Best PS Plus PS3 Games

Roughly halfway through 2022, Sony launched the new and improved PlayStation Plus. Serving as a subscription service, players can join one of three tiers to gain access to a library of titles. While PS Plus Essential only provides a few free games per month, PS Plus Extra includes a wide selection of PS5 and PS4 titles that can be downloaded and installed at any moment. If someone wishes to extend their reach, they can subscribe to PS Plus Premium, which adds PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSP releases.

Premium’s main offerings are PlayStation 3 games, with the tier including hundreds of projects released during the seventh console generation. While not exhaustive, PS Plus Premium has some of the console’s strongest offerings which hold up well after all these years. Beyond the greatest hits, the service also has a number of hidden gems and lesser-known delights that might have been overlooked by some folks during their original runs. Nowadays, these releases can be hard to come by, so PS Plus Premium makes them a lot more accessible.

What are the best PS Plus PS3 games?

PS4 remasters of PS3 games will be included since they are associated with the latter hardware. While these PS4 versions can be downloaded and installed on Sony’s consoles, native PS3 games can only be streamed through PS Plus.

Heavenly Sword

Metascore: 79

Ninja Theory’s game has a peculiar reputation since it debuted during a time when the PS3 had a serious shortage of exclusives; consequently, Heavenly Sword was pushed as a system seller akin to something like God of War. That is simply too much pressure to put on any game, let alone a new intellectual property. Unsurprisingly, the title failed to meet those expectations.

When viewed in isolation, Heavenly Sword more than holds its own in the hack and slash genre. Ninja Theory crafted a fast-paced battle system revolving around a multiform weapon, and the combat is a great deal of fun despite lacking depth. The game elevates a decent story through the use of motion capture technology, and its cutscenes rank among the most visually impressive on the PS3.

Batman: Arkham City (Return To Arkham)

Metascore: 96

Rocksteady revitalized superhero games with their Arkham trilogy, all of which are available on PS Plus Premium. Batman: Arkham City greatly expands upon the ideas of its predecessor, Arkham Asylum, by dropping the Caped Crusader in an immaculately designed world filled with secondary content. The sequel also delivers a tight main storyline that builds towards a satisfying conclusion; along the way, DC fans get to face off against some of Batman’s most iconic villains.

Arkham City‘s combat system has aged like fine wine; it is fast-paced, intuitive, aggressive, and demands someone’s full attention at all times. While the Return to Arkham remasters are not a slam dunk, they at least allow PS Plus subscribers to download rather than stream these games.

Devil May Cry 4

Metascore: 84

Along with the Devil May Cry HD Collection, Capcom’s fourth entry in the franchise is available through PS Plus Premium. Admittedly, playing this game through streaming is not ideal since executing combos requires precise button inputs, however, permitting there isn’t too much lag, Devil May Cry 4 is a fantastic hack-and-slash title.

While the environments and story can get repetitive, the combat is tight, complex, and designed for repeat playthroughs. Nero and Dante also control very differently, and they are both a great deal of fun in their own right. Although the character is somewhat polarizing, Nero is an absolute blast to control, and he is also quite accessible. As the franchise’s most iconic character, Dante needs no introduction, and outside of Devil May Cry 5, he is at his best in DMC4.

Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time

Metascore: 87

PS Plus Premium gives players access to Ratchet & Clank‘s PS3 era, including spin-offs such as All 4 One and Full Frontal Assault. All of these titles have something of value to offer, but A Crack in Time provides the most complete Ratchet & Clank experience out of the games available through the subscription service.

Marking the peak of the “Future Saga,” A Crack in Time is a continuation of the brilliance established by the franchise’s PS2 games, albeit with a slightly heavier focus on combat. Visually great for its time (and still pleasant on the eyes), A Crack in Time is a polished action-adventure title with awesome gameplay.

Tokyo Jungle

Metascore: 74

Certain games are so bizarre that they immediately stand out from a crowd, regardless of whether they attract negative or positive attention. Tokyo Jungle is one of those titles. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players take control of different animals as they traverse a deteriorating Tokyo in order to piece together the events that led to this future.

Along with a Story mode, Tokyo Jungle has a Survival mode that allows players to pick one animal to face the world’s hardships. Through this campaign, other types of animals can be unlocked, encouraging repeat playthroughs. Tokyo Jungle is not perfect, but there is no other game like it on PS Plus Premium.

