The PlayStation 3 era was a particular time for gaming, spawning iconic franchises and revolutionizing storytelling in video games. From gripping narratives like The Last of Us to open-world adventures like Red Dead Redemption, the PS3 delivered groundbreaking experiences that left an indelible mark on the industry. Join us as we count the 15 most significant, influential PS3 games every player should experience.
The definitive, indisputable, ineffable Top 15 for the PlayStation 3
15. Burnout Paradise (2008)
Burnout Paradise is an open-world driving game that allows players to cause chaos on the streets of Paradise City. With its crash mode, players could create insane pileups and wreak havoc like never before. The freedom to explore the vast city and engage in high-speed races or stunt runs made it a thrilling and unique experience on the PS3.
14. Bayonetta (2009)
This stylish hack-and-slash game from PlatinumGames brought over-the-top action to new heights. Bayonetta was a force to be reckoned with, wielding guns on her hands and feet while dishing out combos with flair. The game’s fast-paced combat and outrageous set-pieces made it an instant cult classic, cementing Bayonetta’s place among gaming’s most iconic characters.
13. Mirror’s Edge (2008)
A breath of fresh air, Mirror’s Edge delivered a unique first-person perspective focused on fluid movement and parkour. As Faith, players had to navigate the gleaming cityscape by running along walls, sliding under obstacles, and performing daring leaps of faith. The clean visuals and innovative gameplay made it an unforgettable gem in the PS3’s library.
12. Heavy Rain (2010)
From the minds at Quantic Dream came Heavy Rain, an interactive movie-style game that pushed the boundaries of video game storytelling. Players guided multiple characters through a dark, emotional tale involving the Origami Killer. Heavy Rain on PS3 proved that games could be a profoundly effective artistic medium with its focus on player choice, stunning cinematics, and gripping narrative.
11. Alpha Protocol (2010)
While not as well-known, Alpha Protocol from Obsidian Entertainment was an underrated gem that let players become skilled spies. With its branching storylines, dialogue options, and real-time combat system, the game offered immense choice and replayability. Alpha Protocol throws you into a modern-day spy thriller that keeps you on your toes.
10. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
The juggernaut that is Grand Theft Auto V brought Rockstar’s brand of open-world mayhem to new heights on the PS3. With three protagonists to control and an evolving online mode in GTA Online, it’s no wonder the game became a massive commercial success. Despite releasing towards the end of the PS3’s life cycle, GTA V’s scale and depth made it an unforgettable experience.
9. Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham City expanded the acclaimed Arkham universe, letting players soar over the streets of a cordoned-off Gotham that served as a massive prison. With stellar writing from Paul Dini and iconic performances from Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, the game delivered a quintessential Batman vs. Joker story arc complemented by thrilling combat and gameplay.
8. Dark Souls (2011)
Dark Souls was the game that genuinely put From Software on the map, introducing the world to a new subgenre of brutally challenging action RPGs. Overcoming the game’s ruthless bosses, intricate level design, and mechanics that demanded precision became a rewarding rite of passage for gamers. Dark Souls on PS3 spawned an entire “Soulsborne” legacy.
7. LittleBigPlanet (2008)
The impossibly cute Sackboy stole our hearts in LittleBigPlanet, a whimsical 2.5D platformer that unleashed players’ creativity. You could design and share your levels, filling them with imaginative challenges crafted from everyday materials. LittleBigPlanet’s push for user-generated content foreshadowed titles like Super Mario Maker that would come later.
6. Portal 2 (2011)
Valve’s ingenious first-person puzzler returned with the mind-bending Portal 2. Rejoining Chell and the delightfully menacing GlaDOS, the game served up a masterclass in storytelling punctuated by unforgettable characters brought to life through brilliant writing and voice acting. Completing each brain-twisting test chamber felt immensely satisfying in this genre-defining experience.
5. Mass Effect 2 (2011)
BioWare’s landmark sci-fi RPG series hit its stride with the critically acclaimed Mass Effect 2. As Shepard, players assembled a ragtag squad to take on an interstellar suicide mission. Mass Effect 2 set a new standard for cinematic storytelling in games with its rich universe, memorable crew interactions, and high-stakes narrative.
| Game | Release Year | Metacritic Score |
| Mass Effect | 2007 | 91 |
| Mass Effect 2 | 2010 | 94 |
| Mass Effect 3 | 2012 | 89 |
4. God of War III (2010)
After the jaw-dropping cliffhanger in God of War II, Kratos brought his odyssey of vengeance to an epic conclusion in God of War III on PS3. Harnessing the power of new hardware, the series’ unflinching action and excessive violence were realized in glorious detail as the Ghost of Sparta stormed Mount Olympus. Intense quick-time event kills punctuated the cathartic experience of toppling vengeful gods.
“God of War 3 was the first PS3 game that left me stunned at the possibilities of the hardware.” – Game Informer
3. Red Dead Redemption (2010)
Rockstar crafted an open-world masterpiece with the western epic Red Dead Redemption. As former outlaw John Marston, players were immersed in a richly detailed American frontier filled with memorable characters and moral choices. Despite its grim storytelling, players reveled in the simple pleasure of riding into the dusty sunset. Its Undead Nightmare DLC even injected some zany zombie action into the mix.
2. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009)
Building off the cinematic foundations of its predecessor, Uncharted 2 took players on a white-knuckle, globe-trotting adventure with Nathan Drake. Naughty Dog delivered an incredibly polished action game filled with daring set pieces, engaging gunplay, and some of gaming’s best motion capture work. With Uncharted 2, the famed studio solidified its blockbuster pedigree.
1. The Last of Us (2013)
Easily one of the most definitive games of the PS3 era, The Last of Us blended survival horror with gripping character drama. Joel and Ellie’s cross-country journey through a post-apocalyptic America forged one of gaming’s most emotional father-daughter relationships. The Last of Us brought Naughty Dog’s storytelling prowess and unparalleled attention to detail to new heights.
“The Last of Us is an achievement in videogame storytelling.” – Gamespot
Anchored by phenomenal mo-cap performances and driven by its tense survival gameplay, The Last of Us raised the bar for mature, cinematic narrative experiences in games.
Read More: The 10 Best Nintendo Switch Games For Adults
FAQs
What is the number one game for PS3?
The number one game for PS3 is often debated, but titles like “The Last of Us,” “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves,” and “Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots” are frequently mentioned.
What is the last PS3 game?
The last PS3 game released was “FIFA 19” in September 2018.
Which game has the best graphics on PS3?
“The Last of Us” is often cited for its exceptional graphics on the PS3.
What is the best open-world game on PS3?
“Grand Theft Auto V” is widely regarded as the best open-world game on PS3.
Conclusion
Looking back, the PlayStation 3 was a game changer that birthed many legendary franchises that still thrive today. From gritty character dramas like The Last of Us to compelling RPGs like Mass Effect, the PS3’s diverse library allowed games to tackle mature themes and stories on an unprecedented scale.
While these 15 games merely scratch the surface, they represent the innovative spirit and daring creativity that made the PS3 era special. As gaming evolves through new console generations, this unforgettable period in PlayStation’s history will always be cherished.
