Top 10 PS3 Exclusives We Need on PS5

Tags: #GodOfWar ,   #GranTurismo ,   #PS3 ,   #playstation ,   #Gaming

Michael Wendom

Michael Wendom

Last updated:  2023-12-05 12:00:54

PlayStation 3 is a complicated console for game development, but it still has a rich game library and fantastic features. While the Xbox 360 mostly received better multiplatform ports, PS3 has tons of exclusives! All these games on our list are still unavailable on other platforms, including PS5, as it's compatible only with PS4 titles. That should be the main reason to keep this system in your collection or buy one. Even though we're sure you know about most of PS3 exclusives on our top ten list, there are a few surprises! Also, we didn't include remasters, even though some are really good.

10. Formula One Championship Edition

Formula 1 Championship Edition PS3 game cover
Formula One Championship edition is a beautiful game
What it is: The last Formula One game by Sony
The best features: Unique career mode, excellent controls
Get it if you: Are tired of Codemasters Formula 1 series
Skip it if you: Crave realistic Formula 1 experience
Contemporary rating: 7/10
Game info

We always loved Sony's perspective on Formula One, and Formula One Championship Edition was their final entry. This game is a forgotten racing classic based on the exhilarating 2006 season. Moreover, if you compare it with the Codemasters' F1 series, you'll realize how different it is.

Get back to one of the best Formula 1 seasons with Formula One Championship Edition

Although only partially realistic, the title also benefits from excellent controls. Yet, driving with all assists turned off is very challenging. Another reason why this game needs your attention is its unique career mode. Here you'll have to fight hard to earn a place in the lowest teams as a test driver before making the grid. Oh, and you'll be under pressure as your results will be continually reviewed!

9. Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time PS3 cover
All Ratchet & Clank games are worthy of your time
What it is: Action platformer, the third in the series on PS3
The best features: Evolving gameplay, excellent graphics
Get it if you: Enjoy platformers with shooting elements
Skip it if you: Don't enjoy puzzle elements
Contemporary rating: 7/10
Game info

There are five exclusive Ratchet & Clank games for PlayStation 3, but A Crack in Time is the best! Like its predecessors, this is an action platformer with familiar gameplay. Nonetheless, many elements make it fresh, including new gadgets. Our hero can use these to fight off enemies or solve puzzles.

A Crack in Time is animated incredibly well

There's much to do here, with many optional missions and new weapons offering modifications. This means the gameplay will change regularly, and you'll be motivated to continue the adventure. Visually, the game stays attractive thanks to its excellent animation. Grab all Ratchet & Clank titles if you can (including Rift Apart), but play this one first!

8. Motorstorm: Pacific Rift

Motorstorm: Pacific Rift PS3 game cover
There's even a special edition Motorstorm: Pacific Rift supporting 3D
What it is: The first sequel to arcade racing classic Motorstorm
The best features: Interactive tracks, four-player split-screen
Get it if you: Love arcade racing games with a twist
Skip it if you: Prefer road racing
Contemporary rating: 7/10
Game info

Motorstorm is the iconic arcade racer series for PS3, developed by the mighty Evolution Studios (Driveclub). While the first game was a fantastic showcase for the console, later titles have significantly evolved the formula. Motorstorm: Pacific Rift takes us to a tropical paradise and has some of the most beautiful tracks seen in the series. Still, you will have little time to look around, as you'll have to fight hard to stay in the race.

We love lush environment of Motorstorm: Pacific Rift

However, the environments also play an essential role, as going through the water cools down the engine. With over 50 vehicles and 20 tracks, there's plenty to do here! While the multiplayer is long dead, you can still enjoy split-screen for up to four players. Finally, although the soundtrack doesn't contain original material, the playlist includes David Bowie, Fatboy Slim, Pendulum, Slipknot, and many more.

7. God of War: Ascension

God of War Ascension PS3 game cover
God of War Ascension might be the worst God of War game, but it's still very fun
What it is: The last God of War game for PS3
The best features: Multiplayer mode, excellent graphics
Get it if you: Love the traditional God of War experience
Skip it if you: Look for anything new
Contemporary rating: 7/10
Game info

God of War: Ascension is the black sheep of the God of War series, but it's also the only part of the saga not available on other platforms. However, this doesn't mean it's a bad game. On the contrary, it still has all the best gameplay elements of its predecessors and excellent graphics. Moreover, this is the only game in the franchise that includes online multiplayer.

God of War Ascension is more of them same, but that isn't bad!

The worst thing about Ascension is that it only brings a few new additions to the formula. Luckily, the developers understood the message and gave us a terrific reboot for PlayStation 4. Nevertheless, you'll love this one if you haven't played older God of War games for a long time.

6. Gran Turismo 6

Gran Turismo 6 PS3 game cover
Gran Turismo 6 is the best racing game on PS3
What it is: The final big PlayStation 3 exclusive
The best features: The largest car roster ever, excellent 3D support
Get it if you: Enjoy a long singleplayer campaign
Skip it if you: Prefer a multiplayer racing experience
Contemporary rating: 8/10
Game info

Many Gran Turismo games became obsolete, but you can't say that about Gran Turismo 6. This title appeared in stores after the launch of PlayStation 4 but was still insanely popular. GT 6 has the most extensive roster of cars in history, with over 1200 models, though many come from GT 4. Luckily, it also has tons of other stuff not present in Gran Turismo Sport or even Gran Turismo 7.

No other game competes against Gran Turismo when it comes to car number

Moreover, Polyphony Digital released free content, including new and unique modes, such as driving on the Moon! Finally, the game is one of the best graphical showcases for the console and has excellent 3D support. Even though the online portion and level editor functions have been shut down, Gran Turismo 6 is still one of the best singleplayer racing experiences. 

