This remake of the game we named “Best Final Fantasy spin-off” was a big reason why strategy-RPGs are currently a legitimate genre in the west. The War of Lions offers much improved graphics and writing compared to the PSOne original, making this the definitive version of the addicting tactical adventure. The story is a little light compared to other FF adventures, but once you start, you might not be able to stop until you obsessively master all 22 jobs in its unique class system.

Though both God of War games for the PSP were valiant approximations of the popular console series, the second is the better of the two. Ghost of Sparta takes place between the first and second games in the trilogy, and it tells the tale of Kratos’ search for his lost brother. Obviously part of that search involves mass murder using a variety of different weapons.

Is Tekken 6 on PSP anywhere near as good looking as its PS3 brother? No, but it still has virtually all the same features that were in the console release, including a massive roster of fighters and the refined gameplay people expect from the series. There are prettier fighting games available on the Vita, but if you need Tekken’s particular brand of fighting expertise, Tekken 6 is your best portable choice out there.

The Japanese action-RPG series Ys is an acquired taste, but it has one of the most dedicated cult followings in gaming. This original sequel in the series continued the franchise’s tradition of solid action-RPG gameplay and amazing soundtracks. It might not have been the prettiest game on the PSP, but it was one of the most enjoyable, whether you’d heard of it or not.

The PSP had its share of spin-offs, but this Metal Gear entry was almost as deep as one of its console counterparts. Developed under the supervision of series creator Hideo Kojima, this game told the tale of Naked Snake/Big Boss building the freelance army he’d later use to try and take over the world. The plot is as involved as you’d expect from MGS, and it seems to be pretty connected to Metal Gear Solid V’s confusing story, so it’s worth playing just as a primer for that anticipated game.

Fans of the first two Parasite Eve games on the PSOne weren’t totally in love with the long-awaited third adventure of Aya Brea, but it’s more than worth the time of action-RPGs fans. The apocalyptic game incorporated interesting third person shooter elements that went well with its unpredictable sci-fi story. One of the best looking games on the handheld, The 3rd Birthday is also the first of many entries on this list from publisher Square Enix, likely the best friend the PSP ever had.

Yes, Tactics Ogre is yet another SRPG on a list already saturated with them, but this series has never received the exposure it deserved in the west. Let Us Cling Together is a remake of the franchise’s best entry, and it was developed by many of the original team. Playing this upscaled PSP release will show fans of Final Fantasy Tactics and Disgaea where many of their favorite genre tropes either originated or were refined.

A clever game from developer Zoe Mode, this puzzle-platformer was all about changing perceptions. You explore a puzzle-filled world by constantly switching your view between 2D and 3D, and that new perspective would often reveal surprising results. One of the strongest cult hits on the system, it’s quite a value at its usual $10 price.

If you love strategy-RPGs but expect to get at least 100 hours of gameplay from one game, both the original Disgaea and its sequel, Dark Hero Days, are stellar picks. If we had to make a choice, we prefer the sequel due to its assortment of extra features, though the turn-based battles will keep you hooked for days even without those bells and whistles. Also, be careful to not download Disgaea Infinite instead, as it’s a simple “visual novel” with little gameplay to speak of.

Enjoy Final Fantasy but wish it was more like Super Smash Bros? Dissidia brings together heroes and villains from across all of FF’s rich history, and the unique fighting has an epic amount of fan service that’s fitting for the scale of this decades-in-the-making crossover. And even if you can’t find a second player to battle against, the single player mode has a rich story befitting its lineage.

Finally, a game for people that enjoy RPGs but wish they were 100 times faster. Half-Minute Hero looks like a classic NES RPG on the surface, but it moves at such a frantic pace that you’ll never be bored waiting for a turn. It’s a constant battle against the clock to explore and finish the game with only 30 seconds on a timer. That counter needs to constantly be refilled by completing objectives A.S.A.P., because it’s game over when it reaches zero. HMH’s breakneck speed is a perfect response to those who find classic RPGs boring.

A clever mix of the rhythm and strategy genres, Patapon 2 was one of the earliest downloadable PSP titles, and it should be one of the first you grab on Vita. Patapon 2 is pretty inviting at the normal $7.99 price, and once you start it you’ll quickly join that franchise’s a cult following. Pata-pata-pon-pata-pata-pon!

Admittedly this is one of the pricier titles on the list, but it's worth the price of admission. P3 tells a dark, twisted tale of demons trying to destroy the natural world, but it’s cleverly balanced with mundane high school life and relationship building. The portable iteration added new characters and plotlines to the already-lengthy game, alongside with some needed gameplay tweaks. This one is perfect for those looking for something offbeat.

If you’re into the previously mentioned Disgaea series, there’s a special place in your heart for the beloved--but put upon--mascot Prinny. The disposable penguin baddies got to star in a couple action games, and we suggest starting with the cheaper original. Though not that easy (they give you 1000 lives at the start for a reason), the humorous title was a novel approach to platforming.

This list proves the PSP had more RPGs than most players had time to play them, but Corpse Party was a late run PSP adventure that stood out from the pack. This was the first entry in the high school horror series to come to the US, but it’s weird sense of humor and odd dialogue were more or less intact. Yes, the game can be trying and overly gruesome at times, but the headaches are worth it to see the game to completion.

Soulcalibur is best played on a console series, but if you’d like to continue the swordplay away from home, this original entry for the PSP is a nice alternative. It stars many of the franchise's most popular characters, and reflects the series’ high priority on awesome graphics to match spot-on weapon-based attacks. Plus, this entry is the only one that lets you play as God of War Kratos in a Soulcalibur game, a strength that can’t be denied.

The Monster Hunter series lately has been appearing on exclusively on Nintendo systems, but the franchise that took over Japan has its roots on the PSP. If you’re looking to see why millions play this action-RPG (and why so many titles on PS Vita are currently copying it), Freedom Unite is a good place to start. It combines some of the best content of the PSP’s multiple Hunter games into one simple package. You’ll get the most out of the game when playing with three other friends, so hopefully you can convince some fellow Vita owners to jump on the bandwagon.

The first Valkyria Chronicles was one of the most celebrated PS3 exclusives, so many were let down to see its sequel end up on the PSP. But even though the graphics got a perceptible downgrade, the franchise’s clever approach to strategic warfare was still incredibly captivating. And the seemingly wrongheaded addition of dating sim elements actually ended up being a strength. This is one of the pricier PSP downloads, and it requires the annoying workaround of buying it on your PS3 first and then transferring it to your Vita, but those extra steps are ultimately worth the hassle.

GTA defined the PS2 so well that it was only fitting that system’s portable brother got some M-rated crime action of its own. Vice City Stories was the strongest of the three PSP titles, and it returns players to the iconic pseudo-Miami with new tales to tell, with all the same strengths as its console originals. Admittedly the PS2 rerelease was the best way to play this one, but you can’t play that on a plane, now can you?