There are plenty of great open-world games on the PS3, some of which were truly genre-defining and pushed the technologies and limits of the console hardware to its maximum potential. The jump up from PS2’s hardware really felt like a big leap in gaming, with developers being able to create far more detailed and expansive open worlds that felt real and had a lot going on for them.
Some of these gave players the freedom to explore in ways unlike before. Many of these games had unforgettable characters and storytelling. And most importantly, they created worlds that feel alive and still hold up today, two console generations later.
Sleeping Dog is a very underrated open-world game. You play as Wei Shen, an undercover cop trying to take down a powerful Triad organization. Along the way, you meet several other great triad and non-triad characters that have a well-defined place in the game’s world.
It’s a brutal, authentic recreation of Hong Kong that is brimming with atmosphere. The neon lights, small markets, and streets full of traffic, all contribute to its great vibe. Fans have long wished for a sequel, but given the studio’s closure in 2016 and Square Enix’s disinterest in the game, that seems highly unlikely.
Team Bondi’s recreation of 1940s Los Angeles was perfect, with a little bit of help via Rockstar Games. It often felt like watching episodes of a great television show as you played through the various crime-mystery-based missions. The writing and dialogues were stellar and had more than enough details and nuances to perfectly recreate the characteristics of that time.
It also had some revolutionary tech behind it, such as mo-capping the facial expressions of the various NPCs you would investigate, and then either trying to acquit or convict them based on how they responded to your line of questioning.
Perhaps the most charming Elder Scrolls game, Oblivionhas a great vibe to it. The music plays a big role in making it feel truly magical, and the lush landscapes were always a joy to look at. Set in the province of Cyrodiil, you play as a prisoner caught in a battle between the Empire and demons from the realm of Oblivion.
The game’s world is packed with some great quests, as well as dungeons, expansive cities, and factions to join. It has a bit of jankiness, but that does contribute to its overall charm. The game still holds up well despite a few dated mechanics that were much improved in its sequel, and the winning Bethesda formula shines here.
Borderlands 2 has one of the most varied open worlds ever shown in a video game. There’s a massive variety of biomes and locations that all felt a little different and were fleshed out with some interesting lore. Set on the alien planet of Pandora, you play as one of six Vault Hunters trying to take down Handsome Jack, a now iconic villain.
It has a relatively unique RPG system that is focused on gameplay and character buffs, and the skill trees are extensive with great build variety to tune it to specific playstyles. The game’s humor might not be for everyone, and the gunplay is better in Borderlands 3, but this gamestill remains a fan-favoritethanks to its characters, world-building, and storytelling.
While Arkham City’s open world isn’t quite as big, it’s still very captivating. It greatly built upon the solid foundation of its predecessor, Arkham Asylum, which was a more linear game. The narrative itself is exceptional, and this remains the best superhero game out there. Sorry, Spider-Man.
Although the sequel, Arkham Knight, drastically improved the open-world and free-flow combat aspect of the series, Arkham City’s world was more deeply rooted in the game’s story, and that helped accentuate the overall immersion in it.
Rockstar Games’ open-world, Wild West adventure was one of that console generation’s best offerings. It was new ground for the developer, but it really knocked it out of the park. GTA’s formula worked surprisingly well for this somewhat stripped-back, more narrative-focused game.
You play as John Marston, a former outlaw who makes a deal with the government to hunt down his old gang members in exchange for the protection of his family. This, alongside its sequel Red Dead Redemption 2, makes for some great video game storytelling.
Widely considered as Obisidian Studios' magnum opus, Fallout: New Vegas remains an extremely in-depth modern RPG. The dialogue writing is extremely compelling, with NPCs feeling like real people despite their limited animations and graphical fidelities.
It takes place in the war-torn version of the Mojave Desert, with plenty of Wild West inspirations. You play as a courier left for dead after being shot in the head and go out seeking revenge beforegetting tied up with various factions, and ultimately deciding the fate of the Mojave.
Even though the Grand Theft Auto series has seen several impressive entries, GTA 4 is still one of the most impressive due to what Rockstar was able to achieve on the PS3’s limited hardware. Set in the gritty Liberty City, you play as Niko Bellic, who’s an immigrant looking for a fresh start but gets pulled into the criminal underworld.
The game is dark and very atmospheric but has just enough humor to perfectly balance it out. Its commentary on various American topics, including politics and immigrants, remains relevant.
