Often, when we celebrate the “best games,” it’s protagonists we praise: their arcs, growth, triumphs, tragedies. Yet many PlayStation games and PSP titles are made richer by their secondary characters—the companions, foils, side protagonists—those who populate windah99 the margins and make the world feel alive. Love for a game often comes from caring about more than the hero, and that depth helps many titles ascend to “best” status.
In blockbuster PlayStation games, you’ll often find supporting characters who leave unforgettable impressions. Think of Ellie and Joel in The Last of Us, but also the nuanced arcs of side companions, enemies, or mentors. Their motives, flaws, and responses give texture to the grand narrative. When even a brief interaction gives you pause, or a side quest for a minor character resonates, that speaks to how deeply the game is crafted.
On the PSP, limited resources meant many games had shorter scripts or less voice acting, yet some titles still introduced compelling secondary figures. A wise mentor, a rival with personal stakes, or a small but memorable party member can elevate what might otherwise be a functional cast. Because handheld storytelling is compact, these characters often serve double duty—providing gameplay support and emotional weight in tight spaces.
What makes a supporting character memorable is integrity: they act consistently, they have needs or drives of their own, and sometimes they challenge or reflect the hero’s journey. In PlayStation games, a side character might question your methods, betray trust, or force choice. In PSP titles, a companion might open optional mission paths, shift tactical options, or deliver small narrative revelations built into compact scenes. These contributions often go unnoticed until later, when you recall those moments with surprise and fondness.
When players revisit a game, they often remember lines or gestures from secondary characters that surprised them—not the big climaxes, but a subtle expression, a line in a lull, or a gesture in a side mission. That lingering detail is part of why the “best games” stay close to memory. In revisiting PlayStation or PSP libraries, some fans rediscover side quests or dialogues they missed, and those small moments often recontextualize the entire experience.
Thus, when judging or discovering what makes a PlayStation or PSP game truly excellent, don’t just look at the main plot or big set pieces. Pay attention to those supporting souls: the small, quiet presences that flesh out the world, provoke reflection, or surprise you. Often they are the secret threads weaving strength into the tapestry, and their presence distinguishes a good game from a great one.