Did They Make Black Ops 3 for PS3? A Deep Dive
The short answer is yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops III was released on the PlayStation 3 (PS3), but with a very significant caveat. While the title was indeed available for the older console, it wasn’t a direct port of the game released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Instead, it was a feature-limited version developed by Beenox and Mercenary Technology, designed to operate within the constraints of the PS3’s hardware. This significantly impacted the gaming experience, particularly for those expecting a comparable experience to the other platforms.
Black Ops III on PS3: A Different Experience
The PS3 version of Black Ops III was specifically designed for multiplayer modes. Crucially, it lacked the single-player campaign that was a core component of the game on the newer consoles and PC. This decision was made due to the limitations of the PS3, which Activision stated could not handle the “ambitious scope” of the campaign designed for the more powerful platforms. This meant PS3 players missed out on the co-op focused, story-driven experience, a major point of difference from its counterpart.
The PS3 version’s content revolved solely around the multiplayer component, which was also tweaked to some extent to ensure it was playable on the older hardware. However, the core gameplay mechanics remained largely consistent. Despite the limitations, this version of the game served a purpose. For PS3 owners who did not have access to newer consoles and PCs, it provided an opportunity to play the multiplayer aspect of a highly anticipated entry in the franchise. Additionally, this also marked the final Call of Duty title released on the PS3 and Xbox 360, making it a notable release in the history of those consoles.
Multiplayer Focus
The multiplayer experience on the PS3 version of Black Ops III retained the character and gun customization and the fluid movement mechanics that were the hallmark of the series. While not as graphically detailed as on the PS4, Xbox One, and PC versions, it still offered a competitive online multiplayer platform for players.
The game’s offline modes were also available to PS3 users, including the ability to play with bots, thus providing a solo experience even without the campaign. The zombies mode, albeit offline only, also remained a popular option, although it didn’t feature the full scope of online co-op found on other platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To provide more clarity and information about Black Ops III on PS3, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions:
1. What was the release date of Black Ops III on PS3?
Call of Duty: Black Ops III was released on PS3 on November 6, 2015, alongside the versions for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
2. Why is there no campaign in Black Ops III on PS3?
The single-player campaign was removed from the PS3 version because the older console could not handle the game’s “ambitious scope.” According to Activision, the PS3’s hardware was unable to faithfully recreate the experience designed for newer platforms.
3. How big is the Black Ops III download size for PS3?
The game requires approximately 16 GB of storage space to download and install. This includes 8 GB for the initial download and 8 GB for installation. After installation, the game uses about 8 GB of storage.
4. Can you play Black Ops III online on PS3 in 2023?
Yes, the PS3 servers are still operational in 2023, allowing you to play multiplayer matches online.
5. Is split-screen available in Black Ops III on PS3?
No, the PS3 version of Black Ops III does not support split-screen multiplayer. This feature is exclusive to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One platforms.
6. Is Black Ops III on PS3 playable offline?
Yes, you can play offline with bots in the multiplayer mode, and access an offline version of the zombie mode.
7. What are the primary differences between the PS3 and PS4 versions of Black Ops III?
The PS3 version of Black Ops III lacks the single-player campaign and split-screen support. It also features lower graphics quality compared to the PS4, Xbox One, and PC versions.
8. Can I play the Zombies mode online in Black Ops III on PS3?
No, the zombies mode in the PS3 version is only available offline. The online co-op version was limited to the more modern platforms.
9. Is Black Ops III the last Call of Duty game on PS3?
Yes, Black Ops III was the final installment in the series to be released on both the PS3 and Xbox 360.
10. What are the recommended Call of Duty games for PS3?
While personal preference varies, many consider Black Ops and Black Ops 2 to be among the best Call of Duty titles to play on the PS3, alongside Modern Warfare 2 and World At War.
11. Why is Call of Duty rated 18+?
Call of Duty games typically receive an 18+ rating due to their graphic violence and strong language.
12. Is the Black Ops 3 version on PS3 similar to other console versions?
No, the Black Ops III experience on the PS3 was significantly pared down due to the technical limitations. It prioritized multiplayer and limited offline features.
13. How is Black Ops III in comparison to Black Ops II on PS3?
Many fans of the franchise would argue that Black Ops II offers a more complete and balanced experience on the PS3 due to its campaign and full multiplayer features that were scaled down in Black Ops III.
14. How does playing Black Ops 3 compare between PS3 and PC?
The PC version of Black Ops III benefits from higher resolutions, better graphics, and more customization options than the PS3 version.
15. Is the full version of Black Ops III available for any platform?
The full version, featuring the single-player campaign, robust online multiplayer, and split-screen options, was released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (Windows).
Conclusion
While the PS3 version of Call of Duty: Black Ops III did exist, it was a markedly different experience from its counterparts on newer consoles and PC. Its focus was clearly on multiplayer, given the limitations of the older hardware. Despite its lack of a campaign and other features, it still allowed PS3 players to participate in the Black Ops III multiplayer experience. It serves as a unique case study in how developers adapted games to older hardware while still maintaining a core gameplay element. This specific version of Black Ops III is a reminder of the technical leaps in hardware that ultimately lead to divergent gaming experiences across platforms.