10. 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.

9. 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.

8. 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.

7. 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.

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.

There you have it, our definitive guide to the best PS3 games. We hope you agree that it's an awesome, diverse selection that represents the cream of the crop on Sony's console. If you don't agree, though, remember that this is all based on user ratings. If you feel there's a title out of place, then it's up to you to do something about it: submit your own ratings by clicking the star next to a game's box art, or use the search bar back on this guide's first page. Furthermore, if your favourite is missing from our PlayStation Game Database, then let us know in the comments section and we'll be happy to add it.

With all that said, thank you for checking out our list of best PS3 games, and be sure to let us know what you think of the order and which titles are your favourites in the comments section below.