Can you play God of War 1, 2 and 3 on PS3?
As a passionate gamer and content creator focused on the PlayStation ecosystem, one of my top recommended series is the iconic God of War trilogy. Many fans, both newcomers and veterans, often ask if they can play the original God of War games on modern PlayStation consoles. I‘m here to provide a comprehensive guide on how to experience the entire trilogy on PS3.
Accessing God of War 1 and 2 on PS3
God of War 1 and 2 were initially exclusive PlayStation 2 titles, releasing in 2005 and 2007 respectively. On PS3, both games were remastered in high definition as part of the God of War Collection in 2009. This compilation is readily available on PS3 digitally via the PlayStation Store for $29.99 or physically on a single disc.
The God of War Collection provides polished 720p versions of Kratos‘ first two epic adventures at a smooth frame rate. It also adds PS3 Trophy support not present in the PS2 originals. This remastered duo serves as the definitive way to play the first two chapters on modern hardware.
God of War Collection Versions Comparison
| God of War (PS2) | God of War Collection (PS3) | |
| Resolution | 480p | 720p (HD) |
| Frame Rate | 30fps | 60fps |
| Trophies | No | Yes (Gold x2, Silver x3, Bronze x45) |
As shown above, the PS3 God of War Collection provides a sizable visual and performance upgrade over the PS2 originals, with the addition of Trophy support. This makes it the best avenue to experience Kratos‘ debut adventures.
God of War 3 is Natively Available on PS3
Serving as the epic conclusion to Kratos vs the Gods of Olympus, God of War 3 launched natively on PlayStation 3 hardware in 2010 as a console exclusive. The game pushes PS3 visuals and performance to its limits, transitioning seamlessly between brutal real-time combat and breathtaking cinematic moments.
God of War 3 is readily purchasable on PS3 physically for $19.99 or digitally on PlayStation Store also for $19.99. This provides the complete Kratos revenge trilogy on a single console, with over 20 million sales to date.
In 2015, God of War 3 Remastered brought an enhanced 1080p version to PS4. However, PS3 owners can still enjoy Kratos‘ epic finale against Zeus and Olympus through the original PS3 release.
Why PlayStation 3 is the Best for God of War Trilogy
While God of War 2018 and Ragnarok have shifted focus to Norse mythology on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 uniquely provides the full Greek era God of War trilogy on one platform. Between the God of War Collection and direct God of War 3, PS3 compiles over 40 hours of acclaimed action-adventure gameplay steeped in Greek mythology.
These three games defined PS2 and PS3 eras as Sony‘s flagship franchise, with their PS3 versions representing the definitive package for this iconic trilogy before the 2018 soft reboot. For any fans yet to experience Kratos‘ devastating journey for vengeance, PlayStation 3 delivers the complete saga in one place.
Verdict: Absolutely Play the God of War Trilogy on PS3
For the reasons covered above, my verdict as both a hardcore fan and critic is a resounding yes – playing the original God of War trilogy on PlayStation 3 is an incredible, convenient experience that remains incredibly compelling despite being over a decade old now.
The fluid, brutal combat holds up tremendously well, the characters and storytelling still engage, and the updated PS3 remasters make both God of War 1 and 2 look fantastic. Seeing the evolution across three sequential chapters is profoundly satisfying.
So for any PlayStation gamers eager to discover or re-experience Kratos‘ epic original trilogy, the PlayStation 3 provides your definitive golden opportunity through the God of War Collection and God of War 3. Digitally or physically, enjoy these hall-of-fame classics.
