The PlayStation 3 era gifted us with not just revolutionary gameplay but also some of the rarest and most expensive titles in gaming history. From limited editions to unique releases, the PS3 boasts a collection of games that have become prized possessions among collectors and enthusiasts. These gems go beyond their gameplay; they hold a story of rarity, exclusivity, and sometimes even controversy.
Today, we will unravel the world of the most valuable PS3 games, uncovering the reasons behind their soaring prices, exploring their origins, and discovering what makes them worth a small fortune. From iconic franchises to hidden treasures, each game holds a tale of its own, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of gaming history.
10. BlazBlue: Central Fiction
Developer: Arc System Works
Released Date: November 19, 2015
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
photo source: Amazon.ca
BlazBlue: Central Fiction offers an extensive narrative-driven experience. Developed by Arc System Works and released on November 19, 2015, this game revolutionized storytelling within the genre, boasting a story mode exceeding 40 hours. The narrative unfolds through fully animated cutscenes, pushing the boundaries of storytelling in fighting games.
Visually, “BlazBlue: Central Fiction” delivers an unparalleled aesthetic experience. The game showcases meticulously detailed 2D hand-drawn sprites complemented by breathtaking 3D rendered backgrounds. This fusion creates a visually stunning world that captivates players, setting it apart from conventional fighting game visuals.
9. Band Hero Super Bundle
Developer: Neversoft Entertainment
Released Date: November 3, 2009
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
photo source: Amazon UK
Priced at $237.81, the Band Hero Super Bundle aimed to provide an immersive and customizable musical journey for players, enabling them to interact with and enjoy their favorite music in a unique and engaging manner.
At its core, Band Hero offers a diverse lineup of in-game artists and playable characters, including Taylor Swift, known for her prowess as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, alongside Adam Levine, the frontman of Maroon 5. These iconic figures headline the game, contributing to its allure for music enthusiasts and gamers alike.
8. Painkiller: Hell & Damnation
Developer: The Farm 51
Released Date: October 31, 2012
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
photo source: Amazon
Highlighting a varied and powerful arsenal, Painkiller: Hell & Damnation presents players with a range of distinct weapons to confront the demonic adversaries. Each weapon offers unique capabilities, enhancing combat dynamics and diversifying the strategies used to overcome foes.
Featuring 14 levels, including 4 challenging boss encounters, the game immerses players in an action-packed experience. Over 30 menacing creatures from the depths of Hell inhabit these levels, intensifying the gameplay with their dark presence.
7. Rock Band 2 Bundle
Developer: Harmonix
Released Date: October 19, 2008
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
photo source: Best Buy
The Rock Band 2 Bundle, developed by Harmonix and released on October 19, 2008, redefines the music gaming experience with an array of innovative features and gameplay modes. This bundle introduces extensive online modes, including the Online World Tour that merges Solo and Band World Tour modes, offering gigs, challenges, cities, venues, and the option to hire staff.
The Tour Challenges present mini-campaigns focused on instrument, decade, genre, and more, while the Battle of the Bands mode allows head-to-head competition against other bands in regularly refreshed contests, necessitating an internet connection.
Players can enjoy Quickplay with either pre-made or personalized characters capable of playing any instrument. The game facilitates customizable setlists and song organization in various categories for a tailored gaming experience.
6. Syberia Complete Collection
Developer: Microïds
Released Date: June 26, 2015
Mode: Single-player
photo source: Amazon.ca
The Syberia Complete Collection, priced at $279.90, presents a treasure trove for adventure game enthusiasts, bundling the acclaimed titles Syberia and Syberia II. Developed by Microïds, these games immerse players in a captivating journey filled with integrated, original puzzles set in the enigmatic realm of Syberia.
The Syberia Complete Collection, priced at $279.90, presents a treasure trove for adventure game enthusiasts, bundling the acclaimed titles Syberia and Syberia II. Developed by Microïds, these games immerse players in a captivating journey filled with integrated, original puzzles set in the enigmatic realm of Syberia.
The Syberia Complete Collection, priced at $279.90, presents a treasure trove for adventure game enthusiasts, bundling the acclaimed titles Syberia and Syberia II. Developed by Microïds, these games immerse players in a captivating journey filled with integrated, original puzzles set in the enigmatic realm of Syberia.
