The ten best PSP games of 2007 (so far)

It may be lagging a little behind the DS in terms of units sold around the globe, but when it comes to quality software the PSP has no trouble keeping up with its competitor (if the two machines actually compete, given that they're very different offerings).

Take the first half of the year's output, the finest ten of which we have assembled here and believe should form part of every PSP owner's library. And on the strength of these, how exciting it is to note that by the time we get to Christmas, the list could look very different given the high number of potential hits that are still to come.

As with the equivalent DS top ten, the inclusion and placing of the games below isn't simply a reflection of their review score. Rather, we have taken into consideration other factors such as their long-term appeal, as well as how often they return to our UMD drive.

Of course, it remains a subjective exercise, so if you disagree please say so in our comments section. It'd be interesting to read your views.

Related to all this, you may want to check out GAME's current offers, which, brilliantly, include a number of the games below.

TOCA Race Driver 3 Challenge Developer: Sumo Digital Publisher: Codemasters "You'll need dedication, patience and skill to get the most of TRD3 Challenge," we said in our review back in March and nothing has changed since. This isn't a game for those whose idea of racing is to approach corners with the finger firmly on the accelerator button and simply flick the analogue nub (or D-pad) violently to one side. If that's not you, you'll love the wide range of vehicles and remarkable balance of 'playable reality' on offer here.
The Warriors Developer: Rockstar Leeds Publisher: Rockstar Adapted from a cult 1979 film (and previously available on consoles), this is an often brutal gang-based action adventure that sees you fighting your way across New York's meanest streets. Thankfully, the third-person combat system is as tough as they come, which combined with a hugely atmospheric setting, superlative production values and seemingly endless variety makes this a supremely entertaining experience all PSP-owning adults (this is 18-rated) should try.
Metal Slug Anthology Developer: SNK Playmore Publisher: Ignition Seven games from SNK's gorgeous, delightfully playable 2D side-scrolling shooter series may sound like a recipe for broken PSP buttons as a result of the relentless use they'll endure. For us, though, it sounds like the UMD to have with you at all times. Because despite the odd irritating flaw as a result of the conversion process, there is little on Sony's handheld that can match this for a quick, gratifying dose of shoot-'em-up goodness.
Sega Mega Drive Collection Developer: Digital Eclipse Publisher: Sega Granted, not all of the 27 impeccably converted games crammed into this UMD are classics, but the majority do represent a selection of the most popular titles to appear on Sega's old 16-bit console. From various examples of the Sonic The Hedgehog, Phantasy Star, Golden Axe and Ecco the Dolphin series, to Columns, Virtua Fighter 2 and Shinobi III, this is one of the strongest retro compilations to have appeared on any system.
Tony Hawk's Project 8 Developer: Page 44 Studios Publisher: Activision Console owners may be sick of the Hawkster tuning up on a yearly basis, but on PSP his appearances have to date been far less frequent. As a result, when a skateboarding game as delicately crafted and compelling as this rolls along, it's impossible (and, indeed, unfair) to ignore it. Crucially, Project 8 nails the control mechanism and then follows that with a ridiculous amount of depth through a multitude of mini-goal based missions. It's emerged as one of the year's most absorbing games.
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Developer: High Impact Games Publisher: Sony Taking a much-deserved vacation from their adventures on PlayStation 2, Ratchet and Clank turn up on PSP only to find themselves needing to embark on a mysterious quest involving a kidnapped girl and forgotten race of genius inventors. Cue the franchise's many weapons and gadgets, which together with the relentless destruction, pleasing variety, and tonnes of content results in one of the handheld's best action adventure experiences to date.
Sid Meier's Pirates! Developer: Full Fat Publisher: 2K Games An update of the classic 1987 strategy-led adventure, whose open-ended mechanic gives you the freedom to amass fame, fortune, land, political power and treasure as you roam around the Gulf Coast, Caribbean and South America, making both friends and enemies. It's a glorious mix of exploration, mutinies, duelling and sea-battle mini-games, charming and humourous cut-scenes, supported by the kind of sturdy game design even the most determined cannonball can't dent.
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Developer: Kojima Productions Publisher: Konami Although out in the US in 2006, Portable Ops qualifies for inclusion here due to the ridiculous five-month wait European gamers had to endure for the game to arrive in our continent. Specifically, it qualifies for inclusion here in such a high position because it's excellent – a clever and brilliantly designed stealth-based action title that remains true to the essence of past MGS games while introducing a host of new elements, not least one of the strongest multiplayer aspects yet seen on PSP.
Virtua Tennis 3 Developer: Sumo Digital Publisher: Sega Wimbledon competitors may have spent more time waiting around that playing on the courts this year but we suspect those crafty enough to have packed a PSP with a copy of Sega's brilliant Virtua Tennis 3 into their kit bag probably didn't mind the rain one bit. That would be because this is one superbly refined tennis game, its exquisite control mechanics partnered by the brilliantly balanced difficulty and variety of the content. The resulting digital sporting experience is simply smashing.
Crush Developer: Zoë Mode Publisher: Sega Crush is exactly the kind of game the PSP is crying out for. Innovative, daring, fresh, perfectly suited to its host platform and immensely playable, it's no wonder the game recently won a prestigious Develop Award for 'Best New Handheld IP'. Don't let the dry terminology of the award's label conjure up the wrong image, though – Crush beat its rivals precisely because its vibrant qualities are impossible to miss. From the moment you pick it up, you're lost in a clever, masterfully designed, multi-dimensional puzzler that will consume your thoughts. Update: Check out the top 10 PSP games of 2008 so far, and don't miss our other PSP top game charts.