Released in 2006 for Japan and North America and in 2007 for Europe, Sony’s PlayStation 3 (PS3) was a beloved part of the seventh generation of video game consoles alongside the Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii.
As of 2019, Sony reported that the PS3 sold almost 1 billion units of software. Among the most popular PS3 games are Grand Theft Auto V, Gran Turismo 5, and The Last of Us. Each of these sold millions, if not tens of millions of copies on the PS3 alone.
But at the opposite end of these wildly popular and common pieces of software are games that are much more difficult to find. Due to the rarity of some games, they are frequently sold for much higher prices than they originally could be bought at.
The value of each rare PS3 game has fluctuated over time due to the supply and demand of the market. As of now, these are the top 10 rarest games for the PS3.
- Godzilla
- Spider-Man: Web of Shadows
- JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle (English version)
- Afrika
- The Last Guy (English Version)
- Mamoru-Kun Wa Norowarete Shimatta (Japanese Version)
- Ra One: The Game
- Aquanaut’s Holiday: Hidden Memories
- Syberia: Complete Collection
- NBA Elite 11
Year Released: 2015
Developer: Natsume-Atari
Platform(s): PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
photo source: Amazon
Coming in at the bottom of the list is Godzilla, specifically the version released for the PAL PlayStation 3.
Godzilla was released by Natsume-Atari following the film of the same name, which was directed by Gareth Edwards. In “God of Destruction” mode, players rampage throughout several different arenas and try to cause as much destruction as possible before fighting various bosses from the Godzilla franchise.
Players who want more head-to-head kaiju action can go for “King of the Monsters” mode, which consists of a series of monster boss fights.
While this version of Godzilla is a rare game, it wasn’t particularly well-received at launch. It scored middling-to-low scores across the board, but received some roundabout praise, with one games journalist calling it the “best worst game ever.”
However, that doesn’t stop collectors from spending a hefty sum on copies of it.
Did you know?
You can play as different incarnations of Godzilla from various film depictions, including Mechagodzilla.
Year Released: 2008
Developer: Shaba Games
Platform(s): PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, Microsoft Windows
photo source: Wikipedia
Spider-Man: Web of Shadows swung onto the gaming scene in 2008 as a spiritual successor to other successful games with the Spider-Man license, such as Spider-Man 3 and Ultimate Spider-Man.
The gameplay featured an open world to navigate through as Spider-Man himself and was praised for improving on the combat system used in previous games. Players can fight a variety of enemies and summon both superhero and villain allies to aid them, depending on the choices they make throughout the game.
Due to licensing changes between Activision (the game’s original publisher) and Beenox (who received the Spider-Man property), Spider-Man: Web of Shadows is no longer available on any digital storefronts whatsoever. As a result, the physical copy is highly valued.
Did you know?
This game features a “reputation bar” that changes depending on how Spider-Man is perceived by the public.
Year Released: 2014
Developer: CyberConnect2
Platform(s): PlayStation 3
photo source: Wikipedia
There are many, many anime-based fighting games out there, but not many are as highly sought after as the English version of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle.
Like many other fighting games of this style (frequently referred to as “2.5D”) players fight using various characters from the Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure series on a flat platform, using various abilities and skills to defeat their opponents.
The game’s “Story Mode” follows the different characters as they battle fierce opponents, while the “Versus Mode” allows for local and online multiplayer.
While the Japanese release of this game is plentifully available, the English version of it is much more expensive and difficult to acquire.
Players who want to experience the game without paying a premium can either acquire the Japanese version (which is compatible with all PS3 systems) or wait for the remastered version, which is coming out in the Fall of 2022 on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Did you know?
The Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure manga currently has 131 volumes.
Year Released: 2008
Developer: Rhino Studios
Platform(s): PlayStation 3
photo source: Wikipedia
One of the more unique entries on this list, Afrika is a part of the niche photography game genre that features games such as Pokémon Snap.
In Afrika, players take control of a photojournalist on a mission to find and take pictures of wild animals in Africa. By locating and photographing animals, the player earns money, which can then be used to purchase supplies and upgrades for their equipment.
Despite some initial excitement, the release of this game was generally lackluster, as indicated by the middling scores it received. However, the game’s soundtrack, composed by Wataru Hokoyama, was highly praised.
Did you know?
This game is titled Hakuna Matata in Southeast Asia
Year Released: 2008
Developer: Japan Studio
Platform(s): PlayStation 3
photo source: Amazon
In The Last Guy, players are responsible for finding the human survivors of a city that has been overrun with monsters and escorting them to safety.
