Attention fans of PS3 games! It’s time to dust out the classic system and go on a wild ride on the nostalgia train. Yep, you’re not tripping; this is real; we’re diving into the treasure trove of the PS3 gaming library. Today’s list is all about highlighting the best from the PlayStation 3 era of gaming. Since the list is fairly expansive, we’ve got plenty of room to include some classic fan-favorite games.
Which PS3 Games are the Greatest of All Time?
The PS3 is home to some of the greatest video games of all time. Sony’s doing a lot to ensure players can still have access to their past purchases. To that end, we’ve got a guide that tells you if you can play your PlayStation 3 games on your PS5.
Alright, let’s not wait around and jump into the thick of things. Today’s list is all about finding out which games on the PS3 we consider the best of the best. Of course, this is subjective, as every player’s enjoyment of a game is bound to differ. However, to make things relatively objective, we’re placing a hard limit of only one game per franchise. So, with that said, now, let’s begin!
10. Borderlands 2 – The Most Fun Looter-Shooter Game of All Time Debuted on the PS3
As soon as the intro of Borderlands 2 kicks in, it’s abundantly clear players are in for a rollicking good time. We’re going with the second game in the franchise for our pick as the best looter-shooter game on the PS3. Borderlands 2 has this vibe and appeal that’s still the most iconic one in the series. Everything from loads of characters with unique skills, and the plethora of guns, it’s fantastic.
That’s not even including the best villain of the series by a landslide, Mr. Handsome Jack himself. Borderlands 2 is every bit fun as its impression gives off. You won’t feel frustrated or take a break from the game as the balance between difficulty and accessibility hits that fine line. The fun factor only rises exponentially when playing Borderlands 2 together with friends.
As far as PS3 games with mindless fun go, Borderlands 2 is king. The silly antics of the antagonists with on-the-nose cheeky nicknames ensure you’ll be chuckling heartily throughout your play-though. If you’re a fan of the shooting genre, check out our 10 boomer shooters to play for similar gaming suggestions.
9. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots – Solid Snake’s Journey Comes Full Circles With Big Boss
The next entry on our list of top-tier PS3 games is Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots. The stealth action game is the full circle resolution to one of gaming’s most iconic characters, Solid Snake. We’ll admit, the game’s more of a movie than a game, as the cutscenes are nearly endless. Counterpoint, the performances of the voice actors and the musical score are enthralling.
The story’s twists and turns as mind-boggling revelations keep players at the edge of their seats. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots is indeed Mr. Hideo Kojima’s finest work on the franchise. The gameplay syncs so well with the story in this PS3 masterpiece of a game. Snake’s arsenal is more extensive with great utility, balanced perfectly by Snake’s age-accelerating factors.
The focus on tactical movement in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of the Patriots is brilliant. If the first game popularized the stealth gaming genre, then this one perfects it. If you like playing games where you must rely on sneaking around, you’ll love our favorite PS4 stealth games.
8. Dark Souls – The Birth of the Souls-like Genre and Quite Possibly the Hardest Game of All
For the next entry on our list of amazing PS3 games, we have a very divisive yet iconic one. It’s telling when a special edition of the game has the label Prepare To Die Edition. We’re referring to Dark Souls. The very first game that spawned into a genre of its own. Whether you enjoy playing such games or not, it’s hard to deny the influence of Dark Souls on video game direction.
Dark Souls is an RPG where the vagueness of the plot, the difficulty of combat, and the freedom to explore reign supreme. The hub world’s interconnectivity with the levels of the game is outstanding. What’s even more impressive is the number of diverse environments within the game. The secrets that litter the desolate world are staggering. The game sets you on the path for a grand quest.
However, after a bit of critical thinking and deep diving into the lore, it’s apparent that perhaps the grand quest isn’t so noble after all. Players might be under the deception of the major forces in the world. The conspiracy runs deeper when you observe the dialogue of NPCS and read item descriptions to decipher the lore. The point is that Dark Souls is one of the best PS3 games ever.
7. Mass Effect 2 – Thrilling Sci-fi Action, Gripping Narrative, and Charming Companions Steal The Show
From the punishing, unrelenting, and quite frankly depressing world of Dark Souls, we enter a sci-fi epic. Mass Effect 2 is the pinnacle of the series and one of the greatest PS3 action roleplaying games ever. Commander Shepard returns to steer control of the fight against the Reapers. The narrative builds on their ominous threat, plus the involvement of Cerberus creates a layer of plot intrigue.
The combat is truly where Mass Effect 2 shines brightly. Alongside Commander Shepard, two other companions join the fight with their unique sets of skills to assist in the field. Each companion not only has an awesome character design, but they’ve got complex personalities that make them memorable. Every new conversation feels unique, and their personal quests shed more light on their backstory.
Mass Effect 2 is a fantastic PS3 game that knows when to crank the action to 11 and when to dial things back. This pacing allows for character interaction, taking on side missions, engaging in banter, and bonding with companions. The choices of Paragon and Renegade paths differ drastically, giving the game excellent replay value. For more RPG epics, check out our 5 sci-fi alternatives to Mass Effect.
6. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception – The PS3 Exclusive Platformer is Best of the Franchise
The first half of our list of top-tier PS3 games reaches its conclusion with Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. The third installment of the Uncharted series ups the ante significantly. Bringing plenty of high-intensity chase sequences, thrilling parkour action, and pulse-pounding traversal. The character development of Nathan Drake, Victor “Scully” Sullivan, and Elena Fisher ranks among the best ever.
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception has incredible visuals and stunning animations. The environments are jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and the level of detail is spectacular. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is a stunner of a game that highlights the graphical prowess of the PS3. We point you toward our ranking of all the mainline Uncharted games to see how we rate them.
