Revisiting Gaming Gold: The Best PS3 Games You Need to Play in 2023
Do you ever find yourself yearning for the glory days of console gaming, when innovative titles and unique experiences were just a disc away? The video above dives headfirst into that very sentiment, showcasing a selection of PlayStation 3 games that, even in 2023, offer an incredible amount of fun. While newer consoles grab the headlines, the PS3 remains a treasure trove of exciting, diverse, and often surprisingly affordable games.Many gamers, whether they were Xbox 360 aficionados or dedicated PlayStation loyalists, might have missed out on some of the PS3’s hidden gems or simply forgotten how truly amazing some of its staples were. Today, we’re not just reminiscing; we’re exploring why these specific PlayStation 3 titles continue to captivate, making them essential additions to any retro gaming lineup.
Why the PlayStation 3 Still Shines in 2023
The PlayStation 3 was a monumental console, known for its powerful Cell Broadband Engine and its impressive graphical capabilities for the era. It introduced us to an era of HD gaming and online multiplayer that truly pushed boundaries.
Even years after its discontinuation, the PS3 offers a robust library that stands the test of time, particularly for those seeking unique arcade experiences, compelling narratives, and excellent local co-op. This enduring appeal makes the console a fantastic choice for both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts looking for budget-friendly gaming.
Dive Into These Essential PlayStation 3 Games
The video highlighted ten incredible titles, and we’re expanding on why each one is a must-play. From digital-only rarities to genre-defining epics, these PS3 games offer something for everyone.
Hard Corps: Uprising – A Contra Spiritual Successor
Fans of classic run-and-gun action often lament the lack of new Contra games, but Hard Corps: Uprising delivers that high-octane thrill in spades. While it might not bear the “Contra” name, this digital-only title from Konami embodies the spirit of its spiritual predecessor with stunning visuals and a pulse-pounding heavy metal soundtrack.
With beautiful cutscenes, challenging boss fights, and the rare gift of couch co-op, Hard Corps: Uprising offers a fast-paced, visually striking experience. It’s a game that many players unfortunately overlooked, making it a true hidden gem for those who love intense side-scrolling shooters.
Time Crisis: Razing Storm & The PS Move Advantage
For enthusiasts of light gun games, the PlayStation 3, paired with the PlayStation Move controller, transforms into an arcade-at-home powerhouse. The Time Crisis: Razing Storm collection is a prime example of this, packing in not only Razing Storm but also Time Crisis 4 and the quirky Dead Storm Pirates.
Time Crisis 4, often considered the highlight of the bundle, provides classic on-rails shooting action. Dead Storm Pirates offers a unique pirate-themed diversion, demonstrating the versatility of the PS Move and making this collection a must-own for anyone looking to relive or discover the thrill of arcade light gun shooting on their PlayStation 3.
NBA Jam: On Fire Edition – Still King of the Court
“Boom Shakalaka!” The iconic voice of Tim Kitzrow heralds the return of one of basketball’s most beloved arcade interpretations in NBA Jam: On Fire Edition. Even though EA Sports developed it, this version remarkably captures the essence and fun of the original series, often surpassing it in the eyes of many fans.
Featuring exaggerated dunks, a hilarious co-op campaign, and vibrant visuals, On Fire Edition is pure unadulterated fun. While it’s no longer available for digital download, if you were lucky enough to grab it back in the day, or can find the original NBA Jam on disc, it remains one of the greatest arcade basketball experiences on the PlayStation 3.
Twisted Metal: A Dark and Gripping Comeback
The Twisted Metal series has a storied history, dating back to the original PlayStation, with memorable entries like Twisted Metal Black on PS2. The PlayStation 3 iteration brought the vehicular combat franchise back with a vengeance, focusing on a surprisingly deep narrative-driven story mode.
This game shines with its brutal combat, gorgeous graphics, and a dark, vicious storyline delivered through impressive cutscenes. Twisted Metal on PS3 offers both the chaotic multiplayer action fans expect and a compelling single-player experience, making it a standout entry in the series.
WWE All Stars: Over-the-Top Wrestling Fun
Wrestling games often walk a fine line between simulation and arcade chaos, but WWE All Stars proudly leaps off the top rope into the latter. This game embraces exaggerated acrobatics, massive special moves, and characters with comically huge physiques.
Despite its over-the-top presentation, WWE All Stars boasts incredibly solid arcade wrestling fundamentals, with intuitive controls reminiscent of classics like WrestleMania 2000. It’s a fantastic, often overlooked game that provides endless fun, especially in multiplayer, allowing players to pull off gravity-defying finishers and create memorable matches on the PlayStation 3.
Call of Duty: World at War – The Zombie Origin
While the Call of Duty franchise is renowned for its immersive campaigns and competitive multiplayer, Call of Duty: World at War holds a special place for introducing an iconic game mode: Nazi Zombies. For many, this mode defined countless hours of co-operative survival.
Treyarch’s entry into the series provided four distinct Nazi Zombie packs, offering wave after wave of undead-blasting action. Even with subsequent Call of Duty titles featuring Zombies, the original World at War iteration on PlayStation 3 remains a nostalgic favorite, delivering that perfect blend of challenge and camaraderie as you push for just “one more round.”