Rage

Metascore: 81

Despite garnering reasonably positive reviews, Rage has a reputation for being somewhat of a disappointment. Although the developer had arguably lost some steam by the early 2010s, id Software was still the company behind Wolfenstein, Quake, and Doom, and many hoped that Rage would stand alongside those juggernauts. Ultimately, the title fell short of those expectations; however, there is still a fun game here.

Unsurprisingly, Rage‘s greatest feature is its gunplay. The combat is smooth, satisfying, and packs a punch. The aggressive AI enemies are also a highlight, ensuring that most situations are intense and vicious. Even all these years later, Rage is still a decent-looking first-person shooter with above-average gameplay.

Puppeteer

Metascore: 80

A delightful platformer that has been slightly forgotten, Puppeteer oozes imagination, personality, and charm. Presented as a stage show, players control Kutaro, a puppet who can swap heads as he makes his way through 21 stages filled with souls to save and bosses to defeat.

Puppeteer‘s visual style is captivating, offering a fantastic mix of whimsy and nightmarish elements. The story is also entertaining, especially since the game mostly assumes a comedic tone. This platformer was a late release in the PS3’s life, so for those who missed it, Puppeteer is waiting for them on PS Plus Premium.

Mega Man 9

Metascore: 77

Nowadays, Mega Man 9 has lost some of its shine as the game is derivative of early entries in the franchise. However, in 2008, Capcom had not produced a traditional Mega Man project in roughly a decade; consequently, this sequel was exactly what the license needed. More importantly, Mega Man 9 comes extremely close to perfecting the franchise’s formula by delivering brilliant level design and a great selection of bosses (and, by extension, boss weapons).

Like most of the best classic platformers, Mega Man 9 can be frustratingly difficult at times, but the game rarely comes across as unfair. It just makes players work for the end credits.

Mega Man 10 is also on PS Plus Premium and is quite good, although its predecessor is superior.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma

Metascore: 88

Similar to Devil May Cry 4, this Ninja Gaiden Sigma recommendation comes with the caveat that PS Plus Premium users need to have a stellar connection as this is one game that can’t be played with any significant lag. All of Team Ninja’s franchise is available on Sony’s subscription service, with 2007’s Ninja Gaiden Sigma being the best of the bunch.

As Ryu (and a number of other characters), players battle their way through grim streets and dark catacombs utilizing a vicious combat system that prioritizes precision and efficiency above showmanship. Ninja Gaiden Sigma is punishing, quite long, and a lot of fun.

Metascore: 93

The precursor to Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion compares favorably to its successor in various ways, particularly when it comes to its writing and story. While the 2006 game’s gameplay and visuals show their age, Oblivion‘s open-world still has the capacity to impress through the sheer scope of its ambitious nature. The RPG genre has developed quite a bit since the release of this title, but players fond of TES lore will have a blast revisiting this 2000s classic. The game is pretty difficult, rewards exploration, and has some fantastic side quests.

F.E.A.R.

Metascore: 72

F.E.A.R. is a rare example of an action horror game that manages to be a triumph in both areas. As a military shooter, F.E.A.R. is a more than enjoyable mid-2000s entry, one that balances responsive gunplay with complementary mechanics such as a system that slows down time.

As a horror title, F.E.A.R. builds suspense beautifully through its sense of mystery and the sporadic appearances of the unsettling Alma Wade. Each moment featuring the terrifying girl is intense, and they are paced perfectly throughout the campaign so that they remain impactful.

Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition

Metascore: 84

PS Plus has a healthy selection of Resident Evil games, particularly the Premium tier. Except for the original game’s remake, Umbrella Corps, and Resident Evil 7, the PS3 versions of the games are on PS Plus, including Resident Evil 4, the Revelations games, and Resident Evil 6. While not perhaps the greatest way to experience all of these titles, the service at least makes a large portion of the franchise’s output accessible with the click of a button.

In hindsight, the PS3 era was a low point for Capcom’s series since the mainline entries largely ditched the license’s horror roots in favor of B-movie action. That said, Resident Evil 5 is a fairly enjoyable third-person shooter in its own right, especially if two players join forces to take on the campaign’s co-op mode. As frustrating as certain sections of the game can be, RE5 still manages to incorporate a few intense sequences. The West African setting also gives the story a different feel from the rest of the series.

inFAMOUS 2

Metascore: 83

If there is one franchise that Sony needs to revive, it is inFAMOUS. In the meantime, fans can play through most of the franchise on PS Plus Premium, with First Light being the only one missing. Newcomers to the series should start with the first game since it introduces Cole MacGrath and has a pretty decent story, however, its sequel improves the gameplay considerably.

