Top8 PS3 Action JRPGs You Can’t Miss

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On the PS1 and PS2, there was an extensive collection of RPGs ranging from turn-based, action, and tactical styles, with contributions coming both from the West and Japan. However, the library on the PS3 saw a noticeable decrease compared to its predecessors. Sony faced stiff competition alongside the Xbox 360, as developers took some time to fully grasp the PS3’s internal capabilities.

Over time, a number of excellent turn-based role-playing games (JRPGs) appeared on the PlayStation 3, such as Final Fantasy 13, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, and Persona 5. Meanwhile, action JRPGs were shining more brightly than ever before on the PS3. Let’s evaluate them and determine their overall quality by taking a closer look at each one.

8. Nier

Rough, But Unique

In comparison to NieR: Automata, the original Nier has a more rugged feel. This can also be said for most games in the Drakengard series. What makes them stand out among other action RPGs is their captivating narratives and music, with Nier being a strong contender. From the start, players are drawn into a tale where an older man protects a child from monsters in a future setting, which then transitions into a fantastical world. This world offers semi-open exploration, but not much to engage in other than fighting things. The action gameplay is solid, but what truly excites players is the character development within the party.

7. Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3

Cel-Shaded Perfection

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3 is the top Musou game available on the PlayStation 3, and one of the best in the Gundam series overall. This game offers numerous seasons from the anime, each showcasing multitudes of heroes and mechs to command. It’s the sole title in the franchise to utilize cel-shading, which gives it a unique edge compared to other Musou games of that time and matches the aesthetic of the anime. Engage in missions, battle hundreds of opponents, upgrade your characters, and keep going. It’s an excellent choice for fans of Gundam on the PlayStation 3, and it’s unfortunate that a modern remaster hasn’t been released yet.

6. Dragon’s Dogma

Capcom’s More Medieval Monster Hunter

Since 2004, Capcom has been developing Monster Hunter games. In 2012, they ventured into a new territory with a hint of RPG flavor. Dragon’s Dogma, an open-world action RPG, offered a challenging experience that some found difficult to grasp due to its complexity.

Adventurers can design their characters along with their companions and embark on a journey through a magical realm inhabited by legendary beings such as chimeras. Confronting larger beasts that can be ridden and defeated adds an extra layer of realism and peril to the experience.

5. Eternal Sonata

A Musical Dream

Eternal Sonata stands out among PS3’s RPGs with its unique narrative, where it delves into the imaginative world of the renowned composer, Chopin. As he lies dying, his hallucinations whisk him away to a dreamlike realm reminiscent of an Isekai setting. The characters he encounters and befriends are themed after musical motifs such as Beat and Jazz. In combat, a timer counts down, allowing players to strategically move and attack enemies freely until the timer runs out. Despite its somber theme dealing with mortality, the game’s upbeat atmosphere helps distract players from Chopin’s tragic end.

4. Yakuza 4

Diversifying The Heroes

In the Yakuza series, Yakuza 4 stood out significantly because it moved away from having only Kazuma as the central character. Instead, players were given the opportunity to control four different characters: Masayoshi, Shun, Taiga, and Kazuma himself. Each of their stories culminated in a cohesive, intense, and climactic ending. The gameplay remained as brutal as ever, allowing players to roam Kamurocho and brutally beat up punks by slamming them into walls or smashing their heads with items like bikes or sofas. Despite its dramatic elements, Yakuza 4 retained its goofy charm due to the various side quests it offered.

3. Demon’s Souls

The Birth Of A New Genre

Demon’s Souls turned out to be an unexpected success, neither Atlus nor Sony anticipated its significant influence upon its release in the West. Some critics panned it while others lauded it, creating a divisive impression of the action RPG. However, those who played it grasped FromSoftware’s vision clearly.

The experience was incredibly harsh yet persevering fighters were eventually treated to some of the most remarkable scenes on the PlayStation 3. Due to its modest popularity, FromSoftware would subsequently create “Dark Souls,” which played a pivotal role in shaping the Soulslike genre that has been leading the market since 2009. Admittedly, it had its rough patches, but it remains a timeless masterpiece that paved the way for new opportunities.

2. Dragon’s Crown

Remembering Dungeons & Dragons Arcade Games

Dragon’s Crown harkened back to the arcade games based on Dungeons & Dragons that Capcom produced in the 90s. This 2D title offered several playable characters, each embodying traditional RPG roles such as mages and warriors. Players could venture into dungeons either solo or with a team of three friends. The game also offered crossplay functionality by linking to the PS Vita. With numerous items to gather, mysteries to solve in every stage, and characters to select from, it was one of Vanillaware’s standout titles from that period. It remains an enjoyable cooperative game experience even today.

1. Tales Of Xillia

So Good, They Made A Sequel

In this era, Tales of Xillia stands out as one of the most exceptional games in its series, revitalizing it after it started to feel somewhat tired. Players are given the option to control either Milla or Jude, but both characters play significant roles in the story, with the narrative’s focus shifting slightly depending on the chosen character. Similar to Final Fantasy 10, players can delve into an interconnected world rather than traversing a world map, which may have disappointed some fans initially, but it was a necessary step to breathe new life into the series. Additionally, the battle system is faster and more dynamic than ever before, boasting numerous moves for each party member and a link system that allows players to execute impressive combos. The game’s success, reflected in its positive reviews, even warranted a direct sequel, which speaks volumes about its quality.

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2025-03-25 17:36