RPGs allow us to experience enormous, rich worlds in which we can be heroes, villains, or something in between. The PS3 library is full of great RPGs that invite players to sink deep into narratives, strategic combat, and unforgettable characters. To help you get started, here’s a carefully selected list of the top 10 PS3 RPGs—great for newcomers and veterans.
1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim is a colossal open-world RPG that reimagined freedom for the player. With hundreds of quests, faction stories, and a vast world to explore, Skyrim offers the power to create your own destiny. Even though PS3 players were deprived of the utility of mods, the vanilla experience still offers hundreds of hours of story and exploration in the world of Skyrim.
2. Demon’s Souls
The original game in the “Soulsborne” category, Demon’s Souls introduced hard-but-satisfying play with rich world design and a creepy environment. Death is part of the journey, as you battle through corrupted kingdoms and gradually decipher the game’s mysterious lore.
3. Dragon Age: Origins
One of BioWare’s best, Dragon Age: Origins boasts deep role-playing with complex choices, strategy-fighting combat, and compelling storytelling. You play as a Grey Warden saving the Ferelden kingdom from an ancient evil. Party dynamics, branching dialogue, and multiple endings offer every play session a unique spin.
4. Resonance of Fate
Resonance of Fate subverts RPG convention in a dystopian sci-fi setting and refined, gun-based combat. Combining turn-based tactics with real-time combat, it can be a tough learning curve but is well worth it in one of the most distinctive battle systems in RPG history.
5. Mass Effect 2
Praised by most as the trilogy’s best, Mass Effect 2 masterfully weaves together narration, squad-based action, and choice-based gameplay. As Commander Shepard, you lead a team of high-level operatives on a one-way mission, and every decision you make can be the difference between life and death for them.
6. Persona 5
Though more connected to the PS4, Persona 5 also had late PS3 release. It mixes daily simulation with dungeon crawling as you shift from student by day to phantom thief by night. With its stylish graphics, catchy music, and psychological aspects, Persona 5 was an instant hit.
7. Fallout 3
Fallout 3 launched the classic series into 3D with a bang. Post-apocalyptic Washington D.C. features open-world travel, dark humor, and choice-based gameplay. Raiding, rescuing settlements, or just making it through – this wasteland adventure is not to be missed.
8. Tales of Xillia
A standout in the Tales series, Tales of Xillia features real-time combat with lots of action and a dual-protagonist storyline. It’s sort of a world where spirits are the sources of energy, and it engages the theme of war, balance, and coexistence. Its vibrant world and quirky characters make it a favorite PS3 game.
9. Nier
Also kicking into shape before NieR: Automata made waves globally, Nier established the groundwork. A cult hit, it is a blend of compelling narrative, rich world-building, and diverse gameplay mechanics. It’s an enormously human story in a lovely, dirty world—best explored more than a single time.
10. Final Fantasy XIII
A polarizing entry in the Final Fantasy franchise, FFXIII is defined by its cinema-quality graphics and speedy action combat. Following Lightning and her friends through the shattered world of Cocoon and Gran Pulse, it features a rich story and the return of the original Active Time Battle system.
Discover More Worlds on PS3
Regardless of whether you love sprawling open worlds, deep tactical systems, or narrative-driven quests, the PS3 houses some of the greatest RPGs of all time. These titles are available through the original console, digital downloads, or emulation. However you access them, these titles are excellent gateways to worlds you’ll not soon forget.