Remember when the gaming community collectively sat inches from their computer monitors, typing volatile words at each other over Sony’s PlayStation 3? The $599 machine was either the greatest piece of technology ever conceived or a hot piece of garbage, and these arguments rage on today. Exclusives made their marks, a PSN outage caused pandemonium and Kevin Butler put a smile on everyone’s face. This once-hulking console, now leaner and less earsplitting, has had a controversial run to say the least.

It’s been over six years since its launch, and all signs point to 2013 being the PlayStation 3’s final tour of duty. The next generation is just around the corner, people, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to give the gear we got the cold shoulder. In all honesty, the software lineup awaiting us in the next 12 months is as strong as it’s ever been, and the following ten titles are shining examples of why we should all still care about the PS3.

10. Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time

One of Sony’s most recognizable mascots will make a comeback in 2013, and while super-charged developer Sucker Punch is no longer heading the project, Thieves in Time is in more than capable hands. Sanzaru Studios was the creative force behind the spinoff Secret Agent Clank and Sly Cooper HD Collection, but the developer is finally getting its shot at a main-line title early next year. Bentley, Murray and all our favorite anthropomorphic characters will be returning in this time-traveling adventure, and with a North American release date of Feb. 5, we won’t have to wait much longer to see what the gang tries to steal next.

9. God of War: Ascension

Look, I know we’ve all been here before. Kratos is once again angry at pretty much everything with a heartbeat, and for some odd reason, a bunch of colossal monsters will think they can quell his rage with their razor-sharp weapons. Our ashy protagonist will obviously prove them wrong, and in the process, produce some of the most violent sequences ever to appear on a television screen. Nothing appears to be too novel in Ascension other than the multiplayer, but I still can’t resist what Sony Santa Monica is cookin’ up. The God of War formula really hasn’t been touched since its inception, yet the wonderfully responsive combat and cringe-worthy gore found in the franchise remains the best in its respective genre.  Ascension will release March 12, and I feel confident in saying we all won’t mind tearing up legions of enemies for another dozen hours.

8. Tomb Raider

The Uncharted franchise succeeded in outdoing Lara Croft and her tomb raiding in almost every significant category, but it’s never too late to make a comeback. Crystal Dynamics’ raw, grand take on Croft’s origin story is looking to combine sharp gameplay with a brutal trudge through a dangerous island, and while there’s been some controversy over the developer’s portrayal of the female lead, it’ll be interesting to see her full character arc. Be prepared, as the raid begins March 5.

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