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The PS3 was one of the most influential consoles of my teenage years.
I got it after by Xbox 360 got fried just a couple of weeks after purchase, and it became my window into the seventh generation of gaming.
Unlike my Xbox 360, my original “Fat” PS3 worked from Resident Evil 5 to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain before kicking the bucket – and even that was mediated by my little sister ramming five Blu-Ray discs into the reader.
If your PS3 is still going strong and you’re wondering what T-Rated masterpieces you might have missed, let me walk you through the best games suitable for ages 13 and up!
15. inFamous Collection (2012)
The first two inFamous games are some of the most iconic in the PS3’s run, thanks to the straightforward fun of flying around protecting a city with your bad-ass electric super-powers.
In both games, you’re given a choice to be a symbol of justice or a destructive power-drunk asshole. This adds some replayability, and it’s fun watching the difference in how bystanders react to your exploits.
If you like super-heroes and comic book stories, this game will be a hit.
14. Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (2007)
One of my most personal contributions to this ranking is Lost Planet, a game where survival hinges on your ability to procure fuel for your hand-warmer.
This third-person shooter has you make your way through a hostile tundra planet scrounging for Thermal Energy.
This shiny orange substance is found in abandoned containers and flowing through the dangerous armored insects that sit at the apex of this planet’s food chain.
For the most part, you’re free to tackle the game’s challenges piloting a mech or going on-foot with the help of your trusty grappling hook.
There’s nothing quite like grappling onto your giant enemy’s glowing weak point and unloading a whole mag into it to replenish your TE.
Each stage transforms as you race through it due to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, devastating tsunamis, and more.
The vehicle variety and depth of customization are also remarkable.
12. Tales of Xillia (2013)
There are two great Tales games on the PS3 – Tales of Graces F, and Tales of Xillia.
While the former has great combat and a solid storyline, these games are ultimately made by their characters, and Tales of Xillia has some of the most likable characters in the history of the franchise.
Combat can get somewhat repetitive, and the dungeons leave a bit to be desired, but the boss fights are challenging-enough to provide a sweet sense of accomplishment.
11. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2014)
The original Persona 4 Arena surprised audiences by bringing the cast from the beloved RPG to a 2D fighter by Arc System Works – the same people behind 2D fighter staples like Guilty Gear and BlazBlue.
P4A Ultimax expands and polishes the experience further.
It continues the story where the original left off, adding even more characters from P4 and P3 to duke it out with your Persona-obsessed pals.
Even if you’re not that much into fighters, the 30-40 hours of story are entertaining.
And you can even get the story from the original P4A as DLC.
10. The Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection (2011)
Fumito Ueda has gained a reputation for directing some of the most artistically accomplished games of their generation – including Ico & Shadow of the Colossus.
These games shine for the unique stories they tell, and how they weave an exciting puzzle/platforming adventure into these narratives.
They’re incredibly atmospheric, and the minimal storytelling contributes to a feeling of being a trespasser who needs to find out what’s going on for themselves.
9. Dynasty Warriors 7 (2011)
Sometimes, you just want to sit back and mow down hordes of enemies for a while.
If you can learn a bit of Chinese history while you’re at it, all the better!
Dynasty Warriors 7 is one of the best entries in the storied Musou franchise, with a staggering amount of characters, scenarios, and story content that’ll keep you hooked for weeks.
Once you’re done with that, you can move on to DW7: Xtreme Legends for even more characters and content.
Or if you prefer strategic endeavors, DW7: Empires offers a healthy balance of slaying scores of enemy soldiers and commanding your armies toward unifying China.
8. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster (2013)
Final Fantasy X and its sequel came out in the early 2000s to critical acclaim.
And they’re just as fun now as they were back in the day.
If you’re the kind of gamer that can’t stand outdated graphics, this HD Remaster on the PS3 is a great option to re-live the adventure of Yuna and her guardians.
