What are the best PS3 games? Sony's console is now 15 years old (if you can believe it), and so we've made a list of its greatest software — as voted by you, the Push Square readers.
Looking back on it now, the PS3 took a couple of years to really hit its stride. A rocky launch (and an embarrassingly late one in Europe) scuppered the console's momentum right out of the gate, with Sony itself still riding the immense popularity of the PS2. It wasn't until late 2009 that the PS3 finally felt like the system that Sony had promised. It had become more affordable, and the blockbuster exclusives were beginning to pile up.
Indeed, the PS3's troubles have been well documented, but it's hard to ignore all of the amazing games that it gave us. As such, you'll find this list to be absolutely stuffed with modern classics — titles that defined Sony's toughest generation.
15. God of War Collection (PS3)
God of War Collection remasters the original PS2 games God of War and God of War II, placing them together in one essential 720p package. Released shortly before God of War III, this collection presented a perfect opportunity for fans to refresh their memories of Kratos' original adventures. These are fantastic action games, even today.
14. Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time (PS3)
Ratchet & Clank put in a solid shift on PS3 with multiple games garnering high praise, but Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time is considered by many to be the generational highpoint. Introducing a host of new gameplay mechanics — including the ability to fly Ratchet's ship between planets — and putting a strong emphasis on a wisecracking story, for many this is still the series' benchmark.
13. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots (PS3)
If you could get beyond its infamous PS3 install times, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots almost immediately felt like Hideo Kojima's most ambitious project. Some would argue that Old Snake's dramatic and often completely ridiculous mission is more movie than game, but there's simply no denying how memorable it all was. The optical camo, the absurd boss fights, the even more absurd cutscenes featuring Raiden, Vamp, and just about everyone else. Stuffed with fan service and countless references to what had come before, Metal Gear Solid 4 was a defining PS3 title.
12. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (PS3)
After the colossal success of Uncharted 2, the pressure was on Naughty Dog to deliver another absolutely stunning adventure — and for the most part, the studio delivered. It may not be quite as fondly remembered as its predecessor, but Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is still stuffed with incredible set pieces and brilliant character moments. While its story does feel a little slapdash at times, there's a barnstorming momentum to Uncharted 3 that's hard to top — and it all starts with that superb barfight.
11. Grand Theft Auto V (PS3)
Given its ongoing popularity, it's so easy to forget that GTA 5 was originally a PS3 title – a PS3 title that had to top the bombast of San Andreas as well as the gritty storytelling of GTA 4. Rockstar's ambition was clear from the start, with GTA 5 boasting three different protagonists and the most detailed open world that the developer had ever made. The story does stutter in places, and a lot of the writing hasn't quite stood the test of time, but there's simply no denying the confidence and swagger of this stellar sandbox.
10. BioShock (PS3)
BioShock is regarded by some as one of the greatest games ever made, and it's certainly hard to argue with the impact that it's had on this industry. One of gaming's most memorable settings hosts an engrossing adventure, topped off with tense Big Daddy encounters and unique gameplay mechanics. It's really the storytelling that solidified BioShock as a modern classic, though, boasting twists and turns that are still referenced today.
9. Dead Space (PS3)
Dead Space was a big deal when it released in 2008, but it was only in the following years that its expertly crafted take on sci-fi horror would be given the credit that it deserved. Now counted among the best horror games ever made, Dead Space is still dripping with atmosphere. The shadowed corridors of the Ishimura hide horrific creatures that must be dispatched with strategy — namely lopping off their limbs with a laser cutter. A terrifying magic that the series never managed to recapture.
8. God of War III (PS3)
God of War III felt like the title that Sony Santa Monica had always wanted to make, but couldn't because of hardware limitations. It takes everything that players loved about the first two games and cranks it all up to eleven. Massive boss battles steal the show — jaw-dropping at the time and still showstoppers now — while creative level design brings a real momentum to Kratos' blood-soaked adventure. Brilliant moments of brutality punctuate what is one of the PS3's finest.
7. The Orange Box (PS3)
A collection of Valve's greatest hits, The Orange Box arrived on PS3 a couple of months after its Xbox and PC release. In terms of pure value for money, this package could do no wrong, bundling Half-Life 2 with Portal and Team Fortress 2 — three of the era's most critically acclaimed games. Whether you enjoyed the timeless design of Half-Life, the cleverness of Portal, or the charm of Team Fortress, The Orange Box was an instant hit.
