• Posted December 16th, 2008 at 10:53 EDT by Steven Williamson
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The PlayStation Portable has experienced a tough year in terms of sales. Despite the recent debut of the PSP 3000, which Sony hoped would attract Christmas shoppers, the latest statistics from the NPD Group (421,000 units sold last month, compared to its competitor, the Nintendo DS, with 1.57 million units) suggests that gamers aren’t currently attracted by its high price point and mediocre games library.

Indeed, this week, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) boss, David Reeves, has dismissed plans that a PSP 2 in the works, but instead has signalled the company’s intention to concentrate on improving the current generation model and its games. Although developers have thus far been focused on the higher-performing platforms to showcase their games, Reeves is confident that the great games for PSP are coming our way.

Whilst we did initially struggle to come up with a definitive top 10 list of PSP games for 2008 we’re now happy with our final verdict, but we also live in hope that Reeves & Co will deliver on their promise for 2009 and beyond and make our job a little easier, as well as a little more enjoyable in the process.

Without further ado, and in no particular order, let’s take a look at 10 of the best games for the PSP this year.

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Space Invaders Extreme

Released to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Space Invaders, this dazzling revamped version of the classic arcade game is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest shooters of all time.

It’s the most in-depth Space Invaders game to date, boasting a distinguished scoring system and great new features, plus a wide range of new aliens that all behave in unique and entertaining ways. With its pumping electronic soundtrack that compliments the fast-paced gameplay perfectly, and colorful and visually stimulating makeover, Space Invaders Extreme is one of best arcade upgrades to have ever been produced.

LocoRoco 2

This unique and stylish, cutesy and visually outstanding second installment of the LocoRoco platform series boasts the same madcap humor as the original and has enough new additions to make it a worthwhile upgrade, including tons of unlockables, new stages and abilities and hidden areas to explore.

Bright, refreshing and compulsive, LocoRoco 2’s unique characters and excellent level design are a breath of fresh air.

WipEout Pulse

With its wide range of speedy futuristic vehicles all equipped with the latest in high-tech weaponry, WipEout Pulse is a must-buy for fans of the chaotic racing series.

Its stunning visual and graphic design and rousing electronic music, in addition to the wealth of new tracks and game modes, make it an enjoyable and addictive ride through some brilliantly designed levels.

WipEout Pulse is without doubt the finest game in the WipEout series to date and one of the best PSP racing titles out there.

God of War Chains of Olympus

The hack and slash action game had a lot to live up to, but it remarkably managed to surpass expectations. Featuring epic set pieces and brutal and hard-hitting combos that look absolutely stunning alongside some of the great finishing moves and brilliant boss battles, Chains of Olympus is a polished and expertly produced title that pushes the PSP hardware to its limits.

With challenging puzzles and gripping gameplay, God of War Chains of Olympus is quite simply one of the best games to have ever graced the handheld.

Secret Agent Clank

Whilst the PSP-exclusive spin-off of the popular Ratchet and Clank series doesn’t quite live up to its big name billing, its unmistakable style and gameplay variety offers plenty of entertainment.

With a focus on action and with a nice range of weapons and gadgets on offer, including the Blowtorch Briefcase and Thunderstorm Umbrella, it’s a decent adaptation of the great series and an enjoyable title.

N+

This port of the popular Ninja-action flash game offers simple yet brilliantly realized game mechanics that have instant pick up and play appeal.

Fluid animation, coupled with fast action and amazing acrobatics from the small black ninja works well with some challenging puzzles and endless supply of user-generated content.

With multiplayer thrown in as ... (continued on next page)