Ben-DutkaWhen there's an obvious drought, it always helps to have multiple gaming platforms. Therefore, while we push forward through a typically lackluster summer, we take a look at the top 5 games not available on the PlayStation 3; titles PS3-only gamers really wish they had.
5. Mass Effect 2
I struggled to get into it but there's little doubt the game is top-quality. There's always talk about BioWare bringing the third title to the PS3 (what with Dragon Age being multiplatform) but in the meantime, most role-playing aficionados were really missing out if they only stuck to Sony's machine. Lauded by many as one of the best of the generation, and certainly featuring a great story, ME2 remains one of those "you just gotta try it" games. Like I said, I never liked it but it's easy enough to recognize the inherent goodness.
4. Starcraft II
It took a very long time before this sequel finally graced store shelves, but as far as most fans of the original are concerned, Starcraft II is worth the wait. You'll be hard-pressed to find a review that doesn't sing the game's praises and in a gaming world now dominated by action, it's nice to see an in-depth strategy title make a big splash. Early sales estimates say that it managed to sell around 750,000 copies in only the first day at market, and that's pretty damn impressive. You can really lose yourself in this one if you're into this type of experience.
3. Super Mario Galaxy 2
I could go on a rant about how it simply doesn't feel like a current-gen title to me, and that I will absolutely never put it in the same category as a game like Uncharted 2 , but that's beside the point. Few games show such a dedication to freshness throughout the adventure; you will be continually entertained – and impressed – with each and every fascinating new world. There's no professional voice acting or deep storyline or character development but then again, there doesn't need to be. If you can't kick back and have fun with Mario, you're almost disqualified for life.
2. Gears of War 2
I imagine that when Gears 3 arrives, it could very well take over this spot, or even the top spot. As for this sequel, despite the bugs (game crashed when I beat the final boss and froze up a few other times), this visceral, satisfying experience never seems to stop being fun. Next to the Uncharted series, it's the definitive third-person shooter franchise, and you just gotta love those humans-turned-military superheroes (a lot of that is the suit, I'm sure). There's very little wrong with this game, and I'm hoping for more greatness next year…
1. Alan Wake
I'm nearing the end of this one and of course, I'm a little biased towards really artistic titles with excellent stories. One can say the gameplay is a little repetitive but you really need to appreciate the amount of effort involved concerning plot, characters, and perhaps above all else, atmosphere creation. This is one game you might not want to play at 2 a.m. with all the lights off, and that's a very good thing. It's not really fair to compare it to Heavy Rain – Alan Wake is more of a survival/horror adventure – but it might appeal to the same type of fans. Do I believe they could've made it a little better had it been exclusive to the PS3? Yeah. Do I believe that should stop anyone from playing it? Hell no.
So there you have it. If you've got a few of your own, feel free to name 'em. Bear in mind I'm only talking about games I've seen and played in this list; there may be others that deserve a spot that I haven't been able to try. But my only real goal is play all the best stuff available, so I don't think I missed too much. I the end, I think it's clear the PS3 has by far the best selection of exclusive games, and those games often set the bar for quality and innovation this generation, but that's no reason to limit ourselves. 🙂