6. Metal Gear Solid HD Collection (PS3)
Metal Gear Solid HD Collection has to be one of the greatest video game compilations ever, right? Cramming Metal Gear Solid 2, 3, and Peace Walker into one absolutely stacked package, it was a deserved celebration of three games that many would consider all-time classics. Of course, Peace Walker was the icing on the cake — a superb PSP title that was playable on home consoles for the first time.
5. Red Dead Redemption (PS3)
Rockstar's developed plenty of classics in its time, but Red Dead Redemption is one of the company's crown jewels. A gritty Western epic, ex-outlaw John Marston is tasked with hunting down his old comrades for the state. A dusty open world oozes atmosphere, while incredibly punchy gunplay underlines a masterful campaign. And all of this is topped off by story moments that will be remembered for generations to come.
4. Portal 2 (PS3)
When people think of puzzle games, there's a good chance that their minds immediately jump to Portal — and Portal 2 is pretty much a perfection of the formula. A witty, charming puzzler that never outstays its welcome, carried by expertly paced conundrums and an intriguing story. Many would argue that Portal 2 is a timeless masterpiece — and it's easy to see why.
3. Mass Effect 2 (PS3)
We had to wait quite some time for Mass Effect to make its way to PlayStation, but it was well worth it in the end. EA first brought Mass Effect 2 to PS3 in 2011. Arguably Commander Shepard's finest outing, its almost episodic structure makes for an expertly paced sci-fi adventure. Beloved characters are at the forefront of this intergalactic epic — your relationships put to the test during the game's all-important suicide mission. One of BioWare's absolute best.
2. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3)
Uncharted 2 singlehandedly defined the PS3 back in 2009, when Sony's pricey console was struggling to resonate with a wider audience. Naughty Dog's stunning action-adventure kickstarted PlayStation's ongoing obsession with blockbuster exclusives, and it's still a game that wows with its awesome set pieces. Who could forget the helicopter chase through those collapsing buildings? The moving train scramble? A technical marvel at the time, and a landmark moment for modern PlayStation.
1. The Last of Us (PS3)
Naughty Dog had already pushed the PS3 to its supposed limits with Uncharted 3 — but the industry-leading developer wasn't finished. The Last of Us destroyed all expectations — a console swansong that ended up becoming one of the most critically acclaimed games of the last three decades. A mastercraft in character development, encounter design, and world building, The Last of Us still stands as an utterly engrossing post-apocalyptic adventure.
Do you agree with our list of best PS3 games? We'll be expanding this article over time, so be sure to check back for future updates. But until then, reminisce about your favourite PS3 experiences in the comments section below.
Comments (47)
Glad to see Dead Space made the cut. An absolute masterpiece of survival horror.
Reminder that these are voted for by our readers. Please direct your hate towards the Push Square peasant masses.
(They've got pretty good taste to be fair.)
We'll also be expanding this list on a reasonably regular basis, so keep an eye out. The plan is to have a full top 50 sometime soonish.
Interesting top 15, few of them I wouldn't have put in there but that's my opinion. Definitely last of us no 1 think that was a given tbh. Would have thought that resistance would have made it though.
All wonderful games but it's Uncharted 2 for me.
@HUMPERDOO Agreed.
Shame we haven't heard anymore about the remake lately.
My favourite console (maybe tied with game boy and possible switch depending on how its final few years go).
Pretty good list, some of my top picks missing but overall nothing too scary.
@hypnotoad i agree 100% i think in my opinion uncharted 2 was way better than 3
List is pretty fair.
Red Dead Redemption is my personal favourite. The first game I really got lost in with its story and side quests. The most laughs I’ve had playing multiplayer too. Absolute 10/10
A reminder that franchises wear thin. Sure, you can’t kill Michael Myers but GTA should just die already even the great Dead Space was looking tired by 3 but alas time pass .. I would snap a xenomorph limb off for another. Seems a fair compromise
@HUMPERDOO hoping they add the first 2 to ps now never played the dead space games
I take ni no kuni over portal any day.word up son
Borderlands 2 and infamous and sly cooper thieves in time.resistance fall of man.sleeping dogs.dragon dogma .killzone 2.pupeteer.metal gear rising revengeance.etc.word up son
@ShogunRok any plans to do a Playstation (PS1) list? That'd be fun.
