Sony has launched its PlayStation Plus tiers system in North America, combining the older iteration of this service with PS Now. Console owners can subscribe to three PS Plus tiers – Essential, Extra, and Premium – to gain access to a range of benefits, including an expansive library of games for the final two levels.
If someone wants to play PlayStation 3 games, they will need to subscribe to PlayStation Plus Premium to gain access to the library’s Classics collection. There are hundreds of titles available, but which are the best PS3 games on PS Plus Premium?
Heavenly Sword
Heavenly Sword was December 2022’s sole PlayStation 3 addition to PS Plus. 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)
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
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
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.
Limbo
Playdead is known for crafting minimalist puzzle-platformers with cryptic storylines and creepy visuals. PS Plus Extra subscribers have access to Inside, which is generally regarded as the developer’s magnum opus; in addition, Premium members can also play Limbo, which is the next best thing to Inside.
A boy wakes up in a nightmarish forest alone, prompting him to head out on a harrowing journey to find his missing sister. Along the way, he encounters hostile animals and humans, along with a myriad of puzzles that present a decent challenge. Limbo shrouds its world in darkness, both figuratively and literally. Encouraging players to come to their own conclusions, the story keeps things vague by presenting only snippets of this universe’s lore.
Tokyo Jungle
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.
Puppeteer
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
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 quite good, although its predecessor is superior.
Ninja Gaiden Sigma
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.
BioShock (Remastered)
One of the greatest projects of all time, BioShock changed the perception of gaming for the better. The FPS takes place in Rapture, a splendidly realized fallen paradise dripping in environmental nuances that come together to create a holistic experience with precious few peers.
BioShock weaves a captivating narrative that touches upon philosophical and ethical themes, all the while delivering reasonably fun gameplay courtesy of the plasmids. The remastered versions of the BioShock trilogy are on PS Plus Premium, and they are all great in their own ways.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
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.
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.
Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends
PS Plus Premium has a lot of Musou games, particularly from the PS3 era. Warriors Orochi 3 is a good pick for newcomers who want to sample this niche subgenre, but it is not the best version of that title. Consequently, Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends gets the nod since it is about as strong of an entry as Omega Force’s main series has produced.
For the uninitiated, Musou refers to hack-and-slash games that pit the player against full armies filled with enemies who are just wanting to be blown away. Even though not completely devoid of challenge, Dynasty Warriors 8 is ultimately a power fantasy with gameplay that can be quite cathartic.
Resident Evil 4
For a long while, a new console couldn’t seem to exist without a Resident Evil 4 port. Capcom’s iconic horror game was released across three PlayStation generations, with the PS3 version landing on PS Plus Premium.
Resident Evil 4 completed the franchise’s shift towards action-first gameplay, sparking a polarizing period for the series that eventually led to somewhat of a return to form with the seventh main entry. Regardless of what came out after Resident Evil 4, this entry’s brilliance is beyond question. Iconic in every sense of the word, RE4 has aged remarkably well.
inFAMOUS 2
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.
Retro City Rampage DX
A throwback to classic games of yesteryear, Retro City Rampage DX pays homage to retro games along with the isometric GTA projects. In Theftropolis, the player goes on a time-traveling misadventure that is packed to the brim with references and humor. Along with exploring a colorful city, players can jump into unique levels with different gameplay stylings.
Retro City Rampage DX is fueled by nostalgia, but that’s not the only thing the game has going for it. While the story is silly, the writing is generally endearing, and the missions are short enough to ensure that none of them overstay their welcome.
XCOM: Enemy Within
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.
Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow
Konami’s Castlevania was largely ignored during the 2010s, with the only releases coming courtesy of the Lords of Shadow spin-off series. These games saw the franchise enter 3D territory for the first time in a while, a move that did not fully pay off. While the sequel killed the series’ momentum, the original LoS is a solid action game in its own right. MercurySteam took inspiration from God of War, delivering a combat-heavy experience consisting of primarily linear levels. The latter proved to be a sticking point with long-time fans of the license since exploration had become a big part of the Castlevania experience during the ’90s.
