The PlayStation 3 was 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.
For instance, the PlayStation 3 does have a nice selection of simulation games. Whether it is a management-type game or an experience meant to simulate real-life activities, there are a bunch of great simulation games on PlayStation 3 that are worth checking out for those that are fans of the genre. However, only a handful stand out as the best.
7 The Sims 3
It's hard to make a list of simulation games without talking about one of the biggest names in the genre. The Sims 3 was 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 in The Sims 3 includes 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.
6 Warhawk
A remake of the original PlayStation game, the 2007 edition of Warhawk is primarily a third-person multiplayer shooter. However, the vehicles used in the game are meant to give players the feel of being in control of actual war vehicles in 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.
5 Zen Pinball 2
The game of pinball has gotten a variety of different virtual renditions and Zen Pinball 2 was a popular one that was exclusive to PlayStation upon its initial release in 2012. Developed by Zen Studios, who has gone on to make numerous other pinball entries across many platforms, Zen Pinball 2 introduced 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 as Marvel and Plants vs. Zombies. PlayStation fans who like trophies got a new set to earn with each table purchase.
4 Race Driver: Grid
Codemasters, a developer who now is a subsidiary of EA, is known for the many racing games it has put out over the years. While it was still an independent company, one of the game franchises it started was Race Driver: Grid, which debuted on PlayStation 3 and other consoles in 2008.
The primary goal of Grid is 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.
3 Skate
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. Skate was one of those games that did just that, simulating the skateboarding experience in a way that felt grounded and innovative at the time.
The franchise introduced a control system that involved moving the analog stick in a way that registered a different trick depending on what direction it was pushed. The goal of Skate is to earn street cred, becoming more popular by performing tricks and creating spaces in the city.
2 Minecraft
Before Microsoft's acquisition of Mojang, Minecraft was 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, Minecraft puts players in a randomly generated world where they can choose to either survive in the elements or 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.
1 Gran Turismo 5
One of the long-running franchises across many generations of PlayStation hardware is Gran Turismo. The racing simulation series has been a major title in every single PlayStation console's library. With the PlayStation 3, fans saw the release of Gran Turismo 5 and 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 of Gran Turismo include 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.