Puzzle games have always been a favorite among gamers. They challenge our problem-solving skills, test our mental agility, and keep us entertained for hours. And when it comes to puzzle games on the PS3, there’s no shortage of great options.

Last updated on May 26th, 2023 at 02:45 am

From mind-bending classics to innovative new titles, the PS3 has something for every puzzle game enthusiast. In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the best puzzle games on PS3.

Best Puzzle Games List
  1. Portal 2
  2. Braid
  3. Catherine
  4. Limbo
  5. Fez
  6. Echochrome
  7. Critter Crunch
  8. Honorable Mentions: More Great Puzzle Games on PS3

Portal 2

  • Release Date: April 18, 2011
  • Developer: Valve
  • Genre: Puzzle
  • Platform: PS3

Portal 2 is a critically acclaimed puzzle game that was released in 2011. The game features mind-bending puzzles, an engaging storyline, and a great sense of humor. In Portal 2, players take on the role of Chell, a test subject who must navigate a series of increasingly difficult puzzles using a device that creates portals. The puzzles in Portal 2 are designed to challenge the player’s spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and critical-thinking abilities.

What sets Portal 2 apart from other puzzle games is its use of physics-based gameplay mechanics. Players must use their understanding of physics to manipulate objects, solve puzzles, and progress through the game. The game also features an online co-op mode that allows players to work together to solve puzzles.

Fun Fact

One lesser known fact about Portal 2 is that during development, the game originally had a different ending. In this alternate ending, after GLaDOS is defeated, Chell (the player character) would be dragged away by an unseen entity, leaving the fate of the character ambiguous. However, this ending was ultimately scrapped and replaced with the ending that is in the final version of the game.

Braid

  • Release Date: August 06, 2008
  • Developer: Hothead Games
  • Genre: Puzzle 2D Platformer
  • Platform: PS3

Braid is an indie puzzle game that was released in 2008. The game features time manipulation mechanics that make solving each level feel like a mind-bending challenge. In Braid, players take on the role of Tim, a time traveler who must navigate a series of increasingly difficult puzzles using his ability to manipulate time.

What sets Braid apart from other puzzle games is its use of time manipulation as a core gameplay mechanic. Players must use their understanding of time to solve puzzles, manipulate objects, and progress through the game. The game also features an engaging storyline that explores themes of regret, redemption, and forgiveness.

Fun Fact

One fun fact about Braid is that the game’s creator, Jonathan Blow, originally developed the game entirely on his own over the course of several years. He wrote the game’s engine, designed all of the levels, and even composed much of the game’s music himself. Despite the fact that Braid was later published by a larger company and became a critical and commercial success, Blow remains an independent developer who continues to work on his own projects.

Catherine

  • Developer: Atlus
  • Release Date: February 17, 2011
  • Genre: Puzzle
  • Platform: PS3

Catherine is a puzzle game that was released in 2011. The game combines puzzle gameplay with a mature, thought-provoking story that explores the complexities of adult relationships. In Catherine, players take on the role of Vincent, a man who is torn between his long-time girlfriend Katherine and a seductive woman named Catherine.

What sets Catherine apart from other puzzle games is its use of narrative as a core gameplay mechanic. Players must make choices that affect the outcome of the story, and the puzzles in the game reflect the themes of the narrative. The game also features a unique blend of puzzle and platforming gameplay.

Fun Fact

One fun fact about Catherine is that the game was inspired by a real-life incident. The game’s director, Katsura Hashino, was reading a news article about a man who had been caught cheating on his girlfriend, and was struck by how the man’s excuses and justifications seemed almost like a puzzle game. This inspired Hashino to create a game that explored the themes of infidelity and commitment, and which challenged players to make moral and ethical decisions. The result was Catherine, a unique and highly acclaimed game that blends puzzle-solving gameplay with an engaging story about relationships and personal responsibility.

Limbo

  • Release Date: July 21, 2010
  • Developer: Playdead
  • Genre: Puzzle/2D Platformer
  • Platform: PS3

Limbo is a puzzle game that was released in 2010. The game features a dark, moody aesthetic and a series of physics-based puzzles that will test your problem-solving skills. In Limbo, players take on the role of a young boy who wakes up in a dark forest and must navigate a series of deadly traps and obstacles to find his way home.

What sets Limbo apart from other puzzle games is its minimalist art style and haunting atmosphere. The game creates a sense of unease and tension that keeps players engaged throughout the experience. The puzzles in the game are designed to challenge the player.

In addition to the top five puzzle games on PS3 listed above, there are several other great puzzle games on the platform that deserve honorable mentions. These games offer unique gameplay mechanics, challenging puzzles, and hours of entertainment.

Fun Fact

One fun fact about Limbo is that the game’s unique black-and-white visual style was originally created as a solution to a technical limitation. The game’s creator, Arnt Jensen, was developing the game on a shoestring budget and had limited resources to work with. To create the game’s graphics, he decided to use a monochromatic color scheme that would be easier to render on older hardware. The result was a distinctive, haunting visual style that helped to make Limbo one of the most memorable puzzle games of its time.

