The PlayStation 4 is set to bring the next-generation of games roaring in this coming Friday, but that doesn’t mean we won’t have time for our PlayStation 3. In fact, we’re keeping ours around to enjoy a number of great games this holiday season, including Gran Turismo 6, Batman: Arkham Origins and more.
For those who don’t have a PlayStation 3 – or traded theirs in to get the PlayStation 4 – there will be streaming services available sometime next year through the Gaikai service, though Sony hasn’t announced specific titles just yet. So, we thought it’d be a perfect time to compile a list of ten PlayStation 3 games we want to see for the service. That may not guarantee their immediate arrival when it starts up, but sooner or later, we should see these classics emerge.
Though we’ve already witnessed Commander Shepard at his (or her) best over the past few years, there are some who have missed out on Bioware’s epic trilogy. What better way to reintroduce them than on the Gaikai service? If Electronic Arts could offer up all three chapters of the series, complete with additional DLC to complete the overall experience, it would definitely go a long way to generating interest for it. After all, there’s always room for Shepard.
As superb as Batman: Arkham Origins is, Arkham City will always have a place in our hearts as the best game featuring the Dark Knight. Its tale is an epic one, filled with twists and turns and one heck of an ending. Being able to re-experience that through streaming on the PlayStation 4 would be nothing short of blissful. In fact, the only thing that could possibly top it is a new Batman game tailor made for that hardware. Hint, hint, Rocksteady Games.
The original LittleBigPlanet went a long way in expanding the imagination of gamers, with its robust level creation system and adorable visuals. Somehow, Media Molecule outdid itself with the sequel, offering even more options, multiplayer support, a plethora of new mini-games and much, much more. People are still playing it years after its release, and its addition to the Gaikai library would certainly keep that community growing.
7. Portal 2
Okay, so the cake may be a lie, but the brilliance that Valve injected into this memorable sequel certainly isn’t. Following its release, Portal 2 has become one of the best sequels of this current generation, and there’s no reason why that enjoyment can’t continue onto the next. Porting this game to the Gaikai library – complete with online co-op support – would definitely hit the spot for those of us who just can’t stop playing with portals.
6. Tomb Raider
Lara Croft’s return to gaming this year was nothing short of triumphant, an atmospheric, moody tale with lots of action and excitement — as well as a fully capable, yet younger, Lara Croft. While we wait for her next generation debut, whenever it may be, we’d certainly appreciate the chance to play the original again on the Gaikai service. After all, the world isn’t going to save itself, now is it?
5. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception
While we’re pretty sure we haven’t seen the last of Nathan Drake – a new Uncharted game is bound to be announced for PlayStation 4 sooner rather than later – it’d be a treat to revisit some of his older adventures through streaming. The first two games were outstanding, but there’s something about the way Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception wraps everything up, with terrific action scenes, sharp controls and the kind of adventurous spirit we haven’t seen since the good ol’ days of Indiana Jones. (NOTE: NOT that Kingdom of the Crystal Skull movie. We mean the classic ones.)
4. Red Dead Redemption: Game of the Year Edition
It’s hard to believe that we’ve been playing Rockstar Games’ epic Western adventure for over three years now. Maybe that’s because we’re still having so much fun shooting varmints, hunting down criminals and eventually finding justice through each dusty town. With the Gaikai service, Red Dead Redemption would have no problem keeping this legacy going on the PlayStation 4, complete with its side quests and Undead Nightmare DLC. This is one game we’d happily pick up a six-shooter for again.
Naughty Dog may have left its mark with the Uncharted trilogy in this current generation, but when it comes to innovative, splendid titles, nothing beats The Last of Us. Featuring harrowing situations where you’ll have to think quickly to survive, along with superb graphics and voice acting, it’s still one of the best game experiences you’ll find this year. Since it’s not likely to see a direct port onto the PlayStation 4, a streaming version of Gaikai would certainly be the next best thing.
It’s been a long wait for Irrational Games’ follow-up to the epic Bioshock – and the delays it went through didn’t exactly help. Still, we finally got the game earlier this year for PlayStation 3 – and it was sooooo worth it. With its blend of fast-paced shooting action, vivid presentation and compelling – if a bit strange – storyline, it hit all the right notes following its release. We’d like to see the series continue on the PlayStation 4 eventually, but, for now, we’ll happily take a downloadable version of this game. Oh, and having that Burial At Sea DLC included wouldn’t be a bad thing.
Chances are you could see this selection coming from a mile away – and for good reason. Grand Theft Auto V is one of 2013’s biggest and best gaming experiences, between its entertaining – albeit bloody — single player campaign, its robust side missions, and its huge multiplayer expansion. Though Rockstar hasn’t ruled out a PlayStation 4 version somewhere down the road – nor has it officially acknowledged it – a streaming version on Gaikai would easily be the next best thing. Besides, we still have vehicle races to beat our friends in.
The PlayStation 4 arrives in stores tomorrow, November 15th.
Published: Nov 14, 2013 09:33 pm