The PS3 had some of the best games ever made, and there are still plenty worth playing on the console in 2022. In the wake (and reversal) of the announcement that the PS3 store would be shutting down, many players, new and old, have decided to revisit the console’s library.
However, figuring out what to play is tough. Many PS3 games have gotten remasters and remakes, which are arguably a better option than playing them on their original system. So, we’re mostly looking at experiences that are exclusive to the PS3 in 2022 (or the seventh console generation). Our list is mostly games that you can’t experience on more recent hardware or PC (outside of emulation), which are good enough to make dusting off your DualShock 3 worth it.
What are the best PS3 games in 2022?
Like we said above, our list emphasizes games that you can’t find on current hardware. So, they’re not the “best PS3 games ever.” Instead, they’re titles that make hooking your PS3 up in 2022 worth it. While some of these have become available through backward compatibility on other consoles (Nier), most are still exclusive to the PS3 or seventh generation consoles.
3D Dot Game Heroes
3D Dot Games Heroes pays homage to classic action role-playing games like The Legend of Zelda. It features the same dungeon-crawling, puzzle-solving gameplay that players love in those games. However, it’s a bit more tongue in cheek, and you’ll find unique mechanics like your sword growing to gigantic proportions when your health bar is full. It’s a fun, light-hearted romp that you can’t find anywhere else.
Armored Core Series
Armored Core is an excellent series that paid the bills at FromSoftware before Dark Souls and Elden Ring propelled them into the mainstream. Unfortunately, the four seventh-gen titles never got remasters or backward compatibility, which means they’re stuck on the PS3 and Xbox 360. Armored Core 4 speeds up the gameplay compared to previous entries and is the one to go with if you want a great single-player experience. Armored Core V, on the other hand, leans toward multiplayer, which is unfortunate because the servers are down. However, the servers remains up for Armored Core: Verdict Day, for those who want to experience the series online.
God of War Saga
The God of War Saga collection lets you experience the life of Kratos before he found himself in Midgard. It contains God of War, God of War 2, God of War 3, Chains of Olympus, and Ghost of Sparta. It’s the most cost-effective way to play the series pre-God of War (2018), but there’s a catch. Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta are acquired via download codes, so you’ll want to purchase this soon before those expire (if they haven’t already).
Gran Turismo 5
Many fans agree that Gran Turismo 5 is the best entry in the series because it launched with a massive amount of content and didn’t include monetization as a core part of its game design. It’s the last game that you couldn’t purchase credits in with real money, so you’ll notice that progression is a bit more balanced. Unfortunately, the DLC has been delisted from PSN. However, if you can find the Gran Turismo 5: Academy Edition, there’s a voucher for all the DLC that might still be redeemable.
Grand Theft Auto IV
Strangely, Grand Theft Auto IV hasn’t gotten a remaster yet. Sure, you can play it on PC, but if you’re trying to stick to consoles, you’ll have to dust off a PS3 or Xbox 360. Niko Belic’s story is one of the darker ones in the series, and it’s arguably more meaningful than the one found in GTA 5. The map isn’t gigantic, but the detail behind the design of Liberty City makes it feel more intimate by the end of the game. It also got two great expansions that are just as good as the base game.
The Guided Fate Paradox
The Guided Fate Paradox is a side game in the Disgaea universe about a boy who wins the position of God in a raffle. It takes the form of a dungeon crawler, which was a niche genre when it was released, but which has since increased in popularity. With how small the audience would have been in 2013, I’m surprised that not only did this game get localized, but its sequel, The Awakened Fate Ultimatum, hit PS3 in the West in 2015.
InFAMOUS Collection
Given that these are first-party Sony titles, we’re not sure why the Infamous games never got a PS4 port. Sucker Punch’s superhero series are two of the best open-world experiences on the PS3 and remain incredible experiences. In Infamous Collection, you get Infamous, Infamous 2, and Infamous: Festival of Blood, which will keep you busy for quite a while.
