Summary
In its lifetime, thePS3was host to a number of well-recievedRPGsfrom several different publishers. FromSquare Enix’s numerous offeringsto the beginning of From Software’s massively popularDark Soulsseries, many of the eras RPGs are still enjoyed and discussed today.
In contrast, Sony’s presence in the RPG market was much smaller during this era. While they’d published many memorable RPGs for their previous consoles, they seemed to have their focus more centered on delivering action adventure games - such asThe Last of Us, Heavy Rain,andGod of War 3- or porting older RPGs onto the Playstation Network.
The few RPGs they did publish are often not considered when discussing the best PS3 RPGs, relegated tolists of forgotten gamesand half-remembered nostalgia. However, many of these games still hold merit and are still fun to play today.
Untold Legends: Dark Kingdomis a hack-and -lash dungeon-crawling ARPG, and the third game in theUntold Legendsseries. Taking place in a fantasy world called Dureth, players may choose one of three protagonists - a warrior, a mage, or a scout - to cut their way through over thirty challenging levels. The game could be played as a standalone with no prior knowledge of otherUntold Legendsgames, although fans of the series would find plenty of lore referencing previous games.
Dungeon crawling ARPGs are an RPG sub-genre thatremain popular to this day.Untold Legends: Dark Kingdomhoped to stand out from the crowd due to its advanced graphics and fast-paced gameplay, focusing on its hack-and-slash combat mechanics. Unfortunately, the game received middling reviews. Some players felt that the game was too repetitive, presenting little challenge or variety between levels, while others found it was too similar to other games in the genre, such asDiablo, while bringing nothing new or exciting to the table.
4White Knight Chronicles
Metacritic Score: 64
The first game in theWhite Knightseries,White Knight Chronicles, is a complex fantasy JRPG in which players take on the role of Leonard as he becomes a White Knight. While the game was primarily a single-player experience, it also featured an online mode that allowed players to create their own towns and communicate with each other.
ThoughWhite Knight Chroniclespleased some JRPG fans with its interesting character design and strong customization options, many found that the overall game fell flat. Its combat quickly became repetitive, and the story was too generic. Its multiplayer features were praised for giving the game more longevity, though some felt that the care put into developing the multiplayer experience detracted from perfecting the single-player campaign.
3White Knight Chronicles 2
Metacritic Score: 60
White Knight Chronicles 2is the second game in theWhite Knightseries. The game allowed players to reuse their character from the firstWhite Knightgame and continue the story while keeping the money and equipment they’d earned - a popular feature seen in other RPGs such asBaldur’s Gate.
While the game was marginally less well-received than its predecessor, it included multiple tweaks to improve the combat, as well as plenty of new weapons and armor for players to enjoy. Many of its criticisms were similar to those of the first game: its story was convoluted and often boring, and it lacked the polish that players had grown used to due to the number ofother amazing JRPGs on the PS3that were coming out at the time.
2Folklore
Metascore: 75
Folkloreis a dark fantasy ARPG that sets itself apart from other RPGs at the time through its unique setting and story. The game is set in Ireland, and features many references to Irish mythology. While taking inspiration from mythology isn’tuncommon for video games,Folkloreblends fantasy and fact into a fascinating whimsical experience.
During the game, players explore two different worlds: the real world (a small town in Ireland) and the fantasy Netherworld. In the real world, there is no combat - the gameplay consists of doing small quests and interacting with NPCs. While in the Netherworld, players engage in battle with various fantasy monsters and creatures. This divide between the two worlds creates a unique gameplay loop that makesFolklore’sstory flow incredibly well.
While the game remains fairly unknown, it received favorable reviews when it was first released. Critics praised its art direction and narrative, but found some of the Netherworld’s locations to be repetitive, but it is still a solid game overall.
WhileDemon’s Soulswas later published by Atlus in the US, it was initially published in Japan by Sony.Demon’s Soulsis a widely-popular ARPG that built the groundwork for theDark Soulsseries, which in turnspawned a whole genre of games.
From Software is known for makinggames that require a high degree of patience and skill, andDemon’s Soulsis no exception. Players are thrown into the dark, hostile world of Boletaria, which they must navigate and attempt to survive. Fans of Soulslikes are bound to enjoy struggling through the world ofDemon’s Soulsand experiencing everything it throws at them, even if the game’s challenge doesn’t really compare to what From’s later releases would provide.
While it earned good reviews during its initial release, with its atmosphere and complex gameplay being widely praised, it seems thatDemon’s Souls’popularity has only grown over the years. It received a remake for the PS5 in 2020, allowing newcomers to enjoy an updated version of the game, which only furthered that long-term success.
