Discover the Timeless Gems: Best Aging Ubisoft Games on PS3!

Summary

Many PS3 Ubisoft games have aged remarkably well, offering fun gameplay and storytelling that holds up today.
Rainbow Six: Vegas, Far Cry 2, and Child of Light are standout titles for their unique experiences and immersive gameplay.
Assassin’s Creed 2 and Black Flag stand out as iconic games that have aged well, offering memorable experiences and gameplay.

The PlayStation 3 epoch was a fantastic period for gaming enthusiasts. Despite not outperforming all competitors in terms of sales, its game collection was a veritable treasure trove. Major publishers such as Ubisoft launched some of their finest titles on this console, many of which have remarkably retained their appeal over time.

Currently, Ubisoft isn’t always highly regarded by gamers, but it’s undeniable that they’ve put out some exceptional games. They were instrumental in releasing some of the most impressive titles on the PlayStation 3, and many believe their biggest franchises reached their pinnacle on this console. Remarkably, these games still hold up well, with their gameplay, storytelling, and distinctive style keeping them enjoyable even today, over a decade later. Given how well their mechanics, graphics, and overall experience have withstood the test of time, these could be called the most enduring Ubisoft PS3 games.

In this comparison, we’ll only consider rankings for HD remasters of PlayStation 2 games that were not produced by Ubisoft studios themselves, but rather those officially published by the company.

9. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas

Still One Of The Best Tactical Shooters Around

It’s undeniable that Rainbow Six: Vegas, which was released nearly two decades ago, has certainly shown its age. Given the rapid advancement of technology and gaming, this isn’t surprising at all. Its visuals, by today’s standards, appear quite rudimentary, while many of its gameplay mechanics seem outdated in comparison to contemporary tactical shooters. Despite these shortcomings, it manages to retain a sense of enjoyment when played.

Vegas remains a rare and excellent tactical shooter, one of the best Tom Clancy co-op games to date.

8. Far Cry 2

Still The Best Open-World Game For Pyromaniacs

In conversations about the Far Cry series, it’s often Far Cry 3 that gets the most acclaim, and rightfully so. However, it’s worth noting that Far Cry 2, while perhaps not as polished as its successor, is still a game worthy of attention. Time may have made it seem less fresh compared to its younger counterpart, but there are many aspects that continue to make it appealing. It provides an immersive open-world adventure set in a vast, authentically portrayed African environment. The gunplay is solid, even if it could use more variety, and the weapons degrade in a non-irritating way. Moreover, the fire propagation system remains unrivaled to this day. Truly, the fire effects in this game are some of the best ever displayed.

Regrettably, the game’s environment and fire mechanics have their limitations. The story isn’t particularly captivating (it’s rather dull), and the gameplay is quite repetitive compared to later installments in the series (mostly consisting of driving to locations, shooting enemies, and collecting diamonds). In essence, it serves as a prelude to Far Cry 3. The influence of Far Cry 2 can be seen in numerous open-world games, and it remains just as enjoyable to play now as it was when first released. Additionally, its relatively brief length makes it one of the most replayable titles in the Far Cry series.

7. Prince Of Persia (2008)

A Charming Reinvention Of A Classic Series

Although created by one of Ubisoft’s top studios, the 2008 version of Prince of Persia isn’t as warmly recalled as the Prince of Persia games from the PlayStation 2 era. This is unfortunate because it appears to have aged more gracefully. A significant factor in this is its stunning cel-shaded art style, reminiscent of watercolor paintings. In fact, for developers aiming for timeless visual appeal, adopting a cel-shaded graphical approach seems unbeatable. Overlooking some minor flaws, this version of Prince of Persia remains visually impressive as it was when initially released.

The gameplay is seamless and places emphasis on fluidity and rhythm, creating an almost soothing experience. It’s well-crafted, but unfortunately, the combat could use some work and feels like it was added as a secondary feature. It doesn’t meet today’s action game standards, with fans of the genre having high expectations these days. The storyline is also unremarkable, and some find the Prince’s character annoying. These minor issues make replaying the game less appealing than it could be, causing Prince of Persia to lose a few points in the rankings. However, it remains an enjoyable platformer with a relaxing vibe.

6. Child Of Light

Games This Charmingly Pretty Never Age Badly

Child of Light, over time, has gracefully matured and is widely regarded as one of the most captivating games ever created. The watercolor-inspired art design remains among Ubisoft’s finest and retains its timeless charm. Its poetic and emotionally resonant storyline continues to cast a spell. Whether the gameplay has held up well may depend on personal preferences regarding turn-based combat, a system that has seen decreasing popularity among contemporary gamers. For enthusiasts of traditional role-playing games, the combat provides a satisfying and challenging experience, although it may not offer the same depth found in longer RPGs.