Not only does it look much better, but it includes plenty of extras that the original didn’t have.
You really can’t talk about the seventh generation of consoles without mentioning the Ultimate Ninja Storm series.
This unique arena fighter was a total hit among Naruto fans and anime-curious gamers alike, and it became a common sight in most people’s Blu-Ray collections.
It’s gorgeous, and it features a massive 72 character cast from both the original series and Shippuden.
6. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (2011)
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is the best crossover fighting game since Super Smash Bros. – and that’s saying a lot!
With a total of 48 characters, UMC3 brings together an all-star cast of comic book and video game heroes and villains, including Captain America, Spider-Man, and Albert Wesker from the Resident Evil series.
If you’re the kind of person who loves to memorize 50+ hit combos that can knock out a whole tag team of fighters in one go (or the type of friend who can take that and keep playing), this is the game for you.
5. Tekken 6 (2007)
Tekken has been a staple in my fighting game library since I was a young boy.
And Tekken 6 is one of my favorite releases.
Among other things, it introduced very varied characters – including Alisa Bosconovitch, an android with flashy moves that kind of threw everything I knew about Tekken out of the window. She’s also very easy to use, giving newcomers a fighting chance and making the game more accessible.
I’d recommend this game especially to people who like putting in the hours to achieve fighting mastery.
The game can get incredibly technical at higher levels of play, so there’s always room for improvement.
4. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (2011)
The Uncharted series is one of the most famous franchises born on the PS3 thanks to its cutting-edge graphics, intense action set-pieces, and fantastic storyline.
As a shooter, Uncharted 3 shines for its fluid and dynamic cover system reminiscent of Gears of War on the Xbox 360.
The story is fascinating too. Especially if you take the time to play through the first two games before jumping into Drake’s Deception.
A good way to summarize this series is to describe it as “Tomb Raider, but you’re a dude”.
Drake is just as dreamy as well-loved explorer Lara Croft, and they both destroy every priceless historical location they find themselves in.
3. Soulcalibur V (2012)
With only 28 playable characters, this title lacks Tekken and UMC’s colossal rosters.
But its character creator is one of the most in-depth I’ve ever seen.
You can even make an Evangelion super-robot in it if you put your mind to it, though that might be going too far.
The game also continues the tradition of fan service started by SCIV, with clothes and armor that break during combat and a wealth of fighters who seem sculpted by the gods for your entertainment.
This is the game I’d recommend for casual fighter players who’re just looking for pure, unadulterated fun.
Plus, AC’s Ezio Auditore is a playable character!
2. Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin (2015)
You might be wondering why I’m going with the second game in the series rather than the first.
And the answer is simple: While Dark Souls is rated M, its sequel boasts a surprising T rating.
That doesn’t mean you’re getting a watered-down experience, though.
You’ll still have to fight for your life against giant Eldritch abominations that can wipe the floor with you in just a couple of hits.
The only thing I can think of in the original DS that’s more “Mature” than its sequel is the giant sexy Gwynevere, whose cleavage looks like it could swallow your character whole.
This action RPG is considered the easiest in the series. But that might be for the best.
If you’re just getting into the series, this is the perfect place to start.
1. Batman: Arkham City (2011)
We’ve all wanted to be Batman at some point.
The guy is nigh-invincible, despite not having any real super-powers (other than money), and represents the peak human being we all want to be.
Most of us will never even approach Batman’s level of coolness.
But playing through Batman: Arkham City is the next best thing.
Combat is well-choreographed and satisfying, the storyline is gripping, and exploring the city grappling around like you were Spider-Man is a thrill.
Despite lacking the same large open world, the prequel – Arkham Asylum – is just as enjoyable.
Nelson Chitty is a Venezuelan expat living in Argentina. He’s a writer and translator passionate about history and foreign cultures. His ideal weekend is spent between leisurely playing games of Civilization VI and looking for the next seinen anime to marathon.