The franchise’s biggest selling point is the Karma system that reflects Cole’s actions, allowing players to pursue a heroic or villainous lifestyle. Depending on the path taken, different moves are unlocked, greatly enhancing inFAMOUS 2‘s replayability.

Metascore: 88

Firaxis’ XCOM is arguably the quintessential modern turn-based tactics franchise. PS Plus has XCOM 2 as part of the Extra tier, while Premium subscribers can also jump into Enemy Within. For the uninitiated, this title is an expansion of 2012’s Enemy Unknown, and the PS3 version includes the base game along with the additional content. Essentially, Enemy Within is the definitive iteration of Firaxis’ influential tactics game.

Earth has been targeted by an extraterrestrial threat, and XCOM stands in the way of humanity’s defeat. Players put together a squad of elite warriors capable of overwhelming enemies in turn-based combat, and Enemy Within supports permadeath. Outside of battles, players must strategically plan out Earth’s defenses and offensive growth, almost acting as sort of a management sim.

XCOM 2 improves upon its predecessor in a handful of ways, but Enemy Within should still be played before jumping into its sequel.

Super Stardust HD

Metascore: 85

Over the last two decades, Housemarque has quietly established itself as one of Sony’s most dependable studios. While jumping up a notch during the PS4 era, the developer also had a great run on the PS3 with titles like Dead Nation and Outland, both games which are very good in their own right. However, Housemarque’s best PS3 game was arguably Super Stardust HD, a shoot ‘em up that takes a few pages from classics like Asteroids while adding some unique twists.

As with most entries in the genre, players take control of a spaceship and are tasked with destroying everything that moves. It is a simple formula that has worked beautifully for decades. Super Stardust HD complements this basic gameplay loop by emphasizing weapon types and mobility. The former need to be smartly swapped out to suit the enemies on hand, while the latter comes courtesy of stages designed around planets rather than the typical forward-moving levels.

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes

Metascore: 81

PS Plus Premium subscribers have a plethora of LEGO games to keep them entertained, and their favorite title might come down to their preferred license. Sony’s service has LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, and Star Wars, all of which are highly regarded. In this case, LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes has received the nod, although it is acting as a representative of the LEGO brand more than anything else.

Hilariously paying tribute to a wide selection of DC’s greatest heroes and villains, LEGO Batman 2 features a well-realized recreation of Gotham City that players can roam to their hearts’ content. The gameplay is simple but satisfying, and it is just fun to unlock and try out all the different characters available in the game.

Saints Row 2

Metascore: 82

PS Plus has a few Saints Row titles, but the only one that is part of the Classics catalog is Saints Row 2. Generally regarded as the best entry in the series, the 2008 game is considerably more “grounded” than its sequels and plays out like a comedic version of a pre-2010 Grand Theft Auto project. Set in Stilwater, Saints Row 2 tasks players with reforming the Saints as they set out to take back the streets they once dominated.

Although the story and characters are entertaining and well-written, Saints Row 2 is all about its sandbox and the freedom it provides players. Even if the weapons are not as silly as some other entries in the franchise, unfiltered chaos is still the name of the game.

The Last Of Us (Remastered)

Metascore: 95

The Last of Us needs no introduction. Naughty Dog’s masterpiece was released to a standing ovation from critics and players. In a post-apocalyptic world filled with clickers, the bitter Joel has to guide a young girl named Ellie to a group of Fireflies hiding in Massachusetts, a trek that leads them across the United States. Ellie happens to be immune to the virus that turns everyone into (essentially) zombies, which makes her humanity’s best hope for survival.

The Last of Us takes a conventional premise and delivers a deep character study filled with moments that refuse to be forgotten. The gameplay is hard-hitting and intense, as Joel is far from an action hero.

Dishonored (Definitive Edition)

Metascore: 80 (Definitive Edition)

Debuting in 2012 before receiving an eighth-generation update in 2015, Dishonored is still among Arkane’s crowning achievements, aging relatively well thanks to its engaging story, liberating level design, and adaptable combat system. Now, to be fair, people who have only played the studio’s subsequent releases like Dishonored 2 or Deathloop might find this game’s gameplay to be a notable step back; however, it also helped cement many of the core concepts and conventions that would become cornerstones of the Arkane blueprint.

