Countdown to PS4: The Top 5 PS3 Games

As we get closer to today’s Sony event and the unveiling of the PS4, we’re taking a trip down nostalgia lane and counting down the best games to ever grace the PlayStation platforms. This time around, we’re featuring the top 5 PS3 games. Remember, games are representative of their respective series, so you only make it on a list once. These titles don’t have to be PlayStation exclusive, but if they are multiplatform, there must be significant ties to the PlayStation’s heritage. But you’re not here to listen to me prattle on with long-winded introductions, so on to the show. Here are the top 5 games for PS3:

#5- inFAMOUS (Series)

When inFAMOUS was first announced, it was hard to push aside early comparisons to Prototype, since both featured antiheroes with incredible super powers in an open city environment. But series protagonist Cole MacGrath soon proved he could stand on his own two lightning rods, err, feet. Taking place in the fictional Empire City, players could command electricity-based powers in ways never before seen in a videogame. Whether slinging small bolts of lightning, summoning massive lightning storms, or grinding along rails dodging trains, players felt increasingly empowered as the game went on. inFAMOUS 2 went on to further these powers by adding some interesting elemental-themed abilities to Cole’s arsenal, keeping the experience fresh while introducing new combat strategies. While morality plays a role in determining the outcome, players are encouraged to experiment during subsequent playthroughs, unlocking access to different abilities depending on Cole’s karmic affinity.

#4- Heavy Rain

David Cage recently spoke during the DICE 2013 summit about how he’d like to see games mature into more emotionally important experiences. While certainly not Quantic Dream’s first attempt at making an emotional, story-driven experience, (see: Omikron: The Nomad Soul and Fahrenheit) Heavy Rain pushed Cage’s ideas to a new standard. Featuring four separate protagonists, Heavy Rain is dubbed an “interactive, action-adventure, psychological thriller” in which players are bound to the investigation of a string of serial killings by the “origami killer.” Each character is tied to the investigation in a different way, and all of their paths inevitably intertwine before the game concludes. Featuring incredible graphics, a unique twist on gameplay mechanics, and an engaging narrative, Heavy Rain is a title that stands out from the crowd as an example of powerful storytelling in games.

#3- Ratchet & Clank: Future (Series)

While the Ratchet & Clank series began on the PlayStation 2, the series took the next-gen leap in stride; providing some of the series’ best gameplay and level design on the PlayStation 3. Featuring that lovable-Lombax, Ratchet, and his ever-reliable robo-companion Clank, the Future series introduced players to whole new worlds of gameplay, literally. Armed with an assortment of brand new weapons, players could visit diverse new areas in search of Ratchet’s remaining Lombax brethren. The locations were gorgeous, the enemies were as unique and witty as always, and the gameplay was top notch. The Ratchet & Clank: Future series took everything that made the PS2 games classic and upgraded it to the max level; and is a shining example of how you re-launch a series on next-gen hardware.

#2- Journey

While it may be relatively new in terms of the console’s life cycle, Journey made quick work of impressing people in the short year it’s been available. While it’s always been thatgamecompany’s mission to provide unique experiences within the “art game” genre, Journey displayed the developer’s ideas in a way that could finally resonate with a wider audience.  Looking to evoke a sense of wonder, players assume the role of a robed figure and are tasked with traveling toward a mountain in the distance. Along the way, players will encounter others just like them, sharing the common goal of simply advancing the journey; and while they may assist each other physically, their only method of communication is through small, unintelligible shouts. What follows is a unique experience of unspoken communication. Players engage one another and form unspoken alliances as they attempt to complete their own, personal journey. The result is something profound and beautiful, and all the evidence you need to support the development of art games as a legitimate form of interactive experiences.

#1- Uncharted (Series)

I mean, come on. It’s Uncharted. The journey of Nathan Drake has redefined the action-adventure genre for generations to come (and led to the explosion in mainstream popularity of voice actor Nolan North.) With a focus on cinematic storytelling, engaging characters brought to life thanks to well-written dialogue, and high-octane action set pieces, Uncharted provides all the excitement of those classic Indiana Jones adventures, with all the immersive fun of an interactive experience only video games can provide. Journeying the world with Drake has become a staple of the PS3, turning the franchise into a system seller long before the sequels ever came around. If you own a PS3, you’re absolutely obligated to give these games a try. And thus, it belongs at the top of this list.

There you have it, the top 5 PS3 games. Did your favorites make it on the list of some of the best PlayStation games? If not, feel free to share your own list, and cry foul at mine, in the comments below. Let the inevitable countdown wars begin…