Proper, I’ll make no bones about it: the PS3 is my favourite Sony system of all-time. Why? As a result of, personally, I imagine it stays the golden age of the Japanese firm’s most inventive and creative period to this point. The embryonic beginnings of downloadable video games was starting to take form with the arrival of PSN, an {industry} in flux was on the cusp of its huge shift to on-line gaming, and as soon as the cutting-edge tech of the cell structure lastly began hitting its stride, we have been blessed with some bonafide classics within the type of Heavy Rain, Uncharted 2, The Final of Us, and lots of extra.
Throughout the PS3’s tenure, loads of large video games launched, however the fascinating factor is, lots of the system’s rarer titles are largely not superb video games. Certain, there are one or two exceptions to that rule (I’m you Ni No Kuni!), however lots of the extra fascinating and useful video games within the PS3’s library are normally uncommon for a motive.
So, we’ve put collectively an inventory of 10 of the rarest PS3 video games in the marketplace proper now to your studying pleasure. Earlier than we get into the nitty-gritty particulars, do observe that every one the costs proven on this checklist are taken from PriceCharting in July 2023 and have the CIB (Full In Field) listings of current purchases by collectors. With that out of the way in which, let’s get straight into it, lets?
Godzilla – $116-131
Coming in sizzling, now we have 2014’s mediocre film tie-in starring everybody’s favourite skyscraper-munching prehistoric reptile. Sadly, it wasn’t significantly well-regarded: the PS3 port boasts zero critic opinions over on Metacritic, although the superior PS4 model totes a lowly 38 % important ranking.
Most just lately, a disc-only model of the sport bought for a surprisingly excessive asking worth of $66 on eBay. In the meantime, a CIB providing bought for $123 solely final month from the identical public sale home. What makes Godzilla on PS3 significantly uncommon are quite a lot of elements.
Firstly, the sport was de-listed from the PSN Retailer again in 2017, which doubtless made bodily copies extra fascinating. Moreover, the quantity of bodily discs that have been pressed was fairly restricted because it’s fairly a distinct segment style. That being mentioned, Godzilla as a model continues to be alive and kicking at the moment. In truth, not solely does the monster boast a big cult following, however a brand new film is formally on its approach, too, which additionally could contribute to its desirability issue.
Asura’s Wrath (Restricted Version) – $120-140
You might’ve heard of the God of Conflict, however have you ever ever heard of his lengthy misplaced cousin… Wrath? Alright, they’re not really associated per se, however they’re each gods, they usually’re each super-powered badasses, okay? Particularly, you assume the function of the titular God of Wrath on his path for revenge as he takes on the numerous deities which have wronged him. Sounds fairly acquainted, proper?
Described as a “hidden gem” by many collectors, this action-packed anime journey is pretty unusual to come back throughout in brick-and-mortar outlets. Whereas normal variations of the sport will fetch you round $40, the actual money cow is the e-Capcom Restricted Version of the sport, which comes with two distinctive artwork books, and an Asura’s Nirvana DVD.
This restricted version model of the sport sells for round $140 on-line, and as bodily copies change into more and more uncommon, it’ll solely get extra treasured as time goes by.
Lollipop Chainsaw (Japanese Valentine Version) – $145
Suda51 and James Gunn’s zombie-slicing motion opus is equally bonkers as it’s a fun-packed thrill-ride. Not solely do you step into the dainty sneakers of San Romero cheerleading captain, Juliet Starling, however you’ll even be handled to some fairly hilarious banter between her and her decapitated boyfriend, Nick.
Whereas the usual model of the sport will internet you round $60, the golden goose is undoubtedly the Valentine version, which at the moment sells for round $145 on-line. This particular version includes a distinctive Completely satisfied Valentine Disc, which comprises a desktop Juliet clock, some wallpapers and plenty of snapshots of official cosplay fashions. As well as, it additionally features a Premium Film Disc stuffed with trailers and vids, in addition to a particular manga and a few unlock codes.
In contrast to lots of the different somewhat middling video games on this checklist, Lollipop Chainsaw is a real gem, and is totally price testing for those who haven’t accomplished so already. Plus, there’s even a remake within the works, which is able to doubtless improve curiosity and desirability of the unique title.
Afrika – $150
Ever wished to be a photographer within the wilds of the Mom Continent however don’t fancy the round-the-world journey? Boy, have we obtained the sport for you. Sure, Rhino Studios’ snap ’em up throws you into the center of the Sahara as you traverse the pure habitats of a plethora of harmful wildlife.
Fortunately, there’s no actual demise within the sport (you’ll simply be teleported again to your base for those who get too near, say, a lion or rhino) so for those who have been hoping for a grisly, horrifying expertise, this isn’t it. As a substitute, it’s extra of a chill, stress-free images sim, with some actually dope music from acclaimed composer, Wataru Hokoyama.
