Best PS3 JRPGs With No Random Encounters, Ranked

Summary

From NES to PS2, random battles were common in old-school RPGs but mostly displaced in HD PS3 games.
Final Fantasy 10 HD included random battles, sparking a desire for reduced encounters via patches.
PS3 RPGs like Tales of Xillia and Persona 5 offer players a mix of turn-based and action-packed battles.

As a seasoned video game enthusiast with over three decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that compiling this list has been quite the journey! Each game on this list offers a unique blend of storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and artistic style that sets them apart from their contemporaries.

In older role-playing games (RPGs), such as from the NES to the PS2, random encounters were a common feature. However, during the high-definition generation on consoles like the Xbox 360 and PS3, this mechanic was mostly replaced. Nevertheless, random battles could still be found in certain games, for instance, in the high-definition version of Final Fantasy 10.

Despite its timeless appeal, it’s tough not to yearn for an updated encounter rate system in a future update. Although random battles can be antiquated, they do have their moments. Luckily, these PS3 games allowed players to spot enemies before engaging, whether it was in turn-based scenarios or thrilling action fights. Here is the ranking of these games based on overall RPG quality.

7. Folklore

A Gothic RPG

Developer: Game Republic
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Release Date: October 9, 2007 (NA)
Platform: PS3

In simpler terms, “Folklore” was a role-playing game (RPG) for the PS3 that Sony exclusively published. It had elements similar to Pokemon, but with a European twist. Players would encounter mythical creatures in the game world, such as fairies, and could make friends with them to join their team. These mystical beings could be assigned to various face buttons on the controller, and when tapped, they’d perform unique combos.

Instead of being similar to Pokemon, this story had a significantly darker tone and was presented in an innovative manner by utilizing comic panels powered by the game’s own engine during its time. Players could choose between playing as either Ellen or Keats, both having unique storylines and distinct gaming experiences.

6. Eternal Sonata

A Composer’s Dying Wish

Eternal Sonata stands out as one of the most peculiar Role-Playing Games (RPGs) that graced the PlayStation 3, unfortunately without ever receiving a follow-up. The game is inspired by the legendary composer Frédéric Chopin, and it transports you into his final moments when his spirit is transported into an alternate reality—a dream world. In this realm, he collaborates with characters named after music, such as Beat, in an attempt to prevent the world from being destroyed.

This game is set in a vibrantly illustrated universe teeming with creatures wandering about. During combat, there’s a clock that counts down, allowing characters to act within the allotted time frame. The intensity of light and darkness influences battles too, as adversaries may become weaker or stronger depending on these conditions.

5. Final Fantasy 13

A Long, Linear Road

The thirteenth installment of the “Final Fantasy” series, despite being a game that divided opinions among many players, was still an exceptional role-playing game in numerous aspects. It marked the debut of turn-based combat in the mainline “Final Fantasy” series, where enemies could be encountered on the field itself. In contrast to this, “Final Fantasy 11” and “Final Fantasy 12,” while technically classified as turn-based games, adopted real-time combat similar to that found in massively multiplayer online (MMO) games.

In the game “Final Fantasy 13”, characters can adapt various roles or Jobs and swiftly switch between party members during combat. This tactical choice is crucial because it’s essential to disrupt enemies for inflicting substantial damage. While much of the game follows a linear path, the last third offers more freedom and exploration.

4. Tales Of Xillia

Two Heroes, One Adventure

As a seasoned moviegoer, I can confidently say that Tales of Xillia was the blockbuster hit among the Tales of series on the PS3, garnering such a massive following that it warranted a direct sequel. This game was brimming with all the hallmarks of the franchise, from free-roaming enemies on the field to an action-packed shift into an instanced arena during combat. The characters’ interactions were hilarious and heartwarming, and players could indulge in cooking recipes to enhance their stats or heal up.

In contrast to other entries, the unique aspect here lies in the player’s ability to select between playing as Jude or Milla from the outset. Although they both traversed the same journey and eventually united, their individual perspectives resulted in distinct dialogues, creating an alternative narrative experience.

3. Dragon’s Crown

Diving Deep In Dungeons

Vanillaware, the game developer, has never produced a direct follow-up to any of their previous works. However, among their various unique creations, Dragon’s Crown shines as an exceptional RPG that deserves recognition. In many aspects, it resembles the brawler games popular during the arcade era, such as Gauntlet or the Capcom-produced Dungeons & Dragons series.

The game Dragon’s Crown had a minimal narrative, but offered players a wide variety of character classes to select and an abundance of treasure as they advanced through dungeons while battling monsters much like a brawler. These dungeons concealed hidden treasures, and the choice of certain exits could significantly alter gameplay experiences. One of its most attractive features was that it supported cooperative play on all platforms, including the PS4, following its release beyond the PS3 and PS Vita versions.

2. Ni no Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch

A Ghibli Movie Meets Pokemon

In “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch,” a young lad named Oliver embarks on a journey to a mystical realm in search of his missing mother. He’s guided by Mr. Drippy, a living doll, who instructs him on how to befriend creatures called Familiars. Throughout the adventure, Oliver will acquire two additional companions, Esther and Swaine, for combat that blends turn-based and action elements.

Monsters traverse various global locations and dungeons, making it straightforward to locate desired monsters for capture by players. Each character can engage in combat or summon one of their three Familiars, totalling nine entities, each with cooldown periods following the depletion of their stamina. The artistic aspects and cutscenes were enhanced by Studio Ghibli’s collaboration, while Level-5 oversaw the core game development.

1. Persona 5

The Phantom Thieves Are Waiting

It’s astonishing to think that Persona 5 was simultaneously launched on both the PS3 and PS4 platforms, given its numerous ports and improvements. Although it wasn’t flawless, it managed to run smoothly for those who hadn’t yet upgraded to a new console at that moment.

In this latest version of Persona, dungeons underwent a significant improvement, featuring unique layouts instead of the randomly generated levels seen previously. Players could spot enemies lurking and then launch sneak attacks before entering turn-based combat. A novel addition was the ability to converse with monsters during battles, a feature adapted from the primary Shin Megami Tensei series, for the purpose of recruitment.

2024-12-16 05:34