Sony has always flexed their Japanese role-playing guns (and swords and spells) over the course of their console life cycles. And their seventh generation PS3 is no exception to the rule, following in the footsteps of its juggernaut ancestors; and the iconic JRPG experiences they provided. And sure the console may not have measured up to it's older and bigger brothers in some ways, however, what it did do right is set the bedrock for JRPGs moving forward and dictating to fans what could be expected from the console.
In the console's library, the games that were developed encapsulated a variety of different sub-genres from turn-based to action RPGs. And what JRPGs do right the most is their world-building, backstory and narrative creating interesting worlds and often (but not always) concepts to explore such as humanity and war. With many famous franchises with games on the platform such as Final Fantasy, Tales Of Series and Persona; it begs the question: out of all the PS3 JRPGs released which ones should fans pick up and play first?
10 Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness
A sequel to Disgaea: Hour of Darkness, the 2013 release of A Brighter Darkness improves on the predecessor and brings to the PS3 the quintessential strategy-JRPG experience. Unlike other games in the genre, this franchise has comedy throughout the game's content and a whole host of characters that are equally unique and engaging.
A series known for its long-running times (for those who want 100% in the game), and a bevvy of mechanics unique to the series from stacking creatures to allowing players to customize their experience if they want to focus on improving character attributes or leveling up as fast as possible.
9 Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
Capcom's not-so-secret, but wholly underappreciated RPG, is not necessarily for everyone. The dark and gritty storyline and often brutal in combat, but those are also its renowned talking points too.
For the dedicated player, this is an unforgettable experience with great combat and exploration and a third act which simultaneously rewards (and punishes) fans. Sadly, the side quests fall to the wayside becoming extraneous padding rather than a fulfilling experience in the long run.
8 Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir
A remake of an incredible 2007 RPG which finds a new home on the PS3. A work of art in motion, the color palette, and HD graphic fidelity do wonders for the game as players will take on the roles of numerous characters to fight the enemies in their way.
A continuous loop of fun, this game stands out for its narrative, with unfolding, interconnecting stories, lush maps and addicting, dizzying combat that unlocks as the player progresses throughout the game dragging fans in for more.
7 Tales Of Xilia
The Tales Of series have been around for a long time and is a breath of fresh air in the revolving door of turn-based JRPGs. At one point they were the outlier, preferring an action-RPG-oriented combat that has been refined over the years and culminated into the latest installment Tales Of Arise.
Tales Of Xilia is the stand-out game on the PS3, and even though it may not be good as the latest game in the franchise, it still has its endearing qualities; often said to be one of the best games in Tales Of series it may give new (and old) fans alike a reason to dust off their old console.
6 Resonance Of Fate
An unusual entry famous (and infamous) for its art direction and convoluted mechanics which turned many a player away upon first experience. The dull art palette and unnecessarily complicated map systems greeted players upon playing the game and may have stopped a further rise in the list for best JRPGs on the PS3.
For those who stuck around and managed to look beyond the brackish veneer, they were welcomed with a fresh, challenging combat system making players think about how to set up their moves with strategic placements and gun-slinging.
5 Eternal Sonata
From art-styles to combat systems, sometimes what sets a game apart is not the underlying mechanics of the game, but how the game is created, what it is inspired by, and how a story is crafted in that universe. Eternal Sonata has all of that in spades. Set in Chopin's dream world with a troupe of twelve characters and a beautiful, bright art style and style sense.
The game's setting may be new and refreshing, however, it banks many of its ideas on cheesy, but charming, storytelling tropes. Fortunately, how the rest of the game plays is a fun romp all around including the hybrid turn-based and action-RPG combat.
4 Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch
Great story. Beautiful art style. Amazing character design. Inspired monster design. The combined efforts of the Level-5 studio are on full display in this game, plus working with the visual design artists as Studio Ghibli helped to provide a visual and narrative magnum opus. A single, incomparable experience.
The game plays similarly to many others while creating something new altogether. An amalgamation of a gaming experience adding a bit of Pokemon's monster-catching with an action-RPG and turn-based flair. The game is suitable for all ages, so there won't be any hard-hitting, blood-curdling narrative moments, however, the fact that it is still one of the best JRPGs is just a testament to the game's capabilities to move the audience.
3 Persona 5
Persona 5 speaks for itself; predominantly known as a PS4 game, Atlus did release a PS3 version too. Following the adventures of high school kids who awaken mysterious powers and fight the evil side of humanity through various themed dungeons.
May not be appropriate for young ages, however a great RPG with so much to offer. A mixture of turn-based combat, witty dialogue, unique characters and a social sim. It is a game which can call for multiple playthroughs to discover everything on offer.
2 Valkyria Chronicles
The best JRPGs on the PS3 are always going to be in tight contention as there are a few places and many contenders vying for the top spot. One such game is Valkyria Chronicles. Fans of the game boast that it is a masterpiece with turn-based action and watercolor art style it has both breathtaking and addictive gameplay.
Set in an alternate reality 1930s, this game combats more mature themes of war and the cost of enacting violence against fellow humans. The game does a good job of providing a backdrop of two superpowers battling while creating small moments between characters that make players feel invested in a grounded story.
1 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel 1 & 2
Two entries for the price of one, double the content and double the fun. There are few series that have as many franchises, installments and interconnected narratives as these series of games. This is a masterclass in what makes RPGs great, a compelling narrative, excellent world-building, great game mechanics and compelling characters.
Both games have excellent combat using turn-based ideas the audience is familiar with and bringing their own spin to link systems (which won't be spoiled here) to provide that extra satisfying strategic edge to battles. Special attacks and super moves galore make spacing characters and enemies important, and the combat needs to be satisfying if players want to complete the 100+ hour campaign (and maybe check out the other games in the franchise too).
