PS3 Exclusives That Need to Come to the PS5

The next-generation PlayStation 5 console received high praise from fans and critics alike, but it remains far from perfect. One of the biggest issues to gamers is the console's lack of backwards compatibility with the PlayStation 1, 2, and 3 consoles. This, unfortunately, currently means that there are lots of titles from these classic consoles which are not available to experience on the shiny new next-generation console.

While plenty of PlayStation 3 titles have received a remaster for the PlayStation 5, there are still tons which have not. Here's 10 titles which could definitely use a re-release in the era of the next-generation console.

1. Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection

Okay, maybe putting this on the list is a bit of a cheat - this collection contains an impressive eight titles from popular stealth action series Metal Gear Solid. While several of its component titles have been released for other platforms, the Legacy Collection contains a beloved PS3 exclusive in the form of 2008 title Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Bringing this bundle of games to the PlayStation 5 would be both a treat for longtime fans and a great way to get new gamers into the Metal Gear series for the first time.

2. inFAMOUS & inFAMOUS 2

This duology of action-adventure games tells the story of Cole, a man who is forced to survive in the dangerous environment of Empire City after gaining electricity-based powers. The games were praised for the unique mechanics of using Cole's powers, as well as exploring Empire City via climbing and grabbing in an open world environment. True, there's Second Son for the PS4 featuring Delsin, but let's bring Cole back. A re-release could bundle the two games together into one - and perhaps even include the Festival of Blood expansion as well!

3. Heavenly Sword

Heavenly Sword is a game which, although not entirely forgotten by time, certainly does not get the attention which it rightfully deserves. This hack-and-slash title primarily gained notoriety due to the titular weapon, which can shift into three different forms offering players the opportunity to choose a play style most suited to them as they progress through the game. Plus, protagonist Nariko remains one of gaming's most stunning ladies, and seeing her rendered using next-generation graphics would be a visual treat for all.

4. Pain

2020 was a tough year, and gamers all around the world need some way to vent their frustration without causing real-world property damage. And what better way would there be to accomplish that then via a re-release of Pain, a "ragdoll physics" downloadable PS3 title from 2007. Pain's gameplay revolved around the most simple of concepts: fling your character from a slingshot and cause them as much damage as possible. An updated version could include new playable characters to harm, perhaps a representation of coronavirus?

5. Tales of Xillia & Tales of Xillia 2

Japanese role-playing game series Tales is still going strong, with a new entry planned for the future. However, fans of the series have found it increasingly difficult to find a way to play Tales of Xillia and its sequel, as both remain PlayStation 3 exclusives. The story, which centers around an unlikely group of companions first hiding from and later confronting a government which crafts deadly weapons of mass destruction, is just as relevant to a 2021 audience as it was when initially released 10 years ago.

6. The Ratchet & Clank Future Saga

Long-dormant third-person shooter/platformer series Ratchet & Clank is returning with a bang in 2021, with Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart coming to the PlayStation 5. With the new title releasing soon, there's no better time to re-release the multi-game Future Saga, which currently remains locked to the PS3. These games, which include Tools of Destruction, Quest for Booty, A Crack in Time, and Into the Nexus, could be remade either separately or as part of a larger collection featuring updated time- and gravity-bending gameplay.

7. The Killzone Trilogy

Every console needs some really good first-person shooters, and the three games comprising the Killzone series would be a perfect choice for the PS5. Set in the distant future of the 24th century, it chronicles a war between human factions competing for control of the galaxy. The graphics, especially of Killzone 3, were praised as a "breakthrough" for their time, and an upgrade for the PS5 could create an equally groundbreaking visual experience. Maybe we could even get a new Killzone game along with it!

8. Drakengard 3

The Drakengard series (originally known in Japan as Drag-On Dragoon) did not really gain mainstream attention until the debut of spinoff title Nier and its follow-up Nier: Automata. With so many fans familiar with the series only via Nier, now would be the perfect time to re-introduce the games which started it all. As the PS3 exclusive Drakengard 3 is actually a prequel to the first two games in the series, it would be a great place to start when it comes to bringing Drakengard back into the public eye.

9. MotorStorm

A good racing game needs good controls; the whole experience is just a little bit more fun when you can actually feel the track rumbling under your wheels, the other cars crowding against you, and the grit your tires pick up as you head off road. The PS5's DualSense controller, complete with haptic feedback, would pair perfectly with MotorStorm, a down 'n dirty racer featuring everything from big rigs and mudpluggers to dirt bikes, ATVs, and even dune buggies.

10. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle

In the years since JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle first released for the PlayStation 3, the classic Japanese manga has received a multi-part, ongoing animated adaptation which has gained international fame. Fans would love to see a PS5 version of this fighting game featuring 40 characters from all eight story arcs, and the bright, colorful, larger-than-life characters would translate well to a next-generation console. Plus, could you imagine new remixes of all the epic music tracks?

Which PlayStation 3 exclusive titles would you like to see re-released, re-mastered, or re-imagined for the PlayStation 5? Do you agree with this list, or is there anything you'd like to add? Let us know!