Time to start negging the games I don't like.
EDIT: And down goes Portal 2 ( ﾟヮﾟ)/
Wow! this list improved a lot in 5 minutes. R&C can eat dirt. Batman and MGS4 are much better!!!
Quite frankly MGS4 should be in the top 5.
I don’t feel like Uncharted 3 belongs here as I actually think it’s the weakest of the PS3 trilogy. I also think I’d give the nod to Arkham Asylum over City. Personally, Id also bump Ratchet and Clank Collection and Metal Gear Solid Collection. They are incredible games for sure, but it’s hard for me to consider them true PS3 games. XCOM Enemy Unknown is my all-time favorite PS3 game, so that would definitely make the cut, and I’d slot in Spec Ops The Line, Dark Souls, and Valkyria Chronicles into my own personal list
Pretty accurate I'd say. Surprised that Okami didn't get a mention though have to say. And maybe ffx.
I've always considered Mass Effect 2 as the best PS3 game, and this list confirms that. Uncharted 2 and TLOU are good but basic and can't compare to the scale of Mass Effect 2.
@nookie_egg Okami is a PS2 game, and my favorite on that console.
So glad Dead space made the cut! Dead Space 2 is my personal favorite of the series. Sucks DS2 didn't make the top 15. If refines all the ruff edges of the original and is a masterpiece of survival horror the pinnacle of the series in my opinion.
@nookie_egg they're both PS2 games sure, they had remasters on the PS3 but they weren't particularly notable as remasters go
Edit: did okami have a PS3 remaster? I think it did but I'm doubting myself now. I know it's on pretty much everything now and I first played it on the Wii, I'm not sure if it hit PS3 or not..
@Cornaboyzzz Literally one of my favourite games of all time, awesome little thing.
@danlk1ng It got a ps3 remaster (and I think again on 4?) and it was a delight. No different than the R&C collection making an appearance on this list surely. I always see Okami as a highly rated amd much loved game, just no one ever thinks of it in their top lists.
@nookie_egg I guess the R&C and MGS collections are only on PS3 ? Maybe that's that.
But yeah, Okami is one of the best games ever made, no doubt. Maybe there will be a PS2 games list here too, I hope to see it on top.
@nookie_egg yeah it's on PS4 - I also have it on Steam. IMO the Wii was the best Okami port of that generation. The Wii didn't have particularly good graphics but the control scheme (pointing a the stick-like controller at the TV and using it as a brush) was better
@Cornaboyzzz Think both made there way to the vita (as well as mgs going to xbox I think?) but it was a gimped version that didn't have peace walker if I remember correctly? But yeah I'd imagine that is right. Yeah awesome game.
@danlk1ng Yeah I'd heard the wii version was cool with the motion controls, never owned or played it though. I think I'm right in saying that the ps2 version was originally rendered in 4k or something stupid and it was just downscaled, so the wii must have been even more watered down.
A shame 3d dot game heroes didn't get here. It probably wasn't played by enough people but what a game.
I'm happy Metal Gear Solid #4 made the top 15
Yeah, can't argue with much of that although where the Holy Hell is Skyrim?!
I did play it on the 360 but surely it wasn't that bad on the PS3?
GTA V should be higher, a lot higher and no AC Creed game either? Very strange.
Overall though a very good list.
@ThomasHL Me too.
My 2nd fave PS3 game.
@Col_McCafferty Honestly, for better or worse, Skyrim is probably the best game of the generation in my eyes. This generation was the era of Bethesda and Rockstar.
And I hate to be that guy at the party, but seriously Last of Us is so… overrated. Sorry, it’s a good game, it deserves to be in the list, great story, but c’mon, the top spot? Uncharted is Naughty Dog’s magnum opus series so far. Uncharted 2 > Last of Us.
@somnambulance I agree that Skyrim is a legendary game and it's absence is really surprising but The Last of Us is a great game, I replayed it only a couple of months ago and apart from the lengthy Pittsburgh segment I enjoyed every second of it.
Everything is overrated to someone, if you didn't think it was that great that's fine but maybe it just didn't 'click' with you when you played it.
😛
I too thought it was 'just' an 8/10 game the first time I played it but after my second play through I realise I was wrong. It's better than that.
