Summary
Released in 2006, thePlayStation 3era of gaming continued into 2017, with games slowly being phased out in favor of the more powerful PS4. As one of the most successful consoles in gaming, the PS3 introduced manyclassic titles to the gaming world. It saw the move from single-player-focused games to online multiplayer experiences grow and dominate the industry.
The range of games released on the PS3 is wide and varied, with some of the most successful games of all time released on the console. Titles such asGrand Theft Auto 5,The Last of Us, andCall of Duty 4: Modern Warfarebecame household names in this era. RPGs were also a staple of the PS3. With technology improving, gamers experienced expansive and detailed worlds like never before. While some, like theFinal Fantasyseries, would have continued success, many RPG titles fell into obscurity as the dawn of the next generation of consoles approached.
1Magus
Metascore: 32
Considered one of the worst games ever released on the PS3,Maguswas an action RPG that received notoriously bad reviews. Following the story of a man who, after being trapped and tortured for years, finally escapes and sets out to discover his true identity.
Almost every part of the game was criticized, with its dated graphics, terrible voice acting, and bad gameplay. However, with almost laughable dialogue, some consider it an enjoyable mess with cult potential. Apart from this, the game has largely been relegated to the history books, likely never to return.
2Time And Eternity
Metascore: 42
JRPGs are a staple of the Japanese-made PlayStation. While titles such asFinal Fantasydominate the genre, many releases fail to make the impact they hoped for.Time and Eternityfalls into this category. This animated role-playing game received criticism for its low-quality graphics, poor gameplay, and misjudged dating system.
The game attempted to create a video game/anime hybrid experience, and whileits combat system worked, the game was let down by bad writing and lackluster progression.Time and Eternityis a good example of an ambitious game that ultimately failed and is now best left to history.
3Arcania: The Complete Tale
Arcaniawas an action RPG game that failed to make animpact on the gaming worldand ended up disappointing its core player base. The game is a spin-off to theGothicfranchise, but due to its simplified mechanics to appeal to casual gamers,Arcaniafailed to retain its established player base.
Although the game would be praised for its graphics and world-building, this action RPG would quickly be forgotten, with a planned sequel never appearing. The game was essentially the death knell for the series, although a remake of the firstGothicgame was announced in 2020 but has yet to be released.
4Bound By Flame
IMDb Rating: 5.9
Thisdark fantasy actionRPG follows the story of a player-made character who must overcome their demonic possession.Bound by Flameallows players to choose between embracing this evil side or a more heroic side. This ambitious game had a lot of potential, with an interesting central premise. With crafting mechanics, recruitable companions, and a deep customizable weapons system, the game had all the makings of a solid RPG.
The game was released to mixed reviews though, with the main criticism aimed at its bad AI, difficult combat system, short playtime, and lackluster character development. Although the game had some great ideas, it failed to make its mark, being outshone by more polished competitors.
5Of Orcs And Men
Metascore: 57
PlayStation gamers may have come across the fantasy stealth seriesStyx, often on discount, in the PS store. These cult favorites are prequels to the action RPG,Of Orcs and Men. In the game, players take control of the large Orc named Arkail, and later on, his Goblin companion Styx. Players can switch between each character, using their specific talents for different situations.
The game had mixed reviews on release but was able to find a reasonable player base. While this title started the series, it would be the companion Styx who would continue the games, becoming a more well-known character.
6Defiance
Metascore: 59
This ambitious sci-fi project encompassed a TV series, which ran for three seasons, and this MMO action RPG video game. The franchise is set on Earth after a devastating war with an alien race caused the planet to be partially terraformed by the alien’s technology.
Part sci-fi future, partpost-apocalyptic setting, the franchise revolves around the struggles between humans and aliens, who are now forced to live together on a broken planet Earth. The game was released to mixed reviews, with most critics admitting that it could be a fun experience, but one that could be found in any number of other games. The game’s servers continued long after the TV series was canceled, finally being shut down in 2021.Defiancestands as a minor footnote in MMORPG history and one that is becoming largely forgotten.
7Rainbow Moon
Metascore: 70
This tactical role-playing game was released to generally positive reviews and would go on to have a reasonably strong player base. The game utilized dungeon-crawling mechanics and turn-based combat to explore a varied isometric open world. While the game had a strong emphasis on grinding,Rainbow Moonwas a solid RPG that would please fans of the genre.
A sequel,Rainbow Skies, would follow, as well as a PS4 release of this original title. Although for many this has become a cult favorite RPG, the series never made a huge impact on the wider industry and has largely been forgotten in modern gaming.
8The Guided Fate Paradox
Metascore: 74
This action roguelike RPG gives players randomly generateddungeons to explore, where they can defeat enemies, level up their characters, and then beat the boss of the dungeon before moving on. The dungeon crawler mechanics blend well with the RPG elements, creating a unique experience that fans of JRPGs will love.
The game was received with high praise, with critics pointing out its deep gameplay loop, ambition, and strong storytelling. Although it was critically acclaimed, the niche nature of the game did not appeal to a wider audience. Although a sequel, namedThe Awakened Fate Ultimatum,was released in 2015, the series has now been almost entirely forgotten.
This successful action RPG uses a side-scrolling perspective and beat ‘em up mechanics, offering a solid RPG experience with an emphasis on dungeon-crawling. Players can choose from six different character classes in the game, and explore and loot various dungeons around the land of Hydeland. The game’s story follows a fairly generic line as adventurers journey to discover a magical item, known as the Dragon’s Crown.
The game would go on to sell over a million copies and would be rereleased on the PlayStation 4 asDragon’s Crown Pro. Although a success, the game was not without controversy, garnering criticism for its over-sexualization of its female characters. The game may have found a strong player base, but with no sequel, Dragon’s Crown has become a footnote in RPG history.
This stunning RPG platform game is set within a fantasy realm and follows the story of a girl who, after dying from an illness, returns to bring light back to the world.Child of Lightis a fun-to-play title. With its fluid gameplay and turn-based combat, the game brings RPG elements in with its leveling system.
Child of Lightreceived strongpraise for its storyand visual presentation, as well as its gameplay and soundtrack. It has also been rereleased on various platforms as recently as 2022. Although the game is still readily available, the title has all but been forgotten in recent years, with other RPG franchises taking the spotlight. With developers Ubisoft moving away from this style of game, a sequel is highly unlikely.Child of Lightis now a hidden gem that will likely fall more and more into obscurity.
