The PS3 had the rockiest launch out of any Sony home console. There were many factors, including the asking price for the machine itself. Still, the console found its footing eventually, and there’s a rich library of games to explore.
Best of all, you can enjoy several fantastic PS3 games as part of your PS Plus subscription. If you fancy a trip down memory lane or just want to play some bangers from two console generations ago, here are some worthy titles to fill your hard drive.
These titles are all available on PS Plus at the time of writing, but Sony does frequently change the lineup. I also will not be including collections or HD remasters of older games, as that sort of defeats the point of a PS3 list. I’ve also tried to include a wide range of genres, so there’s something for everyone.
10Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut
If Marmite Were A Video Game
Deadly Premonition
Deadly Premonitionisone of the most polarizing gamesof all time. To put that statement into perspective, back in 2010, IGN gave the title 2/10, while Destructoid gave it a 10! The game makes the list on the off chance that you would give it a 10 as well.
Deadly Premonitionis abizarre 3D action gamewith a healthy serving of mystery and puzzle-solving. You play Detective Francis York Morgan, investigating a bizarre string of crimes in the area. The issue is that graphics are dated, and many systems feel archaic.
That said, many would say that’s part of the charm. There are heavytime-based mechanicsbinding everything together. York’s beard even grows as you play, and yes, you must shave it.
There aresupernatural horror elements, gunplay, and a sense of weirdness that never leaves until you turn the game off.
9Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time
Not Your Average Trash Panda
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time
The Sly trilogy on the PS2 is a phenomenal series of3D adventure gameswith a charismatic protagonist and stealth-based gameplay.
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Timeis the 4th andfinal game in the franchise, and while it’s sad we never got a Sly 5, it’s absolutely worth a playthrough. Everything you expect from the series is here.
The game is beautiful, with light stealth mechanics and buttery smooth 3D platforming. While the core gameplay is akin to a solid sneak-em-up, the game frequently throws new mechanics at you to keep things fresh.
Thieves in Timeis a superb game, although I could argue that it falls short of the original trilogy, particularly in the story department. That said, that bar is pretty high, and the title is worth playing on its own merit. Theoriginals are also availableon PS Plus.
8Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
The Dark Side? So Hot Right Now!
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
There’s an overwhelming number ofStar Warsgames, butThe Force Unleashedtitles are my favorites.
The Force Unleashedputs players in the shoes of Starkiller, and the big difference here is thatyou’re a Sith apprenticeinstead of a Jedi. It seems the bad guys get all of the fun inStar Wars, and you can effortlesslyweave force powers into free-form combat.
Gameplay-wise,The Force Unleashedis a highly polished 3D adventure. Eviscerating foes with a lightsaber is as satisfying as it should be, and thestory is surprisingly engaging, with events and twists that I won’t spoil here.
The Force Unleashedis a superb Star Wars game and good enough to recommend, even if you don’t care about the franchise. I’d wager you’ll enjoy it if you’re a sci-fi fan, and thesuperb sequel is also availableon PS Plus.
7Split/Second: Velocity
For Fame And Glory
Split/Second
There are plenty ofgreat racing gameson the PS3, and one of the most stylish isSplit/Second.
Split/Second: Velocityis awild arcade racerwith flashy visuals, a pumping soundtrack, and a brilliant mechanic that cantransform courses at the touch of a button. The idea behind the gimmick is that you’re racing in a reality TV show for money and fame.
Once you’ve filled enough of your ‘Power Play’ meter, you cantrigger events on the course. Low-level Plays might drop something on the track. The higher ones can initiate natural disasters, like tornadoes, to ravage the course and permanently change it until you reach the finish line.
It’s a fantastic concept for an arcade racer, andSplit/Second: Velocityis a high-octane thrill ride from start to finish.
6Dishonored: Definitive Edition
On A Quest For Redemption
Dishonored
Dishonoredis abeloved 3rd person action adventureby Arkane Studios.
You play as Corvo, a bodyguard for the empress. At least, you were beforeyou were framed for her murder. After escaping prison, you embark on an epic quest to clear your name.
Corvo is a master of striking from the shadows, butDishonored’sRPG mechanicsmean you can tune your arsenal to your play style.Dishonoredis set in asteampunk-esquereimagining of London, and exploration is always rewarded.
