Listmania!
The Best Games on the PS3: Volume 1
By an Amazon.com customer
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the PatriotsMetal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Buy new: $24.00 / Used from: $19.99
First of all, I love this series, and the gameplay is better here than in any of the prior Metal Gear Solid entries. If you've never played this series, I promise you that if you're patient enough to conquer the learning curve you'll love it.
Valkyria ChroniclesValkyria Chronicles
Buy new: $86.19 / Used from: $26.99
Of all the Japanese rpg's released for the current-gen consoles, this one is probably the best. Valkyria Chronicles is a turn-based strategy game that you play from a third-person perspective.
LittleBigPlanetLittleBigPlanet
Buy new: $59.99 / Used from: $36.88
This game literally does not end; if you're a fan of platformers, you owe it to yourself to purchase this game. The replay value is unlimited.
Killzone 2Killzone 2
Buy new: $49.99 / Used from: $25.49
This game doesn't really revolutionize the fps genre, but it does manage to refine it. It has great graphics, a very robust online component, and the single-player campaign becomes quite enjoyable as time goes on. My main complaint is that the final boss fight is a real pain on the higher difficulties.
Uncharted: Drake's FortuneUncharted: Drake's Fortune
Buy new: $26.99 / Used from: $20.41
Great graphics, solid gameplay, and an interesting story all work together to make a fun game. My only criticism is that it's pretty short, but that didn't reduce the fun for me.
Resistance: Fall Of ManResistance: Fall Of Man
Buy new: $25.20 / Used from: $14.24
I didn't get to play the first Resistance, but I've often heard that the single-player campaign is superior to its sequel.
Resistance 2Resistance 2
Buy new: $56.99 / Used from: $30.95
I felt this game was snubbed at the time of its release; I really enjoyed the lush, colorful environments, and I thought the online modes were great. However, I hate the protagonist; he has no personality to speak of.
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of DestructionRatchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
Buy new: $27.48 / Used from: $20.48
While this game doesn't really do anything revolutionary, it's still a solid entry in the series, and the graphics are breath-taking.
Warhawk (No Headset)Warhawk (No Headset)
Buy new: $27.41 / Used from: $11.39
This game is online-only. It allows you to fight on foot, in tanks, in planes, or even in a jet pack. It's one of the most solid online experiences around, but it does have a bit of a learning curve.
Eye of JudgmentEye of Judgment
Buy new: $63.97 / Used from: $9.97
This game is essentially a card-battle game that you can play online with friends. The game actually uses real card decks that you register with the Playstation Eye. The sheer novelty of this title makes it a must-own.
Virtua Fighter 5Virtua Fighter 5
Buy new: $21.72 / Used from: $7.55
As far as exclusives go, the Virtua Fighter series easily outclasses Dead or Alive as a hardcore fighter; it happens to be one of the most revered representations of the genre. Edit: Little did I know, but this game is also available on the 360; sorry 'bout that.
MotorStormMotorStorm
Buy new: $19.57 / Used from: $5.43
I haven't played this game, but it tends to get rated pretty well. I'm not big on racing games, but I do enjoy them every now and then.
MotorStorm Pacific RiftMotorStorm Pacific Rift
Buy new: $56.99 / Used from: $36.98
This game is supposed to be better than the original, but I haven't played either of the two games, so I can't really comment. However, I will say that the environments and level designs look great.
SOCOM: US Navy Seals Confrontation Stand AloneSOCOM: US Navy Seals Confrontation Stand Alone
Buy new: $27.99 / Used from: $9.88
Finally, SOCOM gets back to basics. If you're a SOCOM fan, you should own this.
Heavenly SwordHeavenly Sword
Buy new: $51.27 / Used from: $22.44
This game is okay; I'd recommend renting it first just because it's such a short of game.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion: Game of the Year EditionThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion: Game of the Year Edition
Buy new: $27.99 / Used from: $16.77
In my opinion, Bethesda has the final word when it comes to sandbox games; the only real problem with this title is that the enemies level up with you. Other than that, it's great.
Fallout 3Fallout 3
Buy new: $29.99 / Used from: $17.50
First of all, I really enjoyed this game, but I would recommend waiting for the "Game of the Year" edition if you don't want to use up precious space on your hard drive downloading additional content.
Resident Evil 5Resident Evil 5
Buy new: $36.99 / Used from: $25.95
Reviews for RE5 have been mixed, but overall it's been pretty positive for this game. This title has suffered a number of valid criticisms, but it ultimately seems to outshine its flaws. I'll get my hands on it eventually.
Ninja Gaiden SigmaNinja Gaiden Sigma
Buy new: $18.55 / Used from: $12.95
This is possibly the best action game on the PS3; I think it easily outclasses Heavenly Sword and Devil May Cry 4.
