The PlayStation 2 was a massive success and is still one of the best selling home consoles of all time so when Sony announced the PlayStation 3, people were very excited. Though the PlayStation 3 wasn’t a failure, it was Sony’s first loss since entering the console market in 1994.
The PlayStation 3 was notoriously difficult to develop games for, making third-party titles run better on their competitors console, Microsoft’s Xbox 360. However, there were still many great games for the console with some that didn’t get the attention they deserved. So to shine some light on some lesser-known games, here are 10 of the best PlayStation 3 games that could use some more love.
10 Lair
Lair was a very early game for the PlayStation 3 and acted as a sort of tech demo for the Sixaxis controller. You control a knight who rides a dragon and can engage battles in the air or on the ground. Opposed to controlling the dragon you ride in the game with the analog sticks, you could instead physically move the controller up, down, left, and right to guide your dragon along. The motion control was forced on players which lead to bad reviews, however, a patch was launched not long after the game was released allowing for more traditional controls.
9 Folklore
Folklore is a PlayStation 3 exclusive hack and slash with a heavy emphasis on story. The combat in the game is real-time and done with spirits and creatures you summon to help you fight. You play as either Ellen or Keets who are attempting to uncover the mystery behind the murders that have taken place in a small village.
You go from the real world into different realms which all have a very unique style. As you defeat different creatures, you consume their souls and can later use their attacks to help you fight.
8 Deadly Premonition Director’s Edition
Deadly Premonition Director’s Edition sets a very odd atmosphere that is quite unlike any other game. While the game does take a lot of inspiration from Twin Peaks, it manages to also have its own personality and identity. Deadly Premonition Director’s Edition is a survival horror game where you investigate a small town in search of a serial killer. The small town is filled with odd and eccentric characters that really help give the game its own feel. While the game itself is buggy at times, the story and wacky characters make it more than worth a playthrough.
7 Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection
Ico and Shadow of the Colossus were both developed by Team Ico and originally released for the PlayStation 2. While Shadow of the Colossus was remade for the PlayStation 4, Ico remains exclusive to the PlayStation 2 and the PlayStation 3 compilation.
Shadow of the Colossus is an epic adventure where you must go across a forbidden land and take out 16 massive colossi in order to resurrect a dead girl. In Ico, you play as a young boy who has been banished and locked away but after escaping you find a young girl who you must guide through this strange world.
6 Heavenly Sword
Heavenly Sword came out at the height of God of War’s popularity and was seen as God of War but with a girl. However, Heavenly Sword is much more than just a clone. Heavenly Sword stood out in its time for its amazing visuals and great presentation with the game still looking very good to this day. The game was a collaboration between Ninja Theory, who made the newer Ninja Gaiden games and DMC: Devil May Cry, and Sony. The combat is done through three different stances your character can use to fight: strong, fast, and long-range, with each serving a different purpose.
5 3D Dot Game Heroes
Developed by Atlus, 3D Dot Game Heroes is a clone of top-down The Legend of Zelda games with similar combat. The entire game is comprised of small cubes that represent ‘bits’ on older consoles. You can create your own character using these bits with all of the environments being built with them as well. The use of the bits and some excellent lighting gives the game a very unique look. Unfortunately, this game remains exclusive to the PlayStation 3 so playing it may require a trip to your local game store.
4 Dragon’s Crown
Dragon’s Crown was developed by Vanillaware, the creators of Odin’s Sphere and Muramasa: The Demon Blade. Like other Vanillaware games, Dragon’s Crown is a beat ‘em up with heavy RPG elements and some amazing hand-drawn visuals. You can pick from a few different classes like Knight, Amazon, and Dwarf who use brute force, the Elf who uses bows and knives, and the Wizard and Sorceress who use magic. The game is filled with many well-drawn bosses that fill the entire screen like massive dragons and other mythical creatures.
3 Valkyria Chronicles
Valkyria Chronicles developed by Sega is a tactical role-playing game with awesome cel-shaded graphics. You move your troops around in order to get an advantageous position over your enemies which requires planning and strategy.
Unlike most other tactical role-playing games, in Valkyria Chronicles when you plan to attack you can actually aim your gun as you would in a third-person shooter, giving the game a bit more interaction. The game was followed up with a sequel for the PlayStation Portable with the third game in the series receiving a much wider release.
2 Asura's Wrath
Asura's Wrath is a third-person action game similar to games like God of War and Devil May Cry. You play as Asura as you attempt to save your daughter from the gods, destroying any that get in your way. The boss battles are epic, with one being larger than the earth itself. The game is played out like an anime with each episode having credits and a recap of the previous episode. The games art style is very unique and takes a lot of inspiration from Japanese mythology and history.
1 Catherine
Catherine is a puzzle game mixed with a story that centers around Vincent, a guy in his thirties who awakens one day to fight out that he has cheated on his girlfriend Katherine with a girl named Catherine.
Each part of the game is broken up into one of seven nights. You start off drinking at your favorite bar then go home to sleep where the actual game takes place. You must rearrange blocks in order to make it to the top of the tower. In the morning you awake an experience more of the story, most of which is played out in full-motion anime-inspired cutscenes.