We already published the list of best PS3 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best PS3 beat ’em up games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the PS3 definitely has a great library of beat ’em up games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the PS3 and beat ’em up games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Spider-Man: Edge of Time
- Release Data: Beenox/Activision, 2011
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
A harder difficulty mode, challenges to complete, alternate suits to unlock, and other bonuses give dedicated players plenty to do, but the combat is too simple and the movement too limited to make these undertakings appealing.
In the end, Spider-Man fans may find putting up with the game’s flaws worthwhile just to enjoy its story.
#24. Moon Diver
- Release Data: FeelPlus/Square Enix, 2011
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
It’s a mindless action game that’s fine when played alone, but comes to life in multiplayer.
Its smooth gameplay hearkens back to an early time in gaming, and apart from that, there are a lot of stages to explore, magical spells to find, and characters to upgrade.
Overall, Moon Diver is repetitive, nonsensical and mindless, but brilliant at the same time.
#23. Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3
- Release Data: Omega Force/Bandai Namco Games, 2011
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3 is easily a good outing the Warriors series has seen.
If you enjoy feeling like a total badass as you wipe out hundreds of enemies with flash, speed and technique, then this game’s worth playing even with its few flaws and possibly more so if you’re already a Gundam geek.
#22. Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires
- Release Data: Omega Force/Koei, 2009
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
There’s so much content here that fans will be set for a while, but if you’re a newcomer, this is also a pretty solid starting point.
You’re getting the combat and battlefield strategy of the regular titles, combined with some of the more strategy-like elements of the Empire series.
#21. Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes
- Release Data: Capcom, 2010
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
If this is your kind of genre, then you’ll get plenty out of this game.
It’s not Dynasty Warriors, but with Sengoku Basara, Capcom had made a pretty good hack and slash game that will at least satisfy the itch to slash hundreds of NPCs.
#20. One Piece: Pirate Warriors
- Release Data: Omega Force/Bandai Namco Games, 2012
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
If you’re a One Piece fan or someone looking for something just a little different from your standard Dynasty Warriors title, One Piece: Pirate Warriors gets a heavy recommendation.
The Main Log, while mostly enjoyable, takes a bit of patience, but the other modes are worth the price of admission all by themselves.
#19. Dynasty Warriors 7 Empires
- Release Data: Omega Force/Koei Tecmo Games, 2013
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Dynasty Warriors 7: Empires is close to being the perfect mix of role playing and hack and slash gameplay.
Despite some recurring flaws, this entry in the series proves to be one of the most endearing and complete Warriors titles.
Fans shouldn’t think twice about picking this up, and newcomers might just discover a series that’s been overlooked for too long.
#18. Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce
- Release Data: Omega Force/Koei, 2010
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Even though at times, the action is quite repetitive, the RPG elements does add a new twist to the game which we enjoyed.
Definitely a game for lovers of the franchise or even newcomers who are interested in what all the fuss is about.
#17. Afro Samurai
- Release Data: Namco Bandai Games, 2009
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
Its flaws are noticeable, but Afro Samurai is ultimately a lot of fun.
It isn’t the next action classic, but it embraces its subject matter with vigor and delivers equally dynamic combat in spades.
You can squeeze a good seven hours of enjoyment out of the experience the first time around, and hidden items and unlockables may drive you to return.
#16. X-Men: The Arcade Game
- Release Data: Konami, 2010
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
Half of the appeal of X-Men: The Arcade Game is nostalgia, but the other half is still a genuinely fun experience.
If you’re a solo player, you might want to pass, but if you regularly play with your friends in a couch, then it’s worth checking out.
#15. Dynasty Warriors: Gundam Reborn
- Release Data: Omega Force/Bandai Namco Games, 2014
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Dynasty Warriors: Gundam Reborn is a fast and fun brawler with enough loot-crafting and variety between modes to keep things from getting too stale too quick.
When played in short bursts, it’s an amusing arcade-style distraction incorporating a long-term reward system.
#14. Double Dragon: Neon
- Release Data: WayForward/Majesco, 2012
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
It may not be a long game, but it is a complete delight while it lasts.
It’s funny, clever, and easy to pick up and play on your own or with a friend.
The game may only be a few hours long, but it’s still worth getting.
#13. Dynasty Warriors 8
- Release Data: Omega Force/Koei Tecmo Games, 2013
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
It’s at once familiar and fresh, instantly recognizable at its core yet subtly transformed by intelligent additions and a series of small but noticeable tweaks.