As someone who appreciates turn-based combat, I’d say that if you’re not fond of it, the system in Child of Light might seem a bit old-fashioned. It’s all about personal taste, really. However, what makes Child of Light unique is its enchanting fairy tale-like quality, which gives it a timeless charm.

5. Assassin’s Creed 2

The Beginning Of Ezio’s Story Remains Iconic

Back in the day, the first Assassin’s Creed was truly groundbreaking, but over time, it hasn’t quite stood the test of time as gracefully as I would have hoped. However, my dear friend, Assassin’s Creed 2 has held up far better. The atmosphere, nestled in the heart of Renaissance Italy, continues to impress with its authenticity, and even though the graphics may be showing their age, playing it feels like taking a journey through time itself. In terms of gameplay, the parkour and combat have seen significant improvements from the original, making it an altogether smoother experience. This was the series at its finest, before layers upon layers of new systems were added to the mix.

Assassin’s Creed 2 brought in Ezio, a character often considered the franchise’s and Ubisoft’s most popular protagonist. His story of revenge and growth is captivating, and the game skillfully launched his memorable three-part series. However, some may find the mission design a bit repetitive, and combat could be more polished in subsequent games. If you ask longtime fans which Assassin’s Creed title they favor, there’s a strong likelihood they’ll choose Assassin’s Creed 2.

4. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood

In “Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood,” they built upon what made “Assassin’s Creed 2” a hit, enhancing it further with engaging new features and enhancements. The parkour system was significantly improved, combat became more diverse, and the variety of missions was remarkably increased. As for the narrative, it’s debatable whether it surpasses that of “Assassin’s Creed 2,” but it certainly delves deeper into Ezio’s character, as he evolves into a seasoned assassin.

As a devoted fan, I must say that what truly elevates this game above its predecessors is the multiplayer feature. Initially, some of us were apprehensive when multiplayer was announced for a series that had built such a strong reputation on single-player gameplay. However, our concerns proved to be unwarranted. The multiplayer modes in Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood were like nothing we had experienced before (or since).

The parkour and stealth mechanics of the Assassin’s Creed series surprisingly transitioned into an engaging multiplayer experience. Taking down other players as an assassin was exhilarating fun. Unfortunately, the servers were decommissioned in 2022, leaving us yearning for a similar experience since then.

3. Rayman Origins

A 2D Platformer Inspired By The Greats

Ensuring a game remains enjoyable over time can be accomplished by adhering to the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) design philosophy. In the context of gaming, this doesn’t equate to creating a simple or basic game; instead, it emphasizes concentrating on perfecting the fundamentals rather than incorporating additional modes, mechanisms, or elements that may be popular at the moment. This is perfectly exemplified in the case of Rayman Origins.

Origins revisited the franchise’s roots in 2D platform gaming, achieving significant success. The gameplay is tough yet enjoyable, occasionally frustrating but always fair. Mastering its seemingly straightforward mechanics is key to success. Unlike many modern games focusing on flashy graphics,

2. Far Cry 3

Changed Open-World Game Design Forever

If a game, like Far Cry 3, is considered the pinnacle of its series even though it’s more than a decade old and multiple sequels have followed, then it can be said that it has stood the test of time. Similarly, if discussions about its revolutionary impact on an entire genre are still ongoing, then it undoubtedly remains relevant today. Far Cry 3 is indeed one of the finest open-world first-person shooter games ever developed.

The influence of Far Cry 3 can be traced in numerous open-world games that have come out since its release. Its combat, stealth, and crafting mechanics continue to feel contemporary, while its outposts and towers served as a blueprint for open-world design for about a decade, particularly in Ubisoft titles. Some aspects may have grown tiresome, but they remain effective when revisiting Far Cry 3. The graphics, though several generations old, still look appealing, and Rook Island remains a lively backdrop. What has stood the test of time best is its narrative, with Vaas being one of gaming’s most memorable villains.

1. Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag

It Was A Pirate’s Life For A Whole Generation

Without a doubt, Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag stands out as one of Ubisoft’s most cherished games. Instead of setting the stage in the usual European cities that this franchise is famous for, it transported players into the vast expanse of the Caribbean Sea. This innovative move set a standard for exploration that no game has quite matched since.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my deep admiration for the masterpiece that is Black Flag. In this thrilling world, freedom and adventure are not just themes, they are experiences. The landscape beckons exploration, and if you spot an island, it’s yours to visit. Ships dotting the horizon? Climb aboard or prepare for a battle royale!

Moreover, it perfected the parkour and combat mechanics that Assassin’s Creed 2 had been finessing. Everything about this game – from its stunning visuals to its immersive gameplay to its captivating plot – still delights me as much today as it did when I first played it.

Post Black Flag, Ubisoft steered the franchise in various directions, but for many of us, that pirate-filled world will forever be the pinnacle of their achievements.

2025-04-20 16:38