Sony’s PS3-to-PS5 emulator push aims to broaden backward compatibility
Sony plans to bring the latest generation PlayStation 3 emulator to the PlayStation 5. Citing profile journalist Jeff Grubb, known for sharing insider information that often proves accurate, the company aims to enable players to launch PS3-only titles from discs, not just via online services. Over time, Sony has released many hits on new consoles, including Uncharted and The Last of Us. Yet a sizable library of games remains exclusive to PS3. The introduction of an emulator would extend PS5 backward compatibility, letting players enjoy experiences that were previously accessible only on PS3 hardware.
Gevorg Hakobyan’s photo.
Many popular games already have PS4 versions, but several titles and franchises remain available only on PS3, according to Gevorg Hakobyan, a game developer and Riot Games’ communications officer in Russia and the CIS. He spoke with Gazeta.Ru about the landscape of backwards compatibility and legacy titles.
Hakobyan notes Heavenly Sword as a compact, memorable title developed by Ninja Theory, a studio often praised for its approach to digital acting. He highlights Andy Serkis, famed for his role as Gollum, as the main antagonist in Heavenly Sword.
Heavenly Sword was introduced as an action-adventure game centered on the warrior Nariko. The combat system advances quickly and the battles look compelling.
Hakobyan also praises Resistance as a strong fantasy shooter that reaches impressive heights in its third chapter, calling Resistance 3 one of the best shooters in history.
Another favorite highlighted is Tokyo Jungle, where players control an old pet like a dog. The goal is survival in a harsh environment that grows more hostile over time, with the aim of producing offspring as conditions deteriorate.
Engine Storm is described as a racing series that emphasizes interactions with tracks, environments, and rival racers, delivering a varied experience across installments. The first batch blends mud with motorcycles and off-road vehicles, the second explores forested terrain and ski jumps, and the third features dynamic maps and a running storyline.
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is another title featuring Serkis, this time as one of the two protagonists. Critics call it exceptionally written and highly engaging.
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For backwards compatibility, players should consider PS3-exclusive games that did not receive re-releases on other platforms, unlike the Uncharted trilogy, which later appeared on PC. Russian video game media outlet Player One discussed this with Natalya Odintsova.
Odintsova notes Killzone 2 as a standout sci-fi first-person shooter linked to the minds behind Horizon: Forbidden West. She also highlights Resistance 3 for its tense atmosphere and alien invasion action.
For fans who value cinematic storytelling, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is praised as a stealth action title with memorable characters. Odintsova also mentions Ghost of Tsushima as a must-see for superhero fans in Russia.
For a lighter, humorous adventure, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time is offered as a strong option, featuring the playful duo Ratchet and Clank. The assistant editor-in-chief notes its appeal for players who enjoy accessible humor and creative platforming.
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From Sucker Punch, a landmark PS3-era game released in 2009 stands out. The new superhero title was developed without Marvel or DC licensing, with the creators crafting an original world and hero. Cole McGrath’s electrical powers let players slide on wires, scale walls, and unleash electrifying attacks, offering a unique take on heroism and power.
Empire City, a Davenport-like setting, invites exploration through side quests and collectible items. Player choices influence Cole’s abilities, allowing players to ramp up devastating moves or minimize harm to bystanders. The project remained PS3-exclusive, including its direct sequel inFamous 2.
LittleBigPlanet (LBP) from Media Molecule stood out as a platformer that embraced creativity, distinct from many PS3-era releases. It encouraged players to design and share their own levels, foreshadowing a broader wave of user-generated content seen in later games. By 2009, the platform game already showcased the idea that players could shape their own experiences, a philosophy echoed as Minecraft emerged shortly after.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots closed Kojima’s ongoing saga with a grand finale focused on military intrigue and character-driven storytelling. Even years later, this episode remains unreleased on modern consoles, with no remaster announcement in sight. The game’s lengthy cutscenes and intense battles defined a generation, balancing cinematic ambition with strategic combat.
Across diverse locales—from the Middle East to South America—Kojima’s world-building delivered varied conflicts, curfews, and remote bases. The closing act left many fans satisfied while keeping Kojima connected to the Metal Gear universe.
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Ozon’s press briefing noted that several PS3-era specials set a trend and spurred a wave of titles that would shape future releases. The post-apocalyptic action-adventure what remains of us drew attention, with actors expressing strong enthusiasm for a potential film adaptation. A representative from the marketplace suggested that treasure-hunting journeys featuring Nathan Drake laid the groundwork for a major trilogy and even a movie adaptation that arrived in 2022.
Ozon also pointed to Tiny Tina’s world as a vibrant family-friendly puzzle game, and Heavy Rain, a detective adventure from David Cage, as a standout in the PS3 lineup. These titles continue to be cited for their distinct creative directions and lasting appeal.