5. Rock Band Special Edition
Developer: Harmonix
Released Date: November 20, 2007
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
photo source: Amazon UK
This Rock Band Special Edition introduces both local and global online modes, enhancing the gaming experience for players seeking interactive online play. The Online World Tour mode seamlessly merges Solo Tour and Band World Tour modes, presenting opportunity gigs, challenges, cities, venues, and the option to hire staff, creating a dynamic and immersive gameplay environment.
Players can engage in Tour Challenges, which are mini-campaigns focused on curated song selections based on instruments, decades, genres, and more, amplifying the game’s replayability. The Battle of the Bands mode allows players to compete head-to-head against other bands in continually refreshed contests, fostering a competitive element that requires an internet connection for participation.
4. The Last Guy
Developer: Japan Studio, Sony Computer Entertainment
Released Date: July 31, 2008
Mode: Single-player
photo source: IGN
The Last Guy, priced at $300 and developed by Japan Studio and Sony Computer Entertainment, thrusts players into a world ravaged by a perilous threat known as the mountain zombie. Triggered by a purple light from outer space, this phenomenon transforms individuals into monsters or zombies upon exposure.
As a mutant from the Himalayas collaborating with the United Rescue Force (U.R.F.), the player’s mission revolves around rescuing unaffected civilians in numerous cities globally, such as Washington D.C., Berlin, Tokyo, Nagoya, and more.
Played from a top-down perspective, the game portrays cities overrun by massive monsters, referred to as “zombies” or “yokai.” Controlling the protagonist, known as The Last Guy, players navigate through these cities, rescuing stranded civilians and leading them to safety within a specified time frame.
3. The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition
Developer: Harmonix
Released Date: September 9, 2009
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
photo source: eBay
This special edition includes “The Beatles: Rock Band” software for PS3 along with exclusive peripherals: a Höfner bass controller, The Beatles branded Rock Band drums, microphone, microphone stand, and additional special content. The game boasts a diverse range of gameplay environments inspired by significant milestones from The Beatles’ illustrious career, such as the Cavern Club, Abbey Road, and Shea Stadium.
Featuring a song list comprising over 40 Beatles hits, players also have access to additional downloadable content (DLC) via PlayStation Network, extending the game’s musical library and experience.
What sets this game apart is its innovative inclusion of harmonies as part of the gameplay, challenging players to recreate The Beatles’ distinct vocal blend. This pioneering feature adds a new dimension to music gaming, allowing players to experience the complexity of The Beatles’ harmonies firsthand.
2. Aquanaut’s Holiday: Hidden Memories
Developer: Artdink
Released Date: September 25, 2008
Mode: Single-player
photo source: StreamGridDB
Aquanaut’s Holiday: Hidden Memories offers an adventure game-like experience centered around an unnamed journalist’s quest to locate the missing oceanographer William “Bill” Graber. The game unfolds as players take on the role of the journalist, utilizing a submarine called the Dolphin no. 2 to explore the seas for clues.
Set in the Kisira Atoll of Polynesia, the narrative begins at the Kisira Base, an oceanographic research facility serving as the central hub for supplies and equipment, including crucial items like batteries for sonar navigation buoys.
Throughout the adventure, players encounter various fish, animals, and discoveries, all of which are cataloged in a database. Some fish in the game can communicate, requiring players to mimic their sounds using the Four Trigger Buttons of the Sixaxis controller.
1. NBA Elite 11
Developer: EA Vancouver
Released Date: March 31, 2011
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
photo source: Wikipedia
NBA Elite 11 holds the distinction of being the most expensive PS3 game, priced at a staggering $3,630.99. Developed by EA Vancouver and released on March 31, 2011, this game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, aiming to deliver an immersive basketball gaming experience.
Initially, NBA JAM was planned to accompany copies of NBA Elite 11 for Xbox 360 and PS3 through a download code. However, following the cancellation, NBA JAM was released separately as a standalone game for multiple platforms, including the Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii.
The limited number of PlayStation 3 versions that made their way into circulation before the cancellation transformed them into sought-after collector’s items, adding to their rarity and desirability among gaming enthusiasts.