Split/Second: Explosive Arcade Racing
If you crave arcade racers with a twist, Split/Second offers a uniquely destructive experience that sets it apart from traditional racing games like Burnout. Set within a fictional reality TV show, the game tasks players not just with outracing opponents, but with dynamically altering the track itself.
By building up power through drifts and drafts, players can trigger “Power Plays,” causing massive environmental explosions to take out rivals or open new paths. This innovative mechanic creates a constantly evolving race environment, making Split/Second an incredibly fluid, visually stunning, and highly original racing game on the PlayStation 3, albeit with a slight learning curve for its distinct drifting mechanics.
House of the Dead 4: Arcade Horror at Home
Another fantastic showcase for the PlayStation Move on the PS3 is House of the Dead 4. This arcade classic, previously hard to find outside of dedicated arcade cabinets, found a perfect home on Sony’s console as a digital-only release.
Alongside other House of the Dead titles like House of the Dead 3 and the unique Overkill, the PlayStation 3 unexpectedly became a hub for this beloved light gun horror series. House of the Dead 4 delivers frantic zombie-blasting action, making it a cherished title for fans of arcade-style horror and a prime example of the PS3’s unique capabilities.
God of War III: Kratos’s Epic Apex
When discussing essential PlayStation 3 games, God of War III inevitably rises to the top. As the thrilling conclusion to Kratos’s original Greek saga, this exclusive title pushed the PS3’s hardware to its limits, delivering breathtaking visuals and epic, over-the-top boss battles.
God of War III immerses players in a visceral hack-and-slash experience, throwing them into action from the very beginning. While the modern God of War titles on PS4 and PS5 offer a different, more narrative-focused approach, God of War III remains a magnificent example of the series’ earlier, more brutal style, making it a must-play for fans of grand, mythological action.
The Sly Cooper Collection: Timeless Stealth Platforming
The Sly Cooper Collection is a fantastic way to experience a trio of classic PlayStation 2 platformers, remastered in HD for the PlayStation 3. This collection includes the first three Sly Cooper adventures, bringing the charming cell-shaded art style and stealth-platforming gameplay to a new generation or back to nostalgic fans.
Despite some minor complaints about frame rate or loading times, the core gameplay of Sly Cooper remains incredibly fun and visually appealing. The timeless cartoon art style ensures these games still look great today, making the collection a valuable pick-up, even at its typical $25-$30 price point for those seeking a charming and engaging PlayStation 3 experience.
More PS3 Gems: Honorable Mentions Worth Your Time
Beyond the main list, the PlayStation 3 boasts an incredible array of games that deserve recognition. These honorable mentions, though not always in constant rotation, often provide unique experiences that stand out.
Resident Evil 5: Co-op Survival Horror
Often lauded as one of the best co-op experiences on the PS3, Resident Evil 5 offers a fantastic survival horror romp, especially when played with a friend. While the AI for single-player might be clunky, teaming up with another player transforms this game into a memorable journey through thrilling combat and grotesque enemies. It’s an incredibly affordable title that offers immense replay value, particularly during spooky seasons.
Monster Madness: Battle Royale: Quirky Top-Down Chaos
Drawing comparisons to classics like Zombies Ate My Neighbors and Gauntlet, Monster Madness: Battle Royale is a top-down, hack-and-slash game overflowing with over-the-top action and humor. While it might have some clunky aspects, its sheer ridiculousness and fun factor make it an enjoyable experience, especially in co-op. It’s a great example of a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, focusing purely on arcade enjoyment on PlayStation 3.
Dragon’s Crown: Beat ’em Up RPG Excellence
From Atlus, Dragon’s Crown is a visually stunning side-scrolling beat ’em up with rich RPG elements. Originally released on the PS3, it has since received a definitive edition on modern consoles, but the original PS3 version remains an excellent way to experience its fantastic co-op gameplay and unique art style. It offers deep character progression and satisfying combat, making it a hidden gem that’s also quite affordable for collectors.
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale: Sony’s Crossover Fighter
For fans of crossover fighting games like Super Smash Bros., PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale provided Sony’s take on the genre. Featuring an eclectic roster of characters from various PlayStation franchises – including iconic figures like Kratos and unexpected picks like Fat Princess – it delivers chaotic, fun battles. It’s a must-play for PlayStation loyalists who enjoy character mash-ups and engaging in frantic brawls with friends.
The Enduring Appeal of Collecting PlayStation 3 Consoles and Games
The PlayStation 3 continues to be a collector’s dream in 2023. The original “fat” models, especially those with backwards compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games, are highly sought after. However, even the slimmer models are easily found at thrift stores, pawn shops, and garage sales, often for as little as $40-$60.
This accessibility makes the PS3 an excellent entry point for retro gaming or a perfect secondary console for those who can’t get their hands on newer, more expensive hardware. The vast library of games, many of which are now quite affordable, ensures that there’s always something new to discover or an old favorite to revisit on the PlayStation 3.
What PlayStation 3 games are you still playing in 2023? Let us know in the comments below, and tell us which console’s game library we should explore next in this series!
