Nobody knows the lifespan of a games machine, but what is clear is that at this stage in the PlayStation 3’s life, roughly four years in, we can at least pick out a handful of platform-exclusives that have really made the console sing so far – the games that have really pushed the technology hard but, equally, have provided unique experiences and gone the extra mile for the end user.
With that in mind, then, TheSixthAxis presents a compilation of ten PlayStation 3 exclusives that we think every game should have, starting with Sackboy’s latest adventure…
#10 – LittleBigPlanet 2
That Media Molecule’s platform adventurer should find its way into the top ten PlayStation 3 exclusives won’t come as a surprise to anyone that’s played it, or – indeed, the original LittleBigPlanet. Yes, they share the same core DNA and, yes, the second game’s main Story mode is essentially more of the same, but it’s in the Create mode that the sequel really starts to shine and elevate itself above anything else on the Planet.
Not everyone’s born with a creative streak, of course, and if the thought of spending dozens of hours pouring over microchips and blocks of wood trying to craft something spectacular isn’t your thing then you might well be shaking your head at the game’s inclusion – but you’d be missing the point. Even though we’re pushing Sackboy’s latest into our elusive, exclusive club before the game’s out we’re more than confident that the community around the game will be developing the sort of concepts that we never thought possible.
Indeed, we’ve had LittleBigPlanet 2 for a couple of weeks and already there’s some staggeringly impressive stuff up there that’s already on show, including a stunningly brilliant retro arcade that really does highlight the fact that the engine Media Molecule has developed – the strict set of mechanics and a wildly generous batch of tools – is capable of producing anything. And as such, LittleBigPlanet 2 is easily deserved of its place in our top ten.
#9 – Flower
The best videogames are the ones that connect. A tangible, real connection with the player is a device that most developers either forget or don’t seem to be able to grasp, but it’s one that thatgamecompany, with their second PlayStation 3 game, absolutely understood. As a result, Flower, a simple, singular idiom that transcends genre and pigeonholing, connects from the very second it starts until the heart-pounding conclusion.
Flower doesn’t feature a lengthy introductory coda, or pages of dialog and exposition – instead preferring to tell the tale, an initially whimsical but ultimately devastatingly powerful story about nature and mankind, through the game itself, only taking the player away from the focal point inbetween the downloadable title’s handful of ‘levels’, each respresented by a windowsill-based collection of plant pots.
Controlled entirely with the SixAxis’ tilt control (and any other button to summon the wind) the player assumes the role of a leaf from a flower, darting through the blades of grass and upwards into the air at will. To reveal the course of the game to the ignorant would be an injustice – anyone who owns a PlayStation 3 owes it to themselves to grab the game from the Store and set aside a few hours to soak in and become utterly enthralled by the game’s beauty.
#8 – Uncharted 2
I’m actually part of the small minority that actually prefers the first Uncharted’s single player mode, with its focused, rich jungle setting, over the varied sprawl of the second. That’s just personal preference, though, and it’s one that perhaps has to sit aside when selecting which of the two to for inclusion in this list – because there’s not a PlayStation 3 gamer on the planet who wouldn’t rate Nathan Drake’s adventures as the absolute apex of the genre.
So its with no shock that the much more complete, ambitious sequel takes the spot: Uncharted 2 is a perfect example of how to push the third person genre to its absolute limits with a sense of scale and scope rarely seen in today’s rather more ‘safe’ line-up of games. Visually it’s unmatched on the console, with breathtaking scenery and attention to detail bordering on the obsessive and the production values are second to none.
But it’s the multiplayer that really makes Uncharted 2 shine, with competitive and co-operative options featuring, giving the game a life well beyond that of the original. Both modes are expansive and have seen plenty of community weight proving that developers Naughty Dog know exactly what they’re doing. The only question is whether the third in the series, due this year, will unseat Among Thieves if we ever redo this list.
waddo_89
Ashamed to say I have never played 7,6,5 or 4 :( Nor do I have #10 on pre-order. I need to stop neglecting my PS3 and put this right, damn you addictive Call of Duty multiplayer!
TheChaosGamer
I’ve only got one of these. :(
Whilst I’ll agree some of these games are great, I wouldn’t of put GT5, Modnation, Metal gear or Heavy rain on.
kivi95
How would your list be then?
gordon_strange
I think I might hold a warhawk meet. Maybe even a training server for some of you guys. I can only host 8 max though.
Would have thought lbp1 would have been on the list over lbp2 as that game really set the ps3 apart and opened the door for mnr, Joe danger, lbp2 etc. Good list. Good article
jcor
Good timing for a Warhawk training meet as its on sale on Wednesday in the PSN January sale. I’ve always been tempted to get it but thought the servers would be empty at this stage.
l C0D3 M0NK3Y l
Good article! :)
DuffyBox
MnR doesn’t quite do it for me – the handling is just TOO arcadey. And the thing with Metal Gear is you only get the full satisfaction if the 4th if you grew up with the series – giving the last few scenes (scratch that, the whole game) the kind of gravity that, for me, is unmatched by any other work of fiction.
kivi95
ahh I need too get GOW3 and Heavy Rain!!! But I never get around and buying them :(
Rob92
Swap out Flower (personally an awful game) and out in inFamous or Ratchet Crack in Time and you’ve got a pretty amazing list.
I’d also like to give special honours to Heavenly Sword, still don’t think there’s a better cinematic experience yet.
jayjay119
Heavenly Sword was let down for me by it’s rediculously, and needlessly difficult final boss fight. That said I’m still waiting for Heavenly Sword 2.
Rob92
It was an absoloute nightmare at times!
But nothing wrong with a challenging game. I mean the game wasn’t very long itself so maybe it was a ploy to keep us playing!
jayjay119
I’m glad MGS4 got placed so highly on the list. For me it’s the epitome of what the PS3 is capable of. Not only is it a great game that, like other MGS games, ages well, but it still looks damn good and could give some current releases a run for their money. Uncharted may be unrivaled graphically but considering Konami are third party they did damn well with MGS4. It was certainly a game that stopped the PS3 sinking like the brick some people’s have become (Yes that was a firmware reference).
cc_star
9 great games there (not played LBP2 yet) although Heavy Rain & MGS4 didn’t click for me, in fact they pretty far from clicked but I’m not going there in this comment, I can see why they’re essential. For me the pick of the rest is Flower, and of course Warhawk without which I may have got more work done over the past 2 years.
KeRaSh
I just ordered Killzone 2 (pre-owned) from Game for 10 Pounds. I just can’t get myself psyched about this game… or it’s successor. Hopefully playing the game will change my mind.