Dishonored‘s story is among its strongest elements, and it follows Corvo, who is framed for the murder of an empress. The fugitive quickly becomes something of a freedom fighter as he sets off to execute a series of missions designed to take down the people in control of Dunwall. While stealth is suggested, Dishonored gives players a fair amount of leeway in how they can approach objectives, granting them free rein during missions.

MotorStorm Apocalypse

Metascore: 77

Sadly, Sony does not seem interested in revisiting MotorStorm. At the very least, the franchise is represented by PS Plus Premium, with the service containing the last two entries in the series. RC Complete Edition is a solid arcade racer, however, Apocalypse is generally regarded as MotorStorm‘s peak. Taking place within a world that is falling apart at the seams, the 2011 game is gloriously outlandish, almost coming across like a racer set in the early days of the Mad Max universe.

The setting is not the only thing that MotorStorm Apocalypse has to offer as the gameplay, vehicle variety, and handling are also very good. This is one of the best racing games on PS Plus Premium, particularly for people who prefer arcade experiences over sims.

Demon’s Souls

Metascore: 89

PS Plus Premium subscribers can pick between 2009’s Demon’s Souls and 2020’s PS5 remake, and the availability of the latter makes revisiting the former a bit unappealing. To be clear, FromSoftware’s version is one of the best PS3 games on PS Plus Premium, but it is antiquated in quite a few ways. The game’s combat system can be particularly off-putting, especially for those who have only experienced Bloodborne or Dark Souls 3.

Nevertheless, Demon’s Souls is a landmark release in gaming and deserves recognition. It can also be fun to compare and contrast the vanilla version with the remake.

Split/Second

Metascore: 84

One of the best PS3 games on PS Plus, Split/Second is a relentless fun racing game that throws caution to the wind and embraces absurdity. Framed around a reality TV show, players must pull off Hollywood-style stunts as they race to the finish. The arcade racer plays similarly to some kart racers, making it easy and satisfying to pull off drifts.

While online multiplayer is not much of a feature nowadays, Split/Second‘s single-player campaign is arguably its most enjoyable mode. Along with just being over-the-top in the best possible way, the single-player is also quite lengthy. The game even supports split-screen for those who want to race a friend.

Fallout: New Vegas

Metascore: 82

Given Bethesda’s association with Microsoft, there are a surprising number of Fallout games on PS Plus. Out of all the ones available with Premium, New Vegas is the strongest RPG and comes closest to replicating the magic of the earlier isometric entries in the series.

Fallout: New Vegas has fantastic storytelling, an immersive world, and a wide selection of unforgettable quests. This spin-off is just as good as any mainline entry in the series, and it has arguably aged better than Fallout 3 or 4; consequently, any subscribers looking to try their first Fallout project can do much worse than one of the best PS3 PS Plus games.

The Darkness Games

Metascore: 80 (The Darkness)

Debuting in 1996’s Witchblade #10 comic, Jackie Estacado eventually made his way to the gaming industry, starring in two underappreciated gems that carefully blend story and combat. The Darkness follows a made man empowered with a demonic force that manifests as tentacles; when his girlfriend is kidnapped, Jackie sets out to take down his uncle. The sequel finds Jackie as the Don of the Franchetti family and involves a trip to hell.

The Darkness games are both awesome, albeit for different reasons. 2007’s release tells a gripping story that expertly combines the mafia and horror genres, all the while delivering serviceable gameplay. Comparatively, 2012’s sequel falls short in the narrative department, although it is hardly terrible. However, The Darkness 2 has vastly improved combat.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Nathan Drake Collection)

Metascore: 96

The Nathan Drake Collection contains remasters of Naughty Dog’s PS3 trilogy, while PS Plus Extra also has Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy. Combined, these games should keep someone busy for roughly 60 hours, and the journey is filled with high points.

Uncharted 2 is right up there with the best PS3 games, and it represents everything great about Naughty Dog’s type of projects. It is ambitious, filled with lovable or memorable characters, and barely has a dull moment.

Enslaved: Odyssey To The West

Metascore: 80

While Heavenly Sword is not on PS Plus Premium, Sony’s streaming service has Ninja Theory’s follow-up project, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. Featuring great performances and a well-told story centering around a lovable odd couple, this 2010 game is epic in every sense of the word. As Monkey, players crash-land on a post-apocalyptic Earth overrun with machines.