Fez

  • Release Date: September 11, 2013
  • Developer: Polytron Corp.
  • Genre: Puzzle/2D Platformer
  • Platform: PS3

Fez is an indie puzzle game that was released in 2012. The game features a unique 2D/3D perspective-shifting mechanic that creates a sense of depth and complexity in each level. In Fez, players take on the role of Gomez, a 2D character who discovers a magical fez that allows him to shift between 2D and 3D perspectives.

What sets Fez apart from other puzzle games is its use of perspective-shifting as a core gameplay mechanic. Players must use their understanding of perspective to solve puzzles, navigate levels, and progress through the game. The game also features a charming pixel art style and a retro-inspired soundtrack.

Fun Fact

One fun fact about Fez is that the game’s creator, Phil Fish, spent nearly five years developing the game. Fish worked on Fez alone for much of that time, painstakingly designing every level and puzzle by hand. At one point during development, Fish even suffered a nervous breakdown and had to take a break from working on the game for several months. Despite these challenges, Fish was eventually able to complete the game and release it to critical acclaim. Fez’s intricate puzzles and unique 2D/3D mechanics have made it a favorite among puzzle game fans.

Echochrome

  • Release Date: May 1, 2008
  • Developer: Game Yarouze
  • Genre: Puzzle
  • Platform: PS3

Echochrome is a minimalist puzzle game that was released in 2008. The game challenges players to manipulate a 3D environment to create optical illusions and solve each level. In Echochrome, players take on the role of an anonymous figure who must navigate a series of increasingly difficult puzzles using perspective-based mechanics.

What sets Echochrome apart from other puzzle games is its use of perspective and optical illusions as a core gameplay mechanic. Players must use their understanding of perspective, depth perception, and optical illusions to solve puzzles and progress through the game. The game also features a haunting soundtrack and a stark, black-and-white art style.

Fun Fact

One fun fact about Echochrome is that the game’s visual style was inspired by the art of M.C. Escher. Echochrome’s puzzles are built around the concept of perspective and optical illusions, and the game’s black-and-white graphics are reminiscent of Escher’s iconic drawings. In fact, the game’s name is a reference to Escher’s use of “echoes” and “chromes” in his work. The game’s creators were also influenced by the work of mathematician Roger Penrose, whose “impossible objects” served as inspiration for many of the game’s mind-bending puzzles. Echochrome’s unique blend of art and mathematics has made it a cult classic among puzzle game enthusiasts.

Critter Crunch

Currently Unavailable On Amazon

  • Release Date: October 8, 2009
  • Developer: Capybara Games
  • Genre: Puzzle
  • Platform: PS3

Critter Crunch is a colorful puzzle game that was released in 2009. The game challenges players to match and stack critters of different colors to solve each level. In Critter Crunch, players take on the role of Biggs, a hungry creature who must eat his way through a series of puzzles using a combination of strategy and skill.

What sets Critter Crunch apart from other puzzle games is its use of color-matching and puzzle mechanics. Players must use their understanding of color theory and strategy to solve puzzles and progress through the game. The game also features charming graphics, a lighthearted sense of humor, and an engaging multiplayer mode.

Fun Fact

One fun fact about Critter Crunch is that the game’s developer, Capybara Games, originally created it as a pitch for a game show. The idea was to create a game that was simple and addictive enough to be played on a TV game show, with contestants competing to see who could get the highest score. Although the game show idea never materialized, Critter Crunch became a hit on the PlayStation Network, thanks to its clever puzzle mechanics and charming, cartoonish visuals. The game also features a humorous storyline about a cuddly creature named Biggs who must save his forest home from a horde of hungry insects, adding to its appeal for players of all ages.

Honorable Mentions: More Great Puzzle Games on PS3

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords

Not AVailable On Amazon

  • Release Date: 16 March 2007
  • Developer: Infinite Interactive
  • Genre: Puzzle
  • Platform: PS3

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords is a unique puzzle game that was released in 2007. The game combines match-three gameplay with RPG mechanics to create a unique and addictive gameplay experience. In Puzzle Quest, players take on the role of a hero who must battle a series of enemies using a combination of puzzle skills and strategy.

What sets Puzzle Quest apart from other puzzle games is its use of RPG elements and storytelling as core gameplay mechanics. Players must complete quests, level up their character, and unlock new abilities to progress through the game. The game also features a deep and engaging storyline, memorable characters, and challenging puzzles.

Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix

  • Release Date: Aug 29, 2007
  • Developer: Backbone Entertainment
  • Genre: Puzzle
  • Platform: PS3

Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is a classic puzzle game that was released in 2007. The game features iconic characters from the Street Fighter franchise and a competitive head-to-head gameplay mode. In Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, players take on the role of a Street Fighter character who must battle their opponent using a combination of puzzle skills and strategy.

What sets Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix apart from other puzzle games is its use of competitive multiplayer as a core gameplay mechanic. Players can compete head-to-head online or locally to see who can solve puzzles faster and more efficiently. The game also features colorful graphics, a memorable soundtrack, and addictive gameplay.

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