Another day, another retro gaming list, only this time, it’s the PS3 side-scrolling games under the spotlight. Yep, we know the PS3 is famous for its single-player catalog of spectacular titles that turned its fortunes around. However, what many gamers don’t know is that a lot of exciting side-scrollers were also on the PlayStation 3 library.
For today’s list, we’re gonna be picking the most unique games in the side-scrolling category. So, put on your Sherlock hats and settle down with a cuppa, and let the guessing game begin. We’ve got quite a few surprises that we feel like many of you won’t pick, but it is always fun to try, so give it your best.
Which PS3 Side-Scrolling Games Are the Best?
Well, let’s go over the two rules we’re putting up so that all PS3 side-scrolling games get a fair shot. With only 6 spots on the list, the competition is gonna be stiff with neck-and-neck close calls.
- The first thing we’re looking for in PS3 side-scrolling games is uniqueness above all. If a game’s generic as heck, and there’s hardly anything new it brings, we’re not gonna consider it for our list.
- Secondly, we’re on the hunt for PS3 side-scrolling games that you can pick up and play without fuss. However, the games in question must not be a picnic either; they must balance difficulty and accessibility without tilting one way or the other. Long story short, if a game’s too tough or too easy, we won’t pick it.
So, then, which games will make the cut? Let’s find out and kick off the party right away! Here we go!
6. Outland – A Highly Compelling 2D Side-Scroller With Excellent Replay Value
We’re kicking off the list with one of the most in-depth side-scrolling games on the PS3, Outland. This is a Ubisoft title and one where fantasy themes and supernatural elements come into play. The gist of the gameplay revolves around switching back and forth between blue and orange power-ups to bypass barriers. However, Outland also has powerful and intimidating boss battles to keep things fresh.
Outland has beautiful backgrounds that depict a desolate world, a sharp contrast to the blue and orange colors of the protagonist and enemies. This makes each action the player performs, and all enemy attacks stand out. There’s a heavy emphasis on timing and platforming, which are key to dodging the enemy bullet-hell-esque spread patterns of projectiles. Outland’s aura has a timeless appeal to it.
There’s a very intriguing storyline that accompanies the gameplay, adding further enjoyment to Outland. What’s more, you can experience the entire narrative in a two-player co-op mode with a friend. If you’re a fan of fantasy games like Hogwarts Legacy, you’ll enjoy the mystic vibe of Outland. It’s honestly one of the most fun and compelling side-scrolling games on Sony’s PS3, and we always return to it from time to time.
5. CounterSpy – Stealth Action With 2D Plaforming Is A Match Made In Gaming Heaven
CounterSpy is one of the most unique side-scrolling games on the PS3 simply because of its stylish visuals. The graphics work so well to bring vibrant and colorfully rich environments and levels to life, but then CounterSpy pulls a fast one by introducing stealth. Yep, for as much fun as you’ll have with the side-scrolling aspect, CounterSpy also enforces discreet movement. It feels exciting and tense in equal measure.
CounterSpy is such a fantastic game that throws curve ball after curve ball at players. It wasn’t enough that stealth is a huge part of the gameplay, but you also have random levels popping up. This gives CounterSpy a level of unpredictability that ensures players will get a new experience in subsequent playthroughs. You play as a spy with the goal of procuring enemy plans and intel for WMDs.
Killing enemies without getting spotted is what ramps up the score multiplier, and reduces the DEFCON level. Basically, you don’t want it to rise, or it’s game over after its DEFCON level 1. There are a handful of upgrades and new weapons that offer versatile gameplay styles. Mostly you’ll be sneaking around like in the best PS4 stealth games, with a dash of side-scrolling and platforming in CounterSpy.
4. Sonic Generations – Homage and Innovation Go Hand-in-Hand in this PS3 Side-Scrolling Game
How do you appease the Sonic fanbase? Why, through games like Sonic Generations on the PS3, which has both, 3D iterations and classic 2D side-scrolling Sonic gameplay. It’s the best of both worlds, really. Sonic Generations is a brilliant title that revitalized the gaming life of Sega’s blue blur. In Sonic Generations, the 2D sections play exactly like in the days of classic Sega Saturn games.
The gameplay involves maneuvering Sonic through jumps and attacks as he dashes across the gorgeous scenery. Along the way, picking up rings and other collectibles gives players extra lives and unlocks behind-the-scenes artwork. There are boss battles in Sonic Generations that test players’ skills. Timing the dodges and attacking at the right moments is the rinse-and-repeat pattern that works.