Condemned 2: BloodshotCondemned 2: Bloodshot
Buy new: $18.99 / Used from: $7.89
This game is criminally underrated. I think it was a helluva lot scarier than Bioshock, and it also allowed you to bludgeon your adversaries from a first-person perspective, which was really cool.
Street Fighter IVStreet Fighter IV
Buy new: $27.99 / Used from: $19.16
Street Fighter IV was made for Street Fighter II fans; the play mechanics are very similar. The character roster in this game is beefy, and the online play is virtually lag-free.
Saints Row 2Saints Row 2
Buy new: $19.99 / Used from: $14.46
For those of you who think GTA IV is overhyped, this may be the game for you. I once heard a reviewer say that Saints Row 2 is more fun than GTA IV, but that GTA IV is an all-around, better game. I don't really understand the logic of that statement, but I'm all about having fun.
Far Cry 2Far Cry 2
Buy new: $29.99 / Used from: $12.85
I think reviewers liked this game moreso than most gamers did; it looks great, but it really has a lot of flaws that hold it back. I got bored/frustrated pretty quick with this one.
Dead SpaceDead Space
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $12.99
EA set out to create an entertaining, survival-horror title, and they succeeded.
Mirror's EdgeMirror's Edge
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $12.95
I really hated this game. Personally, I would even go as far as to advise against renting it, but that's totally up to you.
Grand Theft Auto IVGrand Theft Auto IV
Buy new: $26.99 / Used from: $17.99
I really don't like GTA IV, but due to the game's glowing reviews and staggering popularity I couldn't have excluded it from the list. Do I really need to say anything about this game? Well, the 360 version has exclusive downloadable content, so that would be the version to own.
Soul Calibur IVSoul Calibur IV
Buy new: $29.99 / Used from: $15.31
This is another solid fighter for the PS3; the online play is smooth, the fighters are balanced better than in the prequel, and there's a lot of depth in the character creation mode.
BioShockBioShock
Buy new: $18.25 / Used from: $15.95
I bought into the hype and rented this game; upon playing it, I thought it was terribly overrated. Most people I know actually enjoy this game, so I guess I'm in the minority.
Eternal SonataEternal Sonata
Buy new: $49.94 / Used from: $26.99
I haven't played this one, but I'd definitely suggest renting it first; Japanese rpg's are an acquired taste, and right now, consoles are more or less saturated with them.
Devil May Cry 4Devil May Cry 4
Buy new: $19.79 / Used from: $14.49
I don't much care for the Devil May Cry series; but if you enjoy hack 'n slash titles, this one may be worth your time.
Burnout ParadiseBurnout Paradise
Buy new: $19.82 / Used from: $10.00
This game is arguably the best racer of 2008. It revolutionized online gaming by removing lobbies, which made competing with other gamers a hassle-free experience.
Midnight Club: Los AngelesMidnight Club: Los Angeles
Buy new: $29.99 / Used from: $15.99
This is another solid racer that receives glowing reviews year after year.
PurePure
Buy new: $19.92 / Used from: $15.99
A fun, arcade style, racing game, and that'a about it. Perhaps it's just a little too simple. Rent it first.
GRIDGRID
Buy new: $27.99 / Used from: $18.99
I don't care for realistic racers, and this game is no exception; however, if you like that kind of thing, I guess you can't go wrong with this game.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Game of the YearCall of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Game of the Year
Buy new: $29.99 / Used from: $25.99
This is about as solid an fps as you can find on a console; the single-player campaign is decent, but the real fun comes from the online play.
Call of Duty: World at WarCall of Duty: World at War
Buy new: $56.99 / Used from: $29.98
The one thing that I'll always remember about this game is how amazingly cheap the enemies are in the single-player campaign. The online play is the saving grace of this title.
The Orange BoxThe Orange Box
Buy new: $94.93 / Used from: $32.60
The PS3 version of the Orange Box happens to be the worst. The online play in Team Fortress 2 is essentially neutered, but if you're interested in trying out the other games, it might be worth the price of admission.
Naruto Ultimate Ninja: StormNaruto Ultimate Ninja: Storm
Buy new: $36.99 / Used from: $32.98
I haven't played this game, but the most notable thing about it has to be that it looks exactly like the anime that it's based on. However, the character roster is pretty limited compared to the other games in the series.
Guitar Hero World Tour Band Bundle for PlayStation 3Guitar Hero World Tour Band Bundle for PlayStation 3
Buy new: $109.99 / Used from: $47.94
Essentially, this game has you cranking out popular rock songs on a plastic guitar. It's popular, but I don't really care for it.
Playstation 3 Rock Band Special Edition!Playstation 3 Rock Band Special Edition!
Buy new: $98.99 / Used from: $64.95
Rock Band pioneered the band experience by including the bass guitar, drums, microphone, as well as, the lead guitar.