Innovation and Sony are like two best friends going hand in hand from forever and PlayStation 3 seems to be making a perfect example of it. Of course, all the PlayStation versions are just phenomenal but let me tell you one thing, you should definitely check out best PS3 games of all time because there are so many of them.
You can say that PS3 literally ruled over the reigning time of PlayStation versions until various other consoles managed to successfully enter this competition. But still, when you check out the compatibility section of all the popular games you are going to find the name of PS3 out there.
25 Best PS3 Games for All Times
There is literally a really huge list of all-time favorites, best-selling, classics, most popular and all the other types of best PS3 games. No matter how hard I try, I cannot mention them all in this list and hence I tried to pick the best ones out of all. So, here is a little something effort of mine in suggesting you some of the best games ever made for PS3 console.
1. The Last of Us
Website: http://thelastofus.com/
Starting the list of best PS3 games with a popular number called The Last of Us. This is an action adventure game mixed with the genre of survival horror. The game focuses on a plot of post-apocalyptic US where the player has to take control of a character named Joel.
So, the objective of this game for the player is to escort a teenage girl across US and defend himself and her from cannibalistic creatures and other dangers.
The game is governed from third person perspective where the player can use a variety of weapons and firearms. Along with amazing combat, stealth also remains important in order to cop up with the dangerous enemies throughout the game. You can get to choose between single player and multiplayer gaming modes.
2. Assassin’s Creed 2
Website: https://www.ubisoft.com/
Next one for the list of best PS3 games is a very popular type of action and adventure game called Assassin’s Creed II. It serves as the 2nd installment of Assassin’s Creed series and first chapter of Ezio trilogy.
However, it features only single player mode but just like the earlier mention, you can use the element of stealth in order to survive in this game.
The player controls the character of Ezio who is tasked to avenge the death of his family members. I really liked the fact that the gameplay goes on in open world fantasy mode where the setting is captured from third person perspective giving a very wide and amazing graphics example. In fact, exploration remains an important part of the game throughout.
3. Tokyo Jungle
Website: http://www.jp.playstation.com/
This is the time to mention a type of survival game in the list of best PS3 games which is Tokyo Jungle. So, just like the name, the game’s plot belongs to a futuristic Tokyo which has transformed into a wildlife wasteland. The player can get to choose playing in either single player or in multiplayer gaming modes.
There are further two modes of the game which are story mode and survival mode which are based on completing missions and surviving amongst other animals by taking control of one respectively.
As the game is set in a theme of wildlife, it is necessary for the player to build a pack of animals in order to survive and fight. For choice, player is given the options of 50 breeds and 80 animals in the game.
4. Grand Theft Auto IV
Website: http://www.rockstargames.com/
It is the 11th title in the prestigious Grand Theft Auto aka GTA series and as usual focus on the genre of action and adventure. So, the game’s setting is based in the fictional place of Liberty City where the player takes up the role of war veteran Niko Bellic in the single player mode.
The player is trying to escape from his dark past throughout the game. And the open world nature and free exploration part of the game justifies to the objective very well.
If you are considering best PS3 games, counting up one of the GTA games is like must. The game is operated from third person perspective and what adds further fun is that you can enjoy it in online multiplayer mode too.
5. Killzone 2
Website: http://www.killzone.com/
While counting the best PS3 games of all time, it is important to take up the name of Killzone 2. This is a first person shooter game especially designed for the console of PS3. The plot of the game belongs to 24th century featuring the war between two human factions i.e. Helghast and Vektans.
This installment proceeds the story 2 years further from first one where the player assumes the role of protagonist Tomas Sev whose task is to lead his unit to fight against Helghast.
Killzone 2 garnered rave reviews from the gamers and also got critical acclaim too. Visuals, multiplayer modes and action is the major highlight of the game along with atmosphere and perfect use of soundtracks.
6. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Website: http://www.konami.jp/
If you want the best combination of various genres mixed together then trust me, this 6th installment of Metal Gear series is one of the best PS3 games to look up to. It is a powerful package of action, adventure, stealth and close quarter combat coming together to entertain you.