The 3D era section of Sonic Generations doesn’t have much side-scrolling gameplay. Instead, you run around with boost and attack enemies left and right, while also hopping over obstacles, in highly thrilling dashes. Switching between modern and classic versions of Sonic had us fanboying over this game a lot. Loads of memorable and iconic moments in Sonic Generations make it one of the best side-scrolling PS3 games ever.
3. Bionic Commando Rearmed – A Classic Remake Of An Already Timeless Game
Talk about a game that’s long overdue for a comeback, Bionic Commando: Rearmed is one the greatest PS3 side-scrolling games ever! If you don’t know why we regard it so highly, well, it’s simple. The classic era of NES games is when we first played a Bionic Commando game, and we got hooked. Naturally, when Bionic Commando: Rearmed for the PS3 came out, we immediately got it, and it lives up to the hype.
Nathan Spencer is the star of the show, and this guy’s got traversal movement for days. The simple grappling hook movement is much more rapid and adds a layer of tension by introducing longer gaps. You gotta rapidly press the action button to leap from grappling point to grappling point and avoid enemy fire as well. Bionic Commando: Rearmed is such a timeless PS3 title, that it still holds up pretty well.
In Bionic Commando: Rearmed, the combat received a massive overhaul from previous entries. Players can use Spencer’s bionic arm to grab objects and throw them at enemies. Also, more than one weapon is available, which can be seamlessly switched during missions. The side-scrolling aspect, while staying true to its roots, is also innovative. Bionic Commando: Rearmed is one of the must-play PS3 games.
2. LittleBigPlanet 2 – Our Runner-Up Choice for the Best Side-Scrolling PS3 Games
For our runner-up choice regarding the best PS3 side-scrolling games, we have LittleBig Planet 2. This adorable little gem is full of wholesomeness and heart within the vein of the cutest PC games ever. LittleBigPlanet 2 stars Sackboy, a bundle of sunshine who must navigate diverse levels in a 2D side-scrolling format. The players pick up powers along the way that are humorous and effective.
The degree of customization and level creation in LittleBigPlanet 2 is beyond epic, and players will have a blast tinkering around the settings. The story is another grand adventure for Sackboy as he fights to defeat, get this, a sentient vacuum cleaner who is evil. It’s a globe-hopping adventure with plenty of diverse levels. Players can mix and match to create their own versions. Few side-scrolling PS3 games have the charm of LittleBigPlanet 2.
LittleBigPlanet 2 is full of fun things to do after you finish the campaign. Players can invite their friends to join in the fun by seamlessly connecting levels and bringing different kinds of obstacles. The replay value of LittleBigPlanet 2 is through the roof, and the platforming is superb. The DLC adds other cool features that enhance the gameplay, like the Grabbinator, a handy tool to grab and throw objects for traversal.
1. BloodRayne: Betrayal – The Vampire Queen Eclipses Other PS3 Side-Scrolling PS3 Games Handily
If you’re into top-tier hack-and-slash games, and love side-scrolling action in your PS3 gaming, then check out BloodRayne: Betrayal. The foxy heroine isn’t only back in all her glory in a 2D setting, but she’s just as tenacious as she ever was. Players can expect an eye-catchingly pleasing aesthetic, with anime-esque visuals, and the action is intense. BloodRayne: Betrayal is a brilliant depiction of the vampiress as she slays all her enemies.
The game won’t offer upgrades, what you get is all you’ll have, but that doesn’t mean, the gameplay is any less fun. Far from it, because BloodRayne: Betrayal will have you dodging via slides, somersaults, and vaults over enemies, then tearing the opposition apart using her signature armblades and pistols. There is a light canon that unlocks later on, which offers a slightly more powerful projectile attack for Rayne.
BloodRayne: Betrayal is stylish, it’s fast-paced, and you get to suck the blood of your enemies. It’s bloody awesome in our book. The plot is highly engaging, showcasing Rayne attending a ball. However, she’s really there to thwart the evil that’s plotting a diabolical fate for humanity. For our money, BloodRayne: Betrayal easily surpasses all other side-scrolling games on the PS3 by a landslide.
Final Thoughts About the Best Side-Scrolling Games On PS3?
Well, that’s a wrap, folks. Our list finally concludes and settles the issue of ranking the best PS3 side-scrolling games ever. So, what’s the verdict? Do you think we did well? Or we’re way off-base, and you’ve got better alternatives for side-scrolling titles? If that’s the case, then please express your outrage, and don’t forget to mention your own favorites in the comments below. We’re sure it’ll make for some fun reading.
If you’re still hungry for more PS3 gaming suggestions, not to worry, we’ve got you. Check out our top 10 PS3 games of all time; it’s got a diverse selection and more games that you’ll like. Anyway, that’s all the time we’ve got for you, so this is where we sign off. We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend up ahead, and stay safe. Take care, and happy gaming, everybody!