When viewed in isolation, LoS is a polished, above-average game with gorgeous visuals and responsive gameplay. Its puzzles are generally creative, and the campaign has plenty of platforming sections as well. Even though there are better Castlevania games out there, LoS is the best title available on PS Plus Premium.
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition
Capcom’s Lost Planet franchise was not long for this world, but all the games can be revisited through PS Plus Premium. This trilogy is an odd beast since each entry does its own thing. While Lost Planet 2 is an over-the-top action-fest revolving around multiplayer, Lost Planet 3 is a story-driven single-player game that takes itself far more seriously.
All three projects have something to offer, but Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is arguably the strongest of the bunch. This third-person shooter has impressive visuals, fun gameplay, and a fascinating setting. Even though it is a bit rough around the edges, this game’s high points are pretty high.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Ultimate Sith Edition
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed was a huge deal when it came out. Starkiller’s debut game tapped into the Star Wars mythos by delivering a story that stood well on its own while still bringing in beloved characters that felt true to their movie counterparts. Released in a post-God of War world, The Force Unleashed features a streamlined campaign that is primarily driven by accessible but flashy combat that utilizes both melee attacks and Force powers.
The Force Unleashed allows players to pick the Light or Dark side, making choices that determine the story’s outcome. The game’s strongest point is its story, and while Starkiller might not be the most captivating protagonist ever, his journey is one worth taking. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 is also on PS Plus Premium.
LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
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
PS Plus has every Saints Row title except for the 2006 original, 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)
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.
MotorStorm Apocalypse
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
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.
Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten
PS Plus Premium subscribers have access to four Disgaea games, including the PS4’s fifth entry. All the PS3 releases are solid grid-based tactical JRPGs that will likely hit the mark for fans of the genre. During this generation, the series fine-tuned its gameplay with each new entry; consequently, Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten is the strongest project from a mechanical perspective.
Disgaea has an extensive class system, accessible but deep combat, and humorous stories filled with colorful characters. The latter can be divisive from entry to entry, but A Promise Unforgotten is one of the more consistent projects in the franchise. If someone is looking to dip their toes into the world of Disgaea, the 2014 release is a decent place to start.
Split/Second
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
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.
The Darkness Games
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 kidnaped, 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)
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.
Way Of The Samurai 4 Plus
Way of the Samurai is an acquired taste, to put it mildly. The games have a steep learning curve and can feel clunky to play, especially while players are trying to come to grips with the controls. Still, this niche franchise captures the sense of being a wandering samurai better than most of its contemporaries, and the fourth entry is arguably the strongest in the series.
Way of the Samurai 4 takes place in a port town torn by faction warfare, and players are left to decide how they would like to get involved in the setting’s stories. The game immerses players in this small hub, encouraging them to live among the locals and craft relationships. The combat system supports a wide range of styles, although it can be polarizing.
Enslaved: Odyssey To The West
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.
Asura’s Wrath
Asura’s Wrath tells the epic story of a demigod who is betrayed by his peers, spends a few thousand years in something akin to a prison, and then comes back with a vengeance. Published by Capcom, CyberConnect 2’s title plays out like an anime, with its story being split into episodes. These long cutscenes are intercut with gameplay sections that largely focus on beat ’em up-style combat.
As a game, Asura’s Wrath is nothing special and quite bare bones; however, as an experience, this title is a highly entertaining ride packed to the brim with gloriously over-the-top sequences. That said, this release is a better anime than it is a game.
Heavy Rain
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.
Resistance 3
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 above-average 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)
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.
The Yakuza Remastered Collection
Added to PS Plus Premium as part of the October 2022 line-up, The Yakuza Remastered Collection contains Yakuza 3, 4, and 5. Unlike the Kiwami releases, this collection’s games are remasters rather than remakes, and they stick to enhancing the visuals. Consequently, players going from Kiwami 2 to Yakuza 3 might struggle to come to grips with the latter’s clunkier combat; thankfully, the games do not falter in other areas.
All three games have engaging storylines, memorable characters, and charming minigames. Some of the campaigns do suffer from slow starts, but they pick up momentum nicely as they move along. With this collection, PS Plus Premium subscribers can experience almost all of Kiryu’s story, although Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is not on Sony’s service.
