The PlayStation 3 (PS3) was an interesting experiment after the huge success of the PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2. The unique cell-processor architecture was extremely different than the Xbox 360’s Intel-based chip, and you can’t deny that some developers struggled to harness the power of those cells.
I personally remember reading about supercomputers being built out of networked PlayStation 3s because the architecture was so powerful if harnessed correctly.
But despite the interesting choice when it came to the PlayStation 3’s guts, the game library was just as robust as ever. The console was home to a huge amount of fantastic titles… some ports and some amazing Sony exclusives. With the prices of PS3 games at an all-time low, it’s a fantastic time to get into a little near-retro gaming.
Be sure to check out our other Top Game Rankings for PlayStation systems, including the PlayStation 1, the PlayStation 2, the PlayStation Portable, and the PlayStation Vita!
So without further ado, here are the 10 best games of all time on the PlayStation 3 platform. Game on!
10. LittleBigPlanet 2
Media Molecule brought a wealth of new additions to LittleBigPlanet 2. This platformer allowed players to create their own levels and share them with the world.
You play as “Sackboy” and your goal is to travel to spots around the globe and run, jump, and solve puzzles. But the real fun is in the creativity it inspires.
People adored the story, which is like a children’s storybook. The charming visuals and adorable characters brought a sense of community to players who shared the exciting and imaginative levels.
9. Fallout 3
In the desolation of the Capital Wasteland, you’re the Lone Wanderer, seeking your missing father.
Fallout 3 is a post-apocalyptic RPG with an open-world setting. Your objective is simply to survive and make your way through the ruins of Washington, D.C. in the year 2277.
This is one humongous game packed with nuances. It’s the freedom to explore, the moral choices that shape the world, and the retro-futuristic aesthetic that made gamers fall in love with this RPG-shooter hybrid.
Read More: The Best PS Vita Games Of All Time
8. Demon’s Souls
For those who crave a challenge, Demon’s Souls is it. This dark fantasy RPG demands precision and patience. This title is legendary for its gameplay as well as how challenging it can be for the uninitiated.
Unlike a typical RPG, you acquire souls in order to increase your level. You’re in the kingdom of Boletaria, battling demons and restoring order. The play involves brutal combat, exploration, and character-building.
Gamers were drawn to this unique game for its punishing difficulty, atmospheric world, and deep combat system.
7. Portal 2
One of the best examples of a sequel you’ll come across, Portal 2 took the original to new heights and became a true classic.
This physics-based puzzle gameplay is unique. You play as “Chell,” helped by your assistant Wheatley, a spherical robot. You take on the murderous robot villain GLaDOS.
This sequel is filled with unforgettable moments, more layers to its puzzles, and funnier storytelling.
6. Grand Theft Auto V
In GTA V, Rockstar Games set the bar even higher, taking the series to a new level.
The objective? Live out the lives of three very different criminals in an open world where players can explore every facet in a deep sandbox experience.
The play involves heists, shootouts, and some seriously questionable decisions.
Gamers were drawn to this game’s vast and dynamic world, biting satire, and the ability to make chaos feel like art.
5. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Hideo Kojima’s masterpiece MGS4 is a tactical espionage thrill ride.
Playing as “Solid Snake,” you’re on a mission to stop a global war. The gameplay involves stealth, action, and a touch of futuristic espionage.
Fans lauded its intricate plot, well-crafted characters, and the series’ signature blend of stealth and drama.
4. Dark Souls
Following in the steps of another Soulsborne game, 2009’s Demon Souls, FromSoftware’s Dark Souls became a massive sensation that spawned a trilogy and led to the widespread success of the franchise.
Like its predecessor Demon Souls, Dark Souls has considerable difficulty, but due to its well-thought-out level design, players can venture into numerous areas throughout the kingdom of Lordran and die in a variety of spots.
The fundamental design of the progression systems, and combat itself, became the cornerstone of the trilogy. The stellar battles players face in Dark Souls remain some of the most memorable the series offers.
3. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Nathan Drake is the adventurer we all wish we could be, and Uncharted 2 takes us on a globe-trotting journey of epic proportions in the second part of this trilogy.
The gameplay involves climbing, jumping, and solving puzzles in far reaching locations. Find the fabled Cintamani Stone before a group of mercenaries gets their hands on it. Escape a teetering train, a shootout in a collapsing tower, and a moving train sequence that is unforgettable.
The cinematic presentation, witty dialogue, set pieces, and cinematic storytelling rival the biggest Hollywood blockbusters.
2. Red Dead Redemption
Saddle up, partner, because Red Dead Redemption is a wild ride. This open-world western epic by Rockstar Games is one of the finest adventures ever.
The play involves gunfights, duels, horseback riding, and all the Western trappings you could hope for as you become a virtual gunslinger.
People adored this game for its gripping story, incredible attention to detail, and immersive world that made you feel like a true cowboy in the Wild West.
1. The Last of Us
The Last of Us is a masterclass in storytelling and emotional depth.
In this post-apocalyptic zombie fiction action-adventure, you play Joel, a smuggler, and Ellie, a young girl, as they journey across a shattered world.
The game has a simple objective: survive. However, what sets it apart is its gut-wrenching narrative and deep, complex characters. Difficult, emotionally charged choices must be made. The result is unforgettable and terror-filled moments galore.
The Last of Us is revered for its mature, emotional storyline that makes people care, and its incredible blend of stealth, action, and survival horror. Easily the best zombie game ever made.
Read More: The Best Playstation 3 RPG Games Of All Time
