Introduction: Revisiting Classic PlayStation 3 RPGs
Following our list of ten PlayStation 2 RPGs that we believe should see modern revivals, we thought doing the same for other platforms, such as the PlayStation 3, would be enjoyable.
With that being the case, let’s delve into five PlayStation 3 RPGs that deserve re-releases of their own.
The Guided Fate Paradox: A Unique Dungeon Crawler
Nippon Ichi Software has many overlooked titles from previous generations that many aren’t even aware of, including The Guided Fate Paradox.
This dungeon crawler doesn’t strongly differentiate itself with its gameplay systems, but the premise stands out. Protagonist Renya Kagurazaka becomes God after winning a mall raffle and is essentially forced to grant people’s wishes with a device known as the Fate Revolution Circuit. This training, taking place throughout copy worlds and against enemies known as Aberrations, is for the ultimate goal of defeating Satanael.
The cast and narrative take centerstage here, with plenty of compelling dynamics and plot threads that make the land of Celestia full of intrigue. Further, the gameplay is relatively intuitive, which is expected given the genre, so it’s approachable. A sequel, The Awakened Fate Ultimatum, was also released, but I didn’t find it nearly as enjoyable.
You should at least check out the opening cinematic for The Guided Fate Paradox; it’s top-notch.
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness – The Forgotten Sequel
Gameplay-wise, Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness has the same addictive, satisfying elements of endless character growth and customization alongside new features such as Monster Mounting. Assuming you’re already a Disgaea fan, this sequel is a no-brainer to play.
Considering that it’s been over a decade since D2’s initial launch and the ports above of other entries, it feels like we’re bound to see a remastered release shortly—at least, we hope so.
Tales of Graces f: A Standout in the Tales Series
We’re no strangers to discussing the lack of availability for the Tales of games on modern platforms, with merely one example being Tales of Graces f.
In terms of combat and presentation, Tales of Graces f is one of the best-aged entries of the series, and a re-release would assuredly captivate countless newer players. Initially released in Japan on the Wii as just Tales of Graces, this PlayStation 3 re-release was localized and implemented several bug fixes and new features, such as a playable epilogue known as Lineage & Legacies.
Opening with a prologue in which you play as the protagonist as a child, tragedy and drama eventually lead to a seven-year time skip, during which Asbel leaves his hometown to become a knight. His return and reuniting with his brother and childhood friend aren’t all sunshine and roses, though, and severe strife awaits the growing group, such as regarding an old friend, Prince Richard.
Aside from a terrific combat system that sets itself apart from conventional action JRPGs with MP gauges, seeing the original cast from the prologue grow from then to the end of the epilogue is a pretty emotional journey that strongly resonates me with, rivaling most entries of the franchise.
Of course, I’d also love to see the Tales of Xillia duology, but if I had to pick between one or the other, I’d rather have Graces f.
Drakengard 3: Yoko Taro’s Underrated Gem
Newer fans see NieR as Yoko Taro’s bread and butter, but Drakengard is what pulled me in back in the day. To be entirely candid, the first two titles feel like the types of games I’m better off remembering rather than replaying, given how their combat was, but the third entry is a more involved case.
Drakengard 3 is sort of a prequel to the first title. It follows individuals known as Intoners, who control magic via the power of their songs. However, the protagonist, Zero, seeks to kill them, initiating a bloody series of battles. She also gains various allies who were once companions of the Intoners. The dynamics between Zero and these guys have no filter, with vulgar dialogue that never stops being ridiculously humorous.
The characters carried this adventure, and it’s great they did because one of Drakengard 3’s most infamous facets is its framerate. Even when I initially played it around a decade ago, I distinctly recall the framerate bordering on ruining my motivation to progress. If you haven’t played it, this may sound like an over-exaggeration, but trust me, it really is that awful.
Still, this is why the idea of a re-release excites me. A remaster with a stable framerate and including all of the DLC, notably the Intoner-focused episodes, would be ideal. With how immensely popular NieR has become, Drakengard 3 would likely do well, and various aspects, such as the presence of the heavy lore character Accord, may interest newer fans.
Eternal Sonata: A Dreamy Musical Adventure
Eternal Sonata by tri-Crescendo is one of my favorite games of all time and is conceptually one of the most ambitiously unique RPGs ever conceived. The narrative is set in a fictional world dreamt by composer Frédéric Chopin on his deathbed, where he is present as a playable party member. Plus, the soundtrack comprises select Chopin songs partially arranged by Motoi Sakuraba.
Numerous facets of this title, be it the cast or setting, are impacted by Chopin in some way, merging into this surreal amalgamation of history and fantasy. It remains one of the most distinct games I’ve ever played, with the combat leaving favorable memories. The environment influences the action systems, with character skills impacted by whether you’re physically standing in light or shadow.
The original release of Eternal Sonata was on Xbox 360. Still, the PlayStation 3 version added new content, a common practice back then that also applied to other titles like Star Ocean: The Last Hope and Tales of Vesperia. This re-release has significant differences compared to the original and is undeniably definitive. Honestly, I have no idea whether Eternal Sonata will ever see a re-release, but I’ll be first in line if it does.
I’ve always heard positive things about Eternal Sonata. Unfortunately haven’t gotten a chance to try it out myself.
I’d be excited to play Drakengard 3 with an updated combat system. The ending I never beat bc it was the most BS I’d ever seen in a boss fight. To fight a boss with musical notes and not have a screen to see made no sense
I really should crack open my PS3 copy of Eternal Sonata.
Tales of Graces F is something that definitely needs a modern port. The Guided Fate Paradox was also very interesting but I never got around to the sequels.