The 30 Best Games on PS3

The PlayStation 3 is the black sheep of the Sony home consoles. It had a rough launch and needed some time before gamers were open to it. In Japan, there were reports of businessmen buying them in bulk to resell on eBay, inflating the already extremely high price. Then in the United States, there were multiple violent interactions surrounding the PlayStation 3 including customers being robbed at gunpoint, someone being shot, and 60-person brawls over the system. In retrospect, the system on release was not worth the hysteria, but as time passed, fans and critics became more receptive to the console. The PlayStation 3’s game catalog is near and dear to many gamers’ hearts because it is home to some of the highest-rated games on sites like Metacritic. Here are the 30 best games on the Sony PlayStation 3.

30. FIFA Soccer 10

• Release Date — October 20, 2009
• MetacriticScore — 91 (Universal Acclaim)

FIFA Soccer 10 is one of the most refined and compelling soccer games you can play. At the time the game was criticized for not being a big enough improvement on the last title. However, as time passed and sports titles continued to decline in quality, people looked back on this title fondly. Some fans consider it the best FIFA game of all time.

29. Rock Band 3

• Release Date — October 26, 2010
• MetacriticScore — 91 (Universal Acclaim)

In the 2010s, rhythm games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band were on top of the world. Rock Band 3 is one of the few games of these franchises that have stood the test of time. Fans of the original 2 entries adored this title for its tracklist and Pro Mode for those who needed a challenge. With an amazing tracklist and unique instrument support, Rock Band 3 might just be one of the best rhythm games of its kind.

28. LittleBigPlanet 2

• Release Date — January 18, 2011
• MetacriticScore — 91 (Universal Acclaim)

It’s so unfortunate that LittleBigPlanet is pretty much a dead franchise. Its gameplay loop, beautiful graphics, and amazing physics would fit right into the live-service titles of today. LittleBigPlanet 2 is an incredible platformer and perfectly springboarded off of the aspects that made the original so great. One of the best sequels of all time.

27. Rock Band 2

• Release Date — September 14, 2008
• MetacriticScore — 91 (Universal Acclaim)

Rock Band 2 is everything that made the original great dialed up to 11. The difficulty was bumped up, the gameplay became more accessible, and it’s backward compatible with Rock Band‘s DLC. If you already owned the first game and its instruments you wouldn’t need to buy the peripherals again making this game perfect for fans. Those who have never played one of these games can start with this one.

26. Pac-Man Championship Edition DX

• Release Date — November 23, 2010
• MetacriticScore — 91 (Universal Acclaim)

It’s Pac-Man so of course it’s going to be one of the best games on the list. A nice reimagining of the Pac-Man formula, Pac-Man DX is a casual gamer’s paradise. If you play video games at all it’s a safe bet that you’ve played a Pac-Man title. This game takes the aged game design of the original and breathes life into it. If you’re a fan of grinding high scores in video games there just aren’t many others that do it better than Pac-Man Championship Edition DX.

25. The ICO & Shadow of the Colossus HD Collection

• Release Date — September 27, 2011
• MetacriticScore — 92 (Universal Acclaim)

The PlayStation 3 had a lot of HD collections in its library, but few did as well as this one. That isn’t a knock against those titles, unfortunately, the games in this collection were generation-defining. If you owned a PlayStation 2 then you probably have at least heard of Shadows of the Colossus. It can be debated whether ICO is just as good, but the latter game is worth it alone. These two titles are evidence of games being an artistic medium, and many believe that they should be experienced at least once.

24. Journey

• Release Date — March 13, 2012
• MetacriticScore — 92

Speaking of games that are more artistic than most of their contemporaries, Journey is probably one of the most important games of the last few decades. If I had to describe this game in one word it would be beautiful. Journey is stunning to look at, really fun to play, and is dripping in this vibe that is hard to describe or replicate. You owe it to yourself to play Journey.

23. Rock Band

• Release Date — November 20, 2007
• MetacriticScore — 92 (Universal Acclaim)

Rock Band wasn’t the Guitar Hero killer that its developers were probably hoping for, but to say that it is one of the best rhythm games is an understatement. For those who found Guitar Hero games too difficult, Rock Band is a perfect substitute. Today, the sequels might be better for those wanting to get into these games. However, if you’re lucky enough to come into possession of the original then you have one of the best party games on the PlayStation 3.

22. Super Street Fighter IV

• Release Date — April 27, 2010
• MetacriticScore — 92 (Universal Acclaim)

While the Super release of Street Fighter IV didn’t change much, it found a way to make the original better for all who purchased it. Also, Super Street Fighter IV was released at a reduced price adding to its appeal. It didn’t have the impact of the base game but it wasn’t supposed to. It was supposed to fix some balance issues and provide quality-of-life fixes to common complaints by the fans. In that regard, Super Street Fighter IV succeeded.

21. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

• Release Date — November 1, 2011
• MetacriticScore — 92 (Universal Acclaim)

Videogames as a whole became better when Uncharted 3 was released. At the time most gamers would agree that this was the absolute pinnacle of its franchise. Today, with the release of the fourth entry that title can be debated. Uncharted 3 might not have the best narrative out of the franchise but it’s the perfect balance of gameplay, graphics, and storytelling. Each aspect of this game is just that good.

20. God of War III

• Release Date — March 16, 2010
• MetacriticScore — 92 (Universal Acclaim)

Before the God of War series made us cry from Kratos’s maturity and his bond with his son, Atreus, the original trilogy was one of the most brutal action games in gaming history. Fans of the franchise argue that continuing in the direction of God of War 3 would’ve also been a welcome continuation of Kratos’ story. This title is dark, gory, and one of the most FUN titles on the PlayStation 3.

19. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

• Release Date — November 11, 2011
• MetacriticScore — 92 (Universal Acclaim)

Skyrim is probably one of the most debated titles in gaming history. Many people argue about its impact and whether or not it deserves the classic status it has achieved. I like to think about The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim as a game that is as vast as an ocean and as deep as a puddle. People are much more harsh to it today than they were in 2011. It is undeniable that this title was important for RPGs as a whole but your enjoyment truly depends on whether or not you like stomping in puddles.

18. Mass Effect 3

• Release Date — March 6, 2012
• MetacriticScore — 93 (Universal Acclaim)

Mass Effect 3 is an emotional roller coaster. The action RPG resonated with critics and most fans of the series. However, the game also had its naysayers due to how it handled the ending to one of the best space opera trilogies of all time. Fans didn’t like how the quality of the endings they received and when Bioware tried to release a DLC ending to appease fans it rubbed people the wrong way. Mass Effect is still one of the best games on the PlayStation 3 but like all things it is flawed.

17. Braid

• Release Date — Aug 6, 2008
• MetacriticScore — 93 (Universal Acclaim)

Braid is one the most interesting and unique takes on a puzzle platformer. Many developers look at how this game innovated on platformer design and story-telling for inspiration. Time mechanics in games are not new or unique to Braid but the way it handles them hasn’t been replicated since. A truly artistic indie game that we will continue to talk about for generations to come.

16. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

• Release Date — March 20, 2007
• MetacriticScore — 93 (Universal Acclaim)

Those who aren’t the biggest fan of Skyrim tend to sing the praises of Oblivion. While yes, it is the older title it has its unique charm to it that might appeal to you if Skyrim didn’t grip you. Many fans of Bethesda titles praise this game for how it iterated on the previous title. For a game that came out almost 20 years ago, it still holds up surprisingly well due to its great world-building, AI, and attention to detail.

15. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

• Release Date — June 12, 2008
• MetacriticScore — 94 (Universal Acclaim)

Hideo Kojima is one of the most prolific game developers we have as gamers. To say that Metal Gear Solid 4 isn’t one of the best PlayStation 3 titles would be utter blasphemy. It’s just a consistently great stealth-action title and if you like any of the other games in the franchise you’ll love this one. It has its flaws but it has a lot of heart and that’s why many fans continue to sing its praises to this day.

14. Street Fighter IV

• Release Date — February 17, 2009
• MetacriticScore — 94 (Universal Acclaim)

Following up on the phenomenal Street Fighter 3: Third Strike was no easy task but Capcom delivered. A franchise like this one that constantly tries to reinvent itself with each release will always be controversial. Some fans think this is the peak of the series while others consider it the worst. One thing that can’t be argued is that a new Street Fighter is always a defining moment in the generation and Street Fighter 4 was no different.

13. Mass Effect 2

• Release Date — January 17, 2011
• MetacriticScore — 94 (Universal Acclaim)

Mass Effect 2 is a masterclass in creating great sequels. Whereas the original game was extremely rough around the edges, Bioware fixed nearly every single problem in the sequel. On top of that, Bioware made everything that players loved about the original even better. It’s safe to say that Bioware understood the assignment, there is a reason Mass Effect 2 is the fan-favorite.

12. BioShock

• Release Date — October 21, 2008
• MetacriticScore — 94 (Universal Acclaim)

Bioshock came out at the perfect time. Other shooters at the time were becoming too formulaic creating a perfect opportunity for something groundbreaking to shake up the industry. Bioshock is amazingly written, dripping in an oppressive atmosphere, and has one of the best plot twists in media. Ken Levine caught lightning in a bottle with this release and people love it just as much today.

11. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

• Release Date — November 5, 2007
• MetacriticScore — 94 (Universal Acclaim)

This era of Call of Duty is very nostalgic for gamers. Modern Warfare arguably revolutionized online gaming in 2007 with its fantastic multiplayer. The campaign is also one of the best in the franchise while it is a bit on the short side. Many gaming publications referred to this game as perfect on release and now almost 20 years later, it truly was something special.

10. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

• Release Date — November 10, 2009
• MetacriticScore — 94 (Universal Acclaim)

The first entry of the top 10 had to be Modern Warfare 2. People believed that Call of Duty peaked with Modern Warfare but Infinity Ward proved them wrong with this masterful sequel. The inclusion of an even better campaign and the very fun co-op Spec-Ops mode uplifted the series to new heights. Modern Warfare 2 might just be the best first-person shooter of all time.

9. BioShock Infinite

• Release Date — March 25, 2013
• MetacriticScore — 94 (Universal Acclaim)

Another title that perfectly iterated on the games that came before it is Bioshock Infinite. Sure, this title wasn’t as revolutionary as the previous two games. However, this game shines in how polished it is in comparison. Many considered it a perfect game on release but as time goes on, gamers are a bit more critical of it. While it may lack combat balance in some spots and narrative quality dips, it has a lot of heart. A game enjoyed by most and loved by even more.

8. Portal 2

• Release Date — April 19, 2011
• MetacriticScore — 95 (Universal Acclaim)

It seems that wherever there is a best-of list Portal 2 isn’t far behind. One of the best-written games of all time and a benchmark for writing in its entirety. The puzzles are very well-designed and balanced. They’re just hard enough to demand the player’s respect while also making them feel intelligent for thinking out of the box. If you’re a fan of puzzle titles, play Portal 2. It is available on most consoles.

7. The Last of Us

• Release Date — June 14, 2013
• MetacriticScore — 95 (Universal Acclaim)

The release of The Last of Us was a turning point in gaming history. When it was originally released in 2013 there wasn’t a game like it. It perfectly created its lane that paved the way for many games to come after it. The writing and soundtrack are beautiful. The game’s characters are raw with great chemistry. In my opinion, there still hasn’t been a shooter as masterful as The Last of Us since. Not even its critically acclaimed sequel.

6. Red Dead Redemption

• Release Date — May 18, 2010
• MetacriticScore — 95 (Universal Acclaim)

Rockstar dominated this era of gaming. It was like no matter what they released it was going to do well critically and commercially. Red Dead Redemption is a tremendously detailed portrayal of the Wild West. Rockstar deployed great storytelling, character development, and gameplay to tell one of the best narratives of the generation. Red Dead Redemption is unapologetically fun.

5. LittleBigPlanet

• Release Date — October 27, 2008
• MetacriticScore — 95 (Universal Acclaim)

Many game publications considered LittleBigPlanet to be the next big thing on release and nobody could have predicted just how great this franchise would become. Every generation a game or two will be released that are childhood-defining. LittleBigPlanet is one of those titles. If you grew up playing this game you will always remember it and if you’ve never played this game, you owe it to yourself. Whimsical, wonderful, unadulterated fun.

4. Batman: Arkham City

• Release Date — October 18, 2011
• MetacriticScore — 96 (Universal Acclaim)

Oh Batman, how you have fallen from grace in the gaming industry. Fans of the Caped Crusader remember just how great the Arkham games were at release. Arkham City is the pinnacle of its franchise for a plethora of reasons. This title improved on every aspect of its predecessor and as cliche as it is, it makes you feel like Batman. Batman has some of the best characters in comic books and Arkham City makes interacting with them just that much more fun.

3. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

• Release Date — October 13, 2009
• MetacriticScore — 96 (Universal Acclaim)

Uncharted 2 is one of the best games of the 2000s. No matter how much time seems to pass, gamers will always view this title as the masterpiece it is. Uncharted 2 had great visuals, amazing set pieces, and debatably the best pacing in a video game ever. It definitely has the best pacing in a shooter and I feel that aspect is incredibly underappreciated. A perfect sequel.

2. Grand Theft Auto V

• Release Date — September 17, 2013
• MetacriticScore — 97 (Universal Acclaim)

As the release of Grand Theft Auto VI approaches, now is the perfect time to look back on this entry in one of the best franchises in gaming.Grand Theft Auto V is somebody’s greatest game of all time and they wouldn’t be wrong in thinking that. This game has everything you could ever want from a sandbox game. Rockstar is the absolute king of this genre and continues to show us time and time again why they can never be challenged. Gorgeous visuals, a great soundtrack, and a hilarious gripping narrative. This game has it all and will be enjoyed until the sun explodes.

1. Grand Theft Auto IV

• Release Date — April 29, 2008
• MetacriticScore — 98 (Universal Acclaim)

While technically this title did better critically than its successor, it really just comes down to taste. Grand Theft Auto IV & V are two sides of the same coin. Which one you’ll like better depends on whether you prefer the sunny paradise of Los Santos or the gritty concrete jungle of Liberty City. Both of these games have a phenomenal narrative and a great cast of characters too. It doesn’t matter which one is the definitive best game on the PlayStation 3 because they are both interchangeable. At the end of the day, Grand Theft Auto defined the PlayStation 3.

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