In the years following its debut, the PlayStation Network became a treasure trove of current and classic games released throughout PlayStation history, giving new and old fans alike the chance to experience great games on newer hardware. However, Summer 2021 will see Sony effectively shut down the PS3, PSP, and PS Vita online stores for good, cutting fans off from being able to purchase classic PlayStation games, rare or otherwise. On July 2, the PS3 and PSP stores will shut down, while the PS Vita online shop will run until August 27.

Across the PS3, PSP, and PS Vita's libraries, there was a wealth of games that have not only become well-loved titles within the gaming community, but there are others that would go on to define the PlayStation's identity as a platform. While many of these games will still be available with physical copies, the age and scarcity of these titles will eventually make them harder to come by. Adding to the general sense of angst from the PlayStation community is that numerous games are digital-only, meaning these stores are the only chance for fans to get their hands on certain games. With the closure looming, GameSpot staff came together to highlight some of their favorite games released across the PS3, PSP, and PS Vita libraries, including some picks from the PlayStation Classics collection. Be sure to check back with the page in the coming months, as we'll be updating it with more recommendations in the future.

PlayStation 3

Demon's Souls (2009)

In 2009, From Software's Demon's Souls earned a reputation for being an uncompromisingly challenging action RPG when it first launched on the PS3. However, the true legacy of Demon's Souls was that it created a new trend of games that adhered to its same stoic design, and in the 12 years since its debut, the Souls genre has become one of the more fiercely respected styles of games. While the recent PS5 remake from Bluepoint is by all accounts the definitive way to play the game, the original is still a solid game for fans of the Souls sub-genre to experience--especially for posterity.