Often known as “Hakuna Matata” in elements of Asia, the Japanese model of the sport sells for a paltry $15-20 on eBay. Nonetheless, for those who’re one of many fortunate few who owns the US model, you’ll be happy to listen to that you just’ll have the option nab round $148 if it’s in good situation.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (Wizard’s Version) – $215
The PS3 was house to a ton of top-tier JRPGs, although it’s honest to say that Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch was positively the most effective, proper? Mixing the creature-collecting and turn-based fight from Pokemon with the painterly, anime visuals of Spirited Away, the touchingly poignant story of Oliver, Drippy, and co. is an actual tear-jerker.
Amazingly, Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a one-of-a-kind collaboration between Stage-5 and Studio Ghibli, which is the place lots of its aesthetic comparisons come from. At its core, Oliver and his wee companion Drippy should embark on a quest to place an finish to the darkish djinn, Shadar, in a bid to avoid wasting his mother.
If you happen to personal the usual version of the sport, you’ll doubtless solely snag some pocket change for it proper now. As a substitute, the important thing to netting a heap of moolah is for those who’re one of many fortunate few who pulled the set off on the Wizard’s Version, which features a stunningly illustrated Wizard’s Companion e-book, an excellent cute Drippy plush, and a flashy case. In that case… cha-ching!
Painkiller: Hell & Damnation – $270-400
Rising from the ashes of the cavalcade of gloomy Doom-likes from the noughties, Painkiller: Hell & Damnation is the quintessential throwback FPS replete with buckets of blood, excessive gore, and hellish flesh-eating monstrosities that wish to nibble your face off.
Due to all of the violence, nonetheless, the sport was hit by a number of roadblocks because of censorship points. German censors even branded the title as “too evil” to be launched within the ugly state it was in.
Because of this, getting your mitts on a bodily PS3 copy of Painkiller: Hell & Damnation is not any simple job. Certainly, this extremely sought-after sport is commonly described as one of many “holy grails” on the PS3, and sometimes fetches a somewhat tidy $300 on-line.
The Final Man – $300
One of many main downloadable indie video games that arguably kicked off the industry-shattering digital revolution on PS3 is Japan Studio’s weird and quirky isometric puzzler, The Final Man.
It’s the tip of the world as you recognize it, and to avoid wasting the day, gamers should maneuver an increasingly-growing conga line of survivors to the protected zone. Circling round buildings is a surefire approach of rescuing huge teams of survivors and even provides you bonus factors. Suppose the ol’ Snake sport in your very first cell phone, mix that idea with an assortment of photos from Google Maps, and throw in some killer extraterrestrials and also you’re just about there.
What makes the rarity of The Final Man so fascinating is that most individuals most likely don’t even realise {that a} bodily copy of the sport even exists, because of the ubiquity of the digital model of the title. Nonetheless, there are onerous copies on the market, and due to the Hong Kong and Taiwan editions being the one English installments, these can fetch a fairly penny from collectors.
Syberia: Full Assortment – $370
The Syberia collection includes a quadrilogy of steampunk point-and-click journey video games, although they’re largely the sufferer of the regulation of diminishing returns. Whereas the 2002 debut is a strong puzzler and a love letter to the graphic journey titles of yesteryear, its first couple of sequels step by step obtained worse and worse with weak writing and repetitive puzzles.
Including insult to harm, the console ports — like this PS3 model — have been poorly executed as nicely, leading to clunky controls and loads of frustration. Apparently, because the Syberia: Full Assortment launched in 2016, and the threequel launched in 2017, this assortment really solely options the primary two video games within the trilogy.
Nonetheless, the PS3 assortment nonetheless manages to promote for round $400 due to the very restricted amount of bodily copies that have been pressed.
Aquanaut’s Vacation: Hidden Reminiscences (English Model) – $470
Aquanaut’s Vacation is a soothing, quasi wildlife documentary expertise that locations gamers into the function of a journalist investigating the disappearance of a lacking oceanographer, William Glover. It’s largely an journey sport, with an emphasis on free-roaming exploration.
The primary motive why the sport is so costly as of late is as a result of it didn’t obtain a correct launch within the west. Nonetheless, it was re-released with a free English localization in China and South Korea, and it’s these particular copies which are price some huge cash.
In truth, over on eBay, there’s at the moment a replica of the a lot wanted title for $675. So, for those who’ve ever wished to move to the underside of the ocean, this can be the most affordable and most secure approach to take action.
NBA Elite 11 – $3,650
And eventually now we have the rarest of the uncommon and the rarest sport on the PS3, bar none. Sure, discovering a replica of NBA Elite 11 is way akin to stumbling upon a dodo’s egg. Atop of a unicorn. Throughout a photo voltaic eclipse.
Why’s this EA basketball title so onerous to search out? Nicely, it’s primarily as a result of it’s not meant to have been launched within the first place. See, NBA Elite 11 was all set to launch again in 2010, and even had a demo on PSN.
Nonetheless, earlier than the sport launched, gamers skilled a bunch of horrible bugs and game-breaking glitches that compelled EA to tug the sport from its scheduled launch and cancel the title wholesale. However for a handful of copies, it was too late, as they’d already entered circulation.
Apparently, the final recorded sale of NBA Elite 11 was for six sealed copies of the sport they usually bought for a staggering $30,000. That’s 5 grand a chunk, of us! Holy moly.
Now, for those who’ll excuse me, I’ve an attic to rummage by…
In regards to the creator