The game functions as a top-down maze puzzle that requires careful planning to achieve effective results. Players were then able to compare scores on each level with one another through leaderboards.
Japan studios were almost unanimously praised for their work, with critics citing the creativity and ingenuity of the gameplay. They later went on to release other highly acclaimed titles, such as Shadow of the Colossus and Bloodborne.
Did you know?
The Last Guy makes use of real-world city landscapes through the satellite images captured by Google Earth.
Year Released: 2011
Developer: G.rev
Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
photo source: ebay
Mamoru-Kun Wa Norowarete Shimatta (translated to English as “Mamorukun Curse”) is a top-down arcade-style third-person shooter that belongs to the “bullet hell” genre (called “danmaku” in Japan), which is characterized by a chaotic gameplay loop involving lots of fast-moving projectiles.
Initially released for the Xbox 360, Mamoru-Kun Wa Norowarete Shimatta was ported to the PS3 in 2011 for Japan and in 2013 for North America. However, the latter version of the game was exclusive to the PlayStation 3’s digital storefront.
The only physical copies of the game were released in Japan, making it a hot commodity for collectors.
Did you know?
This game was originally ported over from a coin-operated arcade station.
Year Released: 2011
Developer: Trine Game Studios
Platform(s): PlayStation 3
photo source: Coleka.com
Ra.One: The Game is one of the most obscure titles released during the lifetime of the PS3. It was based on the Indian film, Ra.One, which was released in 2011. The plot revolves around the conflict created by the titular Ra.One, a video game character who escapes the virtual world.
Naturally, a game based on a movie that itself was about video games had to follow. Ra.One: The Game was made as an action-adventure game in which players can choose between six characters, each of whom has their own skills and fighting styles, to defeat fierce opponents.
Despite the popularity of the film in India, physical copies of Ra.One: The Game remain difficult to acquire.
Did you know?
Ra.One: The Game continues the story of the film it’s based on.
Year Released: 2008
Developer: Artdink
Platform(s): PlayStation 3
photo source: Wikipedia
In Aquanaut’s Holiday: Hidden Memories, players take the role of a journalist seeking to discover the location of an oceanographer who mysteriously disappears.
Throughout the game, the player works with other characters to solve various mysteries. Along the way, they add to a database of fish and other marine life. The player is free to explore the map as they see fit.
This game never received a full release in English for the North American market but was re-released with a loose translation from the original Japanese. These copies of Aquanaut’s Holiday are difficult to acquire for any English-speaking gamers who wish to experience it.
Did you know?
The name of the submarine used to explore in this game is the “Dolphin no.2.”
Year Released: 2015
Developer: Microids
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3
photo source: Coleka.com
Featuring two of the more creative titles in the PS3 library, Syberia: Complete Collection is a compilation of Syberia (2002), which was exclusive to Microsoft Windows, and Syberia II (2004), which came out for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Both games in this compilation are “point-and-click” adventure games that center around protagonist Kate Walker, an American former lawyer who discovers mysterious creatures and amazing technological discoveries.
PS3 players who enjoyed the first Syberia would be disappointed to discover that the sequel was not originally ported to their console. Instead, their only hope of playing it was through the Syberia: Complete Collection, which was released far later.
Tracking down a physical copy of this game is exceptionally difficult, and its rarity has allowed sellers to ask for high prices. A true standout for any PS3 game collection.
Did you know?
The first entry in this series was a game titled Amerzone, which was released in 1999.
Year Released: 2010
Developer: EA Canada
Platform(s): iOS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 (Cancelled)
photo source: Twitter
NBA Elite 11 is by far the rarest PS3 game of all time.
At first glance, this basketball simulator game seems to be nothing special. And in a way, it isn’t. There have been dozens of similar games released over the years, and this game is itself a part of the extensive NBA Live series by EA. By all accounts, the gameplay of NBA Elite 11 is average at best.
What makes this game so rare and valuable is the limited release it received on the PS3. Due to issues with the overall quality of the game, including bugs and glitches, EA decided to cancel it altogether right before the official release.
However, some copies were distributed despite the cancelation. Speculators have estimated that as few as 100 physical copies of the game exist in total.
Due to the rarity of this game, the asking price is astronomically higher than every other game on this list combined. It is truly the crowned jewel of PS3 games, and its price will likely only continue to rise as time goes on.
Did you know?
The basketball player featured on the cover is Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