In MGS4, the player takes up the role of aged Solid Snake whose actions are governed from streamlined view and over the shoulder camera angle for providing the better option at weapon aiming.
There are some stats like psych meter, stressors etc. which must be maintained carefully throughout the game. The game features some really cool gadgets like OctoCamo suit, to mimic appearance, FaceCamo suit to defeat laughing octopus and many more.
7. BioShock Infinite
Website: http://www.bioshockinfinite.com/
A first person shooting game by nature, BioShock Infinite is the next pick under the category of best PS3 games. This is the third installment in BioShock series and features quite similar gameplay and themes as the previous games in the series.
The plot of BioShock Infinite is based in the year 1912 and takes place in the fictional city of Columbia which is quite like the female personification of US.
The player takes up the character of Booker DeWitt who is tasked to rescue Elizabeth living under the confinement. The game goes on in first person shooting mode and also features role-playing elements too. The game has better and expanded environment giving more dynamic combat challenges.
8. Destiny
Website: http://www.destinythegame.com/
Destiny is designed to operate in online multiplayer mode only and it comes with the genre of first person shooting. So, the plot of the game is set in a mythic science fiction world and you are also going to witness the element of role playing in it too.
Making a perfect cut into the category of best PS3 games, the gaming modes in Destiny is divided between PvE and PvP modes.
The normal story is divided between various missions but I really liked the fact that Destiny is not confined within the boundaries of traditional MMO games as it has a lot more to offer. The players are randomly matched by the game and they can communicate with each other to maintain cooperative nature.
9. Batman: Arkham Asylum
Website: https://www.warnerbros.com/
Arkham Asylum is based on the DC comic superhero Batman and it is a type of action adventure game. It is controlled from third person perspective where the player control the character of Batman and the camera can be rotated around him.
Just like the comic it features joker as the ultimate villain and traverses through the criminally insane people’s location Arkham Asylum.
You get to use a lot of tactics while taking up the role of Batman like jump, crouch, glide, run etc. There are additional aspects like using grapple gun and playing the game in Detective Vision. For all the DC fans, this is just the right pick under the category of best PS3 games.
10. LittleBigPlanet 2
Website: http://www.littlebigplanet.com/
LittleBigPlanet 2 is amongst the must have PS3 games mainly because it is a type of game which features user-generated content. So, LittleBigPlanet is a type of puzzle-platformer game and this sequel of the original game has got critical acclaim too.
This game features more than 3 million levels created in the first game which are carried over and other editable as well as playable too.
It features a sandbox styled universe featuring both single player and multiplayer gaming modes. The user himself can create various types of levels like racing, role-playing games, puzzles etc. In fact, you get to customize your head-ups too. It has so many new things and a person can never get bored of playing it because of the amazing versatility.
11. Red Dead Redemption
Website: http://www.rockstargames.com/
Red Dead Redemption is not another usual action adventure themed option amongst other best PS3 games but what counts about it the most that its setting is derived from western theme. One of its kind of game, this one is the second in Red Dead franchise.
The plot belongs to the year 1911 where the player needs to take up the role of John Marston who is a former outlaw and tasked with serving to govt. as his wife and son are taken hostages.
The setting is done in open world where the character is controlled from third person perspective. The plot is highly inspired from western US and Mexico. There are various missions in the game which must be completed having different objectives.
12. 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand
Website: https://www.mobygames.com/
Next in the row for the list of best PS3 games is 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand which is a type of third person shooter game. It comes with both single player and multiplayer gaming mode and mainly focus upon on-foot as well as vehicular combats.
In fact, in some of the cases player needs to take part in helicopter-borne minigun shootouts and driver and turret gunner road chase.
The game timely features boss battled which are supposed to be fight against helicopters. The game also features a shop where the characters can use cash to buy and upgrade weapons. Each level has some set enemies and objectives too which gets increased in the next level.
13. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Website: http://www.modernwarfare2.com/
It was like impossible to not name one of the Call of Duty games in this list of best PS3 games here. Modern Warfare 2 is the 6th installment of this prestigious series and belongs to the genre of first person shooting.
This installment focuses on the character of Captain Soap Mac Tavish and his Special Force unit as they hunt for Russian leader Vladimir Makarov.
The gameplay involves a lot of gunfights which are really fast paced. Player can perform several actions like jump, crouch, run, sprint etc. Like most of the shooter game, you need to keep up with the health bar stats by defending yourself from enemies’ shots. There are various gaming modes you can enjoy here like spec ops, campaign, multiplayer etc.
14. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Website: http://www.deusex.com/
Deus Ex Human Revolution is the third game in Deus Ex series and belongs to the genre of action role playing. In fact, it is not just about the RPG but it also incorporates elements like stealth and first person shooting too but available to play in single player gaming mode only.
This next inclusion in the list of best PS3 games features exploration and combat as the prime elements of the game and the gameplay is followed in quest like manner.
The plot is set in 2027 where player takes up the character of ex-SWAT officer Adam Jensen who is set out to find and avenge his attackers. The game’s environment keep on switching between open world to scripted ones and conceived further through player’s interaction with NPCs.
15. Burnout: Paradise
Website: http://www.ea.com/
Burnout Paradise is the first game in Burnout series and this is amongst the PS3 best games. It is a type of open world racing game whose plot is set in the fictional Paradise City. The game provides both single player and multiplayer gaming mode where players can enjoy the game in various different gameplays.
You can also compete online with other players and also play Cops and Robbers gaming mode too. Do not forget to download timely free updates for accessing new features.
Players are not confined under pre-defined rules and regulations and can move with their own pace and level. There are some statistics followed like timing, biggest crash and many more. The game has so much to explore like laps, car models etc. which keeps everything fun and entertaining.
16. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Website: http://www.unchartedthegame.com/
Uncharted 2 is a type of action adventure game featuring both single player and multiplayer gaming modes. The games focus on the character of Nathan Drake who is on a mission along with his friends to find special stone and Shangri-La and also fighting against Serbian mercenaries.
It has got critical acclaim so it was kind of important to mention it amongst the other best PS3 games. Uncharted is considered greatest video games of all time and earned this repo because of the high end graphics and gameplay.
The game is controlled from third person perspective and can perform various activities like climb, jump, scale narrow ledges etc. The player can use various weapons and firearms to fight against the enemies.
17. God of War III
Website: http://godofwar.playstation.com/
Next pick for the category of best PS3 games is God of War III which is a type of action adventure game power packed with the elements of hack and slash. It is the 5th installment in God of War series and loosely based on the Greek mythology.
The player controls the character of former god of war Kratos who is on a mission of ending the reign of Olympian Gods. Keeping up with the Health and Magic meters is an important part of the game.
The game is controlled from third person perspective and features single player mode only. The main elements of this game are puzzle games, combo based combat, and platforming. The enemies are also creatures from Greek mythology and the player must defeat them all.
18. Shadows of the Damned
Website: https://www.mobygames.com/
A Japanese game, shadow of the Damned is the next one in this series which exhibits the feature of an action-adventure game. The game focuses on the protagonist’s character i.e. Garcia Hotspur, a demon hunter who is on a mission to save his love.
The game combines two different styles of Punk Rock and Psychological Action Thriller and hence make a powerful gameplay.
You as a player is also awarded with a side-kick Johnson who can support for melee attacks or become a light source in the dark and can even turn into a weapon if needed. Apart from action sequences, the game also focuses on puzzle solving too.
19. Portal 2
Website: http://www.thinkwithportals.com/
Portal 2 is a type of first person puzzle platform game which derives a lot of its elements from its prequel Portal. This next inclusion in the list of best PS3 games featuring the protagonist, Chell, a robot in the single player campaign
In the cooperative mode, the game mainly focuses on the elements of puzzles. Maximum 4 players can play in the multiplayer mode by exploring and interacting with the environment.
