Licensed games—those based on movies, TV shows, or nama138 comics—are often written off as low-effort cash grabs. But over the years, several PlayStation games tied to popular franchises have broken that stereotype by delivering truly enjoyable and well-crafted experiences. These standout titles prove that with the right team and vision, a licensed game can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with original IPs.

Spider-Man (2018) is a perfect example. Developed by Insomniac Games, it delivered open-world exploration, tight combat, and a deeply emotional story that many fans consider among the best games of the PS4 generation. Similarly, Batman: Arkham Asylum and its sequels showed that superhero games could be dark, narrative-driven, and mechanically rich without relying solely on brand recognition.

The PSP also had a strong roster of licensed titles. Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Justice League Heroes each brought the worlds of TV and film into the portable gaming space. These games weren’t just filler—they were genuinely fun and replayable, offering unique missions and styles tailored to the PSP hardware.

When done right, licensed games can capture the spirit of their source material while standing tall as independent achievements. On both PlayStation consoles and handhelds, some of the best games came from properties that players already loved—but were surprised to find translated so well into gameplay.