5. LittleBigPlanet 2

LittleBigPlanet 2 PS3 game cover
Unleash your creativity in LittleBigPlanet2
What it is: An action platformer where you can build your own levels
The best features: Easy to play, incredible building tools
Get it if you: Want an easy way to create your own games
Skip it if you: Don't have the patience
Contemporary rating: 8/10
Game info

The LittleBigPlanet series was not only about playing games but also creating them! Thanks to the included tools, anyone could become a designer, and in LBP2, you can make racing games, puzzlers, or even RPGs! You can even create music and sound effects or define the enemy AI's behavior. If you're not feeling imaginative, download millions of other people's work!

The gameplay is still fun as it was

Finally, the included story mode is enjoyable thanks to its beautifully designed, physics-based levels. Combine that with the official content packs, and you'll get an endlessly playable title… at least until the server shutdown.

4. Infamous 2

inFAMOUS 2 PS3 game cover
inFamous 2 is excellent, but so are other games in the series
What it is: A substantial improvement of the original
The best features: Large world to explore
Get it if you: Love open-world action games
Skip it if you: Seek a shorter game
Contemporary rating: 7/10
Game info

Developed by Sucker Punch, Infamous was one of the beloved PS3 games that produced a sequel and a stand-alone expansion. We enjoyed this action adventure because it allowed us to explore the environment. However, we were free to shape the story based on our actions. Like in the Fable series, you could use your powers to help others or embrace your dark side.

Make the city your playground in inFAMOUS 2

Infamous 2 gave us more of everything, and it helps that it looks and runs much better than the original. Looking at it today, the biggest problem could be the camera, which appears sluggish. Still, that shouldn't cause you too much trouble. While this is the best game in the series, you should also play the rest of it.

3. Resistance 2

Resistance 2 PS3 game cover
Resistance 2 is better than the original in every way
What it is: A first-person shooter set in an alternate past
The best features: Excellent presentation, unique weapons
Get it if you: Love the traditional FPS
Skip it if you: Haven't played the original first
Contemporary rating: 8/10
Game info

Resistance: Fall of Man was the introduction to PS3 for many, as it was a launch title. Surprisingly, it was also an excellent product, although its sequel easily tops it. Resistance 2 is the traditional first-person shooter set in the alternate past where you fight technologically advanced aliens. However, you can use their weapons against them to free the world.

Other game in the series are excellent, but Resistance 2 is the best

Like many games on this list, Resistance 2 was visually stunning and still has a certain appeal. Of course, the online component is long-dead, but the campaign will engage you for at least ten hours. Even though this is the best title in the franchise, check out the rest.

2. Killzone 2

Killzone 2 PS3 game cover
We would love to see Killzone 2 on PS5, as the multiplayer is long dead
What it is: A Halo killer that never was
The best features: Stunning graphics, piloting vehicles
Get it if you: Don't care about the story
Skip it if you: Want a deeper experience
Contemporary rating: 8/10
Game info

Killzone 2 will forever be haunted by that E3 trailer showcasing the unbelievable graphics. As we later found out, they were prerendered since PS3 couldn't deliver something like that. Yet, Killzone 2 pushed the system, and it's still one of the greatest PS3 games of all time. Luckily, it also had other elements going for it.

We expected a lot from Killzone 2, and it delivered

What's quite unusual is that this cover shooter also allows you to pilot vehicles. The title will remind you that the PS3 controller has a motion sensor, which you'll use for various actions. The worst part of Killzone 2 is the story and characters, as they can't compete against the Halo series. Still, that shouldn't stop you from playing it. You'll also enjoy Killzone 3 on the same platform if you like it.

1. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PS3 game cover
It's a miracle that MGS4 is still a PS3 exclusive
What it is: A tactical action with lots of sneaking
The best features: Attention to detail, creative levels
Get it if you: Love sneaking around 
Skip it if you: Don't enjoy massive cutscenes
Contemporary rating: 8/10
Game info

Metal Gear Solid 4 became a myth even before it got released! This was the most talked-about title for years and was supposed to be the last game in the franchise. Moreover, it's also a critical PlayStation 3 exclusive that helped it finally catch up with the Xbox 360. Furthermore, many will say it's the best game for the platform.

Complex and detailed - Metal Gear Solild 4: Guns of the Patriots

While the messy online mode is long gone, you'll still spend tens of hours completing the campaign. As you can predict, this is a complex game with extraordinary attention to detail. It also helps that it's visually stunning and runs smoothly, unlike many PS3 games. Still, if you don't follow the franchise religiously, it may take time to understand what's happening!

Many other PlayStation 3 exclusives make this console still relevant, but none of them belong to expensive PS3 games. These include Folklore, Wipeout HD, Tales of Xillia, Warhawk, Starhawk, Katamari Forever, 3D Dot Game Heroes, and others. As the games and the console are incredibly cheap, now is the perfect time to experience the best of the PS3!

Did you ever own a PS3, and do you have it now? What are your best PS3 exclusives in our top ten or outside of it?

Cover photo: Nikita Kostrykin/Unsplash


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Gamer Says:

The last great console generation, ps3 had it all, by the way I have all the 10 games mentioned in this article.

April 10 at 06:19:11 PM

Michael Wendom Says:

Than you have an excellent taste :)

April 12 at 08:12:21 AM

Slayer938 Says:

PS3 will forever be the strangest PlayStation console, and maybe the last one that was so hard to develop for. I personally love it and I have most of the best exclusives.

August 12 at 02:52:23 PM

Lowry Says:

I still have my PS3 Slim and about 70 games - I hope I won't ever sell them. I have almost all of these exclusives, except for Ratchet and Clank.

July 25 at 01:18:06 PM

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