Due to an explosive headband, Monkey is forced to accompany Trip on a voyage across the United States, a journey that proves to be quite emotionally satisfying. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is ambitious and holds up well in a number of key areas, mainly its plot, characters, and environments. The combat was never that great, but it does not hinder the game either.

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition

Metacritic: 67

Capcom’s Lost Planet only lasted one generation, and a revival does not appear to be on the cards at the moment. All three main entries are available on PS Plus, and they are quite different from each other. Lost Planet 2 is arguably the pick of the bunch, but it loses a lot of steam when played solo, to the point of barely being recommendable. Still, if a friend is around, the game is worth a playthrough. Lost Planet 3 is the black sheep of the family and a stark departure from the previous two entries. Developed by a Western team, this sequel is closer to a conventional third-person shooter, and it is considerably more story-driven than the other games. Although not awful, it is forgettable.

That leaves Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, a fairly dated title that reaches quite a few lofty highs but stumbles along the way. A polarizing experience, Lost Planet shines in its sense of scale, particularly when it comes to boss fights. The weighty combat takes some getting used to, especially if a player is only familiar with modern shooters, but it does complement the setting quite well. While most missions take place in fairly open areas, Lost Planet is generally quite linear, which is hardly a negative when it comes to a Capcom product.

Heavy Rain

Metascore: 87

Quantic Dream specializes in a specific type of project: interactive dramas. Essentially movies that occasionally permit the audience to press a button or make a choice that impacts the narrative, these games are an acquired taste, but they can be addictive when they hit the mark with a player.

Heavy Rain was the release that really put Quantic Dream on the map, and while the 2010 title was surpassed by some of the studio’s subsequent projects, its high points are nevertheless impressive. Even if the gameplay leaves something to be desired, the story of the Origami Killer makes Heavy Rain one of the best PS Plus PlayStation 3 games.

Siren: Blood Curse

Metascore: 78

PS Plus Premium subscribers have access to 2003’s Siren and 2008’s Siren: Blood Curse. The latter remade the former to an extent, although it introduced so many different elements that both games are different enough to be worth recommending. Blood Curse is split into episodes, which are fairly short individually but combine to create a lengthy and enjoyable survival horror game. Featuring multiple playable characters and a strong sense of mystery, the title follows a TV crew investigating a supposedly lost Japanese village, which naturally takes them on a wild and horrifying journey.

Blood Curse‘s most notable feature is the ability to see the world from the perspective of the Shibito, the story’s enemies. As this is a stealth game, this mechanic complements the gameplay exceptionally well, while also heightening the fear factor as few things are as terrifying as switching to a Shibito and realizing they are extremely close.

Resistance 3

Metascore: 83

Somewhat surprisingly, PS Plus Premium only has the third entry in this PlayStation-exclusive series. Resistance saw its time in the sun come to an end in one generation, but all three main games are good shooters. Resistance 3 doesn’t re-invent the wheel, opting to offer a familiar experience that is elevated by a cinematic presentation.

Resistance 3 has a bit more of a stand-alone, personal storyline than the previous two entries in the franchise. As such, newcomers should not feel too lost playing through its campaign.

God Of War 3 (Remastered)

Metascore: 81

God of War 3 marked the end of an era for Kratos. Fueled by pure hatred, the Spartan finally gets his hands on the main Olympian gods, spilling rivers of blood as a result. God of War 3 feels major in every conceivable way; the boss fights are vicious, the visuals are stunning, and the combat system is addictive.

This is one of the defining games of the PlayStation 3 era, and none of its brilliance is lost in the remaster. PS Plus Premium subscribers can play through all the franchise’s console games.

Hotline Miami

Metascore: 87

Dennaton’s Hotline Miami is a masterpiece that not only put Devolver Digital on the map as a publisher but also helped usher in a new era of quality for the indie scene. A homage to and critique of ’80s action movies and their brand of glorified violence, Hotline Miami features an anonymous protagonist who accepts missions that basically boil down to “go to a place and kill anything that moves.” On the surface, the premise sounds overly simplistic, but the game makes the most of it through a stylish presentation, clever and ambiguous writing, and tight gameplay.

Although it flashes a light on gaming’s habit of embracing hyper-violence just for the sake of it, Hotline Miami somehow manages to deliver a fun bloodbath without coming across as hypocritical. Part of that is due to the game’s surreal tone and aesthetic, although the gameplay’s addictive nature is probably the main reason.

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