This is a definitive Dynasty Warriors title, even if it continues to roam the battlefield the only way that it knows how.
#12. No More Heroes: Heroes Paradise
- Release Data: FeelPlus/Marvelous Entertainment, 2011
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
No More Heroes isn’t for everyone, but if you like brawlers and geek-culture it’s a blast to play.
There is plenty on offer, loads to do and collect and a very well-balanced level of difficulty.
It has a few issues, but nothing severe enough that you should not play what is a very unique and enjoyable game.
#11. Anarchy Reigns
- Release Data: PlatinumGames/Sega, 2013
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
It’s a big, colorful, ridiculous brawler, and while the single-player campaign is frustrating, the multiplayer is decent once you get a handle on it.
Overall, Anarchy Reigns may not have an incredibly in-depth story and also has some nagging flaws that detract from its otherwise entertaining gameplay, but it’s enjoyable enough to warrant a playthrough.
#10. One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2
- Release Data: Omega Force/Bandai Namco Games, 2013
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Even if you aren’t a fan of the series you will enjoy this game—granted you enjoy Dynasty Warriors-style beat ’em ups.
And if you are a huge fan of the series then you will love the game as well.
It has something for everyone and that is what makes a great game.
#9. Warriors Orochi 3
- Release Data: Omega Force/Koei Tecmo Games, 2012
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
If you only play a single Warriors game, with such an abundance of content, Warriors Orochi 3 has to be the one.
And for those who’ve played the rest, be assured that you’re about to experience the best–because this is a new peak for the Warriors series.
#8. X-Men Origins: Wolverine
- Release Data: Raven Software/Activision, 2009
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Although X-Men Origins: Wolverine does sport some clear technical deficiencies, it’s never enough to fully distract you from what it is at its core: a solid game that takes those metal claws of Wolverine seriously.
This is a game that’s at its best when it’s brutal, and though it lacks any real depth, it’s fun while it lasts.
#7. Dante’s Inferno
- Release Data: Visceral Games/Electronic Arts, 2010
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Dante’s Inferno takes a bold, visually impressive take on a literary classic and adds in an intriguing action focus to create a different kind of action title.
Unfortunately, some derivative combat sequences and a shallow combo system prevent the title from becoming a truly great experience.
However, it’s definitely worth playing for fans of the genre.
#6. Shank
- Release Data: Klei Entertainment/Electronic Arts, 2010
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
Though it may be short, Shank is nonetheless sweet, with fantastic combat, a great art style, and only minor frustrations harming the experience.
It’s a fantastically paced game, with each area bringing with it new ways to destroy your enemies, and bringing you closer to exacting revenge.
#5. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2010
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World is really enjoyable, even if at times it can be really frustrating.
The music is incredible and it has an amazing style unlike anything else out there.
And it’s really meant to be enjoyed with 3 friends, and if you have the means to play it with them locally, it’s highly recommended.
#4. Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
- Release Data: Beenox/Activision, 2010
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
The lively visuals and diverse gameplay help keep Shattered Dimensions moving along at a good pace, and you’ll finish just shy of the 10-hour mark, having enjoyed your journey.
After all, it’s a lot of fun to feel like a superhero, and Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions creates this feeling very well.
#3. Shank 2
- Release Data: Klei Entertainment/Electronic Arts, 2012
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
Overall, Shank 2 is a more polished version of Shank.
The combat is much more responsive and the addition of counter attacks goes a long way.
Even the graphics and animation seem better than it’s predecessor.
Shank 2 is more Shank and if that’s what you want you’ll likely be happy with what you get.
#2. Heavenly Sword
- Release Data: Ninja Theory/SCEA, 2007
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 3D
Heavenly Sword is just a fun and beautiful game, with great action and amazing cutscenes that shattered the boundaries of motion-capture technology.
And for those looking for a well-crafted tale, solid hack and slash action and one of the PS3’s best early showcases, Heavenly Sword is a great choice.
#1. Castle Crashers
- Release Data: The Behemoth, 2010
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
Castle Crashers is certainly a delightful homage to the fantasy-themed multiplayer beat-’em-ups of the old days.
But more than that, it’s a great game in its own right, with gameplay, humor, and a terrific visual style that combine to make this particular brand of old-fashioned fun really fun again.
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Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which PS3 beat ’em up game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!