The game alsoencourages multiple playthroughs, with its ‘Chaos’ system grading many of your actions. That Chaos mechanic even governs which ending you receive, so play nice or suffer the consequences!
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5Batman Arkham Origins
Polish Off Your Batarangs
Batman: Arkham Origins
The Dark Knight has some phenomenal games to his name, and whileOriginsisn’t part of the legendary Arkham Trilogy, it serves as a brilliant prequel toArkham Asylum.
For the uninitiated,Arkham Originsis a 3D adventure game set in Gotham City.Batman is adept at fisticuffs, but you can thin the herd by relying on stealth before mopping up the stragglers in close-quarters combat.
Naturally, what billionaire superhero would be complete without gadgets? Batman hasplenty of his toys at his disposal, from Batarangs to a grappling hook.
My memory may be foggy, but I recall a lot of hate forBatman Arkham Originswhen it was released in 2013. Nowadays,players recall it much more fondly, and it’s a no-brainer if you’ve not played the Arkham trilogy.
4Mega Man 9
He’s Still Got It
Mega Man 9
Mega Manis aniconic Capcom protagonist, although the series arguably went off the rails before returning to form on the PS3.
WhatMega Man 9lacks in fancy graphics, it makes up for insuperb platforming gameplay. Everything you expect from the series is here, fromlaser-precise controlsto iconic boss battles. You always feel like you’re being rewarded inMega Man 9, as you earn new abilities whenever you conquer a stage.
Most abilities are more potent against particular bosses, which incentivizes experimentation.
TheMega Manseries had a brief love affair with the third dimension on the PS1 and PS2.Mega Man 9proved the series still had what it takes tocompete in the 2D arena.
Mega Man 9may lack the bells and whistles of other games on the list, but you’re able to’t beat it if you enjoy ahardcore platforming experience.
3Devil May Cry 4
Now There Are Two Of Them!
Devil May Cry 4
TheDevil May Crygames on the PS2 are fan favorites, even if many havesome choice words aboutDMC2.
Devil May Cry 4hadbig shoes to filland boldly changed the protagonist from Dante to Nero. Fortunately,Nero is badassand a fine addition to the series.
Many would agree thatthe first half ofDMC4is fantastic, and it’s good enough to make the game worth the download. Combat is just as sublime as the original trilogy, with a thumping soundtrack that perfectly compliments the action.
If I’m being critical for a moment, the story inDMC4is lacking when coming off the heels of its predecessor. Some parts of the game also feel oddly unfinished.
Still,DMC4is a solid entry inone of the most stylish gaming franchiseson the market and isworth playing even if you’re new to the series.
2Ratchet and Clank: Tools of Destruction
Rip Ya A New One
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
TheRatchet and Clankgames are superb 3D platformers, andTools of Destructionisarguably the best on the PS3.
Like most games in the series, you play as Ratchet, an adorable Lombax armed with afantastic assortment of upgradeable weapons.
The weapon pool is one of the game’s many strengths, asthere are dozens to choose from. Every gun can be upgraded, andTools of Destructionintroduces a new system allowing players to ‘overlevel’ their favorites.
Ratchet and Clankhas a bit of everything. The platforming is tight and responsive, and plenty oflight-hearted humoris sprinkled throughout the story.
Tools of Destructionis the popular choice on the PS3, butRatchet and Clankis a rare series where you can’t really go wrong. Even thePSP has a decentRatchet and Clankgame, so pick whatever is available.
1The Last of Us
A Naughty Dog Classic
The Last of Us
The Last of Usshould need no introduction, andno PS3 list would be complete without it.
The Last of Usis astory-driven AAA masterpieceset against a post-apocalyptic backdrop where humanity is on the brink.
You play as Joel, tasked with escorting Ellie, a teenage girl, across the country. The issue is thatthe journey is fraught with dangerfrom monsters and monstrous people alike.
Naughty Dog manages tomake the world feel believableand lived in. The voice acting is sublime, and you often understand people’s motives, even if you don’t agree with them.
The graphics and environments areexceptional for the PS3, and the stealth-oriented gameplay is a refreshing change from your average 3D adventure.
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