Part II is even better imo but that's a debate for the Best PS4 games list.
😉
Skyrim though, what a wonderful adventure and gaming escapism at it's very best.
Man did the ps3 have some heavy-hitters . this list is a work of art
This list reminds me why seventh-gen almost killed my interest in the medium.
The Portal games are pretty dope, though. Particularly the original. Still replay that every once in a while, since it's the perfect length to enjoy a pleasant evening with from beginning to end.
no infamous, resistance or killzone?
Seeing the last of us that high while tools of destruction not even making it, god of war III only at 7, and no inFamous, Sly 4, and PSASBR really makes me question how many people on this site actually had playstations before 4 lol
the steam game ports really solidify that notion
@Col_McCafferty skyrim was great , but the ps3 version of skyrim wasn't good.
Ouch no Infamous, Killzone, Assassins Creed or Valkyria Chronicles!? I'm not mad but disappointed Push Square community!
What about Persona 5 and the Ico Shadow of the colossus collection?
Lol The Last of Us is definitely the best game.
Also... I loved this line "most critically acclaimed games of the last three decades"... Even though the game has only been out for 8 years! I know you meant generations but its still funny.
@Col_McCafferty, @Korgon, @Longondo, @Ultrasmiles - "But what about "x" game?"
If you look at the larger 'list', there are lot of games that are sitting with around the same score just outside the top 15, including all the games you all mentioned (Skyrim, Infamous, AC, Persona, Ico/SotC, Demon's Souls) so if you want the answer to where they are, that's where (and it was mentioned that this list is going to expand, so you'll likely see these games make it in a future list).
On to the actual list, I don't know about the list as a whole (still not sure about remaster collections, especially if the remaster itself is basic, as is the case with a lot of the "HD Collections"), but that top 5 is pretty solid imo, especially the top 3. The Last of Us, Uncharted 2, and Mass Effect 2 really were among the standout titles of the generation imo, ones that really showcased the cinematic potential of the medium and largely still hold up even now.
As far as which ones I'd personally swap around, I'd probably drop the two HD Collections, as well as The Orange Box and replace them with either Arkham Asylum or City, GTA V, and possibly either CoD 4, Infamous or Dark Souls.
Haven't got round to Mass Effect yet, but just replayed the Nathan Drake Trilogy and couldn't believe how well they held up. Even the first one which I had steered clear of because I had heard bad things. Quality stuff though and worth a play through on Crushing!
Wait, shouldn't MGS V be on this list? It's more of a next-gen title I suppose, but if GTA V is on there...
That is not what my list would look like, but it's not completely awful as far as lists go.
Can't believe Arkham city and demon souls/dark souls didn't make the cut. I'd put mass effect 2 over the top two.
@Col_McCafferty Yeah, I suppose Last of Us just didn’t click for me. It’s a great game as a movie, but the gameplay was a little off for me, for some reason. I’ve played it three times and each time, it’s like checking the refrigerator in the middle of the night, hoping that I missed something from last time I checked it for a snack I wanted. Lol. Last of Us 2 was much better, gameplay wise. For me, TLOU 1 is and 8/10 and TLOU2 is maybe a 9/10.
However, Skyrim… I played that last night to give the game cheers on 10 years… and despite having played through the game maybe a dozen times, I still got hooked in for a four hour session, trying what I felt was a new approach. The game is just so open and free and exciting, even ten years on and jank included.
No Persona 5 is the biggest surprise, but being so close to PS3s end probably why it's been missed.
A few awesome choices but everyone’s different. My PS3 gaming life consisted of Motorstorm (all of them), Pixeljunk Monsters (still playing No2), COD Modern Warfare, Uncharted 2 online and Resistance 1 online. The PS3 was my first experience of online gaming and Resistance and Motorstorm were awesome experiences.
Some favourites of mine...
Pac-Man Championship Edition DX+
Ridge Racer 7
Daytona USA
Spelunky
Ultra Street Fighter IV
Peggle
Rayman Origins + Legends
Skate 3
Fight Night Round 4
Guacamelee!
Puppeteer
The Darkness
Mortal Kombat (9)
Zen Pinball 2 (mostly for the sadly departed Plants vs Zombies table)
No Bioshock Infinite love in here?!?!?!?!
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