Killzone Trilogy
Killzone is yet another franchise that was a cornerstone of Sony’s marketing during the PS3’s lifespan that’s gone dormant. The last game, Killzone: Shadow Fall, was a launch title for the PS4, but the first three are available only on PS3. Fortunately, the Killzone Collection makes it easy to grab these excellent FPS games. It’s gotten pricey for a new copy, but since all three games are on-disc, you can buy used without worrying about vouchers.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is perhaps the most significant PS3 exclusive that hasn’t received a port to modern consoles. This title pushed the PS3 to its limits and took advantage of the system’s hardware in a way only first-party titles did. Solid Snake’s final adventure and the canonical end to the series is a masterpiece and caps off an absolutely wild ride. Unfortunately, this game even has issues when emulated, so the only way to play it is intended is to boot it up on PS3.
Nier
Yes, Nier got a remaster, but it’s just not the same since you play as the canonical young Nier. To play through the game as papa Nier, you’ll need to grab a copy of the game on PS3 or Xbox 360. Even in its original form, it’s an excellent game, and fans of the remaster should play through the Western original to appreciate how much work went into it.
Red Dead Redemption
We can only imagine what sort of spaghetti code makes up Red Dead Redemption, as porting this game to modern platforms and PC would make Rockstar a ridiculous amount of money. The best way to experience this game these days is through backward compatibility on Xbox. However, if you’re a Sony purest, your only option is to play it on PS3.
Resistance Collection
Taking on Chimera hordes in the Resistance series was a hallmark of the PS3, but it never made it off that console. Insomniac is now focusing its efforts on Marvel properties, so it’s questionable as to whether we’ll see the franchise make a revival, but the Resistance Collection is a great way to relive the magic. Unfortunately, Sony shut down the multiplayer servers for all the games years ago, but you can still enjoy the campaigns.
Silent Hill HD Collection
The best way to play Silent Hill 2 and 3 is on PC. However, they’re not available for purchase on any digital storefront, and a legal physical copy of either game can be costly. The same goes for the PS2 originals. The Silent Hill HD Collection has been derided for its numerous shortcomings. Still, it does include both games in their entirety, and they’re still an amazing experience despite the issues. The PS3 version wins over the Xbox 360 (which is backward compatible with the Xbox One and Series X|S) because it received a patch to fix some of the issues the game had at launch that Konami never released for Xbox.
Siren: Blood Curse
Siren: Blood Curse is a pseudo-remake of the original game and the last of three games in the series. It’s very reminiscent of Silent Hill but emphasizes stealth and using the Sight Jacking mechanic to see through the eyes of your enemies and gain the information you need to survive. It’s a thrilling game that puts a unique spin on survival horror, a genre that is somewhat underrepresented on the PS3.
Tales of Xillia
Tales of Xillia and its sequel were huge successes in Japan and abroad, but have never made it off the PS3. The console has a ton of great JRPGs, and these are near the top of the list. Fortunately, you can still buy them brand new at MSRP, which is incredible given how much some older JRPGs go for.
Tokyo Jungle
One of the most unique games on the PS3, and perhaps ever made, is Tokyo Jungle. You play as various animals that are living in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo. You have to hunt food, mate, and protect your offspring to survive the harsh ecosystem that now inhabits the ruins. It’s more fun than it sounds, and since it’s digital-only, you’ll want to snatch it up before Sony does finally close the PS3 store.
Digital Only
Twisted Metal
Twisted Metal is another now dormant series that never made it off the PS3. The 2012 reboot did well by all accounts. However, it seems like series co-creator David Jaffe’s departure from developer Eat Sleep Play Inc. might have put the franchise in some sort of limbo. The single-player content isn’t very long, and the multiplayer is offline. Still, the gameplay is good enough to pick up a copy if you like vehicular combat.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Uncharted 2 is available on PS4, but if you’re going on a PS3 binge, this is a great title to play on its original system. Many fans agree that the second entry is the best of the series, and we agree. It’s a cinematic journey that gives you a chance to live out your dreams of being Indiana Jones, and it continues to be an impressive game over a decade after it was first released.
