Sure, this December has been kind of a wash. But the list of PSP releases coming in 2009 have us very excited. Sales of PSP hardware have been astronomical in Japan, aided by the popularity of games like Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G and the newly-redesigned PSP 3000. For that reason, a lot of the games that are coming out for the PSP in 2009 are Japanese titles. For fans of RPGs and companies like Level 5 and Square Enix, the PSP handheld is the place to be in 2009. In addition, a few high-profile western games may surprise us. We know that Studio Liverpool is working on a super-secret PSP port of Little Big Planet (OK, maybe it’s not so secret after all). Sony Bend will also be releasing a handheld spinoff or the Resistance FPS series called Retribution in the spring. And as usual, RPG fans will have a lot to look forward to as brand new games and ports of old classics head to Sony’s handheld. Read on for a list of upcoming PSP games that we are most thrilled about.

Patapon 2 – The developer promises that Patapon 2 contains twice the depth and twice the amount of content as the original game. A lengthy single-player campaign is joined by a cooperative multiplayer mode in which players must work together to transport an egg through perilous levels. A so-called “casual” game that ended up being so much more than that, Patapon 2 is definitely on our radar of 2009 releases.

Resistance: Retribution – Insomniac tries its hand at translating its FPS franchise to the PSP with this handheld prequel. The storyline in Retribution takes place in Europe during the period of time between Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance 2. Players assume the role of a former British marine who joins the resistance to fight the Chimera in Europe, after they develop a new method of converting humans to aliens. Sony Bend are heading up this PSP project, and with the Syphon Filter games under their belts, we are sure that Retribution will deliver an incredible experience on the handheld.

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite – Basically more of the same formula that we already know and love, Unite promises to be the biggest Monster Hunter game on PSP yet. In addition to over 500 hours (!) of gameplay, the updated game includes feline helpers that will follow the player into battle and help them gather resources. The game features an innovative install system that lets players run the game from memory stick to eliminate pesky load times. Unite is shaping up to be the ultimate Monster Hunter experience on the PSP, and it will arrive in North America some time in Q2 2009.

Star Ocean: Second Evolution – The first remake was one of the standout RPG titles on the PSP in 2008. Star Ocean: Second Evolution looks set to do the same thing again in 2009. This game was originally released for the Playstation back in 1999, but developers have given it a complete graphical overhaul. The PSP port also includes new playable characters that increase the replayability of the game and brand-new anime cutscenes that advance the story. The best part about this game is that it will be out on January 20th.

Phantasy Star Portable — Sega decided that Capcom shouldn’t be the only publisher enjoying massive success on the PSP with its Monster Hunter series. The Japanese rival dug deep into its large back catalog and pulled out Phantasy Star on the PSP. Phantasy Star Portable is a multiplayer-coop game that is based off of the successful Dreamcast title. Sadly, this game lacks online of any kind, but with the new PSP tunneling service, PS3 owners should have no problem putting a party together. Look for a North American version sometime in the Spring of 2009.

Ushiro – This quirky adventure game from Level 5 is kind of like the PSP’s answer to The World Ends With You. The player takes control of a ghost who has the capacity to possess the living and guide them to accomplish your goals. In keeping with other Level 5 releases like Jeanne d’Arc, Ushiro features absolutely amazing artwork. Ushiro will be a major event when it releases in Japan (and hopefully in the West) later this year.

Final Fantasy: Dissidia — Famitsu magazine reports that this handheld brawler contains more than 40 hours of main story play time, in addition to special modes. The game even includes a video editor, allowing players to capture and create their own cinematic sequences. With fan service galore and characters appearing from almost every Final Fantasy game created over the past 20 years, this PSP title is sure to delight fans of the Square Enix RPG series.

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