Top five of the best PlayStation Move compatible light gun games for PS3

Sony launched the PlayStation Move for the PS3 in 2010, introducing motion gaming to the console and sparking the development and porting of many light gun games. The peripheral offered a new way to experience arcade-style shooters at home, and a number of titles took full advantage of its capabilities.

Recommended Hardware Setup

To get the most out of these games, a specific hardware setup is recommended. The essential components are a PlayStation Eye camera and at least one PlayStation Move motion controller. For a more immersive experience, the PlayStation Move Sharp Shooter accessory is a valuable addition. This plastic rifle-shaped housing holds the Move motion controller and Navigation Controller, making it feel more like holding a real weapon and simplifying actions like reloading. The PlayStation Move Navigation Controller is also useful for games that support it, offering analog stick movement.

Five of the Best PS Move Shooters

Here are five standout on-rails shooters for the PlayStation 3 that use the PlayStation Move.

1. Resident Evil Chronicles HD Collection

This collection bundles two titles, Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles and Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, into a single high-definition package. The games retell the stories of the mainline Resident Evil series from an on-rails perspective, covering key events and characters. Players can also experience exclusive scenarios that shed light on characters like Ada Wong and Albert Wesker. Gameplay involves more than just shooting; it includes sequences for using melee weapons and quick-time events to dodge enemy attacks. The collection was released on June 26, 2012, and was available digitally in the United States via the Sony Entertainment Store. A physical disc version was released in Japan, which notably included English voice acting and menus, making it a viable option for importers.

2. House of the Dead Overkill Extended Cut

Headstrong Games took a different approach with House of the Dead Overkill, embracing a grindhouse B-movie aesthetic complete with schlocky horror and over-the-top action. The Extended Cut for PS3 adds even more content to the original Wii version, including two new levels, which makes for a campaign that is quite long by the standards of the genre. Beyond the main story, the game is packed with unlockables and extra modes. While its tone is a departure from the classic arcade entries, it stands on its own as a creative and content-rich shooter. For those seeking a more traditional experience, House of the Dead 3 and House of the Dead 4 were also released on the PlayStation Store with Move compatibility. Overkill Extended Cut was released on October 25, 2011.

3. Dead Space Extraction HD

Serving as a direct prequel to the original Dead Space, Extraction chronicles the events leading up to Isaac Clarke’s arrival on the USG Ishimura. The game successfully translates the franchise’s signature survival-horror atmosphere into an on-rails shooter format. A key gameplay mechanic that sets it apart is the use of kinesis abilities, allowing players to telekinetically grab objects from the environment and launch them at the monstrous Necromorphs. With an engaging story that expands the Dead Space lore and a substantial campaign, the title offers plenty of value. Dead Space Extraction HD was released on January 25, 2011. It was included with the Limited Edition of Dead Space 2 and was also sold separately on the Sony Entertainment Store.

4. Time Crisis: Razing Storm

This release is a three-in-one package, making it an excellent starting point for the Time Crisis series. The main game, Time Crisis: Razing Storm, features the classic on-rails arcade mode the series is known for. It also includes a full first-person shooter campaign with free movement and competitive online multiplayer modes. The disc also contains arcade-perfect ports of Time Crisis 4 and the fantasy-themed shooter Deadstorm Pirates. This collection delivers a huge amount of arcade shooting action in one purchase. Time Crisis: Razing Storm was released for the PS3 on October 19, 2010.

5. The Shoot

Released shortly after the PlayStation Move’s launch, The Shoot offers a unique twist on the light gun formula. Instead of a typical combat scenario, the game’s stages are presented as scenes on various movie sets. This premise allows for diverse and creative settings, from a giant robot invasion and a haunted house to an underwater aquarium and a classic wild west showdown. The environments are highly destructible, which adds another layer to the gameplay as players shoot their way through enemies and props. While it may not be the most complex on-rails shooter available, its creative presentation makes it an enjoyable experience. The Shoot was released on October 19, 2010.