Key Takeaways
- The PS3 had a rocky start but gained ground with a wider library of exclusives and slashed prices.
- Some PS3 JRPGs weren’t worldbeaters, but the genre evolved and attracted new fans.
- Games like Trails of Cold Steel, Tales of Xillia, and Ni no Kuni offer engaging narratives and memorable characters.
The PlayStation 3 had a rocky launch, but it was clear that pushing Blu-ray technology was the correct move for Sony, with games becoming bigger and bulkier than ever before. With slashed prices and a wider library of exclusives, the PS3 was able to make up ground after the Xbox 360 left it in the dust, quickly becoming an excellent console with games that covered a wide range of genres. However, even the most ardent JRPG fan has to admit that this genre’s momentum slowed down with the advent of this console.
While there are some great JRPGs worth checking out on the PS3, the lack of any worldbeaters was noticed by many. This was an era when many fans were worried that this genre would fade away from the mainstream, but it didn’t take long for JRPGs to evolve and endear themselves to a new generation of fans. Even during a console generation where these games were far from prominent, some titles did a great job of wowing fans with engrossing narratives that encompass the best of what this genre has to offer.
5 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel
Embodies A Lot Of Persona Energy With Its Cheery Plot And Fun Cast Of Characters
The Legend of Heroes is a long-running series with several amazing games under its belt, with Trails of the Sky serving up a trilogy of memorable games jam-packed with charm. People expected the same with Trails of Cold Steel, and the first game in the series didn’t disappoint. Controlling students in an academy has been a major draw for most games made in the East, and this title combines the allure of the Persona series with its tight JRPG combat.
Using relevant Quartz and linking them up to unlock both passive bonuses and active abilities is a compelling aspect of the gameplay, with the story of Trails of Cold Steel building up on a slow burn before wowing fans with its satisfying payoffs. The characters in this game are a blast to control, with their bonds bolstering a narrative rife with mystery. Rean, Alisa, and the rest of Class VII in Thors Military Academy have captivating stories that integrate well into a main narrative, offering many twists and turns that will shock players along the way.
4 Tales Of Xillia
A Quest To Save The World From The Spirit-Absorbing Powers Of The Lance Of Kresnik
The Tales games are some of the most underrated JRPGs of all time, preferring to employ real-time action to keep players on the edge of their seats in every battle. Tales of Xillia is no exception to this rule, and it helps that the narrative of this title is as engaging as can be. The story kicks off with a spirit-absorbing weapon capturing the soul of the main character’s professor, who is forced to turn tail and flee when the military tries to turn him into the next victim of this weapon.
His professor’s successor helps Jude out during their travels, during which they encounter numerous colorful personalities and embark on a quest to stop the Lance of Kresnik from taking the souls of more victims. The plot is engrossing and serves as a huge reason why many people consider Tales of Xillia to be one of the most underappreciated games in the series.
3 Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch
Oliver’s Quest To Travel To Another World In The Hopes Of Saving His Mother Is Heartwarming
Fans of Studio Ghibli’s charm will love what Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch brings to the table. The timeless art style and memorable characters serve as the beating heart of a tale that is oozing with charm. After the death of his mother, Oliver can’t help but blame himself for flaring up her heart problems. However, a new revelation comes to light when it’s revealed that every person has a soulmate in the other world, including his mother.
This prompts Oliver to take a daunting trip between worlds to figure out a way to resurrect his mother, placing him on a collision course against the White Witch and her minions. It’s a tale of loss, love, and acceptance that fans adore to this day. Despite the sequel featuring numerous gameplay improvements, many fans consider the first Ni no Kuni to be a vastly superior experience because of its narrative qualities alone.
2 Eternal Sonata
A Well-Paced Story Set In The Mind Of A Dying Frederic Chopin
Gamers tend to love JRPGs with unique premises that buck trends, and Eternal Sonata is a great example of the same. The game takes place in the mind of a dying Frederic Chopin, who imagines a fantasy world where he teams up with figments of his imagination to go on an epic, sonically-driven journey that is full to the brim with some beautiful tracks, as one would expect. While some people criticize the game for being too linear, this ends up working in the title’s favor, since the plot moves at a steady pace instead of drowning in filler.
Throughout this adventure, Eternal Sonata doesn’t shy away from raising tough questions about the nature of society as viewed through the eyes of Chopin himself. It’s one of the most unique JRPGs on the PS3, and many fans would love to see a remake or remaster of this title be made for modern platforms.
1 Persona 5
The Phantom Thieves Strive To Uncover The Corruption Of Adults In A Riveting Narrative
The hype surrounding Persona 5 made it one of the most anticipated games in the series, being hit with numerous delays because of its focus on polish and style. A title that could’ve appeared at the tail end of the PS3’s lifespan made its debut on both PlayStation consoles to great fanfare. It’s one of the most popular modern JRPGs for a reason, with the exploits of the Phantom Thieves being highly entertaining and well-paced, for the most part.
Stealing the so-called treasure of corrupt adults from their hearts and forcing them to admit their misdeeds makes for a compelling gameplay loop, letting players take on numerous compelling antagonists with close ties to each member of the party. This leads to moments of natural character development, with an underlying mystery slowly building up before becoming the title’s core focus. Persona 5 is at its best when tackling personal conflicts, with the Confidant system fleshing out the personalities and struggles of the characters in Joker’s life.
