIFA Soccer 12
With football/soccer being the biggest sport in the world, EA made sure that FIFA 12 was accessible to their fans all across the globe when the game was released this past September. Not only is there a strong line up of different European leagues, but tons of international teams that helped ensure that football fans the world over could get in on the action.
For a portable title, FIFA 12 for PSP brought most of the modes from its console brethren onto the small screen. Fans looking for a quick fix could always jump right in with the instant action options. If you felt you needed to fine tune your approach to the goal or defense, an exhaustive tutorial mode was also included. The real highlight of course is Manager mode. In Manager mode you take on the role of a general manager, allowing you to edit lines, simulate games (or play them in real time), all to the tune of the FIFA schedule. For football fans FIFA 12 offered the complete experience in the palm of your hands.
Madden NFL 12
The Madden franchise absolutely dominates when it comes to American football videogames, and that is not just because EA is the only company with the rights to develop official NFL related games. Last year’s Madden NFL 12 brings the complete console experience to the PlayStation Portable with very little lost in translation. Just like with FIFA 12, EA took extra care to ensure that players of Madden NFL 12 for PSP weren’t missing out.
In terms of modes, Madden NFL 12 probably features the most of any game on this list. The expected quick play, exhibition and season modes all make their appearance alongside newcomers like SuperStar Challenge. SuperStar Challenge lets you relive some of the best plays from the previous season from both the offense and defensive positions. If you’ve ever wanted to rewrite football history then the five tiers of challenges present in SuperStar mode might be for you.
Madden NFL 12 has a lot to offer football fans whether they’re looking for a few quick games on the commute to work or the ability to manage their favorite team wherever they go.
What are some of your favorite PSP sports games? We’ll be taking a look at several other genres over the course of the week, so stay tuned!
The sports genre might be one of the most underrated categories in all of gaming. Sure, they suffer from a yearly release schedule that makes the previous entries obsolete but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t games worth keeping.
The following four entries will keep you coming back for more even after the PlayStation Vita releases. Many of these franchises have entries coming for the PlayStation Vita. You’ll feel right at home after playing the PSP versions.
MLB ’11: The Show
Running around the bases is an American pass time that has been around for many decades. Sony’s latest entry lets you relive the last baseball season on the go. Many different modes from the console version including Home Run, All Star Game, Season and Road to the Show.
Sony pulled support for the online mode of MLB the Show with the 2009 version. Extra effort was put into the A.I and on the field experience instead. You can expect full control over every pitch and swing during your game. Throw in the ability to manage your team & complete a full season on the go and you have a game that will keep even the most hardcore baseball fanatic entertained.
Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2
The Hot Shots Golf series and PlayStation have gone hand in hand since the days of the PlayStation One days. The idea behind the series is simple: provide players with an accessible golfing experience while delivering deep experience for more advanced players.
The bright and cheerful graphics combined with an upbeat soundtrack are two of the hallmarks of the Hot Shots series. As you complete single player challenges and earn loyalty points for your chosen character new wardrobe and course options unlock. The game also supports local multiplayer. Based upon the rules set up by the host players can use characters and items they’ve unlocked in the main game.
Fifa Soccer 12
EA’s 19th entry in the long running football/soccer series saw release on multiple platforms including the PSP this past September. Players may choose their favorite team from a number of different European leagues. FIFA 12 packs in a number of modes including quick play, a full career mode and ad-hoc multiplayer.
The on field action is just as action packed as the console versions. Players can be seen dodging shots and picking up free throws just like in the real game. The Vita version looks absolutely amazing but the FIFA on the PSP shouldn’t be counted out!
Gran Turismo Portable
Polyphony Digital’s racer had a rocky start but eventually made it across the finish line in 2009. The game was originally announced alongside the PSP during E3 2004. The was shown in many different forms over the year. Rumors at the time stated that the game would be a portable version of Gran Turismo 4 for the PS2.
The game that we eventually got could be considered a “best of” featuring courses and cars from all four previous entries. For a portable racer GT Portable featured a number of different modes including time trial, off road and the standard racing. The selection of cars is also in the hundreds with new cars appearing randomly in the dealership every day. With over 40 different courses Gran Turismo Portable has everything a gearhead could want in a racing game.
