The Top 10 Best HD Remastered Collections on PlayStation 3

The PlayStation 3’s launch coincided with the mass adoption of high-definition televisions. Publishers capitalized on this technological shift, especially after Sony removed PlayStation 2 backward compatibility from later PS3 hardware revisions. This created a new market for re-releasing classic PS2 games, now with revamped graphics, performance improvements, and trophy support. These HD collections gave players a chance to revisit beloved titles or experience them for the first time on modern hardware. A look back at the extensive library of remasters reveals the standout compilations.

Acclaimed Action Games

10. Zone of the Enders HD Collection

Hideo Kojima is primarily known for the Metal Gear Solid franchise, but he also produced the Zone of the Enders series, known for its high-speed mech combat. This collection bundles the original game with its sequel, Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner. While the collection experienced performance issues at launch, a patch was later released to resolve them. The first game does not hold up as well as its successor, but the collection is worth acquiring for The 2nd Runner alone, which remains a benchmark for the mech action genre.

8. Devil May Cry: HD Collection

The original Devil May Cry was a revolutionary title that helped define the stylish, combo-based 3D action genre. Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening refined those mechanics to near-perfection, becoming one of the most celebrated action games of its generation. This HD collection packages the original trilogy, offering two masterpieces of game design. The package is only held back by the inclusion of the widely criticized Devil May Cry 2. Even so, the strength of the first and third entries makes this collection an essential purchase for fans of action games.

Celebrated Platformer Trilogies

9. Jak and Daxter Collection

Before creating the Uncharted and The Last of Us series, developer Naughty Dog was famous for the Jak and Daxter games on the PS2. This collection charts the evolution of the franchise. The first title, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, is a more traditional collect-a-thon platformer. The sequels, Jak II and Jak 3, shifted toward a darker, story-driven action focus with open-world elements, a change that divided some fans. Despite this, the trilogy as a whole provides a high-quality experience and a look into the history of a premier development studio.

7. Ratchet & Clank Collection

Developed by Insomniac Games, the Ratchet & Clank series successfully navigated the transition to the HD era when many other platformers struggled to stay relevant. This collection bundles the original three PS2 games: Ratchet & Clank, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, and Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal. Playing them in sequence allows fans to see the clear evolution of the series’ signature weapon-based combat and platforming mechanics, which were further refined in the subsequent PS3 installments. The collection serves as an excellent entry point and a nostalgic return to the franchise’s roots.

6. The Sly Collection

The third major platforming franchise from the PS2 era to receive an HD remaster was Sucker Punch Productions’ Sly Cooper. This collection includes all three of the original games, showcasing the series’ unique blend of stealth, platforming, and cel-shaded art style. The first game, Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, is a more linear experience focused on stealthy navigation. The sequels, Sly 2: Band of Thieves and Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves, adopted a more open-world design, allowing players to explore larger environments and complete heists. All three titles are well-regarded and offer a distinct take on the platformer genre.

Epic Sagas and Artistic Masterpieces

5. God of War Collection and God of War Origins Collection

The God of War Collection, containing HD versions of God of War and God of War II, is arguably the release that ignited the HD remaster trend on the PS3. It allowed players to experience Kratos’s original two adventures with significantly improved visuals and a smoother frame rate. Sony later released the God of War: Origins Collection, which did the same for the two excellent PSP prequels, Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta. Both compilations were eventually bundled together in the God of War: Saga, offering a comprehensive package of Kratos’s early exploits.

4. Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster

Final Fantasy X was a landmark title for the series. It was the first to feature voice acting and replaced the long-running Active Time Battle system with the more strategic Conditional Turn-Based Battle system. Despite its linear world design, the game’s compelling story and characters made it one of the most beloved entries in the franchise. The sequel, Final Fantasy X-2, offered a completely different, mission-based structure and a job-class system. This HD remaster bundles both games and includes a new audio drama epilogue that takes place after the events of the second game.

3. Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix and Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix

Instead of developing a new mainline title for the PS3, Square Enix opted to bring the sprawling Kingdom Hearts saga to the console through two comprehensive HD collections. These releases were particularly notable because they included the “Final Mix” versions of Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts II, and Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. These enhanced editions, which featured additional bosses, story scenes, and gameplay mechanics, were previously exclusive to Japan. For many Western fans, these HD collections were the first opportunity to officially play the definitive versions of these classic action RPGs.

2. Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection

Ico and Shadow of the Colossus were two of the most artistically celebrated yet commercially overlooked titles on the PlayStation 2. This HD collection gave these masterpieces a second chance to find a wider audience. The visual upgrade benefited both games, making their distinct, art-like aesthetics look even more striking in high definition. More importantly, the remaster provided a crucial technical fix for Shadow of the Colossus. The original PS2 version suffered from a notoriously unstable frame rate, which was stabilized in the PS3 release, allowing the game’s grand scale and ambition to be fully appreciated without technical compromise.

The Definitive HD Collection

1. Metal Gear Solid HD Collection

Topping the list is the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, a package that offers immense value and variety. It includes three full games: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Each title represents a different era and design philosophy of the iconic stealth series. Sons of Liberty expanded the intricate, close-quarters sneaking of the original. Snake Eater moved the setting to the open jungle, introducing camouflage and survival mechanics. Peace Walker, originally a PSP game, was built around mission-based design and introduced online cooperative play to the franchise. The collection provides three distinct, high-quality experiences that stand as pinnacles of game design.