Released in 2006, the PlayStation 3 held some of the best games of its generation. Many of the system's most popular titles were published by Square Enix, a Japanese video game developer that has created some of the most beloved franchises in gaming history. From Final Fantasy to Tomb Raider, and many more, the best Square Enix games continue to captivate players around the world.
From engaging RPGs to impressive action games, titles released on the PlayStation 3 showcase the best of what Square Enix had to offer more than a decade ago. The PlayStation 3 releases offer immersive storylines, appealing gameplay, and incredible graphics that are able to provide hours of entertainment even today.
10 Drakengard 3 (2013)
Drakengard 3 is an action RPG for PlayStation 3 released in 2013, serving as a prequel to the first two Drakengard games. The story takes place in a medieval fantasy world in which the player controls the protagonist, Zero, a woman whose mission is to kill her five sisters that rule different regions.
The combat in the game involves both ground-based and aerial battles, as Zero fights alongside her dragon, Mikhail. Drakengard 3 received mixed reviews, with praise for its unique story and characters, but criticism for its repetitive gameplay and technical issues.
9 Final Fantasy XIII (2010)
Final Fantasy XIII is an RPG that follows the story of a former soldier named Lightning as she embarks on a journey alongside five other chosen companions. The narrative focuses on character development, as the lore surrounding the game evolves with the progression of the story.
Final Fantasy XIII received mixed reviews upon its release, with fans praising its visuals and soundtrack, but criticizing its linear gameplay and lack of exploration. Nonetheless, the game remains a beloved entry in the Final Fantasy series, with its memorable characters and epic storyline.
8 Just Cause (2010)
Just Cause 2 was released in 2010 and is an open-world action-adventure game for the PlayStation 3. The game takes place on the fictional island of Panau and follows the story of an undercover agent named Rico Rodriguez, who is tasked with overthrowing the island's ruthless dictator.
The gameplay is characterized by diverse missions and challenges while focusing on creative destruction through the use of various weapons. Just Cause 2 remains a beloved title among fans of open-world and action-adventure games, despite the fact that some players felt that the story feels a little rushed.
7 Hitman: Absolution (2012)
Released in 2012, Hitman: Absolution is the fifth game in the Hitman franchise, and it follows the story of Agent 47 as he embarks on a personal quest for redemption. The game features a variety of new gameplay mechanics, including the ability to use "Instinct" to see through walls and predict enemy movements, as well as an improved cover system.
The game was applauded for its good graphics and story, but some fans were disappointed by the fact that this fifth game adopts simple stealth game mechanics and doesn't rise up to the level of Hitman: Blood Money. Even so, it remains one of the best PS3 games from Square Enix and is still a lot of fun to this day.
6 Sleeping Dogs (2012)
Sleeping Dogs is an action-packed game released in 2012 for the PlayStation 3. The game is set in Hong Kong and follows the story of Wei Shen, an undercover police officer who infiltrated the notorious gang Sun On Yee. It was originally planned to be part of the True Crime series but ended up being its own thing.
The physical combat system has many similarities to the one found in Batman: Arkham Asylum, as Wei Shen can attack enemies that surround him from any direction. The overwhelming majority of those who played it seemed to enjoy the game's fighting system. Overall, Sleeping Dog's storyline and complex missions make it one of the standout titles on the PlayStation 3.
5 NieR (2010)
Released in 2010, NieR is an action role-playing video game that some consider to be a hidden gem of the PlayStation 3 era. It received generally positive reviews at the time of its release, as the game offers two different versions specifically created to satisfy everyone. NieR Replicant is the original Japanese version of the game, in which the protagonist is a young boy who's trying to save his sister, Yonah.
NieR Gestalt is the western version of the game that follows the protagonist, a middle-aged man, as he tries to save his daughter, Yonah. The game is known for its unique gameplay mechanics and for its emotional storytelling that explores multiple themes, such as love, loss, and sacrifice.
4 Tomb Raider (2013)
The 2013 Tomb Raider action-adventure game is a reboot of the Lara Croft franchise with a more modern look. The game follows the story of a younger Lara as she fights to survive and uncover the truth about the curse that surrounds her expedition.
When Lara and her crew become stranded on an island after a violent shipwreck, the protagonist must explore, fight, endure, and survive in order to save her friends. Tomb Raider puts the biggest accent on Lara's character development, as she learns how to become the explorer fans love. The game has a well-written plot that keeps gamers hooked from start to finish.
3 Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix (2014)
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix is a collection of three games, including Kingdom Hearts II, Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep, and Kingdom Hearts Re:coded. Players control various characters and navigate through the game's different worlds, all while fighting enemies and completing quests.
The game received positive reviews for its updated visuals, improved music, and gameplay mechanics. Even if there are fans who believe that some of the changes were not really necessary, this Kingdom Hearts remains one of the highest-ranking games in the franchise.
2 Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011)
Released in 2011, Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a critically acclaimed action RPG set in a dystopian future. The game takes place in a mysterious world in which humans are heavily augmented with mechanical parts. Players take on the role of Adam Jensen, a security specialist forced to become a cyborg after being injured during an attack.
Developed by Eidos Montreal, the game allows players to make choices that affect the outcome of the game, such as sparing or killing enemies. Deus Ex: Human Revolution is praised for its complex narrative, engaging gameplay mechanics, and atmospheric visuals.
1 Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster (2014)
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster is a compilation of two of the most beloved games in the Final Fantasy franchise, re-released in high definition for the PlayStation 3 in 2014. The game follows the journey of the athlete Tidus, and respectively Yuna, a powerful summoner, as they travel across a place called Spira, and defeat evil creatures such as the monster called Sin.
The remaster offers impressive graphics, reworked character models, and improved music, making it a great choice for both longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike. Most will likely focus on Final Fantasy X rather than the game's sequel, but both are well worth checking out.