10 Underrated PS3 Exclusive Titles You Need To Play

10 Underrated PS3 Exclusive Titles You Need To Play

As a veteran gamer who has traversed the digital landscapes of countless consoles since the days of the Atari 2600, I have to say that my time with the PlayStation 3 was nothing short of magical. The console was home to some truly outstanding games, many of which never received the recognition they deserved. In this list, I’ll be highlighting ten such games that, despite their brilliance, have been forgotten by time.

Following the tremendous triumph of the PlayStation 2, it became nearly inevitable that anything coming next wouldn’t measure up. This prediction proved almost certain when the Xbox 360 also achieved remarkable success.

Despite not being able to top the best-selling console ever made, my PS3 was a powerhouse that boasted some truly remarkable exclusive games.

However, it’s usually the same titles that get mentioned in the exclusives discussion, despite the fact that there are some really interesting gems within that lineup.

If you happen to find your old PlayStation 3 gathering dust and are considering giving it another spin to explore some unique games it offers exclusively, here’s a list of top-tier games that you should definitely take note of as they can only be played on the PS3.

10. Folklore

A Way With Words

10 Underrated PS3 Exclusive Titles You Need To Play

Being Irish myself, I’m quite familiar with the fact that Ireland is renowned for its rich tradition of storytelling, which has also produced many gifted poets who have made this land their home.

In Folklore, an action RPG centered around a storyline, they employ a distinct, dreamlike fantasy tale where the written word plays a pivotal role and sets the stage for the game’s narrative.

This game spins a complex storyline, boasts striking visual design with immersive world construction, and packs a punch with its engaging combat mechanics that are full of unexpected elements.

This game resembles a creature tamers’ persona-like world, allowing players to employ netherworld creatures for defeating stronger opponents. Although it can be clumsy at moments, the gameplay mechanics offer an enjoyable experience as you explore and experiment.

This game clearly reflects the deep enthusiasm of its creators. Therefore, let’s show our appreciation by delving into its narrative and giving it a try.

9. Rain

When It Rains, It Pours

10 Underrated PS3 Exclusive Titles You Need To Play

Moving forward, let’s delve into an uncommon exclusive game for PlayStation 3, which primarily remained in Japan. Regrettably, it didn’t get a wider release. Yet, it’s worth noting that this hidden gem offers a unique, engaging storyline.

Set in 20th-century Paris, you assume the role of a youthful resident who embarks on a quest to find a young girl you’ve caught sight of from your upstairs window.

In an unusual twist on a romantic first encounter, it’s more like a “meet-invisible,” as she becomes visible only when she’s out in heavy rainfall. Your destiny intertwines with hers once you venture out to find her.

In an eerily empty city, one might assume locating her would be straightforward, but fearsome creatures materialize with the rain as well. Your sanctuary lies solely in seeking cover within this bizarre, ghostly version of Paris.

This game has a chilling puzzle structure reminiscent of titles such as Little Nightmares, though it leans slightly less towards traditional horror. If the chance arises, I highly recommend giving it a try.

8. Tokyo Jungle

The Law of the Jungle

10 Underrated PS3 Exclusive Titles You Need To Play

It’s reasonable to conclude that the gaming community has a penchant for post-apocalyptic scenarios, even though this theme is often explored extensively. Remarkably, certain games are able to present a novel and distinct perspective on the subject matter.

As I booted up my PlayStation 3, I was immediately captivated by Tokyo Jungle – an intriguing game where a once bustling metropolis had been taken over by wild animals. Guiding various species that inhabited this city, I found myself on a quest to unravel its mysteries and discover why humans were nowhere to be found.

As a devoted gamer, I must say that the gameplay is remarkably straightforward yet engaging, immersing me in a survival-oriented environment where the hunt for food, evading predators, and abiding by the rules of the urban jungle become my daily routine. What’s more, this title boasts an endless co-op survival mode, making it a thrilling experience to team up with a fellow survivor and conquer the harsh world together.

Although I’m not particularly fond of noisy Pomeranians as dogs, I must say that Tokyo Jungle is such a hidden treasure that it deserves attention, making me overlook my usual preference.

7. Heavenly Sword

Heavenly Hack and Slash

10 Underrated PS3 Exclusive Titles You Need To Play

One might most commonly associate Ninja Theory with their innovative work on the Senua series, or potentially the contentious reimagining of the DMC series.

Before they became well-known, they bestowed gamers with an exceptional hack-and-slash game called Heavenly Blade. Despite being relatively brief, this game undeniably leaves players eager for more.

Although it might take some getting used to due to its somewhat cumbersome Siaxis features, once you acclimate, you’ll be immersed in a remarkably enjoyable and smooth martial arts brawler. It boasts exceptional voice acting and writing that deserves more recognition than it often receives.

6. Lumines Supernova

A Brainy Brick Breaker

10 Underrated PS3 Exclusive Titles You Need To Play

This one is a little cheeky because anyone who plays puzzle games regularly will be pretty familiar with the Lumines series. However, outside of the puzzle games community I’m still surprised just how few people are familiar with the acclaimed block breaker.

A supernova might seem like just another game in the series of Lumines titles, but even among its well-crafted counterparts, it stands out as a clever and entertaining title.

