Following the formula of the finest literary epic, RPGs cast the player as the central figure in a tale of intrigue and self-discovery, usually culminating in a battle for the fate of the world. They last 20 to 80 hours or more, making them a good value for the money.
There's a sea of RPGs for the PSP, but few are quite as child-friendly as the ones below. While "suggestive content" is almost inescapable in this field, it usually denotes thick innuendo that isn't vital to the game's enjoyment. What's more important is that RPGs appeal to the dreamers inside of us--which, for a child, is a powerful experience.
1. Lunar: Silver Star Harmony
Here's a game with a pedigree. Lunar: The Silver Star has appeared on several consoles before, and time and again, its animated cut-scenes, sweeping musical score, glowing characterizations, and irreverent sense of humor have made it a fan favorite. The PSP brings out the very best that this legend of sleeping dragons, magic schools, kidnapped goddesses and evil emperors has to offer, with high-resolution graphics, a movie-quality soundtrack and DVD-quality full-motion video.
From humble beginnings, prepare to embark on a timeless quest of friendship and love in Lunar: Silver Star Harmony. Conquering evil, winning the girl, and saving the world should run you about 45 hours.
Rated Teen.
2. Half-Minute Hero
Remember when I said that an RPG lasts 20 to 80 hours? Well, Half-Minute Hero doesn't exactly fit the bill. In fact, it may be just the type of RPG a portable system needs: all the charm of a full-length adventure in a time-saving package.
HMH isn't compelling because of a rousing storyline or a fleshed-out cast. It's the fact that the universe needs saving, and FAST--not just in the present, but across the entire time-line of good versus evil. With 30-second missions taking the place of the much-longer quests found in most RPGs, HMH offers a different kind of challenge and satisfaction.
This cheeky, retro-chic game is an exception to the rules of standard RPGs, sure to delight over its entire 10-hour span, and then some.
Rated E10+.
3. Ys: The Oath in Felghana
Fantasy-RPG fans have been enjoying Ys's brand of globe-trotting, spell-casting, and sword-slashing action for a long time. In spite of this, Ys: The Oath of Felghana doesn't assume any previous experience with action-RPGs. With an adjustable difficulty level and a goal-oriented pace, it's the ideal game to play in short spurts or for long hours as you try to complete just one more quest.
The creators' vision is in full bloom on the PSP, with a top-notch soundtrack (always a plus when logging long hours--over 20 hours' worth in this game), and with crisp, detailed graphics and oodles of character artwork.
If you end up liking this installment of Ys, there will be two others released on PSP, completing the trilogy of Ys 1-3.
Rated T.
4. Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure
Another action-RPG, Gurumin is a modern-day take on the genre with a paranormal motif. You are a young girl named Parin, the only child in a town of monsters that are invisible to adults. Your task? Fend off the encroaching Phantoms as they attempt to abduct your fiendish friends.
Gurumin's endearingly-cartoony world is populated with colorful inhabitants, both friend and foe, featuring the voice talents of some familiar actors, like Tara Strong. The main draw is the combat, which is carried out with a novelty oversized drill and circular motions on the PSP's analog thumb pad. Other highlights are the catchy musical accompaniment, and the game's unusual ability to mesh genres and styles together.
Rated E10+.
5. Star Ocean: First Departure
And finally, for the budding space aficcionado, we have the first entry in the respected sci-fi RPG series Star Ocean. Another classic RPG experience for the PSP, First Departure has been warmly received and praised for its fast-paced combat, cinematic presentation, and original skill system. What's more, with over 80 endings, the outcome of the story rests on every decision you make. Talk about true role-playing!
With its excellent graphics and sound, this update pushes the envelope on the PSP's capabilities. Add a whole galaxy to explore as you try to stave off an intergalactic war, and First Departure certainly won't be the last!
Rated T.