Party games have a special place in the hearts of gamers that enjoy playing with others in the same room. The social connections they foster combined with simple and addictive gameplay make party games a staple at any local multiplayer gaming session. The PlayStation 3 in particular featured a fantastic library of party games that took advantage of the console‘s specifications like no other titles did.
In determining the absolute best PlayStation 3 party games of all time, key criteria were used:
- Accessibility: How easy is the game to pick up and play for gamers of all skill levels? Games that anyone can quickly understand tend to make the best party games.
- Fun factor: Does the gameplay lend itself to keeping everyone engaged and having a good time? The most fun party games have participants laughing frequently.
- Replay value: Can the game be played over and over without getting repetitive or boring? Strong replay value is essential.
- Number of players: The more friends that can play simultaneously, the better when it comes to party games. Local multiplayer support is highly valued.
With these criteria in mind, here are the absolute best party games ever released on the PlayStation 3.
#10. Worms Ultimate Mayhem
Worms Ultimate Mayhem brings the popular Worms franchise to the PS3 with chaotic, humorous, turn-based combat centering around warring worms with wacky weapons. Up to 4 players can battle locally or online using over 30 customizable worms across 13 single player missions and multiplayer modes. The simple controls combined with strategic gameplay make it an accessible party game.
#9. Castle Crashers
Castle Crashers supports cooperative multiplayer action for up to 4 friends locally or online. Players hack and slash their way through 2D sidescrolling levels as knights attempting to rescue princesses from an evil wizard. Its cartoon graphics, epic boss fights, mini games, and RPG-style progression system with unlockable weapons/items provide tons of variety.
#8. Blur
Blur brings a unique twist to racing by integrating weapons into the mix across real-world tracks. Up to 4 players race simultaneously while collecting power-ups to take out opponents Mario Kart style. With impressively fast visuals and intuitive controls, Blur offers intense fun in both splitscreen and online multiplayer modes.
#7. ModNation Racers
ModNation Racers lets friends customize their own karts and tracks then compete in them locally or online. Its excellent course creator and kart builder enable deep personalization while the straightforward drifting mechanics allow anyone to pick up a controller and race. Smooth online play and multiplayer rounds out this excellent party racer.
#6. LittleBigPlanet
The LittleBigPlanet series is widely considered one of the best party game franchises ever made. Players traverse quirky 2D platforming levels decorated with craft materials while collecting bubbles and costumes. Media Molecule‘s series truly shines in multiplayer with puzzle solving requiring teammates to collaborate. And level creation tools let friends build and share stages together.
#5. Rock Band 3
For the ultimate video game jam session, Rock Band 3 lets up to 7 players rock out together with vocals, guitar, bass, and drum peripherals (sold separately). An enormous on-disc soundtrack featuring classics from bands like The Who and Lynyrd Skynyrd can be imported from prior Rock Band titles for limitless replayability. Instruments double as party decorations when everyone needs a quick break!
#4. Rayman Origins
Ubisoft‘s 2D platformer Rayman Origins was clearly designed with party gaming in mind. Its charming cartoon visuals, soundtrack, and ridiculous world suck players into running, jumping, and punching through expertly crafted levels. Seamless local co-op for up to 4 friends makes playing through the main adventure a riot thanks to the intuitive, forgiving platforming mechanics.
#3. Call of Duty: Black Ops
It‘s hard to top Call of Duty: Black Ops when it comes to multiplayer first-person shooters on PS3. Local splitscreen across various frantic modes like Gun Game lets 2-4 players trash talk freely during intense firefights. And Treyarch‘s many innovative online options support up to 18 players competing simultaneously across the globe. That trademark silky smooth Call of Duty gameplay makes it easy to lose hours of time in Black Ops multiplayer.
#2. Just Dance 2014
For parties centered solely around dancing with friends, it doesn‘t get any better than Just Dance 2014. Its wide tracklist contains numerous hits from artists like Robin Thicke, One Direction, and Lady Gaga spanning various genres. Up to 4 dancers can get grooving together, creatively choreographing moves and keeping energy levels high. Accessible motion-controlled routines make it so anyone can participate regardless of skill. If the hilarious visuals don‘t make you laugh, watching friends score dance moves certainly will!
#1. Buzz! Quiz TV
Claiming the crown for most fun PlayStation 3 party game is Buzz! Quiz TV. It leverages wireless buzzers for up to 8 players to quiz one another across 4,000 questions spanning movies, music, sports, science, history and more. Nine different round types such as Point Stealer, Fastest Finger, and Pie Fight keep trivia competition fresh and unpredictable. Players of all ages can quickly get in on the action thanks to Buzz‘s accessibility and variety. Add in teams, betting, custom playlists, and a witty host keeping everything exciting, and you have the ultimate PS3 party experience that can‘t be beat!
Best PlayStation 3 Party Games Summary
| Rank | Game |
|---|---|
| #10 | Worms Ultimate Mayhem |
| #9 | Castle Crashers |
| #8 | Blur |
| #7 | ModNation Racers |
| #6 | LittleBigPlanet |
| #5 | Rock Band 3 |
| #4 | Rayman Origins |
| #3 | Call of Duty: Black Ops |
| #2 | Just Dance 2014 |
| #1 | Buzz! Quiz TV |
With fantastic party games like these, the PlayStation 3 will remain a mainstay at gatherings focused on multiplayer fun. Their stress-free vibes and simple pick up and play formulas serve as blueprints for developers still chasing the glory of Sony‘s titles to this day.
So the next time you have friends over and need group entertainment, be sure to reference this list to make the most out of your PS3‘s party potential. The countless hours of enjoyment and bonding to be had are priceless.