5. Batman: Arkham City – The PS3 Cinematic Action Adventure Game is Masterclass
Ushering us into the final half of our list of top PS3 games, we have Batman: Arkham City. The definitive Batman game still holds up today, and what’s even more eye-opening is the game’s lasting appeal. Even non-Batman fans, who are casual gamers, can play Batman: Arkham City and enjoy the game. The late great Kevin Conroy voices Batman magnificently and perfectly captures the character’s essence.
Players go through every iconic location of the Batman mythos. Almost every major Batman villain appears, whether the Penguin, the Riddler, Ra’s Al Ghul, Dr. Hugo Strange, Mr. Freeze, Deadshot, or the clown prince of crime himself, the Joker! There are plenty of thugs to maul, more traversal and flight freedom, and highly refined free-flow combat to engage in.
Batman: Arkham City’s plot twists and story feels cinematic; there’s an air of mystery and paranoia surrounding everything. An ominous protocol 10 dangling above Batman, not knowing what it means until the end of the game. The threat is magnified when all hell breaks loose due to the villains and their goons vying for power. The PS3 action-adventure game is flawless and the definitive Batman game.
4. Infamous – The Electric Man Impresses With Fancy Powers and Fun Traversal
Reaching into the library of PS3 exclusive games, we find one of the most original and fun franchises that’s overdue for a comeback, Infamous. The game follows Cole Mcgrath, a delivery man on a route to safely get a package across when it turns out it’s a bomb, and now he has electric powers. The same bomb causes a lot of anarchy, and factions call upon like-minded people to drive out mutants.
As the central focal point of the story, Cole Macgrath has two options. He can play a role of a pacifist and mediator or be selfish and show ruthlessness. Each action awards alignment points that unlock new powers and upgrades. Infamous has fun action-game vibes where Cole’s electric powers can tase, stun, bind, or outright obliterate enemies. He must recharge by draining energy from electrical sources.
There is a powerful threat in the form of the antagonist Kessler, who plans to mobilize and unite warring factions under his tyrannical rule. Cole must face him after fully upgrading his powers. Infamous has fun traversal and excellent depth to combat; the PS3 game’s got a satisfying story. If you’re into such titles, check out our top single-player adventure games to get your fix.
3. The Last Of Us – The PS3 Game’s Emotional Beats in a Zombie Apocalypse, Survival Game Defy Expectations
Next up on our list of superb PS3 games is The Last Of Us, which has recently seen a surge in popularity. The post-apocalyptic zombie shooter stealth game will tug away at your heart one string with brilliant character moments one second, moments and spook you the other. We feel like The Last Of US deserves all its critical acclaim and accolades because everything feels so polished.
The narrative builds around the premise of a simple chance meeting and an escort mission. However, the depth quickly spirals, and a web of intrigue swiftly weaves with interesting characters. The emotional beats hit all the right notes, and the somber pacing of The Last Of Us makes it one of the most phenomenal PS3 games of all time.
The gameplay of The Last Of US isn’t shallow and will require players to be mindful of their environment. The bloaters and clickers, in particular, are absolutely terrifying. Navigating the perilous terrain is part of the fun of this PS3 classic game. If you enjoy seeing undead monstrosities in your gaming, check out our top PS3 zombie games list for alternatives within the same ballpark.
2. God Of War 3 – The PS3’s Best Hack-and-Slash Game of All Time is Our Runner-Up Pick
For our runner-up entry on the list of top-tier PS3 games, we have God Of War 3. The game’s visuals, gameplay presentation, visceral actions of its lead character, Kratos, and satisfying combat are top-notch. The storyline is terrific and shows the vengeance of Kratos against the Olympians who wronged him. The game’s a strong contender for the best hack-and-slash game of all time.
God Of War 3 directly leans into the events of God Of War 2. Kratos goes on his quest for vengeance, killing all the betrayers, but there’s also growth in his character. He’s no longer the man who kills indiscriminately and learns of ways to redeem himself. The soundtrack, the graphical prowess, and the voice-acting create a delightful game on the PS3.
1. Heavy Rain – The Mysterious, Deceptive, and Mindblowingly Spectacular PS3 Game is Our Top Pick
For the final PS3 game on our list, we have Heavy Rain. Yes, we know, not everyone’s first choice, but hear us out. Heavy Rain is a mystery game that truly captivates players like no other. The pov characters are diverse and add to the build-up of the narrative and offer immense enjoyability and payoff. Players see a cinematic experience that leans into borderline horror game territory.
Sure, the presence of supernatural elements is alluded to in Heavy Rain, but the little things make players wonder. The slight presence of doubt about what’s real and what’s an illusion makes Heavy Rain such a delight. The gameplay involves quick time events and interaction with the environments. Heavy Rain does a tremendous job of giving a nail-biting finale that we applaud.
The PS3 game’s endings are various, so multiple playthroughs are encouraged. Heavy Rain won’t end if a character dies; the game’s focal point shifts to other protagonists. We urge everyone to check it out. Heavy Rain touches on heavy and dark subjects. For gaming alternatives with a lighter approach, we recommend our top PS4 games for couples for more cheery vibes.
Final Thoughts On the Best PS3 Games of All Time
Well, the list of excellent PS3 games, sadly, like all good things, comes to an end. We hope you enjoyed the ride and agree with our choices, even if the ranking may seem odd. Don’t worry; there’s a method to our madness. You see, our goal is to throw the spotlight on games that might not be everyone’s first choice. The idea is to help gamers find a game they otherwise might not.
Anyway, which of today’s picks have you played before? How would you rate them? Do they still hold up? Tell us all about it in the comments below, and don’t forget to include your top favorite PS3 games. We eagerly await all the feedback from our readers. For more PS3 gaming goodness, here are our top PS3 horror games. Well, until next time, stay safe and happy gaming!
