• Posted July 31st, 2008 at 18:35 EDT by PSU Staff
• 8 Comments

What did it take to be one of the best PlayStation Portable games of E3 2008? Well, not much. We were quite surprised by the lack of software on display for Sony's handheld device at this year's expo. Despite the PSP is selling like hotcakes (especially in Japan), it continues to disappoint on the software front, with third parties touting next to nothing on the platform. Regardless, a few quality titles on display managed to make the list. Here are our nominees:

Resistance: Retribution is a real beauty. This third-person shooter follows the story of former British Marine James Grayson during the period between Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance 2. While the game's landmark visuals are indeed beautiful, that's not all it has to offer; Retribution features both an epic campaign and an eight-player multiplayer mode that includes Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Containment and Assimilation.

The force won't be unleashed exclusively on the PS3 this September; PSP owners will get to experience the power of the Dark Side as well. The expansive story, created under direction from George Lucas, is set during the era between Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. Although the revolutionary Euphoria engine won't make the jump to the portable version, PSP gamers will get their fair share of fun with the force. The powers, such as the force choke and lightsaber throw, are intact and as destructive as ever. Additionally, the PSP version will see some exclusive content in the form of three multiplayer modes and the Force Unleashed Mode, where you'll battle your way through historic Star Wars events. Overall, it's an appealing package, and we have high hopes for the full retail release.

Although Patapon 2 wasn't playable at E3, the game is looking better than ever as evidenced by its debut E3 trailer. It sports minor enhancements over the first title visually, but what we're most excited about is the four-player ad-hoc multiplayer mode. To be honest, we're a bit confused on what the mode actually entails -- it involves egg rolling and hatching -- but we have faith that it'll be a great addition to this already outstanding franchise.

Super Stardust is a perfect fit for the PSP. Housemarque, the development studio behind the infuriatingly addictive Super Stardust HD, is heading up the portable project. Though the PSP has no second analog stick, Housemarque makes due with the PSP's four face buttons, ultimately allowing for eight-way shooting. While the controls will take a little time to get accustomed to, you should be blasting comets and dodging baddies like a pro in no time. The graphics, though not a technical showcase of the PSP, are nice, and manage to run at a silky smooth framerate. With all downloadable content added to Super Stardust HD available from the get-go, Super Stardust Portable is the game to get for your top-down shooter addiction.

And 'Best PSP Game of E3 2008' goes to...

Resistance: Retribution is a complete, cohesive experience. First of all, the game sports cutting edge tech that makes it look brilliant from a visual perspective. Bend Studios didn't fail to offer a solid narrative experience because the game is on a portable either; the game deals with loss, determination, failure and the like. Then add in the online multiplayer and you have one sweet package. The graphics are great, the action is intense, and the story is captivating - what more could you want?