Summary
ThePlayStation 3had 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, thePS3was 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 ardentJRPGfan has to admit that this genre’s momentum slowed down with the advent of this console.
While there are somegreat 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.
The Legend of Heroesis a long-running series with several amazing games under its belt, withTrails of the Skyserving up a trilogy of memorable games jam-packed with charm. People expected the same withTrails 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 combinesthe allure of thePersonaserieswith its tight JRPG combat.
Using relevant Quartz and linking them up to unlock both passive bonuses and active abilities isa compelling aspect of the gameplay, with the story ofTrails of Cold Steelbuilding 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.
TheTalesgames are some of the most underrated JRPGsof all time, preferring to employ real-time action to keep players on the edge of their seats in every battle.Tales of Xilliais 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 considerTales of Xilliato be one of the most underappreciated games in the series.
Fans of Studio Ghibli’s charmwill love whatNi no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witchbrings 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 firstNi no Kunito be a vastly superior experience because of its narrative qualities alone.
Gamers tend to love JRPGs with unique premises that buck trends, andEternal Sonatais a great example of the same. The game takes place in the mind of a dying Frederic Chopin, who imagines a fantasy world wherehe teams up with figments of his imaginationto 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 Sonatadoesn’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.
The hype surroundingPersona 5made 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’sone of the most popular modern JRPGsfor 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 misdeedsmakes 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 5is at its best when tackling personal conflicts, with the Confidant system fleshing out the personalities and struggles of the characters in Joker’s life.
