The ten best PSP games of 2008 (so far)

So, we're into the second half of the year and as has now become a regular occurrence – well, we've previously done a Ten best PSP games of 2007 (so far) – it's time to take a look back at the first six months and pluck out the ten best experiences to be had on PSP. Perhaps you're about to set off on holiday and can't decide what to take with you. Perhaps absurd overtime, excessive homework or relentless revision meant you missed one or more of these when they turned up in shops. Perhaps you have a policy of waiting six months before purchasing software.

Whatever your reason for reading, welcome to the show. For clarity, the titles eligible for selection must have been released between January and June 2008, either in Europe or North America. In addition, this isn't simply a reiteration of our buyer's guide – our appreciation for a game over time changes, naturally, and this has therefore been taken into account in the selection below.

One more point. It would obviously seem a little lightweight to work out this list and not make any form of analytical comment. So while PSP hasn't had the best year so far with regards to volume of titles – some months have barely seen a couple of new releases – it's somewhat encouraging to see not only the number of wholly original titles here but also the quality of those experiences.

Alas, it's unlikely they've proved record-breaking commercial successes, but if this list does nothing else, let it at least convince one or two of you to try out some of the more 'quirky' titles below. Forget the notion of hardcore/casual distinction – take it from us that a good game is universally enjoyable. And rest assured the games below are more than good.

In our humble opinion, of course. If you disagree, please say so in our comments section.

10. Chessmaster: The Art of Learning Developer: Ubisoft Publisher: Ubisoft No, we've not lost our minds. In fact, regular play of Chessmaster: The Art of Learning has arguably sharpened it, evidenced most clearly by its inclusion in this list. We like to think we cast our net wide when it comes to the kind of UMDs that slot into our drives and so make no apologies for selecting this over more the more 'conventional' choice of, say NfS ProStreet. There's a reason why quite a few people have been playing chess for quite a number of years and while Chessmaster is unlikely to please the grandmasters amongst you, those looking to find the attraction the game holds are unlikely to find a better introduction on PSP.
9. Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 Developer: Konami Publisher: Konami It's easy to get complacent when it comes to the FIFAs and PESs of this world. Indeed, we often exclude them from our 'best game' Top 10s because they tend to maintain the kind of consistent quality that makes them safe bets for anyone looking for a handheld footy experience though not perhaps the most exciting indication of a format's evolution. But given the lower number of PSP releases than usual so far this year it seems unfair to ignore the extremely solid work Konami has done in bringing its latest PES creation to Sony's portable console. So here it is.
8. Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures Developer: Traveller's Tales Publisher: LucasArts Such is the charisma exuded by the Lego incarnation of Indiana Jones that we probably wouldn't mind finding ourselves on the end of his whip. But that's possibly not the sort of thing we should be admitting in public. Besides, it's not just Indy; it's Han Solo and the forthcoming Bruce Wayne, too. The point is Traveller's Tales Lego games capture the essence of the Danish plastic toy within the framework of a video game admirably and while Lego Indiana Jones may not reinvent the gameplay first seen in Lego Star Wars, it doesn't stray from it either, resulting in an experience you'll savour from start to finish.
7. flOw Developer: SuperVillain Studios Publisher: Sony And now for something completely different. It's easy to forget, when criticising the PSP for its lack of games, that the format already plays host to an impressively varied set of gaming experiences – and by this we're specifically referring to the more 'left-field' examples other platforms can't reach. To this list we can add flOw, whose mechanic of tasking you with guiding a microorganism through gorgeous colourful environments, munching on creatures smaller than you effortlessly transports players into a preciously rare zen-like state of gaming. You're unlikely to find a smoother experience on handheld.
6. Space Invaders Extreme Developer: Taito Publisher: Square Enix What can a 30-year-old game teach other titles? Well, that with a little care and the right approach you can take ageing gameplay and tweak it significantly yet delicately to deliver an experience that will teach modern know-it-all efforts a thing or two about playability. Space Invaders Extreme takes the classic 1978 template and delivers the finest sequel the franchise has ever enjoyed and is likely to be remembered as one of the best retro revamps. One can only imagine what they'll do to it in 30 years' time.
5. echochrome Developer: Sony Japan Publisher: Sony The problem with coming up with something that isn't an entirely predictable film tie-in, a generic upgrade-laden racer, or a copycat first-person shooter is that no one will buy your innovative masterpiece. We don't know what the sales figures for echochrome are, but we suspect they're grossly unrepresentative of the excellence to be found in Sony's ingenious brain-taxing puzzler. You can almost picture Mr Average Gamer dropping his Need for Speed sandwich box upon sighting the monochrome, line-drawn screenshots on the back of the echochrome game case. But then the world is a far from fair place.
4. Fading Shadows Developer: Ivolgamus Publisher: Ivolgamus Some things in life don't mix. Sulphuric acid and water come to mind. But marbles and platforming video game mechanics do, not least because when combined in the exceptionally imaginative way Ivolgamus has managed in Fading Shadows the result is one of the finest puzzle experiences on PSP. It may not benefit from the brand awareness or marketing campaign of even a medium-profile release but that just means you should be able to pick up this wonderfully unique and rewarding experience rather cheaply.
3. Patapon Developer: Sony Publisher: Sony This can go one of two ways. You're either the type to hear of Patapon's rhythm-action, strategy and role-playing elements and immediately conjure up a game in your mind not dissimilar to the brilliance you'll find in Sony's absurdly charming effort. Or you're the kind of individual whose head will implode. If that's you, try to stop your cranium from caving in, somehow, because otherwise you'll find yourself missing out on one of the most innovative and enjoyable releases on PSP to date.
2. Everybody's Golf 2 Developer: Clap Hanz Publisher: Sony Anyone who fails to see the appeal of the Everybody's Golf games would have difficulty in convincing others that they really are human. They're exquisitely playable affairs, full of charm and boasting the kind of addictive, can't-leave-it-alone quality Amy Winehouse is all too familiar with. On PSP, this second round for the franchise comes in impressively under par with finely tuned game mechanics and goes on to score a hole-in-one with the inclusion of online play. If you're looking for the best golf game on Sony's handheld, you've found it.
1. God of War: Chains of Olympus Developer: Ready At Dawn Publisher: Sony Yes, it's mostly mindless action. But it's also expertly done and is likely to be remembered as one of the finest, most polished and entertaining handheld examples of the genre ever crafted. Taking Kratos through a savage, blood-filled yet graphically phenomenal journey through Greek mythology in portable form proves as enjoyable as the two PlayStation 2 God of War titles that preceded this instalment. Don't think of it as a spin-off, though – Chains of Olympus is very much its own game and is likely to slice the aorta of anyone who disagrees wide open. Before going on to rip their arms from their sockets. Want more? Check out the best PSP games ever.