PSA: Play These 5 Masterpiece PS3 Games Before The Hardware Dies

The original PlayStation 3 wasn’t built to last indefinitely. Many early adopters of the 2006 PS3 found they needed to upgrade to the slimmer version after a few years, as the first models became very loud. Ultimately, all electronics will eventually break down, no matter how well they’re maintained.

Fortunately, many games are re-released on different platforms with updates or complete overhauls, and some excellent PS3 titles – like The Last of Us and Dead Space – are already available on other consoles. While PlayStation Plus does offer streaming access to some PS3 games, it’s not quite the same as having them installed directly. Plus, streaming services might not always be available, so if you want to keep enjoying these PS3 classics long-term, it’s probably best to purchase them now.

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Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools Of Destruction

A New Generation Of Platforming Antics

With Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, the popular series made its debut on the PS3, starting a new story arc. This installment explored Ratchet’s heritage as a Lombax and revealed Clank’s connection to the mysterious Zoni. Despite a more serious storyline, the game kept the series’ signature humor while sending Ratchet and Clank on a galactic adventure filled with platforming, shooting, and spaceship combat. As in previous games, players could upgrade their weapons by using them to defeat enemies.

Insomniac Games is known for its imaginative weapons, and Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction delivers in that regard. Players have access to a wonderfully quirky arsenal – think disco balls to confuse enemies, tornadoes, robot helpers, and even a plasma whip! The satisfying gunplay is a major highlight, second only to the charming and enduring friendship between Ratchet and Clank. It’s surprising that despite all the PS3 games in the series being available for streaming, there haven’t been any physical re-releases.

inFAMOUS 2

Bayou Billy

inFAMOUS 2 improves on the original game in almost every way. The story follows Cole MacGrath as he travels to New Marais, a city modeled after New Orleans, to gain the power needed to defeat a massive creature known as The Beast. There, he teams up with his friend Zeke and meets Lucy and Nix, two other people with superpowers (called Conduits) who are fighting against a group trying to eliminate them. Lucy controls ice and is seen as a force for good, while Nix wields fire and has a more rebellious attitude.

In this game, your choices impact the story and how missions unfold, ultimately allowing Cole to gain either ice or fire abilities. He already has a fantastic set of electric powers – from shooting lightning at enemies and throwing electric grenades, to riding and gliding along power lines. Compared to the first game, the city of New Marais is much more colorful and diverse. It’s a really strong entry in the inFamous series, and all three games from the PlayStation 3 are available to stream online.

Resistance 3

The End Of The War

Resistance 3 concludes the main Resistance story, and unfortunately, humanity is on the brink of defeat. After a widespread infection turned most of the population into Chimera – monstrous creatures alongside the alien invaders – only a small group of humans remain to fight back. This game focuses on a more personal story: Joseph Capelli’s desperate journey to get his family to safety in New York City while also aiding the remaining resistance fighters. Their trek to NYC is challenging, taking them through diverse and beautifully rendered environments, from deserted towns and dense forests to abandoned train yards and beyond.

There are strong similarities to The Last of Us – the scary parts, like battling creatures in ruined American landscapes, are genuinely unsettling. Luckily, Resistance 3, also made by Insomniac Games, gives you plenty of weapons to fight back. You can freeze enemies, use an electric shotgun, shoot through walls, and throw explosive grenades, among other things. Currently, only Resistance 3 is available to stream on PlayStation Plus; the other games in the series aren’t included, and it’s unclear how long this one will remain available.

Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness

Laharl Returns

Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness is a sequel to the first Disgaea game, originally released on the PS2 in 2003. Many fans love the original trio of characters – Laharl, Etna, and Flonne – and this game was created for the series’ 10th anniversary. While highly anticipated sequels can sometimes disappoint, this one successfully recaptures the spirit of the original. It’s a game designed for longtime fans, but newcomers can also enjoy the deep and engaging tactical gameplay that defines the Disgaea series.

In addition to the main characters, players can build a team by crafting and customizing various monsters and humanoid classes throughout the game. They can complete story missions and side quests, and improve their characters with powerful items and weapons. During battles on the grid-based maps, characters can move and attack individually or team up for powerful combos. Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness is a remarkably complex tactical RPG, and it’s a relatively rare game in the series – it was never updated with a port, remaster, or remake beyond being available to stream on PlayStation Plus.

Heavenly Sword

Goddess Of War

While not Ninja Theory’s debut title, Heavenly Sword was their most ambitious project at the time. It’s similar to God of War, focusing on the story of Nariko, a skilled female warrior who wields a powerful sword. The game features fast-paced combat with both quick and strong attacks, and brutal finishing moves that showcase Nariko’s fierce fighting style.

Compared to Kratos in God of War, Nariko is much quicker and more nimble during fights and while moving between enemy areas. The game really shines with its spectacular set pieces – think swinging on massive, fraying ropes or participating in huge, *Lord of the Ringsstyle battles. Interestingly, Andy Serkis, famous for his work in that film series, plays the villain, and the motion capture for all the characters still looks great today. While Ninja Theory has since created even more successful games, this early action title is still worth checking out.

2026-04-10 22:36