The incorporation of DigDown and Sequencer modes significantly bolsters the base gameplay experience of the fourth installment in the series, giving it a genuine sense of advancement, as if Lumines has taken an impressive step forward with this edition.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve got to admit, the initial version of Lumines was a bit brief and lacked multiplayer features at launch. However, it set the stage for a long-lasting series that continues to captivate gamers even today. Sure, it may forever be Tetris’ sidekick, but being a close associate of an iconic industry figure isn’t all bad.

5. Siren: Blood Curse

Back To Hanuda

10 Underrated PS3 Exclusive Titles You Need To Play

I’d personally contend that Forbidden Siren is somewhat of an underestimated treasure, but this perspective is magnified when it comes to Siren: Blood Curse, a reinterpretation of the original PS2-era horror masterpiece that seems to have been overlooked.

In this instance, you’re back in the spooky setting of Hanuda village, and true to the title, the haunting curse causing the villagers to transform into fearsome Shibito zombies is a central theme in this terrifying story.

Instead, it’s worth noting that unlike the original, this version features a narrative structure where various characters share their stories sequentially, episode by episode.

However, players will continue to encounter the well-known Sight Jacking feature, improved by a split-screen update, enabling them to view from the Shibito’s perspective and move stealthily at the same time.

This refers to an improved version of the Forbidden Siren, the terrifying cult classic in horror gaming that you’ve been craving to experience in its entirety. If you’re keen on delving into the best rendition of this game, this is the path you should take.

4. MAG

Walked So Battlefield Could Run

10 Underrated PS3 Exclusive Titles You Need To Play

As someone who grew up playing MAG, I have to say that it left a lasting impact on me and many others in the gaming community. Although the servers were shut down years ago, I still believe that it deserves recognition for its groundbreaking innovation. It was a truly unique experience to play a game where 256 players could battle it out simultaneously, something unheard of at the time. The team-based strategy and intense combat created an immersive and exciting experience that I’ll never forget. So, while MAG may no longer be playable, its legacy lives on as a testament to the power of innovation in gaming.

MAG, or Massive Action Game, pioneered many aspects that would later become hallmarks of games like Battlefield and battle royales. It was unique in allowing an incredible 256 players to engage in combat simultaneously on a single battlefield, showcasing a traditional ground-based shooting experience. Moreover, it introduced a semi-free-to-play model, making it one of the earliest games to adopt this format.

This lesser-known game may not have matched the shine or popularity of Call of Duty and its competitors, but considering its ambition and ability to execute a familiar format, it deserves recognition as a trailblazing shooter. Sadly, it was short-lived.

3. Motorstorm: Pacific Rift

Tropical Torque

10 Underrated PS3 Exclusive Titles You Need To Play

The Motorstorm series stands out as an unusual one. It gained recognition due to its status as a launch game when the PlayStation 3 was first introduced to the market.

To be honest, while I was initially captivated by the unique charm of the first installment and its impressive mud dynamics, the following games in the series haven’t exactly been met with a torrent of praise from fellow gamers.

It’s unfortunate that Pacific Rift stood out due to its advancement over previous games, providing an exceptional off-road racing adventure.

The move to a tropical island paradise was a strong one for the series that allowed the graphical capabilities of the engine to shine. Plus, the game really leaned into potential multiplayer aspects, allowing for a seamless four-player split screen.

The initial game offered thrilling, high-speed, action-packed racing, but the sequel takes it up a notch with enhanced visual appeal, increased customization options, and an opportunity for multiplayer fun. Unfortunately, it’s disappointing that many players haven’t experienced what Pacific Rift had to showcase.

2. Puppeteer

Putting On A Show

10 Underrated PS3 Exclusive Titles You Need To Play

During the PS3 era, the platforming genre wasn’t experiencing its peak period of development or innovation.

But lack of competition aside, I’ll say it regardless. Puppeteer is probably the best platformer to appear on the PS3, and it’s criminal that so few people have ever heard of it, let alone played it.

In this game, you assume the role of a decapitated puppet. As you journey through the enchanting realm presented, you’ll find yourself needing various heads, each granting unique abilities that prove essential for your progression, be it in work, battles, or exploration.

While navigating the screen effortlessly, you can utilize your intelligent scissors sidekick to slice through resources and uncover hidden mysteries along the way.

The game stands out with its stunning visuals and one-of-a-kind design, and it has an unexpected audience interaction element that takes things to a whole new level.

Despite some repetition and awkwardness in gameplay, this title truly stands out as an undiscovered treasure, demonstrating that daring concepts such as this one are rarely approved today. Puppeteer serves as a stark reminder of the gems we might be missing out on.

1. Fat Princess

Let Them Eat Cake

10 Underrated PS3 Exclusive Titles You Need To Play

To wrap up, let me share my preferred online multiplayer game from the PlayStation 3 era, which I believe deserves more recognition than it currently receives. Alas, it seems that conversation about this gem has dwindled over time, but it remains noteworthy nonetheless.

Fat Princess is a humorous take on the classic Capture-the-Flag game, though it may seem straightforward at first glance, it actually offers a surprising level of strategic depth when played.

Characters assume different positions inside the castle, ranging from assisting warriors in battles, engaging in combat themselves, performing various tasks to safeguard the fortress, or even feeding the enemy princess with cakes.

Ah, I should also mention. The ‘flag’ is the princess.

This game once was popular in multiplayer circles but unexpectedly faded away, leaving me yearning for a contemporary revival. There hasn’t been anything quite like it since then.

It was cartoonish, comical, calamitous fun, and while it’s not exactly politically correct by 2024’s standards, I say, let them eat cake!

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2024-12-08 19:09