The game runs in first person perspective and features the glimpse of dark humor in it too. The game utilizes the concept of creating portals using Portal Gun or Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device to navigate in the game.
20. Resistance 3
Website: https://www.mobygames.com/game/ps3/resistance-3
A part of the series of must play PS3 games, Resistance 3 is the final installment of Resistance series. This is a science fiction first person shooter game which is set in a plot of post-apocalyptic era.
In fact, this is the only game in the series to support 3D and PlayStation move and also the plot of this game is way different from the earlier installments. It features the elements of survival horror that too in both single player and multiplayer gaming modes.
I really liked the multiplayer mode of Resistance 3 where it features 16 player competitive multiplayer component. In fact, there are further five modes in it i.e. chain reaction, team deathmatch, breach, capture the flag and deathmatch.
21. Dark Souls
Website: https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/
Dark Souls is the second installment of Souls series and belongs to the genre of action role playing. The plot of the game takes place in the fictional kingdom of Lordran where the player takes up the role of a cursed undead character who is on a mission to find his fate.
I really liked the unique storyline of this game which makes it way different from other best PS3 games mentioned here.
The main focus of Dark Souls remains on the element of exploration and player’s action determines the storyline of the game too. The game features open world environment hence giving the great opportunity for the player to figure out a lot of hidden aspects about the game.
22. Journey
Website: http://thatgamecompany.com/
Journey is kind of different from other best PS3 games as it is based on the unique indie genre where they mix up the genres of adventure and art game together. The player controls the character of a robot figure who is ttravelingtowards a mountain in distance.
The game can be played in both single player and multiplayer modes but it lacks the source of communication in the game.
The game is divided into several sections where player can jump or emit wordless musical shouts. The ultimate aim of the player is to cross the desert and reach to the mountains.
23. Heavy Rain
Website: https://www.playstation.com/
Heavy Rain is a type of action adventure game featuring a single player campaign mode. The game features four main characters and player can control four of them through a third person perspective. Each character’s death gives a branching storyline to the game which is actually kind of fun to discover.
Some of the quick time events in the game are quite unknown and you need to take up different actions in order to figure them out.
There are various scenes in the game and interacting with the environment remains and important part of the game too. This is one game which completely utilizes the DualShock 3 controller effectively as there are a lot of actions which is performed by it.
24. Infamous 2
Website: https://www.mobygames.com/
An action adventure game by nature, the story of Infamous 2 focuses on the character of Cole MacGrath who is on a quest to become powerful enough to face his nemesis, the Beast. The game can be played in single player campaign mode only.
Exploration and combat are the key elements of this game and Cole possesses electricity-based powers which are used on this adventure. And hence an energy meter is something you need to take care of through the game.
The game uses an open world environment and played from third person perspective. In the combat mode, defense is as important as offense otherwise you might end up losing the game. The weapons assigned to Cole are designed in this way that they derive the power of electricity very well.
25. Fallout 3
Website: https://fallout4.com/
No matter how many times I say it but Fallout 3 will always remain one of the best PlayStation 3 games of all time. It features the component of action adventure coming together with open world role playing. The game differentiates itself from other games in Fallout series with the fact that it features 3D graphics and real-time combat.
The plot of Fallout 3 is set in a post-apocalyptic world in the year 2077. Character creation is pretty much important here and it is controlled from first person perspective.
The player takes up the role of an inhabitant of vault 101 whose mission is to find his missing father. Keeping up with the health statistics is important in game while using the weapons and other aids.
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Conclusion
I am sure that I have missed out on like thousands of most popular and best PS3 games of all time. But my priority was to pick games belonging to different genres and categories so that users do not get bored playing same type of PlayStation 3 games all the time.
In fact, talking about other popular PS3 games then you have options like MotoStorm, Devil May Cry 4, Minecraft and many more. There are various popular game series available too. If you are not using original PS3 console then you can play them through emulator on your PC. However, emulators do not support some of the games so you would have to use the original console anyway.