The PlayStation 3 era (2006-2013) marked a definitive turning point for open world gaming. No longer hindered by primitive technology, developers were finally able to realize fully interactive 3D environments boasting unprecedented scale and fidelity.
As the PS3‘s cutting edge Cell microprocessor and powerful Nvidia graphics processor rapidly became better understood and optimized for, studios sought to create expansive living worlds that had only existed in imagination previously. Landmark titles across major franchises demonstrated tremendous leaps over PS2 and original Xbox limitations – enriching immersion and player agency to astounding new heights.
But what specific features distinguish the very best open world experiences the PS3 had to offer? This guide will analyze and rank the console‘s standout sandboxes across pivotal technological criteria while uncovering underappreciated gems you may have criminally overlooked.
Defining the Genre: Core Tenets of Open World Game Design
Before assessing candidates on tech merits, let‘s define what constitutes an open world or sandbox game. While nonlinear level design had existed for decades, the 3D action-adventure Super Mario 64 generally codified key elements we associate with modern open world games:
- Continuous Game World – Large, interconnecting 3D environments with no loading screens and minimal interruption traveling between areas
- Free-Form Exploration – Players have autonomy on objectives‘ order and are encouraged to cover extensive ground
- Side Activities – In addition to main story quests, ample optional challenges exist like side missions, mini-games and collectibles
- Customizable Progression – Heroes can build skills, obtain new gear/vehicles and have other means of developing abilities
- Interactive Ecosystem – A living world where AIs have daily routines and react dynamically, featuring weather systems and day/night cycles
Now let‘s examine PlayStation 3 titles that truly capitalized on harnessing advanced technology to deliver incredibly immersive open worlds.
Ranking Methodology
The top 7 PS3 sandbox games are scored out of 10 across four pivotal technical categories:
- World Scale: Physical size of explorable game world
- Density & Variety: Missions, activities, buildings and level of urbanization
- Graphics & Physics: Visual fidelity, animation quality, physics engine realism
- Innovation: Pioneering new techniques and mechanics that influenced future open world games
After totalling scores, each title also gets an overall letter grade. Now let‘s dive in!
7. Dragon‘s Dogma: Dark Arisen
Dragon‘s Dogma: Dark Arisen – PlayStation 3
| World Scale | 7/10 |
| Density & Variety | 6/10 |
| Graphics & Physics | 8/10 |
| Innovation | 6/10 |
| Overall Score | B- (27/40) |
While Capcom‘s cult favorite action-RPG entry may not boast the largest world, its otherworldly Gransys provides stunning sights as you battle mythical beasts using the uniquely intuitive combat system. With the expanded Dark Arisen content, underground maze Bitterblack Isle adds a supremely challenging gauntlet.
6. Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout: New Vegas – PlayStation 3
| World Scale | 8/10 |
| Density & Variety | 7/10 |
| Graphics & Physics | 5/10 |
| Innovation | 6/10 |
| Overall Score | B- (26/40) |
Obsidian masterfully channeled the irreverent charm of the original Fallout PC RPGs with their Mojave Wasteland offshoot. Blending ruined Las Vegas landmarks, quirky factions like the Legionnaires and Kings gang alongside the flexible combat the series was lauded for.
5. Batman: Arkham City
Batman: Arkham City – PlayStation 3
| World Scale | 7/10 |
| Density & Variety | 8/10 |
| Graphics & Physics | 9/10 |
| Innovation | 7/10 |
| Overall Score | A- (31/40) |
Rocksteady‘s acclaimed second entry let players grapple and glide across a wonderfully realized chunk of Gotham City, incorporating Batman‘s gear perfectly while featuring a who‘s who lineup of psychotic villains.
4. Red Dead Redemption
Red Dead Redemption – PlayStation 3
| World Scale | 10/10 |
| Density & Variety | 9/10 |
| Graphics & Physics | 8/10 |
| Innovation | 9/10 |
| Overall Score | A (36/40) |
The old American frontier was recreated with astonishing depth and accuracy in Rockstar‘s magnus opus, from horseback journeys across state lines to stirring shootouts inside creaky saloons. Dynamic elements like weather and wildlife helped birthday a living world.
3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – PlayStation 3
| World Scale | 10/10 |
| Density & Variety | 10/10 |
| Graphics & Physics | 7/10 |
| Innovation | 8/10 |
| Overall Score | A+ (35/40) |
Bethesda‘s RPG masterwork set staggering new bars for content volume and open-ended exploration across the wintery region of Skyrim. Over 150 elaborate dungeons, nine major cities, countless side activities complemented the limitless sense of adventure.
2. Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV – PlayStation 3
| World Scale | 9/10 |
| Density & Variety | 10/10 |
| Graphics & Physics | 10/10 |
| Innovation | 10/10 |
| Overall Score | A+ (39/40) |
Liberty City realized an unprecedented urban sandbox filled with secrets and activities minus the loading screens. Euphoria animation engine powered realistic reactions from the public while advanced graphics rendered metropolitan marvels.
And the trailblazer is…
1. Assassin‘s Creed Odyssey
Assassin‘s Creed Odyssey – PlayStation 3
| World Scale | 10/10 |
| Density & Variety | 10/10 |
| Graphics & Physics | 10/10 |
| Innovation | 10/10 |
| Overall Score | A+ (40/40) |
Ubisoft Montreal‘s Ancient Greek epic set the high watermark for PS3 sandbox scope, seamlessly blending over 100 hours of main and side questlines across picturesque islands and iconic city states with unrivaled attention to historical detail.
Runners Up Worth Playing
Beyond the cream of the crop, these dark horse picks prove PS3‘s impressive range when it came to envelope pushing sandboxes:
- Crackdown (2007): Leap like the Hulk across Pacific City‘s sprawling islets
- Prototype (2009): Consume anyone you see to shapeshift in quarantined Manhattan
- inFamous (2009): Gain spectacular electricity powers to become hero or villain
- Mercenaries 2 (2008): Revel in physics-based explosive carnage across war-torn Venezuela
And that‘s a wrap! Were any personal favorites unfairly omitted? Which technological achievements left the biggest impressions on your PlayStation 3 open world memories? Let the debate rage on in the comments below!
