ThePlayStation 3was only the start of Sony’s transition to making AAA third-person action games with strong narratives. But while the console is best known for the work of studios like Naughty Dog, there are plenty of other unique offerings that the console provides.
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For instance, the PlayStation 3 does have a nice selection ofsimulation games. Whether it is a management-type game or an experience meant to simulate real-life activities, there are a bunch ofgreat simulation games on PlayStation 3that are worth checking out for those that are fans of the genre. However, only a handful stand out as the best.
7The Sims 3
It’s hard to make a list of simulation games without talking about one ofthe biggest namesin the genre.The Sims 3was the series' main simulation game on PlayStation 3. The life simulator once again gives players the ability to create an avatar and have them live a life in the game’s world.
The various features added inThe Sims 3includes an open world for players to explore with their Sim and the Create-A-Style tool that allows nearly every entity in the game to be customized with specific colors or designs. And as with previous entries, the game allows players to customize their Sim’s house and their relationships.
6Warhawk
A remake of the original PlayStation game, the 2007 edition ofWarhawkis primarily a third-person multiplayer shooter. However, the vehicles used in the game are meant to give players the feel of being in control ofactual war vehiclesin a way that makes the game feel like a simulator as well.
The multiplayer features eight maps, each providing six different modes that players can take on others in such as Capture the Flag and Deathmatch. Each round features numerous vehicles that players can take control of, from tanks to military jets. Offline options are available since online servers no longer work.
5Zen Pinball 2
The game of pinball has gotten a variety of different virtual renditions andZen Pinball 2was a popular one that was exclusive to PlayStation upon its initial release in 2012. Developed by Zen Studios, who has gone on to make numerousother pinball entriesacross many platforms,Zen Pinball 2introduced the ability of sharing scores online for the first time in the series.
While the game is free-to-play, there are 26 tables that players can try out initially but will have to pay for to keep playing on them. Many of these tables were based on popular IP, such asMarvelandPlants vs. Zombies. PlayStation fans who like trophies got a new set to earn with each table purchase.
4Race Driver: Grid
Codemasters, a developer who now is a subsidiary of EA, is known for themany racing gamesit has put out over the years. While it was still an independent company, one of the game franchises it started wasRace Driver: Grid, which debuted on PlayStation 3 and other consoles in 2008.
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The primary goal ofGridis to start by working for racing teams and earning money that will eventually put players in position to start building their own team of racers. There are many different types of races that players can take on, from demolition derby to open wheel racing, and general tournaments.
3Skate
There are many sport simulation titles that made up the library of PlayStation 3. However, only a handful stood out among ones that really simulated the real-life experiences.Skatewas one of those games that did just that, simulating the skateboarding experience in a way that felt grounded and innovative at the time.
Thefranchise introduced a control systemthat involved moving the analog stick in a way that registered a different trick depending on what direction it was pushed. The goal ofSkateis to earn street cred, becoming more popular by performing tricks and creating spaces in the city.
2Minecraft
Before Microsoft’s acquisition of Mojang,Minecraftwas just an independent Java game that ran only on PC. However, it did receive a port to PlayStation 3 thanks to help from 4J Studios. It was its own standalone version of the game that was only available on the PlayStation Store.
A survival sandbox,Minecraftputs players in a randomly generated world where they can choose to eithersurvive in the elementsor go into creative mode to just focus on the building aspects of the game. Unique to the Legacy Console versions, the game had splitscreen multiplayer and an automatic crafting system.
1Gran Turismo 5
One of the long-running franchises across many generations of PlayStation hardware isGran Turismo. The racing simulation series has been a major title inevery single PlayStationconsole’s library. With the PlayStation 3, fans saw the release ofGran Turismo 5and made it the second best-selling title on the console.
The title features over 1,000 vehicles for players to try out, which has only continued to increase in subsequent titles. New additions with this version ofGran Turismoinclude a weather system that are available on specific tracks and realistic damage done to vehicles depending on their type. There are 31 locations to race in with 81 different tracks across them.
